《After Kicking Over the Scumbag, the Whole City Wants to Marry Me》


 Chapter 1: Gu Ying is Dead

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    Gu Ying died in the winter of the twenty-eighth year of Tianqi.


    That year it was the twelfth lunar month, and the weather in Bianjing was extremely cold.


    Outside the broken temple windowttices,rge snowkes pattered down onto the green stone steps, and the howling wind blew in, cutting people''s faces like knives.


    A few dirty, foul-smelling men came as usual to vite her.


    They impatiently pulled down their pants and climbed onto her still warm body, moving for a few moments. Seeing that she had little energy left, they screamed in fright and fled in panic.


    Gu Ying''s hands and feet were locked in heavy iron chains made of profound iron. Her emaciated body had almostpletely lost its strength, and could onlyy limp and helpless on the icy cold ground.


    She stared nkly at the ck ovepping roof tiles above her head.


    A ray of daylight shone through the cracks between the tiles.


    The cold spreading from deep within her body made her mind waver.


    She ah, she was not supposed to be like this!


    Her father was a distinguished general who had rendered outstanding service to the country. She was the most esteemed legitimate daughter of the Dongping Earl Manor. She was the fianc¨¦e of the young marquis of Yong''an Marquis Manor!


    She should have had supreme honor and a bright future befitting embroidered silks!


    Yet because of an ident falling into water, she married a husband who did not love her!


    Two years after getting married, Jiang Yin had already brought in more than ten concubines to sleep with, because he did not love her, everyone could step on her head!


    Later, there was conflict within the household,peting for favor and currying favor, all for a man who did not love her. She had lost all the face and dignity of a legitimate daughter.


    After that, during two years of infertility in the Jiang family, she was tormented by her mother-inw and sisters-inw.


    Her elder sister who had married into Yong''an Marquis Manor on her behalf not only enjoyed splendor and glory, but also tortured her in all kinds of ways.


    Her status was below her elder sister, she could notpete against her elder sister in scheming. In less than a year, Jiang Yin had her limbs broken and abandoned her in a dpidated temple on the outskirts of Bianjing, reducing her to a ything for the men around.


    It had been ten years...


    During these ten years, Jiang Yin would not let her die, and people from Yong''an Marquis Manor also would not let her die.


    They imprisoned her, confined her, let those dirty and foul men humiliate her, torture her.


    She lived a fate worse than death, but could not escape.


    But today was different.


    That breath lingered in her throat. She vaguely saw her father who had died on the battlefield, her younger brother who had died prematurely, and her maid who had been murdered...


    They were all beckoning to her. They hade to take her away.


    Gu Ying smiled. With herst bit of strength she bit through her own tongue, lifted her withered, emaciated hand, grabbed a rock and swallowed it down forcibly.


    After that, she could no longer feel the bleak coldness of this dpidated temple. She slowly closed her eyes...


    ...


    "Good heavens, how could the second youngdy of the Dongping Earl Manor have fallen into the same pond as Young Master Jiang in a ce as remote as this!"


    "Oh my, a man and a woman alone together, they must have had an affair!"


    "I didn''t expect Young Lady Gu to be so well-behaved and soft-spoken on the surface, yet also capable of doing something like this! Although Young Master Jianges from a family in decline, he is gentle and refined, with boundless prospects. I heard earlier that Young Lady Gu intended to break off the marriage with the Yong''an Marquis Manor, wanting to marry Young Master Jiang instead!"


    "Nonsense! My youngdy is not that kind of person! Youngdy, youngdy, wake up!"


    Noisy moring sounded in her ears.


    Gu Ying''s head ached badly. She had not expected to be able to open her eyes again.


    She subconsciously moved her body. The chill permeating her whole body made her shiver uncontrobly.


    Because there were too many madams and youngdies surrounding her, she nkly looked at the rouge in front of her eyes, and did not notice her clothes hanging loosely off her shoulders, exposing arge area of fair skinned chest.


    "On such a cold day, could she have deliberately worn so little to seduce Young Master Jiang?"


    Then someone stood up, her tone full of concern.


    "Second sister, although you admire Young Master Jiang, how could you do something so improper at Concubine Xuan''s snow-viewing feast... You never listen to father and mother on ordinary days, your temperament is unruly, but if Young Marquis of Yong''an finds out about this, then our Gu family''s reputation... How will the other sisters of our Gu family have any reputation left, how will they get married in the future..."


    She could not continue. Her eyes were red, she bit her lips as tears welled up, looking so pitiful.


    Everyone looked at her sympathetically.


    Because of this one thoughtless younger sister, what reputation would the Dongping Earl Manor have left in Bianjing?


    The excellent marriage prospect with the Yong''an Marquis Manor would probably be lost too!


    After a while, Gu Ying stiffly raised her head to look at the crying woman. Her gaze was still somewhat distracted.


    But she clearly remembered this person. This delicate face belonged to her elder sister Gu Jia, who had ruined her entire life and condemned her to hell!


    Twelve years ago, it was her who had schemed and directed this show of her falling into the water today, which ruined the reputation of the Dongping Earl Manor. She had taken the initiative to break off the engagement with the Yong''an Marquis Manor, and stubbornly pursued the unloving Jiang Yin!


    Afterwards, elder sister Gu Jia hadpleted the marriage with the Yong''an Marquis Manor on her behalf.


    Since then, the lives of her and Gu Jia had gone to two extremes, one in the clouds, one in hell.


    But heaven had taken pity and given her a chance to start over. This time, she regretted it. She would never be stupid again!


    Gu Ying''s throat felt hoarse. The gloom between her brows dispersed. Her fingers trembled as she grabbed Gu Jia''s hand.


    In Gu Jia''s clear pupils, she saw her own childlike appearance, disying the brightness and vibrancy of a sixteen-year-old girl.


    That''s right, this was her face, still young, not yet ravaged and tainted by the breath of death from evildoers.


    She stared for a while. With Gu Jia''s support she stood up.


    After a long time, amidst the hushed discussions of the crowd, she slowly smiled, beautifully. Her smile melted like ice and snow, like a sharp de suddenly blossoming into an enchanting, gorgeous flower, bewitching, yet able to kill.


    She had been reborn. This life, she would never take the same path as her previous life again!


    "I wonder which elder sister heard that I admire Young Master Jiang."


    "Younger sister, didn''t you tell elder sister yesterday that you could meet Young Master Jiang at today''s banquet, and then¡ª"


    "Elder sister, choose your words carefully! This concerns the honor and reputation of all the youngdies of the Dongping Earl Manor!"


    Gu Ying sharply cut her off. Without even ncing at Gu Jia''s alternating green and paleplexion, she slowly tidied her drenched clothes and dress, bowed respectfully to Concubine Xuan, the hostess of today''s banquet, her eyes brimming red.


    "Concubine Xuan, please see clearly, Gu Ying has never said a word about admiring Young Master Jiang. Today''s ident was solely because I am unfamiliar with the pce routes and identally fell into the water. Young Master Jiang benevolently passed by the flower pond and graciously saved my life!"


    Fortunately it was winter now. Although her clothes were drenched, they did notpletely reveal her body. Otherwise she really would have had to jump into the Yellow River to clear her name.


    In her previous life she had been foolish. She had listened to her elder sister''s nder, thinking the young marquis of Yong''an was a debauched yboy not worth entrusting her life to. On the contrary, she had taken a liking to the talented and distinguished top examination candidate described by her elder sister, Jiang Yin.


    Over the next ten years or so...


    She clearly remembered her own foolish appearance after falling into the water that year. Not only had she clung onto Jiang Yin and refused to let go, she had also loudly proimed her affection for Jiang Yin in front of Concubine Xuan, insisting on marrying him instead of the Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    That very night after returning home, she had been caned and made to kneel in the ancestral hall.


    But to save face, her family still married her to the Jiang household.


    Afterwards, elder sister Gu Jia had married the Yong''an Marquis Manor on her behalf.


    From then on, the life trajectories of her and Gu Jia had gone to two extremes, one in the clouds, one in hell.


    But heaven had taken pity and given her a chance to start over. This time, she regretted it. She would never be stupid again!

 Chapter 2: Jiang Yin Meng

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    As such, when her gaze swept across Jiang Yin, who was equally drenched, her eyes were clear and aloof, without the slightest joy or ripple.


    She stared fixedly at Shou Fei, thinking of her frontier guard father in her previous life. The corners of her mouth tilted up slightly as she dered loudly and clearly,


    "Gu Ying is willing to swear on her father''s frontier military achievements that if she has the slightest romantic feelings toward Young Master Jiang, may the second branch of the Earl of Dongping''s manor be ruined and never rise again!"


    Her words fell, and everyone was shocked.


    Jiang Yin, amidst fragrant robes and beautiful hair ornaments, was also stunned.


    Gu Ying''s oath was too vicious.


    Eastern Li ced little value on martial skills, and the frontiers had been stable for many years.


    But in thest two years, the peace at the borders copsed. Tribes and nomads from the grasnds allied to harass the frontiers and even began upying Eastern Li''s national territory. His Majesty was afraid, and most civil officials at court were useless on the martial front.


    Only the army of the second branch of the Earl of Dongping, led by Gu Boqing, was invincible at the frontier, forcefully driving the enemy troops back to their dens.


    Gu Ying¡¯s oath not only staked her father¡¯s career and glory, but also the entire future and reputation of the second branch of the Earl of Dongping¡¯s manor.


    It was clear she truly did not like Jiang Yin.


    The noble youngdies watched Gu Jia like she was a joke, whispering that there was a girl from the Earl''s manor shamelessly pursuing the new top schr, but it didn''t seem to be the second youngdy after all.


    Gu Jia had not expected Gu Ying to suddenly change personalities and give up on Jiang Yin. She felt extremely awkward and had lost tremendous face.


    But with Shou Fei present, she could not speak up against her younger sister from the main branch!


    "Younger sister, your words make it difficult for Young Master Jiang..." She weakly spoke up, trying to shift attention back to Gu Ying and Jiang Yin''s private affair.


    But Gu Ying did not give her the chance. She remembered in her previous life how Gu Jia designed a scheme to tie her to Jiang Yin for life. At that moment, she eximed in surprise, "Ah, what is that on Young Master Jiang?"


    Jiang Yin''s brows furrowed tightly as a silk handkerchief embroidered with mandarin ducks fell from his sleeve in his fluster.


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly. She did not care for feminine handicrafts. The handkerchief was originally given by Gu Jia for her to curry favor with Jiang Yin. But now, it was the perfect opportunity for her to turn the tables!


    The nobledies¡¯ eyes shifted, immediately erupting into astonished chatter. Heavens, this was an indecent token of private affection!


    Shou Fei''s originally rxed brows furrowed again. "Young Master Jiang, what is the meaning of this?"


    Jiang Yin¡¯s features were elegant and refined, and his thin lips pressed together lightly. "This subject does not know. Perhaps it was¡ª"


    He raised his eyes to look at Gu Ying, who was bold and unruffled in the cold wind without a hint of shyness. For some reason, his heart stirred.


    But Gu Ying would certainly not let him say the handkerchief was his own.


    She smiled vibrantly and turned her head toward Gu Jia, her pure and innocent face looking at her intently as she murmured, "Isn''t this the handkerchief that Eldest Sister said she embroidered for her future brother-inwst month? Uncle even said Eldest Sister is of marriageable age and would have joyous news soon."


    "That''s right, the old madam and the Earl were just about to arrange Eldest Young Lady''s betrothal!" Yanzhi added fuel to the fire.


    Gu Ying''s smile deepened. Well done, Yanzhi.


    "Back then I was still guessing which young master Eldest Sister''s fated one could be. To think the ideal husband Uncle spoke of turned out to be Young Master Jiang."


    Jiang Yin clenched his fists, also not understanding why.


    Gu Ying''s bright, open smile made him feel somewhat ufortable. She clearly liked him and pestered him for a considerable time...


    Why did she change her usual manner today and instead try to match him with her eldest sister?


    Gu Jia was mortified with anger, unable to imagine that Gu Ying, who normally could not put together a coherent sentence, was so eloquent today.


    "Gu Ying, you are spewing nonsense! This handkerchief clearly belongs to you!"


    Gu Ying said innocently, "All of Bianjing knows that I, the second youngdy of the Earl of Dongping, am the daughter of a military officer and have no interest in feminine crafts or poetry. How could I embroider such an exquisite mandarin duck handkerchief? Empress Dowager has seen my needlework before. Please look closely, Empress Dowager. The needlework clearly did note from my hand."


    She understood Shou Fei. In her previous life, Shou Fei was someone who hated trouble.


    The Empress and Shou Fei struggled against each other in the pce for five years. Shou Fei obstructed her at every turn, and would never blow this matter up to displease His Majesty. At most, just like in the previous life, she would definitively announce the marriage alliance between the Earl¡¯s manor and the Jiang family before all the nobledies present today.


    Sure enough, Shou Fei had the handkerchief brought to her and meaningfully nced between Gu Ying and Gu Jia.


    She had enjoyed favor in the rear pce for many years, and could see through this petty scheme to frame someone.


    Making a fuss at her own banquet would bring endless trouble if the Empress caught wind of it.


    She gestured for Gu Ying to rise, coldly ncing at Gu Jia. "It seems today''s matter was merely the future brother-inw kindly saving the manor''s younger sister. With joyous news nearing for the Earl''s manor, We have nothing more to celebrate. Let this jade bracelet be an engagement gift for Eldest Young Lady."


    With Shou Fei¡¯s words, everyone smiled knowingly and offered congrattions.


    Gu Jia''s face grew paler and paler. Even the dazed Jiang Yin gave the smiling Gu Ying a puzzled look.


    "It growste. Let us go."


    Shou Fei felt weary and did not want to linger in the imperial garden.


    The noble youngdies were eager to go listen to operas in the Rain and Smoke Pavilion. After all, the young princes and lords were there.


    The elegant and refined young Marquis of Yong¡¯an would be there, as well as the mysterious Crown Prince Zhao Changdu of Zhenguo Duke Manor who had rarely made public appearances.


    As the crowd gradually dispersed, only the main family and servants of the Earl of Dongping remained.


    Gu Jia was so frightened her whole body trembled. She red resentfully at Gu Ying. "Younger sister caused great trouble in the pce today! When we return, I will see how you exin yourself to Grandmother and Father!"


    Gu Ying coldlyughed. "Empress Dowager kindly acted as matchmaker for Eldest Sister and Young Master Jiang. How is that causing trouble? I was merely helping my elder sister''s good fortune."


    "You--!" Gu Jia was furious but could not re up in front of Jiang Yin. "Doukou! We''re leaving!"


    Disregarding etiquette, Gu Jia fled in panic with her maid, leaving only Jiang Yin standing tall and straight like jade.


    He stared fixedly at Gu Ying, suddenly stepping forward and stretching out hisrge hand as if to grab her slender wrist.


    Gu Ying quickly retreated several steps. Recalling his torment of her in her previous life, she shivered reflexively. ring at him harshly, she demanded, "Young Master Jiang, what are you doing?!"

 Chapter 3: The Little Marquis

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    "Master Jiang, you also heard it. My youngdy absolutely did not have any feelings for you. You - stay away from my youngdy!"


    Watching the little maid protectively shielding the youngdy behind her, whose face was full of shock and fear, seeming to want to stay ten zhang away from him, Jiang Yin''s figure paused, and the words he originally wanted to grab her and ask stuck in his throat.


    He frowned, recalling that ever since he met Gu Ying, she always had the appearance of being timid and cowardly.


    She clearly liked him and wanted him, clinging to him.


    But as the daughter of a military officer, she was not good at dressing up, her behavior was crude, she was also uneducated, and had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The more she pestered him, the more disgusting he found her.


    But even if he disliked her again, he still enjoyed immensely seeing her, the proper daughter of the Count''s manor, looking at him with shining eyes whenever they secretly met.


    Her coldness and aloofness today made him feel particrly surprised and ufortable.


    But perhaps she had be enlightened and learned to use other means to attract his attention.


    He did not believe Gu Ying would not like him. The corner of his mouth hooked up mockingly and said, "Lady Gu, what a good move, strategically retreating in order to advance, capturing by appearing to release."


    After rebirth, hearing his voice again, Gu Ying''s chest suddenly stagnated, as if grabbed tightly by a sharp hand.


    She remembered the various miserable experiences she suffered after marrying him in her previous life, all because this man did not love her.


    He tortured her for more than ten years, and also ruined her for more than ten years. He never looked at her directly, allowing everyone to insult and bully her. He even, at the time when her father was defeated in battle, added insult to injury in front of the Emperor, falsely using her father of colluding with the enemy and selling out their country!


    His heart was made of stone, she could not warm it!


    Since this was the case, this lifetime, she would no longer be cheap and fawn over him, and she would definitely not hand over her fate to him!


    She wanted him and that dog couple Gu Jia to be tied together forever!


    Gu Ying took a deep breath. Under the man''s deep gaze, she stood up straight little by little. Then, holding the rouge, her voice choked, but her eyes were determined as she said, "Master Jiang jests. Gu Ying has absolutely no feelings for Jiang Yin, let alone strategically retreating in order to advance, capturing by appearing to release! I hope the Master will restrain himself!"


    Jiang Yin frowned. "Gu Ying, before¡ª"


    "Everything before was my elder sister having feelings for the young master. All the letters, sachets and handkerchiefs were from my elder sister''s hands, not from me who is uneducated and cannot even write well. "


    Gu Ying slowly smiled, and the fear umted in her previous life disappeared little by little, leaving only a belly full of resentment. "Gu Ying has something to do and must leave first. Please excuse me, Young Master."


    She was no longer the stupid, pitiful worm from her previous life.


    She would make Gu Jia and Jiang Yin pay the price little by little for what they did in her previous life!


    Today was just the beginning, and she had a long road ahead.


    Jiang Yin frowned as he watched Gu Ying''s back getting farther and farther away. He secretly clenched his fists.


    What a Gu Ying!


    She would definitelye begging him to look at her again!


    ......


    After leaving the Imperial Garden, Gu Ying had no mood to listen to ys with those young girls and boys.


    Gu Jia certainly did not dare to stay in the pce either. After such a big joke happened in the pce today, those people in the Count''s manor would surely hear about it. The Empress''s verbal message would soon reach Grandmother''s ears.


    Grandmother favored the main wife''s family. Now in the second wife''s family there was only her, alone and destitute with a sickly younger brother.


    If Grandmother still intended to secretly switch her marriage engagement to the main wife''s family like in her previous life, then she still could not turn things around in the Count''s manor.


    In this life, she no longer believed in marriage, let alone men......


    So these so-called matchmaking banquets held for youngdies of nobility had be unimportant to her.


    What she had to do now was to tightly grab onto this marriage engagement with the Marquis of Yong''an!


    "Mydy, shouldn''t we go to the House of Smoking Rain and Water, I heard that the young marquis of Yong''an is also there today. Why don''t we go take a look at what the future young master looks like."


    Gu Ying stopped Yanzhi and thought of how in her previous life this "brother-inw" had led a glorious and prosperous life all the way, and even brought Gu Jia to nobility. Her bright eyes paused for a moment. "We''re not going to the House of Smoking Rain and Water."


    "Wouldn''t that miss the chance to meet the young marquis? Mydy always stays in the rear courtyards, for so long, also not knowing what the young marquis looks like..." Yanzhi said regretfully.


    Gu Ying came out of the pce gate hurriedly and found the Gu family carriage stopped outside the East Flower Gate. She raised her hand and knocked on the little girl''s head, "Silly girl, don''t regret it. I know where I can meet the young marquis."


    "Ah? Ah--"


    Yanzhi was puzzled for a moment, and then was neatly pulled onto the carriage by her youngdy.


    The carriage left the pce and went all the way to Zhengyang Avenue.


    It was Yanzhi''s first time riding in the same carriage as her youngdy. She was nervous and kept fiddling with her sleeves, while also staring at her youngdy again and again in puzzlement.


    Gu Ying leaned against the carriage wall with eyes closed and a thick fox fur wrap, constantly recalling all the big and small events and details of her previous life in her mind.


    To truly reborn, she had to start by fighting Gu Jia.


    "Silly girl, what are you looking at?"


    Yanzhi hurriedly looked away, warbling, "I''m not looking!"


    After a pause, she really could not help but say, "Mydy, I feel like you''re a little different than before... In the past, mydy was timid, listened to elder sister in everything, and would never have spoken to the Imperial Concubine like that in front of so many people, even angering elder sister. And also..."


    She carefully considered her words. "Mydy used to really like Master Jiang."


    Gu Ying slowly opened her eyes, her gaze falling on Yanzhi''s delicate little face.


    To protect her, Yanzhi''s face was cut and her body vited by Jiang Yin''s men, she was pregnant and then viciously made to miscarry, again and again. Her body waspletely devastated.


    But even so, as she was dying, she still held her emaciated body and cried, unable to muster the strength to speak, "Mydy, Yanzhi is going to pass away and can no longer protect you. You must...take good care..."


    Gu Ying grabbed Yanzhi''s little hand tightly and tightened her grip. She gave a bitterugh, lightly breathed in, and forgot her cowardly past self. The corners of her lips curled up slightly. "Alright, starting today, yourdy will no longer be a coward. I will take you, this silly girl, to eat delicacies and wear beautiful clothes! In the future, I will also make you a meritorious madam!"


    Yanzhi''s face immediately blushed. "Oh my, mydy, what nonsense!"


    Gu Ying was not joking.


    She flicked open the carriage curtain with her slender hand, looking as the carriage passed through the city gate of Bianjing all the way and headed towards the snowy western suburbs.


    Below Zhixia Mountain, the setting sun was infinite. She could see in the distance his tall, fierce and vigorous figure standing in the snow. Her eyes became brighter and brighter.


    "Yanzhi, let''s go meet the young marquis of Yong''an!"


    The carriage got closer and closer, and stopped in a ce with extremely beautiful snow scenery.


    The man stood in front of a grave, his figure tall and upright.


    Hearing the sound of the carriage, he slowly turned his head. His jade-like beauty was nestled in the ck fox fur cor, with an aura of arrogance and nobility bursting forth. His pitch-ck deep eyes, high nose, thin and red lips, everything was aggressively noble.


    The wind and snow howled, and white snowkes fluttered down.


    That face was extremely handsome, with eyes like bright stars.


    He looked straight at her just like that.

 Chapter 4: The Fiancee

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    Gu Ying''s breathing grew tight.


    Reborn into this life, she had gained every advantage.


    Naturally she knew that the young master of Yong''an Marquis Manor, Su Huanfeng, would absolutely not be appearing at the imperial Water Pavilion opera house today.


    Today was the anniversary of his mother''s passing. Every year on this day, he would personally make offerings at the grave of the Madam of Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    She lifted her skirt and stepped down from the carriage alone, then thought better of it for propriety''s sake. Taking a deep breath, sheposed herself with the airs of a youngdy, and slowly made her way to stand before him.


    Braving the wind and snow, she bowed deeply despite the cold, performing a curtsey to the tall man.


    "Gu Ying of Dongping Earl Manor, paying respects to the young master."


    The man''s aloof and detached gaze was naked and frank as it lingered on her face, as lustrous as the moon. For a long while he said nothing, seeming puzzled and annoyed.


    In the snowy mist, Gu Ying''s heart thumped erratically.


    She knew full well that for a youngdy of Bianjing, privately meeting an unrted man like this went against decorum.


    But now, she had no other choice!


    "Has the young master forgotten me?"


    In the vast snowy veil, Gu Ying beamed the most dazzling and innocent of smiles. She introduced herself again, "I am called Gu Ying. I am the young master''s betrothed."


    At her words, the young nobleman abruptly knitted his fine brows, "Dongping Earl Manor?"


    "That''s right." Fearful that he would take offense, Gu Ying hastily fished out a jade pendant from her cor. Carved upon it was a small character, "Feng". "The young master must not have forgotten this! This jade pendant bears your name. It was the betrothal gift given to my mother by the Madam of Yong''an when she was young. If the young master remembers, you should know that we were pledged to each other by our parents."


    Having said this, she tore the pendant from her neck. Heedless of the red cord cutting into her tender skin, she persisted in smiling without so much as a wrinkle in her brow, stubbornly holding out the pendant to him.


    At her words, the young nobleman''s expression grew strange. His sword-sharp brows quirked upwards as he silently epted the pendant, ncing at the "Feng" character upon it. He gave a light, emotionlessugh.


    "Gu Ying,e here."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened sharply. Obediently she drew closer to him by a few steps.


    She was practically nestled into his greatcoat now. When the wind gusted by, her nose caught a whiff of the faint sandalwood scent upon him.


    "Raise your head and tell me who I am."


    Gu Ying lifted her chin, gazing at him nervously.


    He was tall and straight-backed, lofty as a nine-foot pole. His ink-ck embroidered gown was lined with golden thread. Up close his features were exquisitely beautiful. Even having seen countless beauties before, her breath still hitched.


    What unsettled her more was his overpowering aura, making it difficult to take him lightly.


    In her past life Gu Ying had scarce seen him at all.


    She had been preupied with Gu Jia for most of that time, her heart devoted only to Jiang Yin. As for what her supposed "brother-inw" looked like, she had long forgotten.


    Not daring to look any longer, she hastily lowered her head again, reining in her uneven breaths. Slowly she spoke, "Young master is Su Huanfeng of Yong''an Marquis Manor."


    The young nobleman said nothing. His clear, phoenix-like eyes narrowed faintly, gazing at her flushed cheeks and downy hairline with inscrutable depth.


    The bitter chill wind howled. Gu Ying''s lips were bloodless and trembling. "Gu Yinges today because she has a matter to discuss with the young master."


    "Oh?"


    "The young master has surely heard the rumors about me and the newly appointed top schr, Jiang Yin."


    "Mm." The man''s voice was detached, even disgusted. "I''ve also heard that Miss Gu wants to break off her engagement to the Su family, so shees today in person to dissolve the marriage - am I wrong?"


    Gu Ying silently clenched her fists, sweating in her palms.


    Whether in her past life or present, rumors had already spread about her feelings for Jiang Yin.


    Today she had to exin clearly to the young master.


    "No. What I wanted to say is¡ª" She lifted her head to meet his piercing sword-like gaze. Her small face was stubborn. "This marriage was pledged by both our mothers personally. My father said, sincerity is honor, life and deathe easily. As a woman I will do the same! I do not like Jiang Yin, nor do I wish to break off my engagement with you!"


    "So you like me instead?" The man''s tone was mocking.


    "I¡ª" Gu Ying choked, not having expected this supposedly frivolous young master to be so blunt. Her cheeks were scalding in an instant.


    "Does the young master want the truth or a lie?"


    "Naturally, the truth."


    Gu Ying dug her fingertips into her palms. The endless hatred she held for Jiang Yin and Gu Jia churned and roiled in her chest, and it took great effort to calm herself.


    For the sake of revenge, for the sake of changing her fate, she was willing to do anything.


    Therefore, even though she did not care for Su Huanfeng yet, for the sake of the Su family''s protection, she still said, "I...do not like you very much yet. But in time, I will try my best to grow fond of you. If I be your woman, I will only remain true to you for the rest of my life."


    Snow fluttered down in streams and feathers upon their shoulders.


    For a long while the young nobleman was silent, staring at the girl''s flushed cheeks and fuzzy hairline. His clear, cold eyes faintly raised at the corners, unfathomable.


    "Then how do you know I''m willing to marry you?"


    Gu Ying was shocked out of her wits. She nkly gaped at his beautiful brows and eyes, seemingly not having considered this possibility.


    The man found it amusing. "You wish to be my woman, yet gave no thought to whether I want to marry you or not?"


    "I..." Gu Ying''s chest tightened slightly, and a sour feeling welled up. Her eyes grew red in an instant. It took a good while before she found her bewildered voice again amidst the howling wind and snow. "I did not know the young master''s heart was already devoted. If that is truly so...this engagement...should still be dissolved. Young master, pretend Gu Ying did note today."


    She was set on having her revenge, but had no desire to be a homewrecker.


    Seeing the girl''s heartbroken expression, the man''s lips curved imperceptibly upwards. "Stand there."


    Gu Ying turned back. She staggered a step, quickly recovering from her diposure. She stood firmly in the snow. "Does the young master have anything else?"


    "The manor will naturally dissolve this engagement."


    Thest flicker of hope in Gu Ying''s heart was extinguished. Her eyes took on a tranquil, detached look of one prepared to live or die. "Gu Ying understands."


    "However¡ª"


    The nobleman''s tone turned on a pin. Lazily fiddling with the jade pendant in his palm, he drawled, "Now is not yet the time to dissolve the engagement. Wait three months. The manor will send someone to dissolve the marriage. In these three months, you will remain the fianc¨¦e of the young master of Yong''an Manor, the future mistress of the household. If anyone in the n bullies you, invoke this status to protect yourself."


    Gu Ying was confused for a time. She nkly stared wide-eyed. "Truly?"

 Chapter 5: Prince of the Kingdom

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    ¡°Of course,¡± Gu Ying said softly when looking at the clear and refined smile on the young marquis¡¯ face.


    After returning to the carriage, her heart was still excited and unable to calm down.


    ¡°Yanzhi, seeing is believing, hearing is doubting. The young marquis is truly a great man!¡±


    In her previous life, she was also deceived by Gu Jia''s one-sided words.


    She only knew that this ¡°brother-inw¡± was a frivolous and unrestrained yboy who spent his days indulging in singing houses and wandering to willownes, sleeping among flowers and willows. He was ignorant and did not study.


    But she did not expect that he understood everything.


    He knew the hardships she faced as a woman in the rear court. He also knew that she had no parents to rely on and was mistreated by her family while raising her sick younger brother alone.


    Therefore, giving her three months was already a great favor.


    She was very grateful to Su Huanfeng. She said earnestly, "If one day he needs any help, I will certainly do my best to assist him even at the cost of my life."


    "Oh my! What happened to your neck, miss?"


    Yanzhi did not understand what her youngdy was mumbling about. At a nce, she saw the bloodstains on her neck and hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe them. Then she realized the jade pendant that the youngdy had always worn around her neck was gone.


    "Youngdy, where is the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor¡¯s jade pendant?! The old master said before leaving that this jade pendant must not be lost!"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, remembering that she had wanted to take the jade pendant back before leaving, but was stopped by the young marquis.


    He was a cold man with a gloomy aura. Yet he refused to let her take the jade pendant, "This jade pendant is no longer a token between the Su and Gu families. It is now a token between you and me."


    She thought that since the marriage agreement between the Gu and Su families was invalid, this jade pendant was indeed useless.


    She did not have a good reputation in Bianjing, and he did notpletely trust her. Using the jade pendant as a token was understandable.


    "Don''t worry about the jade pendant, Yanzhi. I have my own arrangements,¡± Gu Ying said.


    Yanzhi was puzzled and did not understand. Ever since the youngdy fell into the water, her temperament had be increasingly strange. "If the youngdy has a n, I will certainly feel at ease. But youngdy, you just met the young marquis once, why is your face so red?"


    Yanzhi asked teasingly with a smile.


    When Gu Ying thought of the young marquis'' handsome appearance gifted by the heavens, her pretty face turned red. She smiled without answering, only ordering the carriage driver to drive back to the city.


    After all, a great battle was waiting for her when she returned to the Dongping Earl Manor...


    ...


    The carriage gradually went far away. Night fell on Qixia Mountain.


    "Adu, why did you, the heir apparent of the Zhenguo Duke Manor,e to this cold and distant ce to apany me instead of watching the show with the beauties in the pce? Don''t you feel tired, eh? What are you looking at over there?"


    A figure in crimson came over holding a lush green pine branch not far away. When he arrived at the side of the young man in ck, he curiously stretched his neck to look at the carriage going farther and farther away. "That carriage looks a bit familiar, it seems to be¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyebrows slightly raised as he answered on his behalf, "It¡¯s the carriage of the second youngdy of the Gu family from Dongping Earl Manor."


    The youth in crimson blinked, with a bunch of questions in mind, "Ah? The second youngdy of the Gu family, isn''t she my fianc¨¦e? What is she doing here? Don''t tell me she came to see me?"


    "No business."


    Zhao Changdu had always been a man of few words. Su Huanfeng was used to it. He clicked his tongue twice, took three sticks of incense, and inserted them in front of his mother''s grave. While chattering, he said, "This woman is not a good person. Adu, have you heard of her? She has the appearance of a beauty but a heart of snakes and scorpions. Compared to her knowledgeable and reasonable elder sister, she falls far short."


    After offering sacrifices to the deceased Madam Yong¡¯an together with Su Huanfeng.


    Su Huanfeng still chattered, "My fianc¨¦e is beautiful but unfortunately I¡¯ve heard that she has an affair with the new top schr Jiang Yin. She openly wears a green hat for me. I think she is tired of living. I will cancel this marriage sooner orter!"


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes and put the palm-sized jade pendant into his arms without a sound. Then he turned and walked outside.


    "Adu, did you see my fianc¨¦e just now?"


    The fine steed from the frontier had a body of pitch-ck mane. It was handsome and mighty. Zhao Changdu jumped on the horse with the corners of his mouth hooked meaningfully, "I saw her."


    Su Huanfeng scratched his head and led his own horse as well, "What do you think?"


    Zhao Changdu did not speak.


    He only thought, soon, she would not be his fianc¨¦e anymore.


    ...


    When Gu Ying returned to the Earl Manor, she immediately felt an unusually tense and solemn atmosphere in the manor.


    The main gate was locked and she could only enter the manor from the side door.


    The maid and youngdy walked towards the back garden. After turning around the partition wall and going through the garden, they arrived at the Yongshou Hall where Grandma stayed.


    Yanzhi looked at her youngdy, tidied her sleeves, and her heart thumped wildly up and down.


    She paused for a moment. Her small hands clutched her youngdy''s sleeves and shook slightly, "Youngdy, just admit your mistakes to the old master, old madam, and grandmater... We can''t fight them with our small arms. Let''s endure if we can."


    Endure?


    Gu Ying smiled self-deprecatingly.


    What had she gained from enduring for a lifetime?


    She obtained her younger brother''s premature death, her father''s death in battle, the glory of the main branch climbing to the top, Jiang Yin''s abandonment of her like worn shoes, her fall to the deserted temple where she became a ything for vagrants. It had been ten years!


    Only heaven knew what she had gone through in these ten years!


    Every day, every moment, was worse than death!


    She closed her reddened eyes forcefully, pressing the surging hatred back into her chest. Then she opened them again with clouds gathering and dispersing in her eyes, "Don''t worry Yanzhi. I should admit my mistakes but it shouldn''t be me making the admission. This time, I want to try whether my small arms can twist the legs of the main branch!"


    Yanzhi opened her lips, "Youngdy¡ª"


    But Gu Ying did not speak again. She just signaled to her with a look. Then she straightened her back and entered Yongshou Hall alone.


    Inside the hall, sitting on the sandalwood arhat chair was Grandma Gu. Gu Jia was kneeling in front of Grandma Gu''s legs sobbing.


    Beside Gu Jia stood Liu Shi, who now held the power of steward of the entire Gu family.


    Earl of Dongping, Gu Boyan, sat angrily on a chair and pped the chair when he saw Gu Ying.


    "Gu Ying, you still have the cheek toe back! Look at the trouble you''ve caused!"


    Facing these rtives again after being separated for more than ten years, Gu Ying''s heart was extremely calm, "Uncle, I don''t quite understand what you''re talking about."


    Liu Shi rushed to stand up, seeing her wet all over with neatlybed hair, only wearing a grey rat fur coat. She immediately ignited with anger, "Gu Ying, what are you pretending to be confused about? You deliberately fell into the water for that external man named Jiang and then falsely used others. You''ve damaged your elder sister''s reputation and shamed my Gu family. In front of Empress Wan, regardless of rank, your malicious intentions are boundless. Have you lost your mind?"


    "Gu Ying, you are also a daughter of the Gu family. Not only did you not protect your sister outside, you acted recklessly in front of Empress Wan using your father''s reputation. If Her Majesty mes us, even if our Gu family offers a hundred heads it would not be enough! "


    "Since you lost your mother at a young age, our family has treated you like our own daughter. She has always treated you like a sister. As a younger sister, not only did you not help her, you even pushed her to the poor Jiang family. What do you mean by this?!"


    Gu Boyan and Liu Shi used Gu Ying in front of Grandma Gu one after another.


    Gu Jia''s crying became louder and more aggrieved, "Grandma, you have to stand up for Jia''er. Jia''er doesn''t want to marry into the Jiang family. The Jiang family may not be willing to want Jia''er either! My younger sister is fortunate to be able to marry the young marquis. But is Jia''er''s fate not fate? We are both daughters of the Gu family. Jia''er has been studying hard since childhood. I don''t expect to marry a family like the marquis, just one that can contribute to the Gu family and help it. This is what I want!"


    What a just and selfless spirit, sacrificing self for the greater good!


    Gu Ying almostughed when hearing this.

 Chapter 6: She kneels in the Ancestral Hall

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    In her previous life, how could she not have seen through the hypocrisy of these people?


    Why did the her of the past blindly devote herself wholeheartedly to Da Fang, bing estranged from her father and brother?


    It was probably because in her previous life, it was she, not Gu Jia, who had her reputation tarnished!


    Now the tables have turned, and it''s their precious Gu Jia who has been wronged. They have all dropped their pretenses!


    The room was filled with endless bickering and Gu Jia''s cries were ceaseless.


    Gu Ying quietly listened to their scoldings and wailings. She did not try to cate Da Fang''s family as usual, but calmly went before her grandmother and bowed.


    "Grandmother, what do you say about this?"


    Gu''s old madam was a woman of steady temperament. In her youth, after her husband''s early passing, she had single-handedly managed the entire Gu household for the first half of her life, exerting great effort to bring the huge family n to its present prosperity.


    Her eldest son Gu Boyan had inherited his title and obtained a civil position at the Honglu Temple.


    Her second son Gu Boqing had gone to the frontier as a military officer to fight battles and wage war.


    Although they did not have phenomenal wealth and nobility, they were still a respectable aristocratic household.


    She was different from Liu Shi who had married up into the household. She was not a brainless woman.


    As expected, Gu''s old madam coldly snapped, "Stop crying! What use is there in crying at a time like this?"


    Gu Jia choked on her tears. Liu Shi and Gu Boyan also quieted down timidly.


    "Mother, look - " Gu Boyan said, "Jia''er can absolutely not marry that Jiang fellow. Ying''er is different. I''ve heard Jia''er say before that ever since Ying''er met Jiang Yin, she has fallen for him. She has openly and secretly met him many times. Jia''er dotes on her younger sister and has helped her out a few times, sending her things like sachets, purses, and love letters - things that young girls share. Mother, you must agree-"


    Gu''s old madam''s sharp eyes looked towards Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying quickly knelt down and said, "Grandmother, Ying''er does not like Jiang Yin. The handkerchief Jiang found was personally embroidered by elder sister. As for the love letters, sachets and purses uncle speaks of, Ying''er has never done such things!"


    "How could you not have done them? There are many letters hidden in your room. You just didn''t have the chance. Otherwise you would have already given yourself to Young Master Jiang!" Gu Jia was furious. She never imagined that Gu Ying would oppose her like this as if she was possessed!


    "Sister, don''t you feel ashamed? I still care about my reputation!" Gu Ying coldly sneered, "If grandmother does not believe me, close the doors and order some trusted servant girls to search my room and elder sister''s! This way, even if Ying''er dies, I''ll die with a clear conscience!"


    "Search then! Search!" Gu Jia looked smug.


    She had arranged it all long ago to fix Gu Ying and make it impossible for her to survive this.


    "Do search. This will prove young miss Ying''er''s innocence." Liu Shi understood Gu Jia''s intent and quickly yed along.


    "Since this is the case, order people to search the youngdies'' rooms. Irrelevant people should leave." Gu''s old madam''s shrewd eyes sized up Gu Ying. "This matter has already reached Imperial Concubine Shao''s ears. We must settle it decisively today! Once settled, we will pick an auspicious day and this old woman will personally go to the Jiang household to settle these marriage arrangements!"


    Gu Ying''s body quivered slightly.


    The scene was so simr to her past life.


    They wanted to search her room.


    Numerous love letters and unfinished sachets were found in her room.


    Dozens of strikes from the rod left her bedridden for months. Later she was forced to kneel in the ancestral hall.


    That cold, damp, endless winter night haunted thest ten years of her life. Every time she thought of it, she regretted her foolishness.


    Gu Ying''s lips quickly lost their color. Her eyes misted over as she stood stiffly in ce.


    Seeing her reaction, Gu Jia wiped her tears and leaned against Gu''s old madam, extremely smug inside.


    How could that shabby tutor from the Jiang family match her, the precious first daughter of the prestigious Gu household!?


    After the time it takes to burn one incense stick.


    The love letters, sachets, and purses had all been searched out and ced below the hall.


    "Bright moonlight shines through faint mist, tonight I shall go to my lover''s side. I slip on my socks and walk the fragrant steps, carrying gold embroidered shoes in my hands. I meet you at the southern edge of the painting gallery, huddling closely against you trembling. It''s hard for me to sneak out, please show me your pity and favor as you wish."


    The overt intimacy expressed in the letters vited the taboos of youngdies from prestigious families.


    But in this moment, the one who lost herposure was not Gu Ying.


    "How could these things have been found in my room!?"


    Gu Jia froze, as if doused by a bucket of cold water. Then anger rose up and she shook uncontrobly. Shepletely lost her mind and staggered over to strangle Gu Ying. "It was you, wasn''t it? You nted this to frame me! Gu Ying, you wicked girl!"


    Gu Ying remained kneeling on the ground, her chin slightly raised. Her wet, pure eyes still held a childish innocence.


    She looked evenly at everyone present. Then she picked up the letter, her tone gentle and even.


    "Ying''er can''t read or write. I don''t recognize big characters. Grandmother, the handwriting on these letters is clear and beautiful. It matches elder sister''s handwriting, doesn''t it?"


    With one sentence, she condemned Gu Jia to hell.


    Gu Jia froze, a chill rising from her feet to her head, leaving her mind buzzing nkly.


    That''s right, Gu Ying was illiterate. Where did these letterse from?


    The letters she had prepared to frame Gu Ying, where did they go?


    Could it really be haunted!?


    The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. Even Gu Ying''s expression seemed ghostly to her now.


    She pointed a shaking finger at Gu Ying''s face, confusion and disbelief naked on her own as she rambled crazily, "Impossible...impossible! It must be haunted...haunted!"


    She cried andughed hysterically as she ran to kneel at Gu''s old madam''s feet. "Grandmother, it''s haunted!"


    Liu Shi and Gu Boyan were also shocked speechless for a moment before quickly kneeling to plead for their daughter. "Mother, Jia''er would never do such a thing!"


    Gu''s old madam''s patience was utterly exhausted. She impatiently rubbed her brows and pushed Gu Jia aside.


    "Gu Jia, stop making a scene! Today''s events have already been disgraceful enough! What do you think you''re doing throwing a mad fit? Who would marry you like this?"


    The word ''marry'' instantly triggered Gu Jia''s weak point.


    She shot up and pped Gu''s old madam, her sharp nails cutting the old woman''s cheek. "Grandmother, I won''t marry!"


    "Gu Jia, have you gone mad!?" Gu''s old madam also shot up, livid.


    The atmosphere in the main hall froze. The others were dumbstruck, never imagining that the usually gentle young miss would be so unruly!


    Gu Jia stared nkly, not having realized what she''d done.


    Seeing that she had lost control and offended her grandmother, Gu Ying''s lips curled up imperceptibly as she hurriedly stepped forward seemingly worriedly to pull Gu Jia back. "Grandmother, are you alright?"


    "It''ll take more than that to kill this old bag of bones!" Gu''s old madam was furious, ring at Gu Boyan. "Gu Jia has always been spoiled. She has no respect for elders and no moral integrity. Exchanging private letters with a man! Since Imperial Concubine Shao has agreed to be the matchmaker, marry her off early for the best! Starting today, she will kneel in the ancestral hall! Anyone who dares plead for her will join her!"


    Liu Shi and Gu Boyan dared not speak out in anger. They held the stunned Gu Jia and wept.


    In an inconspicuous corner, the edges of Gu Ying''s mouth raised slightly.


    The ancestral hall was a good ce. Many good things happened to her there in her past life.

 Chapter 7: Bring the Brazier.

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    As the chaotic night drew to an end, the curtain was about to fall.


    The night was as dark as ink, and Gu Ying walked out of Yongshou Hall in a daze.


    Snowkes drifted down, and in the distance, she saw Yanzhi anxiously wringing her little hands as she stood in the doorway outside the courtyard, her eyes shining brightly like twonterns.


    "Miss! Everything is taken care of!"


    Gu Ying walked slowly towards her. Though it was less than a hundred steps, it felt like a journey of ten years or more.


    Not until Yanzhi sped her hand did the warmth of the living rouse her from that unreal dreamlike feeling.


    "Yanzhi, am I still alive?"


    "Why is Miss talking nonsense?"


    "Yanzhi, are you still alive?"


    "This servant is alive and well, Miss."


    Gu Ying''s eyes grew hot, her nose tingled, and her voice was like a wisp of ephemeral smoke. "That''s wonderful..."


    None of them had expected her to be reborn and return.


    In her previous life after getting married, in order to please Jiang Yin, she had studied reading and writing until she was exhausted. What delighted her most was that she not only had an excellent memory, but was also gifted in learning by analogy. When it came to imitating others'' handwriting, she was especially uncanny.


    She was no longer a useless, hapless puppet at the mercy of others.


    Therefore, on the carriage ride back to the manor, she had already prepared the so-called "scandalous love letter" in Gu Jia''s handwriting.


    Then, when no one was paying attention to where Yanzhi had gone, she instructed Yanzhi to first retrieve the things Gu Jia had hidden in her own courtyard based on where she had hidden love letters in their previous life. Afterwards, Yanzhi was to stuff those items together with these love letters into Cangwu Pavilion, Gu Jia''s studio.


    Humph, the phoenix roosts in Cangwu, if Gu Jia wants to fly up and perch, she''ll have to see if she allows it!


    Yanzhi''s eyes shone brighter than ever before.


    She felt the Miss had changed. The Miss dared to oppose Eldest Miss Gu Jia, which meant the Miss would no longer endure grievances in silence.


    "Miss, let''s go back. Your clothes have been wet all day. If you don''t warm up soon, you''ll get sick."


    Gu Ying came back to her senses and gave a faint smile, sping Yanzhi''s little hand tightly. "Alright, let''s go back to Twilight Snow Studio."


    ...


    Inside Yongshou Hall.


    Gu Old Madam''s brows were tightly knitted, and the wounds on her face scratched by Gu Jia stung. Li Mama, who was attending her, carefully applied medicine.


    Gu Jia had already been taken to the ancestral hall, her cries echoing all the way there.


    Liu Shi sat weeping nearby, stealing nces at Old Madam Gu''s expression from time to time, hesitating over whether to speak. "Mother, don''t you think Ying''er was a bit strange today? She''s usually so quiet, a crybaby without her own opinions, always listening to us. How could she be like a different person today? Could it be...she''s possessed?"


    At the mention of "possessed", Li Mama''s hands paused, and she looked at Old Madam Gu worriedly.


    Old Madam Gu was quite superstitious. Second Young Master was disfavored by Old Madam Gu because his birth date and time were ipatible with hers.


    If Second Miss really was possessed, Old Madam Gu would surely dislike her even more.


    Gu Old Madam''s lips tightened, and her frown deepened. "Don''t speak nonsense!"


    Liu Shi cried anxiously, "It''s not daughter-inw speaking nonsense. Mother, even you noticed something strange. If she wasn''t possessed by ghosts or monsters, how could those things inexplicably appear in Jia''er''s yard¡ª"


    She stopped abruptly at this point.


    Liu Shi looked at Old Madam Gu fearfully. Seeing that Old Madam Gu still had a stern expression, she felt uneasy in her heart. "Mother, are you alright?"


    Gu Old Madam scoffed coldly. "You think I don''t know what you''ve been doing? I may be old, but I''m not blind. To secure the marriage with the Duke of Yong''an''s manor, what have you done to Gu Ying? No matter what, Gu Ying is my granddaughter."


    Liu Shi trembled all over at the scolding. "Mother, it was you who said the marriage with Duke Yong''an''s manor should go to Jia''er! We were just trying to¡ª"


    Gu Old Madam red at her icily. "Enough!"


    Gu Jia was well-read and excelled in the four arts. She originally had a greater chance of marrying into a prestigious household and adding glory to the Gu family.


    But now that Gu Jia was implicated with Jiang Yin, this chess piece of hers was half ruined.


    Gu Old Madam understood the bigger picture and naturally would not offend the Imperial Consort Xie. She would not oppose the favored consort.


    Then the only option was to sacrifice Gu Jia, or else¡ª


    Liu Shi was afraid she wouldn''t help Gu Jia. "Mother, after you personally nurtured Jia''er for so many years, are you just going to give up on her like this? Jia''er is your most favored granddaughter. If not for Gu Ying angering her tonight, she wouldn''t have hurt you. She is the most filial to you, Mother. Please help Jia''er..."


    The Jiang family was a declined household. Jiang Yin was merely a top schr now, without power, influence or backing. He would likely only be assigned an official post outside the capital. Their Jia''er could not marry into the Jiang family...


    "Why are you crying!" Gu Old Madam said impatiently. "Let her reflect on her actions in the ancestral hall for now. In a few days, find an excuse and say she is ill and send her to recuperate in the old ancestral home in Chengdu. Bring her back next year."


    Liu Shi blinked, and her tears instantly vanished. "Mother really knows what to do!"


    Gu Old Madam looked at her disdainfully. "If you want to protect Jia''er, then you can only sacrifice Ying''er. If things really get out of hand, just let them consummate the marriage first."


    These were not words a grandmother should say.


    But Liu Shi was brainless. If she didn''t point things out, they might take the wrong path.


    "But how do we get them to¡ª"


    "Fool! Can''t you send someone to buy the necessary items?"


    "Oh! Daughter-inw understands!"


    ...


    The night grew increasingly dark.


    Twilight Snow Studio looked the same as she remembered.


    A proud red plum blossomed in the yard, refined despite its seclusion.


    The main wing mistreated her, so she lived here alone with Yanzhi, and the few lower-ranked cleaning servants. There weren''t many people, but it was quiet andfortable.


    As soon as Yanzhi entered the yard, she busied herself with boiling ginger tea.


    Outside the window, the cold wind howled fiercely, whipping up the downy snow.


    Wrapped in warm water, Gu Ying took a thorough hot bath. She submerged her entire body in the water, recalling the ten humiliating years in the dpidated temple. She hated that she couldn''t scrub ayer of skin off, with her knotted filthy hair and the foul, itchy skin on her body.


    "Miss¡ª" Yanzhi was clutching a scalding paper ball in her hand. Seeing there was still no movement from the bathroom after such a long time, she grew increasingly anxious. "Miss, Master Jiang sent you a message..."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying abruptly sat up in the water. "Who?"


    Yanzhi''s voice trembled. "Master Jiang... Master Jiang said he is waiting for Miss in Muffeng Studio... If Miss doesn''t go, he''ll keep waiting."


    Muffeng Studio was her younger brother Gu Ning''s courtyard!


    How did Jiang Yin get into the Gu manor sote at night?!


    Gu Ying quickly got dressed. Her hair was still dripping wet, but she didn''t even have time to dry it before hurrying out of the bathroom.


    The wind and snow outside hit her in the face. She couldn''t help shivering a little, her face cold.


    "Yanzhi, the letter?"


    "Miss, here it is." Yanzhi hurriedly handed the paper ball to her youngdy.


    Gu Ying gathered her cloak and swiftly walked towards her own room. "Yanzhi, bring the brazier."

 Chapter 8: Questions of Cheating philandering Men

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    Yanzhi hurriedly prepared the charcoal basin without choosing her path.


    The charcoal given to Twilight Snow Studio was all low-grade stove charcoal. As soon as it was lit, the entire room filled with choking smoke. "Cough cough cough! Youngdy, drink more water, be careful not to choke. Eldest Young Master is too cruel. After all, youngdy is the legitimate daughter. How could he treat Twilight Snow Studio like this? If old master was still here, he would have raised his spear and seen who dared bully us. "


    "Yanzhi, put it out, I''m not afraid of the cold."


    Gu Ying sat under themplight with a light expression. The dim candlelight outlined her slender and delicate eyebrows and eyes, as exquisite and beautiful as an ink painting.


    She unfolded the paper ball and saw Jiang Yin''s handwriting on it. Recalling the years when she was full of feelings for him, her eyes inevitably turned sour.


    That''s right, she had also loved him wholeheartedly.


    She read the books he had read, wrote the words he had written, learned embroidery for him, made clothes and embroidered purses for him, every stitch and every thread was her silly fantasy about him.


    But now, every word and every sentence was satire!


    Her heart twisted like a knife. Her fingers slowly tightened, tearing the note to shreds, still uneasy, she threw it into the brazier and burned it to ashes!


    "Youngdy, what should we do now? I don''t know how Young Master Jiang got in either. In the dark night and heavy snow, he is still in Young Master Ning''s courtyard. If others find out, I''m afraid we can''t exin it clearly!"


    The corner of Gu Ying''s lips twitched. She hadn''t acted this scene in her previous life, and it caught her a little off guard.


    However, she was not the foolish herself from the previous life. Naturally, she had a way to deal with him.


    Gu Ying stood up and wrapped her cloak tightly around herself. "It doesn''t matter, Yanzhi. Who gave you the letter?"


    Yanzhi shook her head. "The letter was tucked in the door of our yard. I don''t know who did it."


    Gu Ying paused for a moment, wiped her hair dry, and had Yanzhi tie her hair in a bun, then walked out. "Yanzhi, remember, from now on in this Marquis''s residence, the only person you can trust is me. No one else, whether it''s the master or servant, you just tell them one third of the story, only listen to one third of what others say, never bare your heart to anyone. About tonight''s letter, if asked, just say you don''t know, you didn''t see it, and would rather die than admit it."


    Yanzhi followed her youngdy with tense steps. "I understand, youngdy. Are you really going to see Young Master Jiang?"


    Gu Ying smiled coldly. "Of course I''m going."


    "But this--" Meeting privately, and in her own residence! If caught, all her efforts today in front of the Imperial Concubine would go to waste!


    Yanzhi''s heart thumped wildly, while Gu Ying''s mind was clear.


    In their previous life, Jiang Yin was able to rise from a low-ranking official to Chief Minister, supporting the new emperor''s ession. He must have had exceptional talents.


    He was well-read and cautious, good at enduring hardships and socializing. He was very familiar with the residences of all the powerful families in Bianjing.


    Let''s not talk about how he did it first. Just based on him being able to avoid the masters ande and go from the Marquis''s residence at night, one could deduce a lot about him.


    He was not a simple man. He had already begun cultivating his own dark influences.


    It was a pity that in this life, she was determined to let him wallow in the mud for a lifetime, never able to climb out!


    In just the time it took to burn some incense, the mistress and maid arrived at Twilight Snow Studio''s door.


    From inside the room came the sound of a teenage boy crying and making a fuss.


    "I don''t want to drink medicine! I don''t want to drink medicine!"


    Hearing Gu Ning''s weak and heart-wrenching cries, Gu Ying''s heart tightened. She hurried in and called out, "Ah Ning!"


    As her voice fell, a delicate ten-year-old boy instantly revealed a panicked and frightened look. He shrank back onto the thick canopy bed, not daring to cry out anymore. Like a thin, pitiful sick kitten, he hid away and didn''t dare show his face.


    Gu Ying sighed with heartache. She also froze in ce.


    Because in their previous life, she had always tried to please Eldest Young Master, neglecting her own sibling, her younger brother.


    Sometimes when she saw him sickly and frail, she felt irritated that he was not strong or sunny enough, not lovable enough. Although she had never abused him, every impatient tone and hurtful word must have already damaged his young heart.


    He was only ten years old now, without his parents''pany, only her as his older sister.


    But his sister didn''t love him. He was so young yet sensible, dragging his frail sick body. He only swallowed hisst breath on the day of her wedding.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying''s insides twisted into knots. She hadn''t meant to cry, but seeing the weak figure on the bed, the tears swirled unstoppably in her eyes.


    "Second Young Lady Gu, you dide after all."


    Just as she was about to walk to the bedside, she was stopped by a gloomy male voice.


    Gu Ying closed her eyes. Tears rolled down her longshes. Even if she turned to ashes, she would recognize this voice!


    Hatred began to spread again. Her fists clenched tighter and tighter. She couldn''t restrain the chill spreading out.


    "Young Master Jiang?"


    She turned around and wiped the tears from her eyes, deliberately revealing an innocent and confused look. "Sote, how did Young Master Jiang appear in the Marquis''s residence? Could it be that you came looking for my elder sister?"


    Jiang Yin wore a short coat and coarse hemp clothes of an apprentice doctor, but it didn''t diminish his gentle and refined schrly aura at all.


    Beside him was Dr. Liu, a well-known doctor in Bianjing who specialized in treating the young masters of prominent households.


    Gu Ning was the only son of the second branch. Frail since birth, his health was poor.


    As he grew older, his muscles deteriorated further until his legs were almost half-paralyzed. Most of the time he could only lie in bed.


    It was said that Madam Liu had spent a fortune to invite the famous doctor into the residence to treat her younger brother.


    Because of the instability of the young master''s illness, he would frequently have attacks. Therefore, the Marquis''s residence provided a separate annex room in Twilight Snow Studio for Dr. Liu. Not only could hee and go freely from the residence, he could also stay overnight.


    Seeing the two talking, Dr. Liu was very tactful and exited the main room, closing the door behind him.


    The moment the door closed.


    The suspicions Gu Ying had always harbored suddenly opened a gap.


    In their previous life, during the days she kowtowed in the ancestral hall, she was dizzy and faint, on the verge of death.


    One day, Jiang Yin brought medicine to see her. He held her in his arms and was caught on the spot by Grandmother and the rest. Grandmother scolded her for being shameless and vulgar, saying her damaged body was unworthy of the young marquis.


    From then on, the marriage between her and Jiang Yin was conclusively called off.


    And she was also moved by Jiang Yin''s risk in secretly bringing her medicine, making her love him even more.


    But now it seemed that Dr. Liu was clearly Jiang Yin''s man!


    Hising to see her was the trap he had deliberately set up!


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned cold. She quickly raised her head, "You--"


    Jiang Yin saw her expression slightly chaotic, her big red eyes wet, like a lostmb. For some reason, it made him feel relieved instead. "Gu Ying, I don''t believe a single word of what you said today in front of the Imperial Concubine."


    As he spoke, he paced towards her until he backed her against the wall. His fingers lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. "How could you possibly not like me? Have you forgotten that justst month, you wrote me a letter saying you wanted to marry me?"


    Gu Ying''s longshes trembled slightly. Her back leaned against the cold wall. The corner of her lips revealed a mocking smile. "Gu Ying never thought Young Master Jiang was so self-conceited. Does Young Master Jiang think that letter was really written by me? Don''t forget, I don''t even know how to write Young Master Jiang''s name, let alone say I want to marry Young Master Jiang."


    Speaking to this point, she smiled again, her eyes curving beautifully like a fairy who had fallen into the mortal realm. "What''s more, I am the legitimate youngdy of the Marquis of Dongping. My fianc¨¦ is the young marquis of the prestigious Marquis of Yong''an. In status, position, in rank and humility, Young Master Jiang, are you worthy of me?"

 Chapter 9: Watchman’s House

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Jiang Yin''s eyes turned cold in an instant, and he viciously squeezed her chin with his fingers. "What did you say?!"


    A man''s dignity cannot be looked down upon.


    Moreover, he harbored ambitions to control the world in his heart.


    Such an ambitious person would never allow a woman whom he had never looked up to in the first ce to discard him like worn shoes.


    Gu Ying was fearless of the pain and stared at him stubbornly. "I said you are not worthy."


    Jiang Yin had never felt so irritated before. The girl in front of him still had the same face, but her eyes were as cold as an icy pond, making him startled for a moment.


    After being startled, his heart was filled with intense anger.


    "Gu Ying, you''re courting death!"


    Gu Ying felt her neck being viciously squeezed by his five fingers, making it harder and harder to breathe.


    Butpared to the endless injustice in herst life, this was nothing.


    She sneered twice, grabbed his sturdy arm with both hands, recalled the martial arts her father had taught her, bent her knees, lifted her legs, and kicked with all her might between his vital legs.


    "Ah!"


    Jiang Yin staggered back two steps and let out a suppressed scream of pain. His eyes were filled with boiling anger.


    Before he could react, he was hit in the back of the head by a flying porcin vase.


    This time, he swayed unsteadily andpletely fainted.


    After Jiang Yin fell to the ground, a thin and weak young boy who had appeared out of nowhere was revealed behind him.


    Gu Ying panted heavily and looked at Gu Ning''s paleplexion standing not far away with misty eyes, "Ning..."


    Gu Ning looked at her in horror and anxiety, with hands that kept shaking, "He''s dead... he''s dead..."


    Gu Ying ran over quickly and hugged his thin body tightly in her arms, "Don''t worry Ning, he''s not dead, just passed out."


    "He died!" Gu Ning suddenly raised his head, his little face as white as paper.


    "He''s not dead, trust your sister." She hugged the boy and pulled him onto the bed, stroking his wet little face distressfully but also amusedly. "Ning is so nice to sister, knowing that sister was being bullied and still willing to help sister. Ning is so good, sister loves loves loves Ning so much!"


    Gu Ning looked at her incredulously.


    He was as pretty as a girl with long and dark eyshes, and his sickly paleplexion made him look like a small kitten.


    His nk gaze swept over his sister''s face for a while, as if wondering whether his sister''s words of love were true or false.


    "Yanzhi!"


    Yanzhi was keeping watch outside. Hearing the call, she hurried in.


    "Miss, wha-" Seeing the man on the ground, she eximed in shock, "How did Young Master Jiang end up like this?!"


    Gu Ying scoffed, "A scourge like him won''t die so easily."


    She also wanted to kill him now to avenge herself.


    But giving him a quick painless death, how could itpare to torturing him slowly?


    Furthermore, with a prestigious schr inexplicably dead in the Earl''s manor, there would be no way to exin it clearly.


    It would be better to make good use of him and prevent Gu Jia from ever fulfilling his dream of rising up proudly.


    "Then-" Yanzhi leaned forward to check and breathed a long sigh of relief, "He''s indeed still alive. Miss, Dr. Liu seems to have been called away by Madam. If Madames over with her peopleter and sees Young Master Jiang here, we''d better jump into the Yellow River for a bath."


    Gu Ying stroked Gu Ning''s back as he stopped shuddering. She held his face that was so thin it barely looked human, and soothed him first, "Ning, sister is busy now, be a good boy, drink your medicine and sleep well okay? Sister will definitelye see you tomorrow."


    Gu Ning stubbornly shook his head. His dark eyes looked at Gu Ying warily, "Don''t want medicine."


    He didn''t believe his sister woulde to see him and be nice to him.


    "If you drink the medicine, you won''t cough or feel ufortable."


    "Don''t want it."


    Gu Ning struggled out of her arms and curled up in the quilt, only showing her his back of the head, "Don''t want...don''t want...don''t want medicine."


    Gu Ying sighed inwardly, the estrangement between siblings could not be eliminated in a short while.


    She patted the boy''s back and said, "Alright, no medicine for now. You sleep well."


    There was no movement from the quilt. The boyy there, with his bony little cheeks flushed.


    Gu Ying looked at him lovingly for a while before getting up. "Yanzhi, I remember you''re quite strong."


    Yanzhi pped her biceps proudly and lifted her chin. "Good enough."


    Gu Ying smiled amusedly. "The youngdies in Bianjing all say that the second madam of my family is an uncouth martial artist who raised an unruly violent daughter. We can''t disappoint them, right?"


    Yanzhi pouted. "Miss is definitely not violent at all, much prettier than them!"


    Gu Ying shook her head with a helpless smile. "Come on, help your miss out. If we seed, I''ll reward you with a title of Madam."


    Yanzhi didn''t really want to be a Madam.


    Her dream was to stay by the Miss''s side for life.


    When the Miss gets married, she would go along and serve the Miss like an ox.


    "Whatever Miss says goes. Let''s do it!"


    The mistress and servant busied themselves.


    Not until the room door closed.


    The quilt on the bed stirred slightly, and a head poked out from inside, blinking its bright eyes and staring fixedly in the direction they had left, murmuring softly, "Will sister really love Ning?"


    ...


    After working hard for most of the night.


    Gu Ying could finally take a breather in her own yard.


    The lights in the Earl''s manor lit up and livened up again for a while.


    When Yanzhi came back from scouting for news, she smiled merrily, "Miss guessed right. Madam did take arge group of people to Muffeng Studio to see our brother Ning, but Ning was asleep. With no maidservants inside or outside the room to serve them, they naturally didn''t see the Young Master Jiang they wanted to catch in adultery either. Madam''s face was so green from anger, and has now gone back to her own courtyard."


    Gu Ying couldn''t fall asleep after being tortured to death and revived. Anyone would have trouble sleeping.


    She lit amp and sat properly at the desk, picked up a writing brush, spread out a sheet of white paper, and started writing.


    "What is Miss writing?" Yanzhi squeezed over, full of curiosity. The Miss knowing how to write suddenly after bathing in the river, she would have to take a dip tomorrow too.


    Gu Ying stared nkly at the poem, smiling bitterly as she recited softly, "Asking in this world what love is, leads only to vows of lifelong fidelity."


    Yanzhi was even more in awe of her own Miss, and naturally ttered unthinkingly, "Though this servant doesn''t recognize words, what Miss wrote looks so beautiful."


    "Not knowing words doesn''t matter. What''s important is that as a woman, one shouldn''t fall in love with someone casually. If that person is wrong, then that love is wrong too. One wrong leads to endless wrongs, in the end it will only shatter one''s heart and make living worse than death." Gu Ying smiled and handed her the paper, "Yanzhi, go burn this."


    Yanzhi was dumbfounded. "Has Miss been in love before? You speak knowledgeably, as if hurt by some bad man."


    How could the Miss who wasn''t even married have so many feelings?


    Gu Ying sniffed and felt a sharp pain in her heart.


    She was silent for several breaths, lowered her longshes, and concealed all her emotions as she dered resolutely, "No, and I will never be in the future."


    Yanzhi didn''t dare to speak, frightened by the coldness in her Miss''s eyes.


    She obediently held the paper and went out to destroy the evidence.


    In the cold winter night of the twelfth lunar month, the frigid wind rustled. Outside, heavy snow fell and the branches were all bare except for that plum blossom tree.


    Yanzhi stared left and right at the poem, still feeling that the Miss had written it very well.


    She couldn''t bear to burn it. She took a trowel and went under the plum blossom tree in the yard. She dug a hole in the dirt and buried the poem in it.


    Then she got up and went back to her own room to sleep.


    After she left, the wall of Twilight Snow Studio stirred slightly. A dark shadow shook off all the snowy whiteness on its body.


    "Prince, sneaking into Dongping Earl Manor and peeping at beauties in the middle of the night, what exactly is the purpose?"

 Chapter 10: A Scene from the Ancestral Hall

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his extremely slender phoenix eyes, and his gaze fell on the graceful figure of that woman in the window.


    Her every word with the maid entered his ears.


    The in words were able to make people feel her endless suppressed pain.


    She looked only fourteen or fifteen years old, but was prematurely mature like she had experienced countless ups and downs in life, making even someone as cold-hearted as him unable to help but want to peek into her heart.


    Gu Ying looked up, "Prince?"


    Zhao Changdu brushed the snow off his shoulders, his tall figure floated to the ground, "Let''s go see."


    "Did the prince see it?"


    "I saw it."


    "Who was the prince looking at? Was it Second Aunt Gu from the Gu family?"


    "Mm."


    "Why was the prince looking at her? She doesn''t have a good reputation in Bianjing."


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome face was indifferent, the snow-white color set off his handsome cold face like jade, "It''s fine. She''s good wife material."


    Huai An was stunned.


    On the cold long street, his master''s back was tall, cold, and aloof. This was the first time after that incident that the master had thought about marrying a woman.


    Ah!


    He didn''t hear wrong!


    ...


    The next day after waking up, as soon as he opened his eyes, it was just getting light out.


    It seemed like a pair of eyes shed by the carved windowttice outside the redcquered window.


    Gu Ying suddenly opened her eyes and sat up, "Rouge."


    "Miss, you''re awake so early? There''s still some time before the morning court, sleep a little longer." It took Rouge a while to groggily walk into the inner room wearing her clothes.


    Gu Ying couldn''t fall back asleep.


    She had important things to do today, so she got up and dressed, did her hair.


    Rouge nkly stood there for a while, watching her young miss dress and do her own hair, nimble and skilled, and was stunned for a moment.


    "Miss, when did you learn to put your hair in a bun?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, her movements frozen, "Your miss is clever, watching you do this every day, how could I not learn it? If I didn''t, wouldn''t that make me an idiot?"


    Rouge''s brows furrowed. She thought, in the past, the miss''s nickname in Bianjing was the idiot pillow embroiderer.


    Just as she was about to say something, Gu Ying had already finished dressing.


    "Let''s go, Rouge. Grandmother and the old madam are still waiting for us."


    "But miss, Young Master Jiang--"


    "Don''t talk, just listen to your miss."


    Rouge hurriedly nodded, and went to change her own clothes.


    On the way to get the nourishing pills miss took daily, she took a detour to Aunt Zhao''s, concubine of the old master, Reed Catkin Courtyard.


    At the hour of Mao, when mistress and servant arrived at Yongshou Hall, an incense stick worth of time had passed.


    Twilight Snow Studio was the furthest from Yongshou Hall. Usually Gu Ying was thest to arrive at the morning court, so Old Madam Gu''s dissatisfaction with her was reasonable.


    Today, Gu Ying had intentionally arrived early at Yongshou Hall, which made Old Madam Gu look at her once more.


    "Granddaughter pays respects to Grandmother."


    "Mm, get up. Why did youe so early today?" Old Madam Gu also found it odd. Recalling what Madam Liu had said about being cursedst night, her gaze at Gu Ying also became strange.


    Gu Ying bit her lip, a mournful expression on her face. "Granddaughter wille of age to marry soon, and it''s about time to officially propose marriage to Yong''an Marquis Manor. Granddaughter thought that before marrying out, being able to serve at Grandmother''s side and fulfill my filial duty would be good."


    Speaking of the marriage arrangement with Yong''an Marquis Manor, Old Madam Gu''s expression was a little unpleasant. Up until now, she still felt Gu Ying was unfit for the grand wedding hall, not like Gu Jia who could bring benefits to the Gu family.


    "It''s good of you to have this filial heart."


    "It''s all granddaughter''s duty." Gu Ying pressed her lips together, seeming to hesitate, "Grandmother, granddaughter woke up early today and coincidentally went to the ancestral hall to see elder sister. But I saw elder sister, she--"


    Just as the grandmother and granddaughter were talking, there was amotion outside, and a few more people arrived.


    Gu Ying hid her smile at the corner of her lips. Her timing was perfect.


    Only to see the legal wife of the eldest master, Madam Liu, walk in with an ashen face. She brought the concubines of the eldest master and the eldest master''s children.


    Seeing the lowered head and submissive Gu Ying, she put away her anger and forced a smile to greet Old Madam Gu.


    "Greetings to Mother."


    The others also paid their respects in order.


    Old Madam Gu held Mama Li''s hand and sat in the luohan chair. "Ying, what did you just see in the ancestral hall?"


    Gu Ying deliberately revealed a worried look, shooting Madam Liu a few nervous nces, arousing their curiosity in her hesitation to speak.


    As expected, everyone present looked at her, especially the concubines of Eldest Master. They all watched Madam Liu with an expression of anticipation for a good show.


    Madam Liu''s brows furrowed. She didn''t have much patience. "What is it, girl? What are you still waiting for?"


    Gu Ying shivered, pretending to be scared. "Old Madam, don''t get angry at me. I...I...."


    This performance made Madam Liu feel that Gu Ying was still the Gu Ying from before that she could manipte as she wished. Last night she must have seen wrong.


    She sighed, "Grandmother, Jia''er''s health is poor. She must have been unable to sleep well in the ancestral hall all night..."


    "Yes--" Gu Ying took the opportunity to chime in, "When I went to see elder sister, I discovered she had fainted in the ancestral hall. No matter how I called to her from the door, she didn''t respond."


    As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Liu immediately became anxious. "What?"


    She turned around and pleaded to Old Madam Gu, "Mother, you know Jia''er''s body is weak. She has even fainted... Can daughter-inw go see her? It''s cold in the ancestral hall, and there''s no one to serve her. She''s been delicately raised since she was young, how can she endure it!"


    Old Madam Gu didn''t say much either. She also cared for Gu Jia, and hearing that Gu Jia had fainted, she was a little worried too. "Even if she''smitted a huge mistake, a youngdy shouldn''t be locked out like this. Go take a look, it''ll be good."


    "Thank you, Mother."


    Madam Liu was moved to tears, and shot the concubines a triumphant look, especially the arrogant Aunt Zhao.


    It was as if telling them that although Gu Jia was in the ancestral hall, she and Gu Jia were still the old master and old madam''s beloved treasure. No one should think of taking her position!


    The group of people walked towards the ancestral hall. Gu Ying alone fell behind, watching this big family as an outsider.


    To her, the life and death oues of most of these people were clear.


    With a slight movement of her fingers, she could change their fates. Thinking this gave her a surreal feeling, as if in a dream.


    When they arrived at the ancestral hall, what dumbfounded everyone was--they didn''t see the fainted Gu Jia at all. Instead they saw Gu Jia in the same room as amoner man, tugging and pulling at each other, not knowing what they were arguing about!

 Chapter 11: Settling Down to Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    Everyone was stunned, and Gu Old Madam and Mrs. Liu''s faces instantly turned as ck as the bottom of a pot!


    But they had already arrived here, with several maids behind them, and the brothers and sisters were all in one ce watching them, making the scene extremely awkward for a while.


    Gu Ying screamed at the right time, "Oh my! Eldest sister! Ancestral hall! What are you doing! Who is that man?!"


    Gu Jia and Jiang Yin came to their senses at the same time.


    Looking through the door and window, they saw arge group of people standing outside, and their faces changed instantly.


    "No, no!" Gu Jia pushed Jiang Yin away forcefully, crying out in panic, "Grandmother! Mother! It''s not what you saw! I... I don''t know how Young Master Jiang got here either! This is the Gu family ancestral hall! I really don''t know!"


    She also realized quickly that things were slowly starting to spiral out of her control.


    Somewhat frantically and somewhat at a loss, she screamed, "Grandmother, listen to my exnation, listen to my exnation!"


    Some people gloated at her misfortune, while others were terrified. Everyone whispered to each other.


    "This youngdy usually looks down on the Jiang family too, how did she get involved with Young Master Jiang?"


    "How did Young Master Jiang get into the Gu family in the first ce? The ancestral home of an Earl, if there were no insiders, how could amoner get into the inner courtyard?"


    "Look at him standing with the youngdy, the insider is probably the youngdy''s person. This is clearly a private meeting, the youngdy is really too bold."


    Mrs. Liu was so angry she almost exploded, her fur standing on end. "Shut up, all of you!"


    After the outburst, she looked at the old matriarch in panic, "Mother, this is definitely not the case. We should listen to Jia''er''s exnation. A grown man entering the ancestral hall must be possessed..."


    Gu Old Madam coldlyughed, her face ugly with anger, "Everyone leave! Bring that Young Master Jiang out for this old woman!"


    Gu Jia''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, there was a buzzing sound in her brain, as if she had died, and she copsed limply on the ground, her face ghastly pale.


    Jiang Yin was pulled out of Gu Jia''s ancestral hall, and as he passed Gu Ying, his gloomy gaze fell on her pretty, fair and delicate little face, and he clenched his fist tightly.


    Gu Ying showed a faint smile imperceptibly, and mouthed to him, "Take care on your way, Young Master Jiang."


    When she turned around again, she only saw Jiang Yin''s shabby figure being jostled away.


    The newly crowned top schr, whose future was limitless.


    But now he was about to be ruined.


    Climbing walls at night, sneaking into an Earl''s mansion at night, secretly meeting the Earl''s legitimate daughter, ndestine meetings in the ancestral hall, disregarding the dignity of their ancestors.


    No matter whether it was Gu Jia or Jiang Yin.


    Among these powerful and prestigious people in Bianjing, who could still have a promising future?


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt that fate was truly wondrous.


    Back then, she had loved him wholeheartedly, but he did not cherish her. And now he had taken the initiative to sneak into the Gu family manor to ask for her feelings, while also giving her a chance to get back at Gu Jia.


    Huh, this was probably what lowly men were like!


    ...


    Jiang Yin was taken to Yongshou Hall.


    Gu Old Madam hurriedly summoned Gu Boyan from the government office.


    Everyone else was blocked outside and could not go in. No one knew what was said and done inside.


    Outside the door.


    Aunt Zhao gave Gu Ying a meaningful look, "Second youngdy has been a little different since she returned from the pce yesterday. Looking at you today under the sun, I see that Second youngdy is so beautiful that she outshines the whole country, exquisitely gorgeous, making me feel refreshed."


    Gu Ying gently lowered her eyes, "Auntie tters me, how could Ipare to Fourth sister''s natural beauty."


    Gu Shuang pulled her lips into a smile. She was not familiar with the legitimate daughter of the second courtyard. "Second sister is too polite."


    Gu Ying raised her eyes and looked at Gu Shuang''s childish little face.


    She remembered in her previous life how Gu Shuang was married off at fifteen to a rough military household arranged by her stepmother, Mrs. Liu.


    The poor delicate youngdy only found out after marrying that the man was actually a bandit, incorporated into the army as a petty officer, full of the temperament of a bandit, fierce and cruel.


    Gu Shuangsted less than a year there before being tortured until she lost her spirit, and her coffin was carried back to the Gu manor.


    Aunt Zhao had already been suppressed by Mrs. Liu until she lost Gu Bo''s favor, living in seclusion in the Gu manor''s cold courtyard. She didn''t even get to see her own daughter for thest time before she died.


    Gu Ying sympathized with Gu Shuang, and Aunt Zhao''s opposition to Mrs. Liu was just to her liking.


    The enemy''s enemy was a friend.


    She wanted to ally with mother and daughter, so she politely smiled and said, "Fourth sister is twelve this year right? We are of simr age. If sister has time, you cane to my yard more often. I got some good paintings the other day and wanted to invite Fourth sister to view them together."


    Gu Shuang was surprised that Gu Ying, the legitimate daughter, was actively currying her favor as an illegitimate daughter.


    Aunt Zhao patted her silly daughter and said with augh, "Of course that''s fine. The belongings of the legitimate daughter are naturally better than ours at Cattail Courtyard. They must be good stuff. Shuang''er, when you have time, go take a look in your Second sister''s yard."


    Gu Shuang knitted her brows, somewhat reluctant.


    Second sister was weak-willed, usually sticking with Eldest sister. To get close with her, an illegitimate daughter, now, was probably part of some scheme.


    Gu Ying did not mind. Gu Shuang was young and suspicious, but still much kinder and simpler than the other children of the main wife.


    Some things could not be aplished all at once, and had to be approached step-by-step.


    "Auntie should also be more careful. The weather is turning cold. Pay more attention to colds and chills, and find a highly skilled external doctor to take a look."


    Aunt Zhao stared at her strangely. She was perfectly fine, why was she telling her to find a doctor, wasn''t that cursing her to get sick?


    "Alright, I know. I''ll invite a doctor in tomorrow."


    "Auntie must remember to invite him in secret, don''t let the elder madam know. Gu Ying is going to see her brother now, so I''ll take my leave first."


    Aunt Zhao didn''t say anything more, sizing her up with a few looks, her eyes growing heavier.


    Gu Ying smiled lightly, some things could be conveyed subtly, hoping Aunt Zhao would be a little smarter.


    ...


    On the way from Yongshou Hall to Mohufang Studio.


    Baidiziughed and said, "Miss, now no one will dare say you''re the one who likes Young Master Jiang anymore. With Young Master Jiang and Eldest youngdy seen like this by so many people, their marriage will be set sooner orter."


    "Yes." Gu Ying sighed, "Not only will it be set, but it has to be set as soon as possible."


    "Miss, will Young Master Jiang confess abouting to find youst night?" Baidizi was increasingly worried.


    Gu Yingughed. "Don''t worry, he won''t be so stupid."


    To say he colluded with the physician of the Gu manor?


    To say she was the one who let him in?


    Then as long as she tly denied it, he would never clear his name. It would be better to push it all onto Gu Jia. Gu Jia already had no credibility left with the old madam anyway.


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, "Grandmother should act quickly, otherwise when the rumors spread, Gu Jia will really be finished as a person."

 Chapter 12: Evil Maidservant Green Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    ¡°How could the old madam let rumors of such an ugly affair spread? This concerns the reputation of all the youngdies of the Dongping Earl Manor,¡± Gu Ying coldly quirked her lips. ¡°Although grandmother wants to cover up the sky with one hand, how can she stop the mouths of the people? Did you see the looks on Aunt Zhao and Gu Shuang''s faces when they saw Gu Jia tangled up with Jiang Yin earlier? Their eyes were about to pop out."


    Yanzhi was startled, her mind suddenly illuminated, ¡°So that¡¯s it! Youngdy, Aunt Zhao is favored, and usuallyzes around morning and night, noting if she can avoid it. No wonder you had the servant go to Aunt Zhao''s Reed Catkin Courtyard early this morning to deliberately mention that the youngdy had gone to the ancestral hall. It was to get Aunt Zhao toe watch the show!"


    Gu Ying''s lips slightly curved, "Aunt Zhao looks down the most on Mrs. Liu. Gu Jia spending the night in the ancestral hall is such a loss of face, if Aunt Zhao knew about it, she would definitely bring her daughter here today to watch Mrs. Liu''s misfortune. She''s also a big mouth, whatever she sees will spread immediately. Even if Aunt Zhao''s mouth is shut, I will find a way to spread the news."


    Her eyes turned cold, "Even if grandmother manages to contain it, I will find a way to spread the news."


    "But this matter is of great importance," Yanzhi was still worried. "In the future, the youngdy and young master''s marriage..."


    Gu Ying paused, thinking of the handsome and aloof face amidst the swirling snow, her heart fluttered slightly.


    No matter what kind of character the young master of Yong''an Marquis Manor Su Huanfeng has, his status and family background are enough for many nobledies to pursue.


    But she was different. She was only born for revenge. Matters of love between men and women were not something she dared to desire or touch...


    In three months he would personallye to cancel the engagement.


    By then, she had to prepare an escape route ahead of time, find a family that could guarantee her security for life without needing feelings, to live out the rest of her days.


    Or escape from the Earl''s manor, take her brother to the border to find their father, and be a free and unfettered wild girl, better than being confined for life in the tiny courtyard.


    "Youngdy!"


    Gu Ying walked in front while Yanzhi chased behind, "What about the winter hunt in five days? I heard our future young master will also attend. At that time, the youngdy can properly exin to the young master about Master Jiang, I''m sure the young master won''t mind what happened with the youngdy."


    "The winter hunt?"


    "That''s right."


    She had almost forgotten about this important event.


    The winter hunt was held by the imperial family. All the noble children anddies of distinguished families would attend.


    In her previous life, at the winter hunt she had stubbornly chosen Jiang Yin as her hunting partner, utterly humiliating herself!


    And because of an ident that happened unexpectedly in the snowbound mountains, she was unable to participate in the three days of hunting that followed.


    Instead, it allowed Gu Jia to shine at the winter hunt. The young marquis of Yong''an must have started liking Gu Jia at that time...


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying''s lips curved coldly, "Go, of course I''ll go."


    Not only would she go, but she would also bring Gu Jia.


    She would settle all of the hatred and enmity from her previous life at the winter hunt!


    Having said that, Gu Ying stepped into the Muffeng Studio.


    She bumped straight into a clumsy maid, and frowned in irritation, "Stand still, what did you do to my brother?"


    The maid''s clothes were disheveled, her arms covered in blood. She stood still in panic.


    Seeing it was the meek second youngdy of the second branch, she immediately steadied her nerve and arrogantly said, "I was just feeding the young master medicine when he scratched me. Why are you getting angry at me, Second Young Lady? If you really cared for the young master you should be feeding him the medicine yourself! Why trouble us clean maidservants to serve a little cripple!"


    Before she could finish speaking, Gu Ying fiercely pped her across the face, a sh of chill in her eyes, "Who did you call a little cripple?"


    "Second youngdy, you dare hit me? Do you know who I am?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned icy cold, the chill between her brows surging.


    Yanzhi was even more furious. Seeing her youngdy''s staunch attitude, she also puffed out her chest and pped the maid''s cheeks until they were badly swollen. "You''re just a servant, yet you dare defy your masters! No matter who you belong to, we''re hitting you today! Youngdy, don''t get your hands dirty, leave it to this ve to teach her a lesson!"


    The maid''s arrogance waspletely beaten out of her. She was forced to kneel on the ground by Yanzhi, humiliated but unresigned.


    She may have knelt, but her mouth remained unbowed, still speaking arrogantly, "I am Aunt Liu''s daughter, born a servant of the Gu family. Second youngdy, you dare treat me this way, aren''t you afraid of my motherining to the old madam!"


    Aunt Liu was Aunt Li''s younger sister. When she came of age, under Aunt Li''s arrangement she was matched to the steward of the household.


    Now she was also considered a senior member of the family.


    Usually no one dared to boss her around, she lived like a mistress.


    Only now did Gu Ying recall her name, Cui Ling.


    In her previous life, Aunt Liu had intended to make this maid her brother''s concubine. In the beginning of next year, Cui Ling became pregnant with her brother''s child.


    Crying and making trouble, if her brother didn''t give her a position, she wouldmit suicide.


    At that time, she never imagined this maid had such wild ambitions, wanting to rely on her brother to move up in status, even helping to persuade her brother to marry Cui Ling.


    Thinking back now, she utterly hated her own ignorance and foolishness!


    Her brother was only ten years old then, his legs atrophiedter on leaving him unable to walk. How could he have gotten Cui Ling pregnant?


    It was all Aunt Liu''s scheme to undermine the second branch!


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the colder she felt.


    How could Aunt Liu let a ten year old child bear so much pain and grievance!


    "Youngdy, what should we do with this maid?" Yanzhi''s anger had passed, and she also felt offending Aunt Liu''s people was unwise.


    After all, Aunt Liu was the official wife of the steward. Just a few whispers in his ear would make it easy for her to make trouble for Twilight Snow Studio.


    As the events of the previous life vividly resurfaced in her mind, Gu Ying tightly clenched her fists, desperately trying to calm herself down.


    She put on an embarrassed smile and took the initiative to pull Cui Ling up, apologizing, "Sister, I lost my temper just now. Please take this bracelet as my apology for my offense, what do you think?"


    As she spoke, she took off her wrist the valuable green jade bracelet and pressed it into Cui Ling''s hand.


    Cui Ling gave a coldugh, reluctantly getting to her feet, mockingly said, "The second youngdy is no longer putting on aristocratic airs now?"


    "Sister, you jest," Gu Ying''s eyes darkened as she gently said, "Seeing so much blood on sister''s hand, caring for my brother, I lost myposure for a moment. If the bracelet is not enough, take this hairpin as well, what does sister think?"


    "You''re sensible." Cui Ling''s eyes greedily contracted, stuffing the bracelet and hairpin into her sleeve.


    Gu Ying deliberately revealed a weak demeanor, pitifully biting her lip, "I have identally offended sister, I hope sister does not mention today''s matters to Grandmother and Eldest Aunt, whatever other essories sistercks in the future, you cane to me for them."


    Hearing this, Cui Ling''s eyes brightened even more.

 Chapter 13: Covered in Filth

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    Second Madam only had one daughter, Gu Ying, as her mother Madam Ye had passed away early. All the dowries the Ye Family prepared for her were locked in Second Madam''s private treasury. Gu Ying''s maternal Ye Family was a real century-old prominent n. The pearls, jades, gold, silver, antiques, and paintings in that private treasury were countless.


    Second Madam was just worried there was no way to cheat some stuff out from there, yet such an opportunity just came knocking on the door! This was really heaven helping her!


    "Alright then, I''ll be magnanimous and forgive you for today''s matter for now. If you treat me better, I naturally won''t speak of this upstairs."


    Gu Ying aggrievedly pursed her lips and spoke deferentially, "I understand, dear sister."


    "I''ll take my leave first, you go see your crippled younger brother yourself."


    Cui Ling distastefully squeezed her eyes, contemptuously spat, then turned and left the yard.


    "Miss, you''re being too bullied like this!"


    Yanzhi was so angry her teeth itched. She stamped her feet, feeling so aggrieved she wished she could bite off Cui Ling''s stinky face!


    A smile was brewing at the corners of Gu Ying''s lips, and her deep, fathomless pretty eyes contained nothing but gloomy, icy light.


    "To destroy someone, one must first make them insane. Yanzhi, wait and see, I''ll make her know the consequences of harming A Ning."


    Yanzhi blinked. For a time, she couldn''t wrap her head around it. What? The young miss would kill now?


    She wasn''t afraid of killing or not killing. If the young miss truly wanted to go on a ughter, she''d be more than happy to pass the knife!


    But¡ª


    "Young Miss, just what are you saying? This ve truly doesn''t understand." The more Yanzhi thought about it, the less she could make sense of it. "Are we just going to let a cheap maid walk all over us?"


    Gu Ying''s expression was tranquil. A sh of gentleughter passed through her eyes. "Just wait and see. From now on, if Cui Linges to bother you, endure it for the time being. Whatever jewelry she wants, take it out of my private treasury for her."


    Indulging someone is the fastest way to kill them.


    In her previous life, that was how Madam Liu and Gu Jia treated her, indulging her until she became foolish and brainless.


    That made her thoughtlessly offend a mysterious figure she didn''t even dare imagine at a pce banquet¡ªthe Heir Apparent of the Prince''s Residence, Zhao Changdu.


    Although in the end, that young master...didn''t even let her see his appearance.


    She could only clearly remember his low, heated pants Ghosting over her ear, his gnashing anger, overbearing and forceful, almost burning her face red.


    He said, "No one dares treat this heir like this. You''re the first, and thest."


    She shook with fear, yet couldn''t struggle. She could only grit her teeth and endure his merciless ravaging.


    He was drugged and tangled with her for several hours.


    Finally, red-faced and burning with shame, she tidied her clothes and left him alone in that cold pce side garden. Not daring to linger, she fled as if escaping.


    Returning to the Jiang Residence, she was at aplete loss, pained and upset, ashamed beyond words, despairing and helpless, hating herself for being unable to stop Zhao Changdu''s beastliness. She had wanted to apologize and beg forgiveness from Jiang Yin...hope he could act on her behalf.


    But she hadn''t expected Jiang Yin to only coldly nce at her once without a word, hugging the beauty in his arms as he entered the room.


    Then the room was filled with the beauty''s unrestrained moans, moans that made her heart tremble.


    Gu Ying couldn''t bear to recall further. Her five viscera and six bowels twisted into a lump, unable to describe the taste or feelings. A tearing pain arose in her heart.


    "Young Miss, what''s wrong?" Yanzhi sensed something off. "If the young miss is ufortable, we cane see the young master tomorrow instead."


    Gu Ying gave a self-deprecatingugh, grasping Yanzhi''s arm. She took a deep breath, "No need. We''ll go in now."


    She had said she would visit her brother today, so she definitely would. In this life, she would never break a promise to Gu Ning again.


    The sprawling Shufeng Studio had just as few people attending it. The cleaning old women in the outer room were either deaf or mute. Some maidservants were nowhere to be seen, probably cking off somewhere. Other than Cui Ling, there wasn''t a single person attending Gu Ning.


    Gu Ying''s expression chilled slightly. She walked into Gu Ning''s room, vaguely smelling a strong bitter medicinal smell mixed with some unknown stench.


    Overturned medicine bowls on the ground, ck medicine spilled all over. The bed was in disarray, with a woman''s blue-green ruqun casually tossed in the corner.


    "A Ning."


    Gu Ying anxiously looked over, only to see Gu Ning lying in the thick nkets with his back to them. His body shook and trembled. She nibbled her lip, then after a while softly asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Don''te over...don''te over!" The youth suppressed his voice to snarl.


    She swiftly walked over,pletely unbothered as she stroked his back. Gently, she said, "A Ning, don''t be scared. Sister is here. Sister will protect you. From now on, no one will dare bully you again."


    Gu Ning''s body shuddered once. His teeth chattered, emitting cracking sounds, but he still didn''t say a word.


    "Young miss, how could the young master be so¡ª"


    Yanzhi didn''t say the word "miserable".


    She was conflicted, swallowing her saliva. Her gaze swept over the filth on the brocade bed and the ruqun that was clearly left behind by Cui Ling. She couldn''t help but frown. "Young miss¡ª"


    Gu Ying coldly clenched her fists, her fingertips digging into her flesh. "Yanzhi, go boil some water and prepare clean towels and such."


    Yanzhi murmured her assent and left to have people prepare hot water, clean towels, etc.


    Gu Ying quietly sat at the bedside, slowly lifting the nkets covering her brother. The filth beneath was appalling... Her brother''s emaciated legs were left in the middle of that disgusting filth.


    The only son of a famed general actually reduced to this state... How could Gu Ying not feel heartache and distress!


    She carefully examined him. Not only were there marks from being habitually pinched and grabbed, there was also a rouge stain on his face from a woman, and bloodstains between his fingers¡ªclearly from when he scratched Cui Ling while resisting.


    No wonder Cui Ling had stormily left earlier.


    Connecting it to what would happen next... As Madam Liu''s beloved, how could Cui Ling be willing to serve a disfavored cripple?


    It wasn''t hard to guess. From the start, Cui Ling must have been sent to Shufeng Studio with ulterior motives.


    It was to make the brother touch her and get her pregnant with the Gu bloodline. Then as a mother, she could ascend to be the main madam of the Marquis Residence.


    Yet she also hadn''t expected the brother''s legs to deteriorate more year after year...


    "A Ning..." Gu Ying''s nose soured. She couldn''t help but gently ask, "You deliberately did this so that evil woman wouldn''t touch you, right?"


    Deliberately pulling filth onto the bed to disgust Cui Ling and make her unwilling to make a move.


    Gu Ning finally rolled over to look at Gu Ying, his reddened eyes brimming with tears.


    That gaze contained the deepest despair and the most helpless desperation.


    Gu Ying smiled through her tears, caressing his gaunt cheeks with her small hand. "Don''t grit your teeth and deal with the viins alone anymore. From now on, sister will protect you."

 Chapter 14: Ah Cat Ah Dog

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Gu Ning closed his eyes, and scalding tears slid down his cheeks,nding heavily on the back of Gu Ying''s hand.


    Gu Ying only felt her hand grow hot, and her heart felt as if it was being viciously squeezed, both painful and sour.


    She brought the water herself and helped clean Gu Ning''s body, then changed him into clean clothes and pants.


    Then she stared fixedly at his rigid legs, not knowing what she was thinking.


    If she asked for her younger brother to be moved to rest in the Twilight Study now, who would be the first to anxiously jump out?


    Yanzhi came in from outside and solemnly said, "Miss, it seems there is movement from the Old Madam''s side."


    Gu Ying raised her head. "How is Jiang Yin?"


    Yanzhi shook her head. "This ve did not see him. He seems to still be inside the Hall of Eternal Life now. It''s just that Li Mama by the Old Madam''s side has personallye over. She is definitely headed for you, Miss."


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes, reying everything in her mind. Jiang Yin was a smart man, he wouldn''t expose his own influence at the Bo Residence, the imperial physician Liu Langzhong, and push all the me onto her.


    Grandmother sending someone to summon her, there was only one possibility. They hadn''t given up yet, they still wanted to give Gu Jia a way out.


    How could there be such a biased grandmother in this world?!


    Gu Ying felt oppressed and ufortable in her chest. She knew their vicious nature all too well, yet it still hurt her heart. It took her a while before she let out a breath.


    "Yanzhi."


    "This ve is here."


    "You don''t need to follow me to the Hall of Eternal Life. I have a task for you that you must finish before nightfall."


    Yanzhi''s drooping eyes lit up. "Miss, tell me. This ve would die before refusing."


    On her way to the Wind Pavilion, Li Mama first ran into a smug-looking Cui Ling.


    She called out to her and frowned, scolding, "Why aren''t you attending the Wind Pavilion? What are you running around everywhere for?"


    Cui Ling hid her bracelet and bit her lip aggrievedly. "Li Mama, it''s not that I don''t want to serve, it''s just that the young master grabbed and injured my hand. I need to bandage it now."


    Li Mama looked her over and pulled her aside, speaking in a low voice, "Did your mother tell you to serve the young master well?"


    "She did," Cui Ling said somewhat impatiently. To serve a cripple with her blossoming beauty was truly a waste. She was very dissatisfied in her heart, but she didn''t dare say anything openly either. "But that little cripple is too dirty, filthy all over, and bad tempered. I don''t dare go near him, let alone get close."


    "He is the only son of the second master. If you follow him, you will have good days in the future. Why don''t you keep that in mind?" Li Mama said unhappily.


    She had nned wholeheartedly for this girl, yet never expected she would be unappreciative.


    Seeing Li Mama''s displeasure, Cui Ling tightened her sleeves, hiding the bracelet and jade hairpin within, and quickly smiled. "Li Mama, don''t be angry. This ve knows she was wrong. After I bandage my hand, I''ll go back right away."


    Li Mama saw her sly expression and couldn''t help reminding her, "Report anything that happens in the Wind Pavilion to me and your mother. Don''t make decisions on your own."


    Cui Ling bowed. There was faint impatience in her eyes, but her face still held a smile. "Li Mama, don''t worry. This ve understands clearly. Everything is normal in the Wind Pavilion, nothing has happened."


    "Really?"


    "Truly."


    In the end, she was just an inexperienced young girl. She shouldn''t be able to make many waves.


    Li Mama calmly put her heart back in her stomach and let Cui Ling leave. Just as she was about to lift her foot to walk away, she saw Gu Yinge out of the Wind Pavilion alone with red eyes.


    "Aiya, second young miss, what is the matter? The Old Madam just sent me to summon you."


    Gu Ying forced a smile. "It''s nothing. Just seeing my younger brother''s legs get worse and worse makes me feel bad inside. As soon as I entered my brother''s room, I saw that no one was managing the medicine or helping my brother clean up. Ai, but Sister Cui Ling treats my brother extremely well. She specifically told the other maids to serve and feed medicine and dress my brother. I am grateful to her in my heart and was just about to say some words of thanks to her, but unfortunately Sister Cui Ling left first. Right, Li Mama, does Grandmother have something to ask me over for?"


    Li Mama''s brows furrowed. Hearing these words made her heart thump suddenly. That Cui Ling girl didn''t tell the truth?


    She told Cui Ling to watch Gu Ning and not let anyone get near him, but she let others serve him instead?


    This girl was two-faced. Could she have developed ulterior motives?


    Gu Ying looked harmless. She sniffled, "Li Mama?"


    Li Mama''s eyes shed. She smiled and said, "This old servant doesn''t know. Why don''t the young miss go over and see for herself."


    Gu Ying hid the icy cold light in her eyes and revealed a weak and panicked expression. "Alright, I''ll go with Li Mama..."


    Once again returning to the Hall of Eternal Life.


    Other than Jiang Yin kneeling below the hall, and several people sitting in chairs, they were suddenly enthusiastic towards Gu Ying.


    Madam Liu walked up and pulled Gu Ying along, smiling. "Ying''er, you are the one who loves your eldest sister the most. Now you wouldn''t watch as your eldest sister''s reputation is damaged, would you?"


    Gu Ying looked up, her clear and limpid gaze looking at each person in the hall. She spoke apprehensively and reverently. "Grandmother, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, rest assured. Ying''er swears that she will absolutely not spread word of today''s events and will protect my eldest sister''s reputation."


    Madam Liu gnashed her teeth impatiently. "You foolish child!"


    Gu Ying continued pretending to be dumb. "Ying''er doesn''t understand what Eldest Aunt means."


    Madam Liu directly spoke frankly. "Ying''er, auntie will just speak straight to you. Young Master Jiang also carefully told us everything. His reason foring to the manor today was originally to confess his feelings to you. He didn''t expect to have lost his way and ended up at the ancestral hall by mistake. Speaking of which, Young Master Jiang took great pains toe here, all for your sake. Young Master Jiang''s sincerity, how could you bear to miss this opportunity?"


    The several people in the hall had different expressions.


    When Gu Ying raised her head to look at her silently tea-drinking grandmother, she sneered coldly in her heart. On the surface, however, she revealed a simple and shy expression. "Auntie, be cautious in your words. This kind of talk absolutely cannot be carelessly spoken. Not to mention whether Young Master Jiang came here for anyone''s sake, for an outside man to be able to openly avoid the manor guards and enter the ancestral hall, this matter should be carefully investigated. Our Bo Manor can''t be treated like somewhere any cat or dog can casually enter. If this got out, all the prestigious families of Bianjing wouldugh at us."


    When she said the four words "cat or dog",


    Jiang Yin''s expression froze as he tilted his head to the side. His gloomy gaze swept over the exquisite and peerless beauty''s profile, and an indescribable rage ignited in his heart.


    Now, he had alreadypromised and exined his willingness to marry her to the Old Madam. Yet she still insulted him as a cat or dog?


    Back when she had looked at him longingly and addressed him respectfully as Young Master Jiang every sentence, when had she ever been so cold to him?


    ying hard to get also had to have a limit!


    If she continued, he would find a way to take her as a concubine and slowly torment her arrogance!

 Chapter 15: Grandmother’s Mind

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    Gu Ying sighed, "Grandmother, we should investigate this. If our Bo Manor doesn''t look into this strictly, today it''s Jiang Gongzi, tomorrow it will be some other Gongzi. How can we protect the reputation of the youngdies of our manor?"


    Mrs. Liu was rendered speechless by Gu Ying''s response.


    She had deliberately concealed what happened with Dr. Liu, wanting to treat it as a misunderstanding and hoping that Gu Ying would agree to marry into the Jiang family and make a clean break.


    But she didn''t expect that the usually silly Gu Ying would now stubbornly pursue the matter.


    "Mother, just look at how Ying doesn''t even care about Jia''s life! How can we possibly investigate such a thing? Making a big fuss about it will just make us aughing stock!" Mrs. Liu said angrily as she wept off to the side.


    In her previous life, Gu Ying would have felt bad for her uncle''s wife andforted her.


    But now, her heart and mind were filled with only hatred. She felt that Mrs. Liu was hypocritical, pretentious, disgusting, hateful, and vicious.


    Gu Old Madam coughed a few times and said to Gu Ying, "Ying, the young master of Yong''an Marquis Manor has a natural disposition for womanizing. Over the years he has slept with many flowers and willows, and his back courtyards are not clean either. I heard earlier that one of his concubines is pregnant with his son, and his illegitimate eldest son will be born in two months."


    She paused and continued, "With such a family, their status is already higher than our Bo Manor to begin with. Unequal marriage leads to unhappiness; marrying into that ce will only cause you grief as a inferior wife."


    "Moreover, we''ve heard that the young marquis doesn''t like you, his betrothed fianc¨¦e matched by elders. He''s been thinking of calling off the engagement for some time now. If you are really rejected by the marquis manor in the future, which household in Bianjing would dare marry you then?"


    The old madam kindly smiled, "Jiang Gongzi is exceptional in both talent and looks. With our Bo Manor''s support, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to obtain an official position in Bianjing. Ying, are you willing?"


    At that moment, silence filled Yongshou Hall as the elders gazed at Gu Ying expectantly.


    Jiang Yin was also gripping his heart tightly, a trace of imperceptible brilliance shing in his narrow eyes.


    He knew Gu Ying wouldn''t refuse. She had feelings for him and would definitely choose to marry him.


    Gu Ying''s shapely eyebrows were knitted together, seemingly vexed but also contemtive.


    She knew everyone was waiting for her reply.


    So she deliberately yed hard to get.


    The longer she remained silent, the more anxious they became.


    When she felt enough time had passed, and they were worked up enough, she slightly curved her lips and lifted her head.


    Just as she was about to loudly dere "I''m unwilling", a panicked servant suddenly rushed in from outside.


    "Old Madam! Master! This is bad!"


    Gu Boyan irritably scolded, "Foolish ve, why are you causing amotion?"


    That servant was sweating profusely, clearly having rushed over urgently to report, "Master, this is bad! Someone from Yong''an Marquis Manor is here!"


    Like a bolt from the blue, this news created an uproar.


    Gu Old Madam and Mrs. Liu immediately shot up, "What did you say?"


    The servant swallowed and said, "It''s Uncle Fu Gui, the head steward of Yong''an Marquis Manor. He brought four or five other manor stewards with him, people we''re familiar with."


    Gu Boyan was shocked. For Yong''an Marquis Manor to make such a big show, could it be they''vee to break off the engagement?


    At a loss, he turned to look at Gu Old Madam, "Mother, what should we do about this?"


    Gu Old Madam leaned on her cane, a perplexed look shing in her eyes. But as someone who had seen storms, she was much calmer, "Don''t panic. After all the marquis manor is our inws. What could go wrong? You''re overreacting. Let us go see what this is about."


    Although she spoke as such, her heart was also thumping.


    Comparing a Bo Manor with merely wealth to the Yong''an Marquis Manor of prestigious military lineage was like heaven and earth.


    Although they were inws, the marquis manor had never associated with them before.


    For them to personally send someone as esteemed as Uncle Fu Gui today, there must be something fishy.


    Just as she was pondering the matter, the sound of ovepping footsteps suddenly came from the doorway of Yongshou Hall.


    A sonorous male voice rang out, "Old Madam! Today I''vee unannounced to pay my respects. I hope Old Madam does not me me for this impropriety!"


    The situation abruptly turned awkward.


    Although the Gu family wanted to me them, they didn''t dare to openly do so.


    With Jiang Yin still inside Yongshou Hall, Uncle Fu Gui had already entered with his people - four young stewards standing ramrod straight in the snow, each holding a red cloth-covered wooden box.


    It looked like they''vee to break off the engagement!


    Seeing this formation, the Bo Manor masters all tensed up, as if facing a formidable enemy.


    Catching sight of the young men and women inside, Uncle Fu Gui was surprised. He blinked his sharp old eyes and eximed, "Oh my, what''s going on here?"


    "This is..."


    Gu Boyan and Mrs. Liu were already at a loss for words from embarrassment.


    Mrs. Liu was annoyed that the marquis manor people didn''t understand propriety, barging straight into the back residence. But she didn''t dare speak up, only kept tugging Gu Boyan''s sleeve and signaling urgently with her eyes, "Dear, say something!"


    But Gu Boyan was a leisurely civil official. How could he talk back to the marquis manor people?


    Moreover, Uncle Fu Gui was a great hero who had followed the old marquis into battle and saved his life.


    He shrank back like a quail, not daring to say a word.


    Gu Old Madam cast a reproachful nce at the couple. It seemed only she alone could uphold the Bo Manor''s dignity now.


    So she hid Jiang Yin behind herself, changed the subject, and politelyughed, "Oh it was merely a servant who stole the youngdy''s jewelry to pawn, and we caught him. We''re interrogating him presently. I wonder why Uncle Fu Gui is here today? Does the young marquis have any instructions?"


    Jiang Yin wrinkled his brows in displeasure.


    Gu Old Madam actually called him, an exalted top schr, a thief. He was quite unhappy but kept his head lowered on principle to avoid causing more trouble.


    Uncle Fu Guiughed heartily twice. As a candid and shrewd man, he wouldn''t deliberately overstep boundaries to investigate the back residence affairs of another household.


    "Ha ha! I wonder if the second youngdy is in? Please may Old Madam summon her out."


    Everyone''s hearts tightened again, their minds confused.


    They had no idea what the marquis manor was up to, and feared they knew something and deliberately came to pick fault.


    After all, if such an ugly affair spread, it would not only damage the Gu family''s reputation, but also make it very difficult for Gu Jia to marry into the marquis household again in the future.


    They absolutely could not make any mistakes in front of Uncle Fu Gui today.


    Gu Old Madam''s expression flickered uneasily, just about to find an excuse to gloss things over.


    But unexpectedly, Gu Ying walked forward and bowed slightly to Uncle Fu Gui, "Uncle, I am the second youngdy of this manor, Gu Ying."

 Chapter 16: The Butler of the Marquis

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    Madame Gu was no longer able to stop it.


    She bit her teeth angrily, put on a stern face, red at Gu Ying fiercely, and forced out augh, "My granddaughter doesn''t understand etiquette. Uncle Fu Gui must not me her for that."


    Uncle Fu Gui looked Gu Ying up and down and saw a lovely young girl with a palm-sized small face nestled in a snow-white fox fur cor. Her features were as delicate as a painting. He quicklyughed, "No me, no me."


    Hearing Uncle Fu Gui''s polite tone, everyone was full of doubts.


    What was the Marquis Manor trying to imply?


    Weren''t they here to hold them ountable for the incident of falling into the water at the pce banquet?


    Gu Ying was also puzzled. After all, in her previous life, the young lord of the Marquis Manor had sent someone to cancel the engagement. For what reason did Uncle Fu Gui suddenlye this time?


    Her long eyshes fluttered as her bright eyes nced over.


    This capable steward of the Marquis Manor, she had only seen a few times at family banquets in her previous life. It was a pity that he...


    But it seemed there was still time to save him in this life?


    Just as Gu Ying was trying hard to recall the old man''s fate in her previous life, she heard Uncle Fu Gui call her, "Second youngdy?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyes. Her gaze was clean. "Ah? What''s the matter?"


    Uncle Fu Gui mysteriously curved his lips and raised his hand to point at the few stewards behind him.


    Everyone followed his finger and looked over.


    They saw four young and vigorous stewards uncover the red cloths on their hands, revealing the rosewood carved boxes in their hands, and they opened the wooden boxes one by one.


    Uncle Fu Gui smiled meaningfully, "Second youngdy, old madam need not be nervous. This old servant came today not for anything important. It''s just that our young lord at home had nothing to do, so he found some trinkets that girls like outside, and specially ordered this old servant to deliver them personally to Earl Manor, specifically for the second youngdy to y with."


    Not to mention Gu Ying was shocked to hear this.


    Even Jiang Yin, who was kneeling on the ground, and several elders in the room widened their eyes in shock.


    Didn''t the young lord of Yong¡¯an hate his dumb and useless fiancee?


    How could he suddenly be so attentive?


    Those seven night luminous pearls alone were precious tributes rewarded by the emperor to the pce.


    Ordinary people could not even see such treasures, yet he readily delivered them to Earl Manor for a young girl to y with?


    Gu Ying was confused. Was this entire act of "doting on his wife" a result of her praying at Su Huanfeng''s mother''s grave?


    "This... How can our Ying bear such a gift?" Liu Shi said jealously, staring longingly at the pearl jewelry, and couldn''t help saying sourly, "We are the inws to be. Why is the Marquis Manor being so polite? By the way, Uncle Fu Gui, why didn''t the young lorde in person?"


    Uncle Fu Gui smiled, "The young lord originally wanted toe in person, but was worried that meeting his fiancee before the wedding would be improper, so he reluctantly didn''te."


    Liu Shi was speechless again, embarrassed and unable to retort.


    She resentfully and enviously looked at Gu Ying, cursing her in her heart repeatedly.


    Gu Ying''s small face turned slightly red. The young lord''s "doting on his wife" act was so true to life that she was ashamed.


    After all, she and he were both clear that this engagement would be dissolved in three months.


    Even if it was to p the Gu family¡¯s face, it was still too high-profile now.


    The higher you stand, the more miserably you will fall. She had learned her lesson already. In this life, even if she had to be low-key, she would not put herself on the edge again.


    Uncle Fu Gui couldn''t help but call out again, "Second youngdy?"


    Gu Ying came back to her senses and politely said, "Uncle Fu Gui, please speak."


    An unmarried daughter was so polite and sensible to a steward.


    Uncle Fu Gui really liked this young girl. He pointed to one of the stewards and gently said, "Second youngdy, the young lord asked this old servant to give you this bow. In five days, at the winter hunting ground, the young lord wants to hunt deer with the second youngdy."


    The steward who stood out alone was very handsome, with neat and vigorous features. His long nted eyebrows flew into his sideburns. When he smiled, his bright eyes curved slightly, the corners of his eyes tilted up, and his deep dimples were very attractive. His nose was more prominent than ordinary people''s, with rosy lips, and deep eyes.


    In his hands he held a bow iid with gems, and he just stared at Gu Ying like that, "Second youngdy, please ept this."


    Under everyone''s gaze, Gu Ying took the long bow and recognized it with her discerning eyes, "Is this the LiWang Bow?"


    "Does the second youngdy recognize it?"


    "I¡ª" Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered as usual, smiled and said, "I''ve seen it in storybooks."


    It was just in her previous life, when Jiang Yin took the position of Prime Minister.


    Someone had offered the LiWang Bow to him, and she had seen it just that once.


    Legend has it that LiWang was the guardian god of the mountain, and his bow could hunt all things.


    This bow was priceless, worth thousands of gold.


    The young lord actually gave her the LiWang Bow. What was he thinking?


    Don''t let it end up as giving a dumpling to a dog that won''te back.


    The young steward didn''t miss the astonishment in Gu Ying''s eyes, but herposure surprised him a little.


    After all, he had deliberately disguised himself today to see what his fiancee was really like, a real fool or a pretend fool.


    Now it looked like... The young girl was graceful and dignified, neither humble nor overbearing.


    Without any powder or rouge, her snow-white delicate face was naturally rosy-cheeked. Her upturned nose was moist and lovely. Her apricot eyes were clean and clear like two pools of unpolluted spring water, wet and pitiful, clearly a fairy-like beauty.


    Meeting her bright smile, his heart suddenly skipped a few beats, as if something had gently bumped his heart.


    "Cough cough! Alright, since the message is delivered." Uncle Fu Gui came forward in time to block the lovestruck gaze of his young lord. "We''ll take our leave first."


    Even after they had walked out of the inner courtyard, Su Huanfeng was still immersed in Gu Ying''s gentle smile like a lotus blossoming out of clear water.


    "Uncle Fu Gui, do you think she can really ride a horse in five days?"


    Uncle Fu Gui walked respectfully behind Su Huanfeng and said, "The second youngdy is General Gu''s daughter, naturally she can ride."


    The more Su Huanfeng thought about it, the more excited he became. His Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor rose to prominence through military merits, so the daughter-inw who married into the family must be talented in both civil and military skills.


    No, she could be illiterate, but she must know martial arts.


    If she couldn''t even get on a horse, she wouldn''t be fit to be his wife!


    He looked forward to Gu Ying disying her heroism on horseback, but also felt it would be a pity if she really was just a reckless tomboy, given her fairy-like beauty.


    "Uncle Fu Gui, what is Prince Dou selling in his gourd? Why did he send night luminous pearls and the LiWang Bow to my fiancee? And have you deliver them personally? Don''t tell me Prince Dou has taken a fancy to my fiancee?"


    "How could that be?" Uncle Fu Gui reassured, "The prince has his own fianc¨¦e."


    Su Huanfeng also remembered upon hearing this.


    "How could Prince Doupete with me over a woman? He is of a cold and indifferent disposition,pletely disinterested in women. I even suspect he prefers men, and is interested in me!"


    Uncle Fu Gui solemnly said, "Young lord, mind your words!"


    The prince of the Duke''s Residence was not one to be trifled with!


    The lord and servants of Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor soon left Dongping Earl Manor.


    Huai An, who had been waiting outside Earl Manor, stroked his nose. "Go back and tell the prince the matter is settled."


    ...

 Chapter 17: Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    In the Yongshou Hall.


    Gu Ying stood there with the precious jewelry behind her and the bow of the Queen of Li in her arms. She smiled innocently and said, "Grandmother, you''ve seen it too. The young marquis is determined to marry me, so I can''t let him down. Please don''t bring up your and elder aunt''s proposal ever again. If the young marquis finds out, he might make a scene all the way to the Emperor. Then neither family would look good."


    The others had ugly expressions on their faces, yet they couldn''t act on their anger.


    "What''s more..." Gu Ying tilted her head slightly, her gaze cunningly meeting Jiang Yin''s furious and jealous gaze. She dered loudly, "In this lifetime, even if I be a nun, I will never marry Young Master Jiang."


    Jiang Yin gnashed his teeth. "Gu Ying, don''t get presumptuous¡ª"


    "It''s improper for a man and woman to address each other so directly in front of elders." Gu Ying''s eyes reddened with indignation as her voice suddenly rose, "Young Master Jiang shouldn''t have addressed me by my first name so casually!"


    He didn''t deserve to call her by name!


    Not worthy!


    Anyone could, except for him, Jiang Yin!


    The people in the hall were startled by her sudden shrill voice.


    Gu Ying forcefully suppressed the surging sourness and hatred in her heart and calmed herself. Sheughed lightly and said, "Grandmother, Ying is the young marquis''s fianc¨¦e. Please don''t involve Ying with other men in the future."


    Jiang Yin''s figure flickered in disbelief as he squinted his eyes. He didn''t expect Gu Ying to be so unwilling to marry him.


    He looked at Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying also looked at him coldly.


    It was as if boundless years of pain and darkness from the past came surging over.


    Ten years of neglect, ten years of humiliation, ten years of trampling.


    Jiang Yin''s eyes showed only surprise and anger, but Gu Ying''s eyes were filled with deep and unfathomable clouds, making her unreadable and mature beyond her years.


    "Mother, this¡ª" Liu Shi''s face turned pale with anxiety.


    But since the young marquis had sent someone personally, what could they do?


    Lady Gu red coldly at Gu Ying. "Send Young Master Jiang out first. We''ll discuss this again after the winter hunt."


    "Then I''ll take my leave first."


    Gu Ying''s chin lifted slightly as she straightened her spine.


    Right in front of Lady Gu and the others, she decisively turned and left without looking at Jiang Yin again.


    She carried the seven night pearls and the Li Queen''s bow and left the Yongshou Hall by herself.


    ...


    In the Reed Catkin Courtyard.


    As night fell, Aunt Zhao became increasingly restless.


    "Come, where''s the doctor? When we really need these useless girls to get things done, every one of them is useless!"


    A maid came in from outside and reported, "He''ll be here soon, madam. Please wait a little longer."


    Aunt Zhao sat back down on the couch again. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that something had been off with her body recently.


    Gu Shuang said, "Mother, don''t worry. Second sister doesn''t study medicine and can''t even recognize big characters. She''s just an uneducated youngdy. How could she understand all that medical theory? What she said today was just to scare you."


    Aunt Zhao calmed down for a bit. "Shuang''er, your mother doesn''t think so. Haven''t you noticed that ever since the banquet disaster, your second sister is like a different person? I think she''s been possessed by some evil spirit, which is why she suddenly knows how to read faces and fortunes."


    Gu Shuang was speechless. "There''s no such thing in this world."


    Aunt Zhao''s expression suddenly became solemn. She held Gu Shuang''s hand and said softly, "Shuang''er, don''t disbelieve. Do you know why the old madam dislikes the second wife? It wasn''t just some ipatibility in their eight characters. Back then, your grandmother¡ª"


    Before she could finish, a flower pot outside the window suddenly dropped with a loud nk, smashing heavily to the ground.


    The outside was shrouded in fog and scattered snowkes drifted down steadily, giving an eerie atmosphere.


    Aunt Zhao was badly startled. She jumped up from the couch and opened the door in panic, "What happened?"


    A maid wearing a snow hat hurried over, "It''s nothing, Madam. A stray cat identally knocked over the flower pot in the corridor."


    Aunt Zhao''s heart thumped rapidly in her chest. "Shuang''er, your mother keeps feeling uneasy. I feel like something big is going to happen in the Marquis Estate."


    Gu Shuang also showed some worry on her face as she firmly grasped her mother''s hand.


    "The doctor is here!"


    Aunt Zhao''s trusted maid Qing Bi hurriedly lifted the curtain and came in.


    She had already dismissed all the servants and maids in the courtyard for today, leaving only a few loyal ones to serve.


    Aunt Zhao quickly sat up straight and ordered the screen and curtains to be prepared.


    Soon, the doctor checked her pulse from behind the veil.


    He frowned slightly and Aunt Zhao''s heart tightened, afraid that she had some incurable illness.


    "Doctor, as you can see I''ve been hale and healthy recently. I didn''t feel anything major but this afternoon I suddenly felt some pain in my abdomen¡ª"


    "Madam, don''t worry." The doctor''s brows rxed as he put away his pulse pillow and smiled. "Congrattions, Madam. You are with child."


    "What?" Aunt Zhao stood up in excitement.


    "You''re already one month pregnant, so your pulse is still a little unstable. Ordinary doctors might not be able to tell, but I specialize in gynecology and will absolutely not be wrong."


    After seeing the doctor off, Aunt Zhao was still in a daze.


    It was true that she hadn''t had her monthly course for a month, but she never imagined that she was already pregnant.


    After all, that old witch Liu Shi kept a close eye on the Reed Catkin Courtyard. Whenever she had bedroom affairs with the Marquis, that woman would find ways to make her drink contraceptives.


    She had great difficulty conceiving a sonst time, so this time she absolutely could not let Liu Shi harm her!


    "Mother, how did second sister know that you''re pregnant?" Gu Shuang was shocked and suspicious.


    Aunt Zhao no longer dared to look down on Gu Ying. "What did I say? There must be some immortal or Taoist possessing our second youngdy! Shuang''er, go to the Twilight Studio more and get closer to your second sister. Your mother sees that she is having more and more troubles with the madam. For your little brother to be the Marquis Estate''s heir in the future, we two mothers must also make ns for this child in my womb."


    Gu Shuang smiled wryly. Just earlier she had called her a demon, and now she was an immortal. Her mother really had no principles.


    "Madam! Madam!" Qing Bi had secretly seen the doctor off but now charged in recklessly again.


    "What are you panicking for?"


    Qing Bi caught her breath and said, "You won''t believe this! The old madam secretly sent the top schr out of the estate, but as soon as he left, he was seen by several gossipy old women! Now, the rumors of the young miss and the schr''s secret tryst have spread all over Lin''an Street!"


    Lin''an Street was where many prestigious and powerful noble ns gathered. It could be said that most of the influential aristocrats, nobles and powerful ministers in Bianjing lived in this area.


    Aunt Zhao clutched her chest and slumped down. "Oh my! This is like adding fuel to fire! Now everyone knows!"


    ...


    Gu Ying walked slowly in the snow, holding the bow and the seven night pearls.

 Chapter 18: Gossip

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    She was enjoying this quiet and uneventful time right now.


    Because she knew that soon, the news of Gu Jia''s secret meeting with Jiang Yin would spread like wildfire, known all over the city.


    But Old Madam Gu could not implicate all the youngdies in the Gu family.


    For the sake of the other youngdies'' reputation, she could only find an excuse, saying that Gu Jia was already engaged to Jiang Yin.


    Jiang Yining to the Gu manor was not a secret meeting, buting to propose.


    This would protect both Gu Jia and the other youngdies of the Gu family.


    There was no other way.


    The more she thought about it, the more refreshed she felt. Standing at the door of the ancestral hall, even the dispirited Gu Jia ncing at her did not have the strength to argue with her.


    "Eldest sister, do you like the gift I gave you?"


    Gu Jia looked up in shock, "Gu Ying, what are you talking about! This was all your scheme? How could you, you fool¡ª"


    She could not believe it and stopped abruptly.


    Gu Ying''s gaze gently fell on Gu Jia''s pale face. She raised the corners of her lips into a perfect smile, "I have to think carefully about what gift to prepare for eldest sister''s grand wedding with Jiang Yin."


    Gu Jia was so angry that she gnashed her teeth and scratched at the door of the ancestral hall like crazy. She screamed at Gu Ying, "Impossible! Gu Ying, you slut! You''re spouting nonsense! I won''t marry Jiang Yin! I''ll only marry the young marquis! The young marquis is mine! How can a fool like you deserve the young marquis!"


    At this point, Gu Jia was still dreaming.


    Gu Ying even felt some pity for her and revealed apassionate smile.


    "What''s with that smile! Take it back! I don''t need your pity!"


    The calmer Gu Ying was, the more frenzied Gu Jia became.


    "Eldest sister, do you still remember Gu Min?"


    At this point, Gu Jia waspletely frozen and slid to the ground, "What are you talking about, I don''t understand..."


    Gu Ying thought of the truth she had learned in her previous life, and said painfully, "Your twin sister, Gu Min, fell into a waist-deep pond in the winter when she was ten years old. When she was pulled out, she was already stiff and died inexplicably. Everyone thought it was an ident, even Mother Liu thought so. But I know¡ª"


    She sneered as she enunciated word for word, "It was not."


    Gu Jia suddenly looked up, staring at her in disbelief.


    "Gu Ying, what nonsense are you spewing!"


    "Aren''t you afraid that Aunt Liu would know?"


    "You dare¡ª"


    Murderous intent shed in Gu Jia''s frightened and terrified expression. It showed that she had achieved her goal.


    Just this piece of information was enough to make Gu Jia suffer in the ancestral hall, not to mention she still had other tricks up her sleeve waiting for Gu Jia.


    Gu Ying smiled coldly and did not borate further. She turned and left the ancestral hall.


    "Miss, everything is done!"


    Yanzhi popped open a pink oil-paper umbre and ran smiling along the narrow bluestone path from the side door. When she reached Gu Ying''s side, she held the bamboo umbre over her head to shield her from the swirling snowkes. She tilted her head and smiled charmingly, "Miss, you really can foresee everything. How did you know those gossipy women who often loiter around the alley next to ourne, just waiting to catch wind of things happening in rich families'' back courtyards?"


    Gu Ying chuckled softly, "Because I had a dream where I secretly met with Jiang Yin, just like today. As Jiang Yin was escorted out of the Gu manor, he happened to be seen by several gossipy women at the gate, so the news spread that I was promiscuous and wore a green hat on the young marquis."


    Yanzhi listened in bewilderment, "What a nightmare! Fortunately, Miss had me go out in advance to get someone to stake out there. As soon as Master Jiang came out, that person deliberately made amotion, causing the entire street to know."


    Gu Ying did not say anything more. Tonight would be a sleepless night for them, so she could not rest either.


    Since Dr. Liu was closely associated with Mother Liu, she would have to start with him regarding her brother''s illness.


    "Yanzhi, let''s first bring some food to A Ning."


    "Alright." Yanzhi felt that her young miss was really bing smarter, trying to get close to the second branch. She spoke encouragingly, "In the future, Miss must treat the young master well. The young master is sickly and has no parents to apany him. In this manor, Miss is the young master''s only kin."


    Gu Ying felt ufortable hearing this. She murmured in agreement as she personally went to the kitchen to prepare lots of food for Gu Ning before bringing it to Yu Feng Studio.


    Cui Ling was dozing off beside the incense burner in the room to keep night vigil. After Gu Ying gave her a bangle, the maid reluctantly went to sleep.


    Gu Ning was still curled up in the quilt on the bed. His legs hardly moved at all. His whole body was lifeless, slumped against the pillow. He stared nkly at the canopy with a dull gaze.


    He had no appetite and did not like to eat, bing nothing but skin and bones.


    After eating just one bite of the snacks Gu Ying brought, he could eat no more. He turned his head away, "Don''t want to eat."


    Gu Ying coaxed, "Eating more will help A Ning get better."


    "Can''t get better," Gu Ning shook his head. His eyes were somewhat empty and distracted. "Don''t pity me."


    Gu Ying''s heart ached seeing how a maid had tormented her brother into this state. She was increasingly eager to move him into Twilight Studio to take care of him herself.


    Yanzhi worried, "I''m afraid Old Madam will not be happy about this."


    Gu Ying pondered briefly, "Not just Old Madam, I''m afraid Mother Liu won''t agree either."


    Yanzhi said indignantly, "Our second branch''s affairs have nothing to do with Old Madam. Miss, go find Old Madam tomorrow. Our own young master, we will take care of him ourselves!"


    Gu Ying put down the snacks in her hand and looked at Gu Ning''s frighteningly pale little face. She felt that the blood vessels under his skin were clearly visible, making the boy look like he was on his deathbed.


    In her previous life, Gu Ning had died the day after she married Jiang Yin.


    At that time, she wanted to return home to take a look at her brother''s corpse, but Jiang Yin did not allow it. Her eyes were swollen from crying, yet she did not get to see her brother for thest time. She only heard that in the end, the Gu manor used a tattered mat to shroud his body and quietly sent him out of the city to be buried somewhere unknown.


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the more stifling her chest felt. The howling wind and snow outside grew louder, and her chest felt more and more suffocating.


    No matter what, she could not let her brother go down the old path of his previous life again.


    "Today is about Gu Jia''s lifelong happiness, yet Mother Liu still refused to hand over Dr. Liu. Yanzhi, why do you think this is?"


    Yanzhi thought for a while. She was simple-minded and could only make wild guesses, "Miss, could Dr. Liu be Old Madam''s person?"


    Gu Ying''s mind lit up suddenly. Her eyes curved as she looked at Yanzhi appreciatively, "Aunt Liu''s person, this person is worth looking into! Is he someone who handles affairs, or someone with other unspeakable rtions?"


    After all, she had seen with her own eyes Mother Liu identally drop a pearl hairpin in Yu Feng Studio before.


    To keep up appearances asionally, Mother Liu would alsoe to visit her sick son. Dr. Liu was also an excellent doctor with superb medical skills that Mother Liu had found from outside.


    At that time, she did not think too much about it, but it seemed rather dubious in hindsight!

 Chapter 19: Reincarnation

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Mrs. Liu had not been favored for many years. After giving birth to Gu Jia and Gu Min, she never got pregnant again. The few children in the Gu manor were all born by concubines.


    As an unsettleddy, she was inevitably lonely and depressed -


    "Could it be that she got a lover?" Yanzhi widened her big eyes.


    Gu Ying frowned slightly, "It''s not clear yet. I know A Ning can''t continue taking medicine from Dr. Liu anymore."


    In her previous life, Dr. Liu was just a fleeting nce in her life. After she got married, her brother also died, and Dr. Liu''s whereabouts were unknown. She didn''t ask about him either.


    However, since she was reborn, she should investigate properly.


    "Yanzhi, let''s go back first. Don''t let Dr. Liu and others be wary. Otherwise, we might startle the snake in the grass. It will be difficult to investigate what we want," said Gu Ying.


    "Yes, youngdy."


    ...


    After returning to Murmuring Snow Lodge, Gu Ying solemnly hung the Bow of Li King on the wall.


    After tidying up, Yanzhi leaned on the table, watching the seven pearls gleaming with great interest.


    "What does the young master mean by gifting the youngdy seven Night Luster Pearls? I understand very well. But gifting a bow, what does it mean?"


    Gu Ying stood in front of the Bow of Li King with her head slightly raised and a clear gaze, "Oh? What do you understand?"


    Yanzhi smiled teasingly with her cheeks in her hands, "Seven, pearls, means, I, will, be, your, wife."


    Gu Ying chuckled, "Far-fetched."


    Yanzhi pouted her lips, "I still have some talent in guessing the meaning."


    Gu Ying smiled faintly and looked over, "Then guess now, what is your youngdy thinking?"


    Yanzhi rolled her eyeballs around and said, "The youngdy is thinking about what valuable gifts we should give in return for the young master''s generous presents."


    Gu Ying raised her slender eyebrows in surprise, "You little maid actually guessed right."


    Yanzhi smiled proudly, "Hehe, how about it? Let me boldly guess again what gift the youngdy wants to give back."


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows rose even higher as she waited for Yanzhi''s answer.


    Yanzhi stroked her non-existent beard mysteriously and said in a low voice, "In five days, the Royal Winter Hunt will take ce. The youngdy wants to give the young master a deer. How about it, did I guess correctly?"


    Gu Ying was speechless, she had beenpletely seen through.


    Deer were sacred beasts. They would be Cyan Deer after a thousand years and Mysterious Deer after two thousand years. Every year, twelve deer would be released into the royal hunting grounds.


    If someone hunted down a sacred deer in the hunting grounds, they would receive a reward from the Emperor.


    If they didn''t want the reward, they could give the hunted sacred deer to someone they wanted to gift it to, meaning they owed that person a wish.


    As long as that person made any request, as long as it did not vite the ethics of Jianghu, the person who gifted the sacred deer must fulfill it.


    She had thought about it. This was the only way to repay the young master for his great help.


    "Is the second youngdy in the yard?"


    While the mistress and maid were talking, a woman''s voice suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard.


    Yanzhi was instantly nervous, "Youngdy, not many peoplee to our small courtyard on ordinary days. It''s alreadyte at night, who woulde looking for the youngdy?"


    "It''s fine, go take a look," Gu Ying poured herself a cup of hot tea and took a slow sip, "Even if the sky falls down, your youngdy will hold it up."


    Yanzhi was relieved and went out to open the door. She saw Qing Bi holding antern and leading a woman in a ck cloak standing at the door. She eximed in surprise, "Sister Qing Bi, why did youe sote at night? And this is¡ª"


    Aunt Zhao lowered her hat, revealing a pretty white face, "It''s me."


    Yanzhi was even more confused. She quickly led the two in and closed the courtyard door.


    Aunt Zhao turned around and let Qing Bi stay with Yanzhi to guard Murmuring Snow Lodge. She went into the main house alone.


    "The second youngdy hasn''t slept yet?"


    "Not yet, Auntie have a seat."


    Gu Ying sat under themp. The warm yellow candlelight enveloped her exquisitely beautiful face, making her look like a fairy, almost dazzling Aunt Zhao''s eyes.


    She didn''t realize Gu Ying was so good looking before!


    It had only been two days, how did she be like a different person, as if she had really been possessed by a fairy?


    Aunt Zhao suddenly felt a sense of admiration. She sat down in front of Gu Ying with a smile, "Second youngdy, let''s not beat around the bush. I listened to you today and found a doctor to take a look. The doctor said I''m healthy and it''s just that I''m pregnant with the master''s child."


    Seeing Aunt Zhao look rather smug, Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Since Auntie is pregnant with elder brother''s child, it''s best not to spread the word."


    Aunt Zhao pursed her lips. She originally wanted to tell the master this good news to make him happy.


    But on second thought, that cheap woman Liu wouldn''t even have her own kids, how could she allow others to give birth? She mustn''t let this leak out.


    She turned to look at Gu Ying, her eyes bright as she eagerly grabbed Gu Ying''s little hand, "A Ying, you''re Auntie''s mentor now. Tell Auntie, will I be able to safely deliver this child in my belly?"


    Gu Ying blinked. Was this still the same Aunt Zhao who would snap at her whenever possible in her previous life?


    Staring at her pitifully like a little puppy.


    "Cough cough, it depends on whether Auntie wants this child or not."


    Aunt Zhao quickly said, "Of course I do!"


    "As long as Auntie listens to me, it''ll be fine."


    Aunt Zhao''s eyes lit up, "Then immortal mentor, is my child a son or daughter?"


    Gu Ying felt helpless. Aunt Zhao really took her for a fortune teller?


    "Let me calcte it," she happily yed along with Aunt Zhao. In the future, Aunt Zhao would certainly take her words as sacred decrees. "Auntie''s child will certainly be a son."


    "Really!" Aunt Zhao was overjoyed, tightly grabbing Gu Ying''s hand with burning eyes.


    Gu Ying nodded sagely, "Absolutely true. If it''s not a son, Auntie cane kill me."


    After all, when Aunt Zhao miscarried in her previous life, the fetus was already formed as a boy, unfortunately he was killed by Liu''s schemes.


    Ever since then, Aunt Zhao had be a little crazy. Elder brother no longer favored Aunt Zhao either.


    Aunt Zhao bluntly said, "Second youngdy, you''re my benefactor. As long as you can help me keep this child, I''ll be utterly devoted to you in the Gu household!"


    Gu Ying didn''t know how her image had suddenly be so tall in Aunt Zhao''s eyes. She quickly smiled, "Auntie is too polite. A Ying will have to trouble Auntie a lot in the future."


    "Of course, of course!"


    Gu Ying thought for a moment, then gently said, "Since that''s the case, starting tomorrow, Auntie can pretend that your period is dragging on abnormally, and that your health is deteriorating daily. Persuade elder brother to invite a highly respected physician toe."


    Aunt Zhao paused slightly, a sh of light in her eyes, "I understand! A Ying, you really are an immortal reborn! Auntie understands everything now!"


    With endless periods, elder brother wouldn''te to her yard. When Liu knows she can''t serve him, her gaze will shift to other yards.


    Then by heavily rewarding a trusted doctor, she can nurture the child in her belly secretly.

 Chapter 20: Sister Has Changed

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    ¡°What if my belly keeps getting bigger?¡±


    Gu Ying calmly sipped her tea, the corner of her lips curving coldly. ¡°Mrs. Liu will not live to see Auntie''s belly grow big.¡±


    Aunt Zhao swallowed hard, startled by Gu Ying¡¯s words. Yet she found it thrilling that Second Miss was finally standing up against the domineering Mrs. Liu. If Liu lost favor and was discarded by the elder master, she could take the chance to move up in status!


    The two happily formed an alliance.


    After sending Aunt Zhao away, Gu Ying looked up at the dark night sky. The snow was falling heavier and the wind was howling. It was so simr to that winter when Gu Min had died.


    She stood in the snow for a while before going back to her room and taking out some clean sheets of white paper.


    Yanzhi came running back, shaking the snowkes off her head. She said, ¡°Miss, shall we rest for a bit?¡±


    Gu Ying stood at the desk, staring intently at the white paperid out. She raised her hand and bit down hard on her finger. Blood beads quickly emerged.


    Yanzhi was shocked. ¡°Miss, why are you biting yourself like a dog? So much blood, it worries me to death!¡±


    Gu Ying smiled. ¡°It¡¯ste and quiet. I want to give Gu Jia a big gift.¡±


    Having said that, she wrote the four blood-red characters for ¡°Vengeful Spirit Seeking Life¡± on the white paper with her blood.


    ...


    This was the first good sleep Gu Ying had after her rebirth.


    She woke up the next morning still in her maiden chamber from her youth.


    Her heart settled back into her chest.


    It was just getting light outside. In the vast Gu manor with its carved beams and painted rafters, the exquisite pavilions and towers, the servant girls were orderly walking about their morning tasks.


    Gu Ying sat up and opened the embroidered pink bed curtains. Yanzhi came in with the daily medicine balls that every young miss in the manor had to take. She chattered on, reporting all the news she had gleaned from the various courtyards.


    ¡°Miss, Old Madam is already fretting herself to distraction over those rumors outside. She didn¡¯t sleep all night and now has three more wrinkles on her face!¡±


    Gu Ying got out of bed and slipped on her embroidered shoes. She went to sit at the table and stared at the pitch-ck medicine ball. ¡°What about Mrs. Liu?¡±


    Yanzhi smiled sweetly as she recounted in an orderly fashion, ¡°Mrs. Liu is even more distressed. Early this morning when she heard Eldest Miss was raving mad in the ancestral hall, screaming for mercy from Sister Min, she was so frightened she didn¡¯t even eat breakfast. Ignoring Old Madam¡¯s objections, she went to the hall herself. But after Eldest Miss was scared out of her wits by us all night, now her mind is hazy. When she saw Mrs. Liu¡¯s face she let out a shriek that frightened all the servant girls. Everyone is now saying Eldest Miss is possessed. Old Madam is Buddhist and can¡¯t stand talk of evil spirits, so she immediately had Mama Li drag Eldest Miss out of the hall to see a doctor. But it¡¯s not so simple - Mama Li secretly sent her son Steward Wu out of the manor, though who knows who he went to find.¡±


    Who could he be going to find?


    Mama Li was Grandmother''s trusted confidante, and Steward Wu her only son. He had always covertly handled affairs for Grandmother.


    When Grandmother encountered incidents, there was one person she always looked for.


    That was the eminent Daoist Master Qingfeng of the Qingyun Daoist Temple. He specialized in exorcising evil spirits and all kinds of ult arts.


    However, Gu Ying was rtively satisfied with this oue. She didn''t want Gu Jia to die immediately. She still wanted to see Gu Jia marry Jiang Yin and watch the couple sink into the mire, never to rise again in this life.


    "Let her live for now. She still has to attend the winter hunt in five days."


    Yanzhi pointed at the medicine ball in the box. ¡°Miss, will you still take this beauty tonic then?¡±


    Gu Ying picked up the medicine ball and sniffed it.


    Every young miss in the manor took this stuff. Mrs. Liu had Dr. Liu specially concoct it for them, iming it could nourish the skin for beauty and leave the girls with creamy whiteplexions and naturally fragrant bodies.


    This was something she had grown used to eating in herst life. Even now the smell was still familiar.


    But she didn¡¯t dare touch it anymore. After all, in her previous life after eating these beauty pills, her menses had never been normal. The Jiang family had cursed her as a barren hen who couldn¡¯ty eggs... How could the pills not have contributed?


    Now she was almost of marrying age yet still hadn¡¯t had her first period. There must be something wrong with the medicine.


    ¡°I won¡¯t take it anymore,¡± she said lightly. ¡°Let Mrs. Liu bear the consequences of what she sowed herself. It¡¯s best to leave these things for her own daughters.¡±


    ...


    After breakfast, a message came from Yongshou Hall saying the young misses of each courtyard need not attend the morning and evening rituals today.


    Gu Ying had wanted to bring up moving her younger brother to Twilight Snow Studio, but the matter was dropped for now.


    She took Yanzhi with her and walked around Yongshou Hall. It turned out Old Madam had made the first move, taking Mrs. Liu to visit the Jiang family early in the morning to discuss Gu Jia''s marriage to Jiang Yin, in order to stop the rumors swirling around the capital.


    Gu Ying gazed at Cangwu Pavilion where Gu Jia lived. All those miserable and hopeless memories shed through her mind.


    Now, their fates were reversed. Gu Jia was about to be Jiang Yin''s wife.


    She felt extremely gratified, yet also vaguelyplex.


    "Miss, this servant is truly happy this time." Yanzhi''s eyes grew moist and she couldn''t help dabbing at her tears. "In the future, our days in the Gu manor will surely get better and better."


    "Mm." Gu Ying drew her gaze back and squeezed the little maid''s hand. "We''re going out today," she said with a smile.


    "Ah? Going out?"


    Yanzhi was shocked. The young miss wasn''t thinking of looking for Young Master Jiang again, was she?!


    Gu Ying said lightly, "To West Market."


    Yanzhi''s little face instantly wrinkled. Wasn''t Young Master Jiang''s residence in West Market? Back then she had even gone to West Market to secretly deliver letters for the young miss...


    The more she thought about it, the more anxious Yanzhi felt, as if clumps of her hair were falling out.


    Gu Ying didn''t think too much of it. She just wanted to attend the winter hunt in four days and now that she had a good bow, she still needed a fine saddle. It was a nice day today so she thought she''d go out to West Market and choose one.


    She had a carriage prepared and waiting at the back gate of the manor.


    First she went to Muffeng Studio to watch Gu Ning eat. When Cui Ling brought in the medicine, she only said it was hot and that she would feed her brother herselfter.


    Cui Ling was toozy to serve Gu Ning. Feeding him medicine was like going to battle each time. If someone wanted to help her, she was more than happy to hand over the task. After all, the proper daughter of Second Wife didn''t have much standing in the manor and couldn''t say much either. She was also a bit dull, relying entirely on First Wife.


    Not like her - the cherished daughter raised in indulgence by Mama Liu. She didn''t look up to Gu Ying one bit.


    Thus, she wheedled yet another pair of fine earrings from Gu Ying before sauntering off, highly delighted.


    Once Cui Ling left, Gu Ying''s expression turned icy cold as she mercilessly poured the ck medicinal broth into the flower pot.


    Gu Ning stared nkly at her. The previous two times, he had thought his sister was just pretending to be a caring sister in front of the manor''s elders and servants.


    From this moment on, he fully felt his sister had changed.

 Chapter 21: Who Knows What

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    A Ning, from now on other than the things your sister gives you, don''t eat anything from anyone else.


    Gu Ning couldn''t get any words out. He felt like his sister was somehow different than before.


    "As for your illness," Gu Ying said with an upturned lip and gentle voice, "Your sister already has a way to cure your illness. Stay in the Mu Feng Lodge for now and wait for your sister''s good news."


    The distracted look in Gu Ning''s eyes focused a little as some light returned to them. "What do you mean?"


    Gu Ying paused to think for a moment. Many things couldn''t be aplished all at once, it had to be done slowly. So she lovingly stroked his head and said, "A Ning, just be good and wait. Anyone could harm you, but your sister won''t."


    After finishing speaking, she exhorted him a couple more times, then went out the manor gate with Cui Ling.


    Cui Ling came in through the door and looked at the room in confusion. "Second young miss left?"


    Gu Ning''s gaze sharpened and he quickly hid himself under the nkets without saying a word.


    Cui Ling swayed her willowy waist and walked to the bedside. She red contemptuously at the young master under the nkets and said sourly, "You''re just a lucky young master who was born into the right family. Otherwise, even if you were thrown onto the streets, no one would be willing to touch you."


    She remembered her mother''s urging for her to get pregnant by this young master as soon as possible. But her mother was really foolish. Gu Ning was just a teenage boy whose legs were crippled. That thing down there was probably useless too. How could he possibly get her pregnant?


    If she wanted to climb upwards, she would have to find another way.


    Thinking this, she mischievously reached under the nkets and groped the youth''s buttocks.


    Gu Ning was so frightened that his whole body tensed up.


    Cui Lingughed loudly and gleefully. She picked up the dog feces she had just gathered from outside and dumped it all over him.


    "Hurry up and eat it, young master, young lord. This stuff is what you should be eating! Hahaha! And you still think you''re the Bao Manor''s young lord. You''re not even as good as me, a maidservant!"


    As she said this, she flipped his nkets open. Her small hands pulled down his pants.


    Gu Ning trembled in fright, a cold light shed in his beautiful eyes.


    But Cui Ling didn''t care at all. She stared fixedly at his...


    She narrowed her eyes. "If you weren''t a little cripple, I, Cui Ling, might have been willing to be your woman. What a pity..." You stink right now. I wouldn''t be willing to lower myself!"


    Gu Ning clenched his fists tightly, breathing heavily. His eyes that seemed to want to eat someone red at her, darkening. In the depths of his eyes, a faint furious fire continuously burned.


    "What are you looking at, useless cripple!"


    Gu Ning was fiercely pped, his little face knocked to the side.


    But since his legs were crippled, he couldn''t move at all. He didn''t dare provoke this crazy woman either, so he could only endure it, trembling in that pile of disgusting feces and urine.


    After tormenting the boy for a while, Cui Ling felt extremely refreshed.


    Right then, Steward Wu snuck over to find her. His coarse hands pulled her out of Gu Ning''s room. He put his arm around her waist, and his mouth went straight for her neck. He hurriedly and impatiently said, "Little slut, have you missed me these days!"


    Cui Ling''s breathing became erratic. She pushed against the man''s chest flirtatiously, and angrily said, "Why are you in such a hurry? That crippled young master is still lying inside! What if someone sees us like this?"


    "I already sent away everyone outside. No one is here now." Steward Wu leered and became even more brazen. He simply picked Cui Ling up and carried her back into the room. Right in front of Gu Ning, he put her onto the table, tore her clothes off, pressed down on top of her, and said, "Besides, this courtyard is so remote. Who woulde see this cripple? Cui Ling, let''s have fun, okay my darling? You must have missed me. You wanted a child didn''t you? I''ll give you one right now."


    Cui Ling''s body softened and she cried out beneath the steward on the table.


    The two people''s breathing intertwined, gradually bing intoxicated with passion.


    ...


    Gu Ying took Cui Ling and went towards the West Market of Bianjing.


    Bianjing was the imperial capital, and naturally exquisitely splendid. But even the most prosperous ces had dark, hidden corners.


    The West Market was one such existence.


    It was scattered with countless impoverished peddlers andmoners who could only earn money throughbor. There were all kinds of shops for paintings, calligraphy, cksmiths, wineries, teahouses.


    And coincidentally, before Jiang Yin passed the imperial exam, his family lived right in the West Market.


    To support Jiang Yin''s studies, his mother Sun Shi and younger sister Jiang Ling''er had always washed clothes and did mending on this street, supplementing the household expenses and his school fees.


    In the past, she felt that although Jiang Yin was poor, he had high aspirations. He could use his studies to raise his mother and sister out of the mire and into a big house. She thought he was an admirable and likable man.


    This was also part of the reason she was willing to marry him. After all, what she liked in her heart were men who were motivated and capable. She was also willing to suffer hardships with him, and work together to improve the Jiang family''s circumstances.


    But what did it amount to in the end?


    It resulted in his coldness, his betrayal, his abandonment, his insults and torment...


    Whenever Gu Ying thought of this, she felt suffocated.


    The carriage stopped not far from the Jiang residence. Large snowkes fell gently, covering the earth in silvery white.


    The dark blue walls and ck roof tiles were also covered in ayer of snow, making the winter scene even more frigid. Gu Ying gazed at the Jiang family''s old house that she hadn''t seen in a long time, dazing for a moment before getting off the carriage.


    Today, Elder Lady Gu came to discuss marriage. The entrance to the Jiang residence was crowded with onlookingmoners, leaving barely any space to pass through.


    She stood outside the crowds, and immediately saw Jiang Ling''er, who had stolen Jiang Yin''s affections in her previous life. She also fell pregnant with Jiang Yin''s child, but viciously aborted it to frame her.


    Jiang Ling''er stood weakly and delicately at the entrance, like a fragile little white flower. Her eyes were slightly red, as if she had just cried.


    The Jiang residence was lively inside, while outside, the crowds gossiped. They all said that after Jiang Yin passed the imperial exam as the second highest schr, he would soon achieve great sess and wealth.


    Even Elder Lady Gu of the Dongping Gu Manor personally came to discuss marriage arrangements. They were all extremely envious and jealous.


    But Jiang Ling''er put on a pretense of strength on her face. She didn''t look happy at all. When no one was paying attention, her eyes that harbored deep feelings kept ncing at Jiang Yin.


    In that moment, Gu Ying suddenly felt a chill rush from her feet up to her chest.


    In her previous life, she had been the wife. So she hadpletely failed to realize that although Jiang Ling''er was an adopted daughter of the Jiang family, she grew up together with Jiang Yin and had long harbored deep feelings for him!


    As she worked hard to earn money to support Jiang Yin''s studies, could Jiang Yin''s heart have been untouched by this "good younger sister"?


    A cold wind blew at that time, and the snow felt like des scraping her face. Gu Yingughed bitterly,ughing at her own foolishness for not realizing Jiang Ling''er''s feelings and true face earlier. She had let Jiang Ling''er bully her in the Jiang residence for two whole years.


    "Miss, why are your eyes red?" Cui Ling frowned with worry.


    She also didn''t know if it was just her imagination, but whenever it involved Young Master Jiang, the young miss seemed to easily cry.


    Could it be...the young miss still hadn''t gotten over Young Master Jiang in her heart, and was reluctant for him to marry the eldest young miss?


    That would not be good.

 Chapter 22: The Unmarried Couple

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    "You silly girl!" Yanzhi bit her lip, a little angry, "Master Jiang is nowhere near as good as the young master. Let''s not watch anymore, alright?"


    Gu Ying pulled her mouth into a smile. "What nonsense you speak. Mydy does not cling to him, she came here on purpose tough at him."


    Hearing this, Yanzhi felt a little better. "Mydy should have said so earlier, you scared my heart into thumping wildly."


    Gu Ying did not want to watch any longer, and turned to leave.


    But before she could, a cold, sharp male voice suddenly called out to her. "Second Miss Gu, what brings you here?"


    It seemed he thought of something, for his voice quickly took on a mocking, disdainful tone. "Could it be Second Miss hase specifically to watch my engagement?"


    He knew, all her previous actions were but an act, a facade.


    She cared for him in her heart, unwilling to let him marry her elder sister.


    Gu Ying silently rolled her eyes, turned around, and looked upon Jiang Yin''s slender figure. She smiled breezily, entirely at ease. "Brother-inw, shouldn''t you be inside speaking of marriage with Grandmother instead of out here?"


    Jiang Ling''er had silentlye up by now, and grasped Jiang Yin''s washed-out white sleeve with her small hand. "Brother, do not quarrel with the young miss from the Gu manor... let us go back..." Her voice was timid, eyes glimmering wetly with a faint flush, giving off a helpless and feeble air that evoked pity.


    The icy look in Jiang Yin''s eyes softened, showing some tenderness towards Jiang Ling''er.


    Gu Ying gave a cold mockingugh.


    She was truly blind before, to not have noticed such obvious affection between master and concubine. She had been earnest and attentive towards Jiang Ling''er, treating the young miss well enough that she ended up in her own husband''s bed, bing pregnant ahead of his proper wife.


    "Brother, the young miss from Gu manores from a prestigious family, wemon folk should not offend her... don''t be... fierce with her." Although Jiang Ling''er''s looks were ordinary, her voice was timid, eyes shimmering with moisture and tinged red - altogether presenting a helpless and frail appearance that tugged at one''s heartstrings.


    "Ling''er, go back first, I''ll return shortly."


    Having said thus, Jiang Yin roughly grabbed Gu Ying''s wrist and pulled her into a nearby alley, forcefully pushing her against the wall.


    "Gu Ying." The man narrowed his long eyes fiercely, dropping the pretense of a gentlemb, revealing unfamiliar viciousness. "Just what are you trying to do? Although I''ve said before I don''t like you, you''ve stubbornly pestered me relentlessly. And now, just when I''m willing to marry you, you deliberately act aloof and indifferent - are you trying to get my attention?"


    The narrow alley was deserted.


    Yanzhi anxiously stood guard at the entrance, fearing someone would chance by and see.


    Gu Ying had been through life and death before, so she did not care about such things.


    She only wished she could peel Jiang Yin''s shameless face off, and stab knives into each other''s chests.


    She curved her lips slightly, beautiful eyes glimmering, meeting his furious and sinister gaze head on. The smile at the corner of her lips deepened. "Things have reached this point, yet you still think I''m deliberately ying hard to get?"


    Her tone waspletely unlike the deferential, silly and foolish Gu Ying of the past.


    Jiang Yin''s lips pressed tight, a flicker of confusion crossed his face before seeing her challenging eyes again reignited the ze of fury in his chest. "Since you don''t care about me, why did you show up today? You did this on purpose, you must have!"


    Gu Ying looked at him in disgust, pushed him away. "The winter hunt is in four days. I merely came out to buy saddle pads, Master Jiang is ttering himself too much."


    "Gu Ying! Do not anger me!"


    Jiang Yin did not know what raw nerve had been struck, perhaps it was a man''s possessive nature. He ground his teeth and reached out with his long arms, wanting to pull the thoughtless woman before him into an embrace.


    But before he could act, a sleeved arrow suddenly cut through the air with a whistle, barely grazing his eyshes as it flew past and pierced heavily into the stone wall.


    Not just him, even Gu Ying across from him nched.


    She hurriedly turned to look, and saw at the entrance to the narrow alley, a tall and upright figure standing amidst the snowy vista, the vast snowy mist pulling his form tall and straight. He was d in cold and imposing ck fox fur, giving him an aloof yet dignified air.


    In that moment the north wind howled fiercely, snow swirled like banners.


    His brow and eyes were elegant, still damp from the snow which enhanced the refined beauty of those eyes.


    Gu Ying''s heart stirred, and inexplicably, her eyes grew somewhat moist.


    "Young master!"


    She revealed a smile, pulled free of Jiang Yin''s hand, and ran towards the man.


    The woman''s soft body leapt into his embrace. Zhao Changdu''srge hand froze briefly, but soon he put his arm around her, his gaze coldly fixed on Jiang Yin standing opposite. His voice was low and sonorous. "What did Top Schr Jiang do to my fianc¨¦e?"


    Jiang Yin''s vision was obscured by the heavy snow, he could not see the man''s features clearly.


    When he finally saw the extraordinarily handsome face, he was frightened into momentary speechlessness by the man''s imposing manner.


    "Y-young...master... I... I did not... she seduced me."


    Zhao Changdu''s face was like an cold deity, a slight knit of his brow exponentially increased the pressure, enough to weaken Jiang Yin''s legs and make him want to kneel.


    "Did you seduce him?" Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to look at the coquettish girl in his arms.


    Gu Ying wrinkled her brow and shook her head. "Young master, I did not. You alone have my heart, no other man. He nders me."


    The line of the man''s jaw tightened minutely, his sexy, low voice devoid of any emotion in the snowyndscape. "I see."


    Just four simple words, an indifferent tone, yet seething with menace.


    Jiang Yin considered himself ruthless, yet in this man''s presence, he was reduced in magnitude.


    "Young master, I swear!" He clenched his fists and knelt with a thud in the thick snow. Anxiously he pleaded, "This lowly one harbors no improper thoughts about your fianc¨¦e!"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes werezy and aloof. "Huai An."


    Huai An stepped forward and halted. "Young master?"


    Zhao Changdu did not deign to look at Jiang Yin''s spineless form. His voice was low. "Beat him up, but don''t maim him. And leave no visible wounds."


    Having said thus, he turned, still holding Gu Ying, and even graciously reminded, "Don''t let his blood sully Second Miss''s sight."


    Gu Ying gave an amused chuckle, touched at being shielded unreasonably for the first time. A faint blush tinged her cheeks.


    Once out of the narrow alley, her body stiffened upon smelling the faint sandalwood scent of the unfamiliar man holding her, bringing back unpleasant memories of her past life...


    Her lips were pale as she struggled. "Young master, you can let me go now."


    "Use me then toss me away?"


    "I did not mean it that way..." Gu Ying''s tone grew urgent. This man''s aura was powerful, holding her petite body was like clutching a mountain. She grew nervous, and looked up earnestly to exin, "It wouldn''t look proper for us to be like this on the main street."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his gaze. This girl had willow brows and apricot eyes, her face norger than a palm, yet was shockingly pretty.


    In a rare gentle tone he solemnly said, "Nothing improper about a betrothed couple. What matter if others see?"

 Chapter 23: She Is Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Gu Ying''s clear eyes shed a hint of confusion. It was said that the Young Marquis was frivolous and unrestrained, but this man was as cold as the King of Hell, speaking these teasing words without the slightest frivolity or vulgarity. Yet somehow he still seemed odd.


    "Young Marquis? You''ve forgotten," she kindly reminded him, "We will annul the engagement in three months."


    Zhao Changdu lightly coughed, his cold and white handsome face even more refined in the heavy snow, his naturally gifted appearance as striking as a celestial being.


    "I haven''t forgotten," he said, before letting her go.


    That soft and warm feminine scent left his embrace. Zhao Changdu faintly knit his brows, feeling strangely insecure with her gone from his arms.


    The tension left Gu Ying''s mind and body, only to be reced by a wave of sour sorrow. After enduring such torment, she was actually quite afraid of being so close to a man. Perhaps for the rest of her life she would be unable to interact with men naturally and intimately, destined to live out her years alone.


    She discreetly moved several steps away from him, maintaining a safe distance, before calling Yanzhi over.


    Apanying Yanzhi was the attendant Huai An.


    The two chatted in hushed voices as they walked over.


    Jiang Yin''s figure was no longer visible down the narrow alley. Gu Ying didn''t care to see what state he was left in after being beaten by Huai An. She no longer cared to waste any feelings on that scumbag.


    With Yanzhi here, she finally breathed a deep sigh of relief.


    Whether it was the past few days or today, she was truly grateful for Su Huanfeng''s help. So she asked caringly, "With such heavy wind and snow today, what is the Young Marquis doing in the Western Market?"


    The weather in Bianjing was extremely harsh and cold. Most nobles would hunker down in theirvishly decorated mansions to drink wine around the stove, appreciate dancing beauties, and enjoy fine cuisine during the winter days, seldoming out to the Western Market.


    But Gu Ying didn''t know the man standing beside her wasn''t some Young Marquis of Yong''an, but rather the Heir Apparent Zhao Changdu of the Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    The old Duke had followed the Founding Emperor from the countryside, leading hundreds of peasants all the way from Jiang Prefecture to Bianjing. The Zhao n was instrumental in the founding of Dong Li, and was bestowed iron vouchers and vermillion edicts by the emperor to construct the Zhenguo Duke Manor after the establishment of the dynasty, with sessive generations inheriting the title in perpetuity. This was a glory unmatched by anyone else in the entire Dong Li Kingdom.


    Zhao Changdu had followed his grandfather the old Duke on campaigns to the bordends for years, always with knitted brows. A military man fully immersed in ughter, with an aura of violence about him, clearly not one to be easily provoked.


    He had always been cold and merciless towards women, but when Gu Ying raised her flushed cheeks wrapped in thick fur towards him, he felt his heart tremble, as if he had known her for lifetimes.


    "I''m apanying a friend to buy saddles," Zhao Changdu replied coolly and mockingly. "And you? Did you reallye out because of Jiang Yin?"


    Gu Yingughed helplessly. She quickly held up three fingers to rify she had nothing to do with Jiang Yin. "I''m also here to buy a saddle. Don''t joke around, Young Marquis. Jiang Gongzi will soon be my brother-inw. I only thought that since the Young Marquis gifted me a fine bow, I must select an equally fine saddle to match it. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    Looking at the girl''s flushed cheeks, Zhao Changdu was silent for a moment. "I do know a thing or two about saddles. Let me help you pick one."


    Gu Ying''s red lips parted, about to decline.


    But the man strode forward in one long step, clearly not giving her the chance to refuse.


    After walking a few steps, he nced back at her. His tall, ruggedly handsome figure and chiseled features were so sharply beautiful amidst the heavy snow, brimming with aggression. "Why haven''t you started walking?"


    His powerful and cold aura made this man seem very dangerous to provoke.


    Gu Ying concluded she had no choice but to hurry after him with Yanzhi. "Where are the Young Marquis''s friends?"


    Zhao Changdu noticed the girl was struggling to keep up with his longer strides, and imperceptibly slowed his pace. "They''re in the shop up ahead."


    Gu Ying''s eyes brightened. "Is it the Zhou Ji shop? I''ve heard of it. It''s why I came today too. Their family''s craft with saddle-making has been passed down three generations."


    "Mm."


    "The Young Marquis is helping his friend pick a saddle, but why did youe back out halfway?"


    The Young Marquis was a man of few words. Gu Ying didn''t inquire further.


    Before long, the group of four arrived at the entrance of the Zhou Ji shop.


    Only now did Gu Ying notice the extremely luxurious and extravagant carriage parked outside the doors, decoratedvishly in gold and intricate curling branch motifs on the carriage roof. One look at the carriage''s decorations indicated the eminent status of its owner.


    More than ten expressionless attendants stood guard outside the Zhou Ji shop.


    Commoners were not permitted entry.


    She halted in puzzlement, raising her eyes slightly to see the rosewood que hanging from the front of the carriage.


    A single character was carved on it - "Huo".


    The Huo family?


    The family of Three-Reign Elder Marquis Huo was also here buying saddles in such a ce?


    Gu Ying had just stepped into the Zhou Ji shop when she heard a gentle voice like flowing watering from behind some saddles.


    "Cousin, where did you run off to? Why are you onlying back now?"


    Next, a graceful and alluring young woman of unparalleled beauty emerged from behind the counter.


    She looked no more than sixteen or seventeen, with lightly knit brows and lightly applied rouge. Although brimming with schrly air and noble grace beyond that of ordinary youngdies, at first nce, Gu Ying immediately recognized her.


    She was none other than Elder Marquis Huo''s beloved granddaughter, Huo Qiyan.


    The legendary woman who eventually became Empress.


    She had a special cinnabar mole between her brows. At her birth, a master diviner foretold she was born with the fate of a phoenix, and her future prospects were limitless.


    As such, this youngdy was different from the rest of them confined to the inner quarters since childhood.


    She studied the Four Books and Five ssics meant for men, and was personally tutored in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting by famous masters.


    However -


    In her previous life, Huo Qiyan did not marry into the imperial n.


    Her future husband''s surname was Zhao, name Changdu. He was the Heir Apparent of the Zhenguo Duke Manor, but at this time, that mysterious Heir Apparent was still at the bordends and had not returned to Bianjing...although that would soon change.


    Gu Ying swallowed hard. Recalling that reckless night with Zhao Changdu in the abandoned vi, she was both shocked and terrified.


    So Huo Qiyan was actually Cousin Su Huanfeng''s cousin?


    Although not close with the Young Marquis, she had never heard that such a heaven-born phoenix as Huo Qiyan was even rted to him!


    "She is Gu Ying," Zhao Changdu''s low voice sounded as he strode into the shop. He casually shook the snowkes off his coat and said indifferently, "Second youngdy of the Dongping Earl Manor."

 Chapter 24: His Cousin

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Huo Qiyan was clearly unfamiliar with her, a nobody, but still put on an elegant smile and greeted politely, ¡°So it¡¯s Miss Gu, what an honor.¡±


    The doubts in her heart grew deeper, mixed with some awkward guilt.


    Gu Ying''s fine brows furrowed. After all, she had identally "defiled" this woman''s husband once.


    She forced a smile, awkward but not impolite as she bowed to Huo Qiyan, ¡°I¡¯ve heard of Miss Huo''s reputation for a while. Meeting you today, you truly live up to it."


    Such ttery was no doubt tiresome to hear.


    Huo Qiyan gave a faint smile, quickly shifting her gaze away from Gu Ying. She took dainty steps towards the man, smiling gently as she said, ¡°Cousin, I¡¯ve picked a good saddle. Would you take a look for Qiyan?¡±


    Zhao Changdu murmured in agreement and let Huo Qiyan pull him over to see the gold saddle she had chosen.


    The two young men and women, talented and beautiful, well-matched in status and family, were naturally more intimate than her, an outsider.


    Gu Ying now felt the situation was extremely awkward.


    Her maid Bai Zhi also came over, tugging at her young mistress¡¯ sleeve unhappily, pouting her lips, ¡°Miss, we shouldn''t havee. Don''t you feel Miss Huo looks at us with some hostility?"


    Gu Ying, now wiser, said lightly, ¡°Hostility is normal.¡±


    Bai Zhi mused, ¡°It must be because Young Master is so handsome, Miss Huo probably likes him too?¡±


    Gu Ying curled her fingers, feeling a sudden weightlessness in her heart. She paused, thenughed, ¡°That¡¯s probably it.¡±


    She was no longer an innocent girl ignorant of the world.


    A woman''s liking for a man could not be hidden. The gaze Huo Qiyan had towards the Young Master was full of admiration.


    As for the Young Master, his brows were long and eyes deep like an ancient well, making his emotions hard to discern.


    But his lifelong devotion in his past life to a vicious woman like Gu Jia showed he must be a cultivated, graceful gentleman.


    Since he was willing to apany Huo Qiyan to buy a saddle even in the dead of winter, he was clearly no ordinary man.


    Having been married, she knew what a couple without love looked like.


    A man so patient and willing to keep a womanpany must dote on this cousin very much.


    Gu Ying had never received such devotion. Her heart felt a faint sourness spreading, unwilling to admit jealousy but unable to deny it either.


    A woman like her was unfit for the Young Master.


    Fortunately, their ties would notst long. In less than three months, after resolving the matters of the Gu Family manor, she would take the initiative to annul the marriage.


    No matter who he married in the future, she would sincerely wish him well.


    Gu Ying sighed inwardly. She did not dare wish for the Young Master to actually help pick a saddle for her. She simply browsed the shop herself.


    ¡°Miss, what about this one?¡± Bai Zhi¡¯s attention quickly turned to the saddles. After all, this was the first royal winter hunt the young miss would attend before her rite of passage.


    She naturally hoped her miss could make a great impression, letting the princes and young masters of Bianjing and the noble youngdies see her grace.


    ¡°This saddle has a golden phoenix emblem. It looks beautiful and light. Riding this, you¡¯ll surely perform wonderfully and impress all the noblewomen of Bianjing!¡±


    Gu Ying''s gaze fell upon the saddle. The variety of decorations on it did make it appealing to women.


    But Bianjing had many skilled artisans. Zhou Ji¡¯s saddles were far from the most luxurious and exquisite. The wealthy households even kept their own saddle artisans, so how could thispare?


    She had chosen Zhou Ji not for its extravagance, but for thefort of its saddles modified specifically for women riders.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this one.¡±


    Gu Ying was about to look away when she heard that deep, mellow, sexy masculine voice behind her.


    She turned around to see the man and Huo Qiyan walking over together.


    He picked up the crossed pommel saddle on her left and handed it to her. ¡°This suits you. The front arch is tall and upright while the rear slopes downwards. The improved contour makes mounting and dismounting easier and morefortable for the rider. It is well suited for women."


    Gu Ying was amazed that his perspective aligned so closely with hers. Somewhat stunned, she stammered, ¡°Th...thank you.¡±


    She had also favored this saddle, not just for its simplicity andck of embellishment, but because its design was ideal for women riders.


    It seemed the Young Master had some experience in this area.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was deep as he gave a soft ¡°hm¡± in reply.


    However, Huo Qiyan beside him was displeased.


    It wasn''t just because this unfamiliar Gu girl was even prettier than her.


    More because her taciturn and aloof cousin who rarely spoke had avoided her all morning despite agreeing to apany her out today. As soon as they entered the shop he said he was stepping out for some air, clearly wanting nothing to do with her.


    Yet not only did he personally select a saddle for Gu Ying, he even spoke those many words to her, leaving Huo Qiyan very unhappy.


    The usually obedient girl suddenly threw caution to the wind. Laughing brightly, she dered, "Cousin, I suddenly want this saddle too."


    Gu Ying had just hugged the saddle, about to go pay, when she heard the crisp voice.


    She stopped, somewhat awkward, "But...Miss Huo, this is...the one I picked."


    Huo Qiyanughed harmlessly and generously. "I can offer double, even buy out every saddle here except this one. Any other you want, just say it Miss Gu, and will you let me have this saddle instead?"


    Well, the rich really were different.


    Gu Ying tightened her hold on the saddle, hesitating slightly. "Thank you kindly for the offer, Miss Huo, but I can afford to buy it myself."


    Seeing Gu Ying hesitate, Huo Qiyan was even more convinced of her petty bourgeois mentality.


    Though unfamiliar with Gu Ying, she knew the Earl of Dongping''s estate held little sway in Bianjing, much less his daughters who certainly had no standing.


    That Gu Jia or Elder Miss Gu didn''t even dare speak in her presence, let alone some unknown daughter of the Gu family.


    Today, the saddle her cousin picked, she was determined to obtain. "But there''s only one in the shop. Cousin¡ª"


    Huo Qiyan bit her lip, plucking up her courage to demand, "Won''t you put in a good word and ask Miss Gu to give it to me?"


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed.


    Zhao Changdu was even more impatient, knitting his sword-like brows. He cast a cold nce over Huo Qiyan''s girlish face, the charm on his handsome features freezing over. "Huo Qiyan, don''t go too far."


    "I¡ª" Huo Qiyan hadn''t expected her cousin to snap at her for a stranger. Her eyes instantly reddened with grievance as sheined, "Uncle said today cousin was to apany me out to clear my head. Is cousin being so harsh to upset me?"


    She was the honorable first daughter of the Huo family, undeserving of this saddle?

 Chapter 25: Misread

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    Zhao Changdu gave a coldugh and said, "Gu Ying, take this saddle. It''s yours."


    Huo Qiyan''s eyes brimmed with tears, wanting to cry but holding back. Her grievance was mixed with some resentment.


    Gu Ying felt a little embarrassed. Wanting to avoid any more issues, she smiled and offered the saddle to Huo Qiyan, "Lady Huo, please don''t feel wronged. This saddle is yours. I''ll pick out another er."


    Zhao Changdu said nothing, his gloomy and cold appearance making people feel uneasy.


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped rapidly under his icy stare, but she still bravely smoothed things over, "Ha, I didn''t really like this saddle anyway. It''s good I can give it to Lady Huo."


    Huo Qiyan red triumphantly at Gu Ying, then looked timidly at Zhao Changdu, "Cousin, since Miss Gu gave this to me, can I take it?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold. Staring at Gu Ying''s lowered brows and eyes, he suddenly felt this timid little woman was not a good match for him. He gave a soft, disdainfulugh, "Do as you wish."


    With that, his dark, cloud-patterned cloak swished as he turned and left Zhou Ji''s shop, trailing an icy chill.


    With the imposing man gone, the tense atmosphere in the shop lightened considerably.


    Yanzhi was furious and wanted to confront Huo Qiyan. But Huo Qiyan was a well-read and sensible youngdy. She would never bicker in broad daylight with a girl of low status and lose face. With a look, she signaled to her maid.


    The maid yanked the saddle from Gu Ying''s arms.


    Huo Qiyan wiped her tears and gave Gu Ying a polite smile. "Here in Bianjing, people pay attention to equal status. What kind of saddle suits what kind of horse. I''m sure Miss Gu understands?" My cousin holds an important position. His status is not something you should be thinking about."


    Gu Ying smiled wryly, "I understand."


    This was her way of calling Gu Ying a toad.


    If it were anyone else, Gu Ying would let it go. But she was willing to indulge Huo Qiyan this once because of the young marquis'' kindness to her.


    Satisfied with Gu Ying''s reaction, Huo Qiyan said, "That''s good that you understand. I''ll remember you."


    After Huo Qiyan and her entourage left, Yanzhi was still upset. Gnashing her teeth in anger, she said, "Mydy, how can you let her bully you like this? She''s just someone of higher status. She''s not as pretty as you. Everyone says men judge women by their looks. You''re so beautiful, the young marquis must like you more than her. She''s obviously jealous."


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "It was just a saddle. We can pick out another er. Why get so angry over a stranger?"


    "She''s no stranger. She''s the young marquis'' cousin. You''ll probably see more of each other in the future." Yanzhi said indignantly. She felt herdy should fight back and win the young marquis. "Mydy, the young marquis isn''t just anyone. He''s your fianc¨¦. Why shouldn''t wepete?"


    The carriage and horses gradually disappeared into the snowy mist.


    But Gu Ying felt strangely calm. She suddenly remembered she didn''t have much of an impression of Huo Qiyan in her past life, and didn''t see her often either.


    Even ady as noble as Huo Qiyan nearly lost her reputation at the winter hunt.


    The taller the tree, the stronger the winds it faces. Making so many enemies would be her downfall.


    "Mydy, should we stillpete for the young marquis?"


    "What''s there topete over? I don''t remember you being sopetitive before."


    Gu Ying took her maid''s hand and walked out of Zhou Ji. The swirling snow was beautiful. Lifting her snowy face, she said softly, "Yanzhi, Lady Huo was right that the young marquis is not someone I should be thinking about."


    "But¡ª" Yanzhi stamped her feet anxiously.


    "Don''t worry. Yourdy will find you a good husband."


    "Huh?" Yanzhi was dumbfounded. One picks a husband like picking vegetables at the market?


    Gu Ying just smiled mysteriously. Since she had transmigrated, she would never follow the same path as before.


    She didn''t care for glory, riches or fame. She just wanted someone who understood her, knew her, loved her, protected her, even if he was just amoner with nothing.


    She already had her sights set on a few candidates among the capital''s elite sons. She would look for a chance to meet them at the winter hunt and probe further.


    "Just wait, silly girl."


    ...


    Huai An sensed his master was in a bad mood today.


    Ever since they left Zhou Ji, his master''s eyes were icy and his gaze cold.


    "Young master, Miss Gu she¡ª"


    "Don''t mention her again starting now."


    His voice was distant and aloof, with a hint of chill. He seemed nonchnt, but each word conveyed ruthless authority.


    Huai An shut his mouth and couldn''t help but shiver in the freezing wind. He really didn''t understand how Miss Gu had offended the young master.


    Zhao Changdu leaped onto his horse. Gripping the reins in hisrge hand, his tall frame leaned back slightly. With nted brows and deep-set eyes, he was devilishly handsome yet cold. With an imperceptible turn of his head, he could still see her petite figure bowing and scraping to Huo Qiyan through the swirling snow.


    "Humph."


    A cold snort escaped through his nose.


    He couldn''t help mocking himself. He thought he had found a wayward little alley cat after returning to Bianjing, one he could marry into his family to discipline those unruly members who didn''t know their ce.


    He didn''t expect thedies nurtured on silks and delicacies in this flourishing capital were all aplished actresses who coveted vanity, trampled on their inferiors, and changed their words and behavior ording to theirpany.


    This time, he had clearly misjudged.


    The spirited steed galloped past in a st of cold wind.


    Gu Ying raised her sleeve to shield herself from the wind and snow before she saw the young marquis'' retreating figure.


    Yanzhi finished settling the bill and came out carrying the saddle.


    Coincidentally, she saw Huai An standing at the entrance in his jet ck uniform, sleeves folded.


    "Oh, why are you still here?"


    Huai An called out in his deep voice, "Miss Gu."


    Gu Ying turned to see the clear-featured Huai An with his solemn expression. "Sir, does the young marquis have anything else to tell me?"


    Huai An had followed his master from the bordends and didn''t understand all the etiquette of Bianjing. Seeing these Bianjingdies who seemed as delicate as perfume, he couldn''t help grinning awkwardly. "Miss Gu can just call me Huai An."


    Gu Ying readily smiled. "Huai An."


    Huai An had always been surrounded by men. This was the first time he had taken the initiative to interact with such a soft and pretty youngdy. Somewhat embarrassed, he scratched his head. "My master...I mean...the young marquis didn''t have anything to tell you. He was preupied with his cousin just now and was rude to you. My master isn''t good at dealing with women. I hope Miss Gu can be more forgiving."

 Chapter 26: Stand up

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    Gu Ying was startled for a moment, then smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, I didn¡¯t really mind it that much anyway. After all, Miss Huo is Young Master Hou''s cousin.¡±


    Huai An was relieved, ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±


    He had previously thought Second Miss¡¯ reputation was not good and that she was silly and foolish. But now he felt that Second Miss was a frank person, at least unlike the other youngdies in the household who only crowded around the Eldest Young Master like hungry tigers pouncing on prey.


    Indeed, one needs to hear and see for themselves before making judgements about others.


    The Eldest Young Master was handsome and came from a good family, and now he also had military achievements to his name, so countless girls were eager to throw themselves at him.


    But Second Miss tread a different path.


    It was evident she was brave and scheming, and didn''t get close to the Eldest Young Master purely because of his good looks.


    He had a strong premonition that if she could marry the Eldest Young Master in the future, she would definitely be able to heal the perpetual wound in the Eldest Young Master''s heart.


    ...


    On the way back to the residence from the West Market.


    Gu Ying couldn''t put down the new saddle she got, and polished it repeatedly.


    Previously, in order to win Jiang Yin''s affection, she had started learning to read and write, do needlework, and gradually forgot all the military strategies and martial arts her father had taught her.


    Now, having returned to her youth, it was a good time to pick these things up again.


    She no longer forced herself to do things she didn''t like just for the sake of men. She only wanted to live for herself in this life, and do things she was willing to do.


    Recently, Yanzhi felt her young miss was bing more and more different.


    She woke up and slept early every day, practiced martial arts, rode horses, and read and wrote before and after sleep.


    The weapons her father had left for the young miss were finally put to use.


    Moreover, the young miss was more attentive to Young Master''s illness than before, personally going to the Basking in the Wind Pavilion every day to feed Young Master medicine and food, bathe and clothe him.


    Today, Yanzhi brought back the dregs of medicine given to Young Master and handed them to Gu Ying, ¡°These are the dregs from Young Master''s daily medicine. Young Miss, take a good look, see if there''s anything fishy going on.¡±


    Gu Ying took the medicine dregs and examined them carefully, sniffing them, but did not detect any strange odors, ¡°First, wrap these up properly with something.¡±


    Yanzhi couldn''t help but grumble, ¡°Young Miss, when will we finally be able to move Young Master to Dusk Snow Pavilion?¡±


    Dusk Snow Pavilion had an elegant snow view. Gu Ying set up an umbre under the plum tree in the courtyard, with a small mud stove next to it simmering warm jade wine.


    She leaned back in a rocking chair reading a medical book, ¡°Since Yanzhi is so anxious, why not do it today?¡±


    Tomorrow would be the grand Winter Hunt, and every household was busy preparing for the next three days of hunting to make a good impression.


    The Gu household was no exception.


    Mrs. Liu had been busy early in the morning preparing everything Gu Jiacao needed for the hunt, from big things like horses, saddles, bows and arrows, to small things like clothes, jewelry, rouge, and even the servant girls, maids and guards who would attend him were carefully chosen.


    Aunt Zhao was also busy for Gu Shuang.


    Even Wang Auntie, who usually had no presence in the Gu household, was preparing outfits for her children Gu Wan and Gu Ming.


    Once everything was ready, they would all go to the Longevity Hall to receive instructions from Old Madam Gu, as the Winter Hunt was the biggest event of the year in the Eastern Li Dynasty.


    At that time, all the princes and nobles of Bianjing would participate, and for many households, the youngdies saw it as a great opportunity to find future husbands.


    Gu Ying was the most rxed of all in the Gu household.


    She thought for a moment, then got up and casually threw the military book on the small bamboo table, ¡°Let¡¯s go to Longevity Hall.¡±


    Yanzhi raised her chin proudly, ¡°Young Miss is finally taking action!¡±


    Gu Ying wasn''t exactly taking action. After all, moving Gu Ning out of Basking in the Wind Pavilion would disrupt many people''s interests, and someone probably wouldn''t let her have her way so easily.


    But at the very least, she wanted to test the waters first.


    ...


    She was the first to arrive at Longevity Hall. Just as she reached the door, she saw Aunt Zhao leading Gu Shuang and several maidservants over.


    Aunt Zhao now revered Gu Ying like a goddess. When she saw her, her eyes lit up like two balls of fire. She rubbed her lower abdomen and smiled at her, ¡°Second Miss, you''re here so early?¡±


    Gu Ying smiled gently, ¡°Auntie, you and Fourth Younger Sister are also quite early.¡±


    Aunt Zhao pulled Gu Shuang over to pay respects to Gu Ying.


    Gu Shuang didn''t used to like Gu Ying much, but recently she had developed some good feelings towards her. The other day, Gu Ying even sent her a painting, which she quite liked.


    ¡°Second Sister... have you prepared everything for the hunt?¡±


    Gu Ying smiled. ¡°All prepared.¡±


    Yanzhi silently rolled her eyes. Other than the saddle and bow, they hadn''t prepared jackshit in Dusk Snow Pavilion.


    Gu Shuang bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before pulling Gu Ying''s sleeve.


    Gu Ying knew she had something to say and patiently waited.


    Gu Shuang was peace-loving by nature and would absolutely not meddle in other¡¯s affairs unless provoked.


    After thinking it over, she decided to give Gu Ying a reminder, ¡°Second Sister, everyone at the hunt will be outsiders. You¡¯ll have few people by your side, with only Yanzhi serving you. You must be extra careful.¡±


    Gu Ying smiled and squeezed Gu Shuang¡¯s chubby hand, ¡°Don¡¯t worry Fourth Younger Sister, Grandmother won¡¯t let me go to the hunt with only one servant.¡±


    After all, it concerned the reputation of the Gu household. How could Old Madam purposely make her appear poor and pathetic?


    Gu Shuang breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Gu Ying understood her situation, it was fine.


    She would help however she could, but most of it still depended on Gu Ying herself.


    Aunt Zhao touched her belly and exchanged a look with Gu Ying. Gu Ying nodded to indicate she understood. The three of them then entered the warm pavilion in Longevity Hall together.


    It was severely cold in winter, so the warm pavilion was filled with thick curtains and warm air.


    Rich incense permeated the pavilion. Old Madam Gu wore a long brown coat embroidered with fortune and longevity patterns. A headpiece studded with emerald was fixed into her dignified hairstyle as she sat on the kang by the south-facing window, leaning against a red sandalwood table as she looked over the ount books.


    Aunt Zhao led Gu Shuang and the others to sit in chairs below.


    Gu Ying paid her respects to the Old Madam and gently said, ¡°Grandmother, the weather has been getting coldertely. Ying has been thinking, it would be better to move Ning to recuperate in Dusk Snow Pavilion.¡±


    At this, Old Madam''s attention shifted from the ount books, her shrewd old eyes glinting sharply.


    She was silent for a moment without answering.


    Just then, footsteps sounded outside, followed by Mrs. Liu pushing the curtain aside and walking in, ¡°Oh my, our Second Miss is bing more and more promising.¡±


    Swaying her hips, she walked up to Old Madam Gu, bowed and paid her respects, ¡°Paying respects to Mother.¡±


    Behind her was also Wang Auntie.


    Wang Auntie usually had little presence. She quickly paid her respects and sat down with her two children.


    Old Madam Gu''s gaze sunk back into the ount book.


    The matter of moving Ning Ge out naturally fell onto Mrs. Liu as thedy of the household. ¡°Ying, it¡¯s not that Auntie wants to scold you, but people say men and women shouldn¡¯t share seats after seven. You¡¯re almost old enough to be capped, and Ning Ge has also passed ten years old. Even though you are siblings, how is it proper for Ning Ge to move into your courtyard?¡±

 Chapter 27: Start Acting

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Gu Ying smiled again and said, "Besides, Dr. Liu has been staying at Muffeng Studio to take care of Ning Ge''er''s illness. If Ning Ge''er moves to Twilight Snow Studio, it would be inconvenient for Dr. Liu, an outsider man, to treat Ning Ge''er. Doesn''t Yanzhi want Ning Ge''er to recover sooner?"


    In her previous life, she had thought that Mrs. Liu really cared for her siblings.


    But now, having relived this life, if Gu Ying still couldn''t see that Mrs. Liu had ulterior motives, then she really would be a fool.


    She smiled ingratiatingly and said understandingly, "Since this is the case, let''s first keep Ning Ge''er at Muffeng Studio before he starts school. When Ning Ge''er goes to school, could Grandmother agree to let my brother move to the academy?"


    Gu Old Madam''s face soured. In the end, Gu Ying still wanted to move Gu Ning out.


    Gu Ning''s Muffeng Studio was supported by the private funds of the second wife, Madam Ye. It was where the most money flowed in and out in the entire Gu manor. His daily medicine, personal servant girls, cleaning servants and ves, etc., all this expenditure could divert quite a bit of money to subsidize Yongshou Hall.


    If Gu Ning moved out, her calctions woulde to nothing.


    But Mrs. Liu felt that with Gu Ning''s health condition, it would be very difficult for him to go to school. Since this was the case, it was better to agree to Gu Ying first. The rest could be discussedter.


    "Mother, what Ying''er said makes sense. A good son should aspire in all directions. It won''t be toote to talk about Ning Ge''er going to school. For now, the most important thing is the Winter Hunting Convention," said Liu.


    Gu Old Madam looked at her coldly, but said nothing except murmured in agreement.


    The corners of Liu''s mouth rose as she took on the air of the principal wife and began making arrangements.


    Now the fates of the youngdies of the Gu family were tied together, whether in glory or disgrace. Gu Jia was already engaged to the Jiang family, so she had no chance of making a grand marriage. But the remaining youngdies of the manor were still unsettled.


    Mrs. Liu arranged for each of the youngdies to bring along an extra personal maid.


    When it came to Gu Ying, she certainly had to arrange two capable senior maids.


    "Second Sister''s health is weak. She probably can''t even get on a horse for the hunt," said Gu Wan, covering her smile. "Mother is even sending her own personal maids to serve Second Sister. Isn''t that a waste of talent?"


    Wang hurriedly coughed lightly to signal Gu Wan not to say more.


    Gu Ying just calmly lowered her head without responding.


    In Gu Wan''s eyes, she was guilty, cowardly, and ipetent.


    So she became even more smug and snorted, "What I said is just the truth. Is the truth not allowed to be spoken? Second Sister is just a useless good-for-nothing who doesn''t even know her letters. Letting here to the Winter Hunt will just embarrass our family. It would be better if she just stayed home like she always does!"


    Wang awkwardly smiled and said, "The young miss doesn''t know any better. Mother, elder sister, please don''t me her."


    Mrs. Liu wished Gu Wan would insult Gu Ying even more. How could she me her? She alsoughed and said, "It''s just yful teasing between children."


    Then taking on the air of the principal wife, she said, "Ying''er, this will be your first time attending the Winter Hunt. Remember to follow your elder sisters closely and be cautious in everything you do. Don''t disgrace the Gu family."


    "I have nothing else to give you except two maids to look after you properly," said Mrs. Liu.


    She beckoned with her hand, "Qingfeng, Mingyue,e in."


    Qingfeng and Mingyue gracefully walked in and bowed to Gu Ying.


    Seeing two more familiar faces, Gu Ying restrained her emotions and smiled faintly. She walked up to them as if meeting them for the first time and looked them up and down for a while before taking their hands and helping them rise. "You two sisters are talented people from Eldest Aunt''s manor. Ying''er will need you to teach me a lot in the future," she said.


    Qingfeng and Mingyue were very tactful. They returned the bow and respectfully said, "Second Young Lady teases us. To be able to serve the youngdy is our honor."


    Gu Ying naturally did not say anything more. She turned and thanked Mrs. Liu, then lowered her eyes demurely, taking on the appearance of one who obediently epts arrangements.


    However, seeing Qingfeng and Mingyue getting along so happily with her sisters, Mrs. Liu''splexion instantly paled.


    All the way back to Twilight Snow Studio, Gu Ying chatted andughed with Qingfeng and Mingyue.


    Trailing behind, Yanzhi felt wronged and pitiful, and very ufortable as tears silently streamed down.


    In the garden, Gu Ying bid farewell to Aunt Zhao and the others.


    Gu Ying secretly slipped the herbal dregs she had been hiding in her sleeve into Aunt Zhao''s hand. "I''ve also heard about your illness. You must take good care of yourself," she said.


    Zhao deliberately sighed, "Thank you for your concern, Second Young Lady. I have already found a capable yet honest and down-to-earth doctor to treat me. I''m just waiting for my health to recover so I can serve the Lord well again."


    Gu Ying pondered slightly and nodded. "Then I''ll take my leave first."


    Gu Shuang quickly said, "Second Sister, don''t take Third Sister''s words to heart."


    Gu Ying smiled. "Alright, don''t worry Fourth Sister."


    "Second Sister, if you can''t ride, I can take you to try first after we arrive at the hunting grounds tomorrow... My horsemanship isn''t good either, but it''s still a bit better than not being able to ride at all." Gu Shuang weakly suggested. She couldn''t help but want to help Gu Ying after seeing Gu Wan bully her.


    Gu Ying nodded. "Okay, I''lle find Fourth Sister when we arrive at the hunting grounds tomorrow. See you tomorrow."


    Gu Shuang smiled. "See you tomorrow, Second Sister."


    ...


    Back at Twilight Snow Studio, Gu Ying immediately had Yanzhi prepare good rooms for Qingfeng and Mingyue.


    Yanzhi bit her lips aggrievedly, "Young Lady, which rooms should I arrange?"


    Gu Ying said, "Since they were sent by Eldest Aunt, arrange rooms next to mine."


    Hearing this, Yanzhi''s expression became even more dejected. Those were rooms only for senior maids. "Alright, this servant will go arrange them now."


    Gu Ying watched her andughed.


    Yanzhi pouted her lips and asked aggrievedly, "Young Lady, what are youughing about?"


    Gu Ying stroked the little maid''s hair and squatted down to meet her gaze directly. "Thought I don''t care for you anymore? Feeling wronged? Jealous? Heartbroken?"


    Yanzhi bit her lip. The youngdy had named all the grievances in her heart. Tears began streaming down her face.


    "Why are you crying?" Gu Ying amusedly wiped away her tears. "No matter how I treat others, the one I love most is always you. And my Yanzhi is going to be an titled imperial concubine. How can you just cry like this?"


    Yanzhi was startled. It was rare for someone to express love so directly and unambiguously.


    Her small face flushed red. "Young Lady, what are you saying? This servant... of course also loves... loves the youngdy. This servant is orphaned with no parents. The youngdy is this servant''s only kin in this world. Even if the youngdy wanted this servant''s life, this servant wouldn''t blink and would give it to the youngdy directly."


    Yanzhi would fight for her desperately. She never doubted that.


    Gu Ying helped her stand up. "Yanzhi, do you know how to act?"


    Yanzhi scratched her head. "You mean like in the theater? This servant''s skills in that area are still quitecking. Should I go learn?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips faintly turned up. "No need to be so dramatic. You just need to make Qingfeng and Mingyue feel that after getting them, I no longer like you."


    Yanzhi was simple-minded but not stupid. Under Gu Ying''s guidance, she quickly understood.

 Chapter 28: Dividing Evil Men and Women

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    "Goodness me! Young miss, this ve will go out crying!"


    Gu Ying chuckled, "You''ve already cried into a soppy mess, what''s the point in more crying?"


    Yanzhi was embarrassed and lowered her head. Suddenly she eximed loudly, "Young miss, spare me! This ve will never dare again! This ve knows her wrongs now! Young miss, please don''t be angry anymore!"


    Gu Ying nodded, satisfied.


    Mrs. Liu''s sharp eyes peered right into the Twilight Study, fully within Gu Ying''s expectations.


    After all, in their past life, Qingfeng and Mingyue had joined forces to suppress Yanzhi.


    She had been muddle-headed, treating them like sisters while distancing Yanzhi, making them her personal maidservants to apany her in marriage.


    After marriage, Jiang Yin was a scoundrel.


    In less than a year, as if deliberately trying to shame her, Jiang Yin promoted Mingyue to the rank of auntie.


    Previously she did not understand, but now everything was clear. Mingyue was clever and beautiful, and soon joined forces with Jiang Ling''er, causing Jiang Yin to grow ever more estranged from her.


    With no love in the first ce, all that was left between them in the end was mutual hatred and resentment, constantly provoked and separated by these people''s incitements.


    ...


    Qingfeng was given arge house.


    Having been a maidservant for so many years, this was the first time she received such treatment.


    She pulled Mingyue into the room in some astonishment, "Just now I saw Yanzhi leaving here red-eyed, as if the Second Young Miss had scolded her badly, saying she was unthoughtful and ignorant of propriety."


    Mingyue looked around Qingfeng''s room. Inside there were even decorative cdon vases with fresh and elegant plum blossoms. All the furnishings were made of premium wood, the big redcquered canopied bed had a cover of gold threaded embroidered gauze. Even in othermoner households, only the youngdies of the family would receive such treatment.


    Yet the room she was assigned was still a grade lower. The furnishings inside were only a little better than Yanzhi''s.


    She immediately felt a little imbnced, but did not vocalize it. "Forget it, elder sister, don''t say any more. Be careful of the disaster thates from the mouth, what if the Second Young Miss overhears us, that won''t be good."


    Although she said this, she did not think this in her heart.


    Qingfeng was not as pretty as herself, so why did she get first-ss maid treatment in this new courtyard while she only got second-ss?


    When there was a chance, she would naturally find a way to trample Qingfeng under her feet.


    Qingfeng said, "Although she is a fool, her brain is not so muddled as to be beyond saving. But since Madam said we can use any means, we can also think of other ways to turn her into a thorough moron."


    Mingyue pondered, stroking her chin.


    Seeing the wind was about right, Qingfeng smiled and took her leave, saying she was going back to rest.


    Mingyue did not speak, looking at this luxurious room, for a moment she could not quite believe that she could live in such a big ce.


    ...


    On the second day, before daylight, the whole Marquis manor was already bustling.


    Lamps were lit in every courtyard, brightly illuminated, voices sounding everywhere.


    The Twilight Study was no exception.


    Qingfeng and Mingyue had just arrived at the Twilight Study, naturally wanting to do their utmost to impress. Qingfeng stayed up all night, waiting right outside Gu Ying''s door.


    Mingyue dozed briefly, not even finishing a dream before opening her eyes again, hurriedly dressing and going to the kitchen to urge for hot water and morning tea.


    "Sister Mingyue, you''re up so early?"


    "Yes, today the youngdies are going hunting, and the southern sea hunting grounds have many prestigious guests, with families queuing up waiting, and the hunting grounds are far. We have to get up early to serve the Second Young Miss and get her ready properly, can''t let the other families of this marquis manorugh at us."


    Mingyue knew how to read the room, with the breadth of vision and experience expected of a head maidservant. She had gone to winter hunts before with Eldest Young Miss Gu Jia, so naturally she was more polished than a maid like Qingfeng who had hardly ever left the manor.


    Qingfeng was told off, displeased inside but not showing it on her face. "Sister, let me carry that water."


    How could Mingyue let someone steal her chance to impress. "It''s fine, I''ll do it."


    Before long Yanzhi also got up, rubbing her eyes as she came to the outer chamber. "Two elder sisters already finished all the chores, I don''t know what I should do now."


    Qingfeng smiled coyly, exchanging a look with Mingyue. "Since you''re the senior maid who has always served the Second Young Miss,ter go and help check over the Young Miss''s important items."


    Yanzhi nodded nkly. "Alright, I''ll listen to whatever two elder sisters say."


    Hearing the noises outside her door, Gu Ying had already calmly opened her eyes in bed.


    "Young miss, may wee in?"


    Gu Ying gazed at the gauze canopy over her bed, sorting through in her mind the big and small matters of the previous life''s winter hunt, then gently said, "Come in."


    Mingyue and Qingfeng entered in order, with Yanzhist.


    Mingyue was responsible for washing her face and dressing her, then went with Yanzhi to check over the luggage. The hairbing task fell to Qingfeng.


    Qingfeng was not skilled at hairbing. At the main manor she had been responsible for serving the Eldest Young Miss''s brushwork and embroidery, now she red resentfully at Mingyue, only able to resign herself to her fate and go to the dressing mirror.


    "Young Miss, what kind of hairstyle do you want?"


    Gu Ying sat down and nced at Qingfeng in the mirror.


    In the previous life, when Qingfeng gained Jiang Yin''s favor, she came to unt it at her, pulling her hair and pressing her against the mirror, vilifying her as a whore who deserved her fate.


    Now the tables had turned, returning to the original point.


    She smiled faintly. "You can justb it as you see fit."


    Qingfeng felt a chill down her back from the bewitching eyes in the mirror staring at her. Hearing this, she also rxed slightly. The Second Young Miss had a reputation for being soft-tempered, she could just muddle through this anyhow, why was she so nervous just now?


    With a few casual motions she loosely swept up a simple twin bun style. "Young Miss, does this look good?"


    Gu Ying took one look, her expression instantly turning cold. "You think this looks good?"


    Qingfeng was taken aback, the first time seeing the Second Young Miss angry, she was instantly stumped.


    She thought it looked quite good. Although the Young Miss was silly, she had a pretty face.


    She had originally wanted to mess up her hair to make her look bad in front of the other nobledies, but the casual hairstyle still made the girl in the mirror look charming and cute.


    Gu Ying gave a coldugh, messing up the buns. Anger also appeared on her face. "This is a child''s hairstyle. I''m about toe of age now, going out today to meet the sons and daughters of prominent wealthy families. If you make me go out like this,ughed at, whose face do you think you''d be losing?"

 Chapter 29: The Bow is Broken

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    Qingfeng showed real anger, and quickly knelt down, ¡°This servant girl had already asked the young miss beforebing her hair, but the young miss herself said¡ª¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyes darkened, and sheughed angrily, ¡°Is this how you serve people? You still dare to talk back to me? Is this what the Madam has personally trained? Today, even if I have to go to Grandmother, I can still argue my case!¡±


    As she spoke, she wanted to drag her to Yongshou Hall for an exnation.


    Qingfeng was so scared that she was stunned. This matter was not a big deal, but it was a big deal to lose face for the Marquis Manor right before the winter hunt.


    If she really kicked up a fuss in front of the old Madam, she would definitely be sent back to her original ce for being ipetent in her work, and would never be able to rise again.


    She quickly shed tears and hugged Gu Ying''s legs, crying loudly, ¡°Second young miss, this servant knows she was wrong. This servant is not good atbing hair originally. Please forgive this servant just this once. This servant will definitely learn tob beautiful hair for the young miss!¡±


    Gu Ying felt cold in her heart. When Qingfeng hugged her, she thought of the things she did to her in her previous life, and was extremely disgusted.


    She shook off her body with disgust, and kicked her away, ¡°Let''s do this. I''ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. If you still can''tb well, after the winter hunt ends, I will send you back to the Madam and let her discipline you.¡±


    As soon as Qingfeng heard this, a sh of resentment shed in her lowered eyes. She raised her head and wiped away her tears gratefully, ¡°Thank you Second Young Miss. This servant will do whatever the Young Miss says.¡±


    Gu Ying pretended to be uncontrobly angry, and casually pointed to the nourishing pills on the table, ¡°These nourishing pills will be delivered by you from now on.¡±


    This was not a bad job at all. Qingfeng quickly said, ¡°Okay, this servant understands and will listen to the Young Miss¡¯s orders.¡±


    Although she hated and resented in her heart, she still did not dare to tear her face with Gu Ying now. Otherwise, when the time came, she would not be able toplete what the Madam had ordered, and the Madam would not protect her. Going back would also be a dead end, so it was better to stay in Twilight Snow Studio for now and steady her foothold.


    After making a scene, Qingfeng did not dare to be casual anymore.


    She tried her best tob Gu Ying''s hair into a beautiful and delicate lily bun, and carefully embellished the hairstyle with exquisite hair ornaments, making the woman in the bronze mirror look fresh yet gentle.


    The lead oxide made the eyebrows lightly outlined, the skin like jade. She looked like a doll made of snow, making Qingfeng stare nkly with wide eyes.


    "Second young miss, you are so beautiful!"


    This sentence was true.


    Gu Ying turned her head to look at her.


    Qingfeng quickly lowered her head, her heart thumping rapidly, and she didn''t know why she suddenly became afraid of this silly second young miss.


    Gu Ying put away the coldness in her eyes, pulled her up, and apologized with a smile, ¡°I was too impatient just now. Thinking about going to the hunting ground today, I was afraid of losing face for the Marquis Manor and upsetting Grandmother and Madam, so I lost my temper. Good sister, as long as you follow me well, I will never mistreat you.¡±


    Qingfeng let out a breath in relief. She also felt a little wronged and said, ¡°This servant does not me the young miss.¡±


    Anyway, when she had a chance in the future, she must avenge today''s humiliation.


    Gu Ying nced at her and said with a smile, "Yanzhi is crude and clumsy, and doesn''t know how to serve people. In the future, this courtyard will still rely on Sister Mingyue and you!"


    Hearing this, Qingfeng was naturally proud in her heart, and smiled, "The young miss can rest assured that since this servant is following the young miss, this servant will naturally serve the young miss well."


    Gu Ying nodded.


    After dressing up, she was about to go see the travel items herself.


    Just as she walked to the box, she saw Yanzhi staring wide-eyed in shock. Seeing Gu Yinging over, her face instantly turned pale, "Young Miss - Young Miss, this servant didn''t mean it! This servant really didn''t mean it!"


    Before Gu Ying could speak, she heard Qingfeng scold, "Yanzhi, what''s going on with you?"


    Yanzhi waspletely dumbfounded, standing by the box in shock, her fingers trembling slightly.


    Mingyue came out and knelt down to Gu Ying, pursed her lips, "Young miss, this is bad, the LiWang Bow - the bowstring is broken..."


    These words were like a bolt from the blue.


    Gu Ying walked over in a few quick steps, picked up the LiWang Bow that was ced in the box, and the bowstring was neatly cut by something sharp and sagging.


    Such a valuable thing, which was sent by the people of the Yong''an Marquis Manor, although she didn''t reject it, it still had to be returned to the Young Marquis in the future. If it was broken like this, what should she do?


    She frowned, her expression bing solemn, and red at Mingyue and Yanzhi, "Speak! What exactly happened?!"


    She never thought that they would actually set their sights on the LiWang Bow...


    The LiWang Bow was a priceless treasure...


    If people from the Yong''an Marquis Manor investigated, no one could afford to take this responsibility.


    Mingyue lowered her head, her fingers also trembling, but did not speak.


    Yanzhi knelt down tremblingly, crying in fear, "Young miss, it wasn''t this servant who did it. This servant doesn''t dare to casually damage such a valuable thing like the LiWang Bow..."


    There were only so few people in the courtyard.


    "If it wasn''t you who did it, then who was it?" Mingyue''s eyes turned red, and she cried, "Young miss, please see clearly. This servant has always been meticulous in her work, assigning tasks clearly before letting people do them. This servant specifically assigned Yanzhi to check the LiWang Bow and count the number of bows and arrows, thinking that she is an elder by the young miss''s side and works steadily. But I didn''t expect¡ª"


    Yanzhi quickly defended, "Young miss, this servant really didn''t do it!"


    But she was inarticte, kept saying it wasn''t her who did it. When asked who did it, she couldn''t say, after all, except for her, no one had touched the LiWang Bow.


    Yanzhi slumped to the ground in despair, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    Gu Ying looked at her disappointedly, holding the bow, "Yanzhi, you have followed me for so many years, you can say you grew up with me. The winter hunt ising up soon, what bow and arrows will I use then? How can you do this? Are you deliberately trying to make me embarrass myself in front of others?! Moreover, this LiWang Bow is more precious than your life. If the news reaches the Marquis Manor, how many lives could you use topensate?!"


    Yanzhi''s eyes turned red, "Young miss, this servant also doesn''t know what happened..."


    Gu Ying was so angry she felt dizzy, "Come! Throw all of Yanzhi''s belongings out!"


    Yanzhi cried chokingly as she hugged Gu Ying''s legs pleading for mercy, "Young miss, don''t! Don''t drive this servant away!"


    In order to show her own elegance, Mingyue deliberately pleaded for Yanzhi, "Young miss, driving Yanzhi away like this may not convince others. Please spare her this once."


    After all, the bow was already damaged and a scapegoat was needed to take the me.


    Yanzhi was the best candidate.


    She had originally thought that the more she pleaded, the angrier Gu Ying would be, and would even find someone to beat Yanzhi and sell her directly.


    But unexpectedly, Gu Ying did not follow the script at all. She sighed, pinched her eyebrows, and said, "The winter hunt is imminent and time is tight. No one is allowed to mention today''s matter. As for Yanzhi, let her stay in Twilight Snow Studio to do some menial work for now. After the winter hunt, I will find time to properly deal with her."

 Chapter 30: Start the Winter Hunt

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    Their frightened and nervous gaze at each other was rather unexpected, considering that the damaged item was the treasured LiWang bow.


    However, Gu Ying was the mistress of Twilight Snow Studio, so she had the final say.


    The LiWang bow affair could cause some turmoil in the manor, at most dismissing some maids, but if it spread to the Marquis Manor, it would be a sensational incident that rocked Bianjing.


    Ming Yue bit her lip. When she looked at the other person again, her eyes were filled with worry that the matter might leak out, and she did not dare to stir up more trouble.


    Today''s scheme was meant to sow discord between Yanzhi and Gu Ying, mistress and servant, so it would be easier for Ming Yue and Yanzhi to get close to Gu Ying in the future.


    Just as the staged drama ended, the sky started to light up as dawn approached.


    Word was that royal retinues had set out ahead, and several families had already followed. In the time it takes an incense stick to burn, it would be the turn of the Dongping Earl Manor¡¯s carriages to depart.


    Gu Ying had just carried the LiWang bow into her room when she heard people from Zhe Yu Residence, where her eldest uncle lived, urging them to leave the manor.


    She pursed her lips and gazed steadily at the LiWang bow, her fingertips stroking the severed bowstring, feeling somewhat disappointed and worried.


    "Miss, it''s time for us to set out," Ming Yue called from outside.


    Gu Ying responded lightly. She gritted her teeth, "Coming." Then she walked out of the room.


    ...


    The winter hunt was extremely grand.


    Every year after heavy snowfall in the Eastern Li capital, such an event would be held, with invitations sent to all the royal sons and daughters, children of distinguished families, and young masters anddies of prominent households, to go hunting in Nanhai Hunting Ground.


    Not only would royalty and imperial n memberse, even the Empress and the Emperor''s favored consort, Empress Wan, would be there.


    The winter huntsted three days. Not only were there huntingpetitions, there were also hot springs, snow viewing, gatherings around the stove for drinking and poetry recitals, barbecue feasts, and other elegant events.


    Nanhai Hunting Ground was remotely located and spanned a vast area. On one side were steep cliffs that touched the clouds, and the other three sides were guarded by heavy soldiers all year round.


    After Gu Ying exited the manor gates, she saw Gu Jiajing, who was mentally absent and physically frail, being supported by Mrs. Liu as they boarded a carriage.


    Gu Shuang, Gu Wan, Gu Ming and others all had people looking after them.


    Only she was alone, without mother or father.


    She stood solitary in the snow, wrapped in a thick fox fur coat, waiting for the departure of the main branch¡¯s procession before she could get on a carriage.


    "Sister, my carriage broke down. May I ride with you?" Gu Shuang''s clear voice rang out behind her.


    Gu Ying was startled. She turned and saw Gu Shuang''s radiant smile.


    Gu Shuang walked up actively and looped her arm around Gu Ying''s. She pursed her lips, "Let''s get on the carriage. It¡¯s too cold out here. Don¡¯t freeze into a popsicleter."


    Gu Ying''s heart warmed, like a trickle of spring water flowing over her heart. "Aren''t you afraid Aunt Liu will see?"


    "It''s fine. A carriage at home was damaged. Gu Wan didn''t want to travel with me, so I might as well ride with Sister."


    The two of them boarded the carriage, and only the howling wind and snow could be heard.


    The carriages ahead started moving, and Gu Ying''s carriage also began swaying.


    After a moment of silence in the carriage, Gu Shuang lifted the curtains and didn''t see the two maids, Ming Yue and Yanzhi. They were probably in a carriage with her own maids.


    Gu Shuang heaved a sigh of relief. After all, she was still a young girl, unable to conceal some things no matter how natural she acted.


    Gu Ying said calmly, "Go ahead, little sister."


    Gu Shuang took out that prescription and handed it to Gu Ying. "This is the prescription the doctor wrote based on the medicine dregs Sister gave me. The doctor said this prescription is indeed for treating leg problems, and can invigorate the blood and dissipate blood stasis. The ingredients and dosages are all correct."


    Gu Ying looked at the prescription, her eyes turning cold. Since there was nothing wrong with the medicine, then it must have been poisoned. Afraid that ws could be found from the prescription, the only option was to poison the medicine directly.


    Gu Shuang lifted her eyes anxiously, staring at Gu Ying. "Sister, just what are you investigating?"


    Gu Ying pulled up the corner of her mouth. "Investigating my brother''s leg problems."


    Gu Shuang still did not understand. Gu Ning had been sick for so many years. Who in the manor would harm a 10-year-old boy?


    It couldn''t be Aunt Liu, right?


    What was Aunt Liu after?


    Was it the generous fortune and career of the second branch?


    Gu Ying opened the hand warmer, took out the flint and burned the prescription, throwing it into the hand warmer. Her expression was cold as she said, "You''re still young and may not understand the sinister nature of the human heart. Take your mother, Aunt Zhao, for example. Over the years, she has been deeply favored by Eldest Uncle, but other than you, she hasn''t given birth to any children. Little sister, have you ever wondered why?"


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips, her small face deathly pale. She pondered for a long time before parting her lips slightly. "Sister, why are you helping my mother?"


    Gu Ying grasped her little hand. With utmost sincerity, she smiled, "Little sister, because we are in the same boat. When my brother was four, he had no illness and his legs were healthy. He could run and jump. But at five, he identally fell off an artificial hill, and since then, the worse his legs became as doctors treated him. Now he can''t stand at all. Do you think I''m overthinking this, or is someone''s heart too cruel?"


    Gu Shuang felt a chill down her spine. She shook her shoulders and looked up at Gu Ying. "So someone wants to harm Brother Gu Ning, and someone wants to harm my mother too... That person is..."


    "That''s enough, little sister," Gu Ying said, grasping her small hand tightly. "It''s best if only you, me, heaven and earth know these matters."


    "But¡ª"


    "Don''t be impatient," Gu Ying said with a faint smile on her lips. "Evil will be met with retribution in the end. Sister will make sure the viin gets their just desserts."


    She left room for interpretation, but those with discernment knew who the viin was.


    Gu Shuang was deeply shocked. She leaned numbly against the carriage, struggling to calm herself.


    After a long while, she moved her eyes and firmly sped Gu Ying''s fingers. "Sister, for my mother and the child in her belly, I...I want to ask you to protect them. I...although young, am also willing to stand with Sister to protect them, Gu Ning, and..."


    Gu Ying smiled gently and hooked her finger around Gu Shuang''s. "Alright."


    ...


    After a bumpy journey, the carriage finally stopped when night was falling.


    Nanhai Hunting Ground was at the northernmost edge of the Eastern Li Kingdom''s capital, bordering the vast grasnds of the northern nomadic tribes. Located by the mountains and waters, it had excellent fengshui. In winter, the towering trees were covered in silver, like a fairnd.


    From the imperial convoy to the endless carriages and horses behind, the Dongping Earl Manor was merely an inconspicuous member among the capital''s nobility.


    The further north they went, the colder it became.


    Gu Ying gathered her fox fur cloak tightly. Inside the carriage, the coal fire was nearly extinguished.


    Outside, the sound of patrolling soldiers could be heard from time to time. From morning to evening, she had already grown ustomed to it.


    "Sister, are you cold?" Gu Shuang grasped Gu Ying''s hand. "Let me get someone to prepare two hot water bottles, alright?"


    Thest glow of the coal brazier went out, and the not-too-big, not-too-small carriage instantly lost all warmth.


    Gu Ying sniffed her reddened nose and smiled. "No need. Let''s endure a while longer. The hunting ground is almost here."


    With carriages both ahead and behind, stopping now would cause trouble for those behind them.


    They might even offend the impatient masters of some families.


    In such a grand asion, it was best to keep a low profile, rather than owe anyone favors. It was better to endure a while longer until they reached the campsite of the hunting grounds to properly warm up.

 Chapter 31: Hear the Gossip

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    Let''s continue. In her previous life, she had endured all kinds of cold and frost in the dpidated temple.


    Those ten years were the most painful ten years for her...


    Especially every winter, when she was scarcely clothed, she would often be so cold that she shivered stiffly...


    Whenever she thought she couldn''t live on, some kind-hearted people helped her get through... She suddenly remembered that inarticte but honest beggar. Thinking that if she could meet him again in this life, she would definitely repay his kindness of giving her clothes and wiping her body.


    While thinking this way, suddenly rapid hoofbeats sounded outside the carriage.


    Gu Shuang lifted the curtain and said in surprise, "Huh?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyes, her gaze following Shuang''s hand looking outside. She only saw a man in a long ck robe galloping by in the vast snow.


    The man had an elegant and slender figure, sharp brows and eyes, and a peerlessly handsome aura, attracting many onlookers.


    Gu Shuang''s eyes stared nkly. She murmured, "He looks so handsome, like no other young master I''ve seen in the capital. I wonder which family he is from."


    When Gu Ying saw his back, she already recognized him. She smiled and said, "He is the young marquis of Yong''an Marquisate."


    It was natural for him to be here for such an event like the winter hunt. So his appearance here wouldn''t be strange.


    But Gu Shuang was very puzzled. "He is the young marquis? But¡ª"


    The young marquis didn''t look like him at all.


    She had seen the young marquis from afar once before. The young marquis had two faint dimples on his face when he smiled. He had an elegant and refined temperament, and was asionally somewhat unrestrained. He always liked to wear crimson clothes and rarely wore somber ck.


    The wind outside the carriage was cold. Gu Ying was worried about the Li Wang bow and felt uneasy. She pulled the curtain down and said, "Little sister, let''s not look for now... The snow outside is quite heavy, be careful not to catch a coldter."


    She pursed her lips, thinking about how she should inform the young marquis about this matter.


    Another hour passed.


    The carriages began to stop one after another.


    After the Emperor and Empress, Imperial Concubines and other nobles entered the tents, it was finally the turn for her family''s carriage at the back.


    When the carriage stopped, Gu Shuang immediately got off to ask people to prepare ginger soup.


    Gu Ying leaned back in the carriage and rested with her eyes closed. After just a moment, she had a nightmare. She dreamed she was still lying in that dpidated temple. Gu Jia and Jiang Yin held hands and stood in front of her with hideous faces,ughing wildly and arrogantly. They mocked, ridiculed and beat her, breaking all the tendons in her hands and feet. Then they brought in more than a dozen filthy beggars...


    Drooling, those vulgar and disgusting beggars pounced on her...


    Her tilting body suddenly felt a sense of weightlessness and shock. Then she woke up from the shivering of her muscles.


    The inside of the carriage had gonepletely dark, with faint lights filtering in from outside.


    She stared nkly into the pitch-ck carriage, waiting for her numb body to recover.


    Outside the carriage, several maidservants were talking in hushed tones.


    "The Huo family has settled down, Yong''an Marquisate''s people have also arrived, and the Town Nation Duke''s mansion also sent people this time. I heard that the legendary heir who appears and disappears has just returned from the frontier and attended this winter hunt."


    "The heir has been on the frontier with the old Duke for these years, defeating foreign enemies dozens of times. Now he has returned with great military achievements, as prestigious as a deity, and as handsome as an immortal. But his temperament is extremely cold, with his handsome face as ominous as the King of Hell, making people not dare get close. Even so, I heard that the Empress wants to marry her daughter, Princess Yueyan, to him. She is still observing now, worried that after long time on the battlefield, the heir is cruel and ruthless, brutal, and would not be tender to women or a good husband."


    Someone else picked up the thread and sighed for a while, whispering, "If you really talk about it, this heir is not apletely cold-hearted person. Back then in Bianjing, he and the Huo family''s..."


    "Shh¡ª" Someone immediately sternly interrupted the person, "Do you want to die? This old matter from many years ago has not been allowed to be mentioned for so long! Be careful or you''ll lose your head!"


    The discussion gradually faded away.


    Gu Ying stared nkly into the pitch-ck carriage, waiting for her stiff body to recover.


    She clearly remembered that this was heir Zhao Changdu''s first year in office in Bianjing. The winter hunt was held every year with many recurring faces, but this time was different, with the neers Zhao Changdu and herself.


    She was an insignificant daughter, but Zhao Changdu''s identity was very different.


    The old Duke was a pir of Dong Li''s military power. His grandson could fight well and carved a bloody path of achievements on the battlefield.


    This heir was naturally the darling of all the prestigious nobles in Bianjing.


    Many youngdies from prestigious families came to this winter hunt just for him.


    Gu Ying remembered that one night stand in her previous life... She was tortured by that wolf-like man in despair and helplessness. After returning to Jiang manor, she couldn''t get out of bed for three days.


    Her face felt slightly hot, and she was also somewhat frightened, only swearing in her heart that she must keep away from that King of Hell in this life, as far away as possible.


    She closed her eyes, hearing more noisesing from outside. Soon, her maidservants Qingfeng, Mingyue, and Banzhi anxiously squeezed through theing and going maidservants to get to her.


    Mingyue lifted the curtain and came to help her up, "Miss, everything is settled up front. It''s our turn now."


    Gu Ying regained herposure and nodded. With their support, she got off the carriage.


    The entire Nanhai Hunting Ground was filled with carriages and horses of nobles. There was a field specially for parking carriages, and exquisite tents were ubiquitous. Everywhere were guards with long swords and spears. Dong Li''s banners fluttered in the cold wind.


    Countless people of all kinds came and went in the light.


    Some she recognized, some she didn''t, some she could socialize with, and some top wealthy and prestigious nobles that she couldn''t associate with in either her previous life or this life. She rarely saw such a lively and grand scene.


    The powerful aristocratic families were used to clustering together. Her family''s mediocre Earl of Dongping mansion looked a bit out of ce. Their campsite was also rtively remotepared to the others.


    But it was still superiorpared to those Rank 5-6 minor officials'' families.


    Gu Shuang took the ginger soup from her and happily ran over to hand it to her. "Second sister, let''s go into the tent to change clothes first. After dinner tonight, we''ll go with Mother to pay our respects in the Empress''s tent."


    Gu Ying wasn''t here for the first time, so she naturally knew that the Empress would summon them, these daughters of Bianjing official families, tonight.


    Her only imperial son, Prince Duan Li Hao, was not yet married. Now he was older, but the Emperor had not named the Crown Prince yet.


    Taking advantage of the winter hunt, the Empress also wanted to select several virtuous girls from the Bianjingdies to send to Prince Duan''s manor.


    First, it was for Prince Duan to have children; second, it was to choose some girls with prestigious family backgrounds to help support him in bing Crown Prince in the future.


    Gu Ying felt her palms warming up.

 Chapter 32: Into the Trap

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    Gu Ying did not know that she hade before, thinking that although she was her younger sister, she was more knowledgeable than her elder sister. She took the initiative to take her to find Bo Fu''s camp.


    "Second elder sister, there are many people in Nanhai Hunting Ground now. If you have nothing to do, it''s better to stay in your own tent. At other times, I''m here, you just need to follow me and you won''t go wrong."


    "Alright, fourth younger sister."


    When she arrived at her own camp, Gu Ying''s mind turned over and over again, and finally a feeling of destion appeared on her face.


    How could she not remember?


    Those past events, she engraved them firmly in her heart, reminding herself every moment, that reliving this life, she absolutely could not repeat the same mistakes.


    ...


    After tidying up and getting dressed, Gu Ying changed into a in woven silk top, a crimson cor small jacket, and an azure blue Luo skirt below.


    After having dinner, Lady Liu specifically kept Gu Jia behind, not knowing what the mother and daughter were talking about.


    Shegged behind, and only vaguely heard something like "my child, there will be princes and noble sons everywhere at the winter hunt, you still have a chance..."


    Gu Ying didn''t listen further, and went back to her own tent first to wait for the summons.


    Bored, she casually flipped through a book on military strategy, with Qingfeng Mingyue attentively waiting on her left and right, fulfilling their duties and keeping an eye on her every move.


    Seeing that the book she was reading was so dull, she immediately became impatient and contemptuous in her heart.


    Clearly illiterate, yet pretending, not knowing who she was putting on a show for.


    In less than a quarter of an hour,


    Gu Ying put down the book and nced outside the curtain. If her timing was right, the Gu Jia of this life, like in her previous life, shoulde to find her now.


    Sure enough, as soon as she got up and put on her cloak, Gu Jia lifted the curtain and walked in, "Younger sister, we haven''t seen each other for a few days, do you miss your elder sister?"


    Gu Ying looked steadily at her delicate and exquisite made-up face that had been meticulously painted, still revealing the same simple and silly smile as in her previous life, "Is elder sister''s health much better?"


    There was a sh of resentment in Gu Jia''s eyes, but she still walked over politely, fawning as if to please her, and said, "Almost recovered. Ah Ying, we grew up together since we were young, will the sisterly affection between us be broken just because of a man? I''ve thought carefully about it these past few days. We are family, we have blood ties, no matter if I will really marry Master Jiang in the future or not, Ah Ying, let''s break the ice between us, and be close sisters again in the future, what do you think?"


    This hypocritical face made Gu Ying want to vomit a little.


    But she endured it, smiling gently, "Elder sister is right, I didn''t like Master Jiang to begin with anyway. Since elder sister admires him, then younger sister will wish that elder sister will grow old together with him, and live together for generations."


    The corner of Gu Jia''s mouth twitched slightly, hating Gu Ying so much that her teeth itched, "It''s easy to say all this, it''s dark outside, the road is slippery, mother asked me toe and take my sister to Her Majesty the Queen''s tent."


    Gu Ying looked innocent, "Okay."


    Gu Jia hid the resentment and cunning light in her eyes, and intimately pulled Gu Ying along outside.


    Gu Ying paused, turned around, and ordered, "Ming Yue, you guys stay in the tent and wait for me toe back. With elder sister here, I temporarily don''t need you to serve me. Let us sisters have an intimate chat."


    Gu Jia''s eyes lit up slightly. She was just worried about how to find an excuse to send away the maids by Gu Ying''s side, but unexpectedly, Gu Ying took the initiative to leave the maids behind in the tent.


    Was there even such a good thing?


    She hooked up the corners of her mouth and gritted her teeth fiercely. Gu Ying, just wait, I''ll let you die here tonight!


    Gu Ying followed Gu Jia impassively.


    Once out of the Gu residence camp, the wind and snow outside were gusty, and the icy wind hitting her face was like a sharp knife.


    As Gu Jia walked, she chatted with Gu Ying all the way.


    "Fourth younger sister has already gone ahead with Wan younger sister to Her Majesty the Queen''s tent. They will wait for us in front of Her Majesty the Queen''s tent."


    "I was thinking that our sisters have been estranged these past few days, so today I wanted to have a private conversation to apologize to my sister."


    "Does my second younger sister still like me as the eldest sister?"


    "It''s my little sister''s first time here, unfamiliar with the hunting grounds. The roads are slippery at night, so you have to be careful and follow me!"


    Gu Ying stared at her back, asking innocently, "Elder sister, where are you taking me?"


    The path was getting more and more remote, clearly not the way to the Queen''s tent.


    Gu Jia still thought Gu Ying was the ignorant little fool who had never seen the world. Sheughed and said, "Your elder sister knows a shortcut. Maybe we can arrive at Her Majesty the Queen''s tent earlier than the fourth younger sister. If Her Majesty sees my second younger sister''s heavenly appearance and jade-like beautyter, she may also bestow gifts to our Gu family."


    Gu Ying stopped.


    Ahead was dense bamboo forest and thick snow covering the path.


    Gu Jia walked gracefully ahead, subtly leading her deeper into the woods.


    "Second younger sister, why did you stop walking?"


    "Let''s go." Gu Ying hooked up the corners of her mouth, walked up to hold Gu Jia''s hand, and walked side by side with her for a few steps. "Doesn''t elder sister feel this ce is so dark and cold, making people afraid?"


    Gu Jia''s eyes were gloomy as sheughed, "With us sisters together, what is there to be afraid of?"


    As soon as she finished speaking,


    she only felt her side waist being suddenly pushed hard by someone, and her whole body instantly lost bnce. In her panic, she spread out her left foot trying to steady herself, but unexpectedly, as soon as her foot stretched out, itnded on empty air. Unbeknownst to her, there was actually a big dark hole under the snowdrift.


    "Ah! Help!"


    Her eyes widened in shock.


    "Gu Ying, you pushed me?!"


    After reacting, she hardened her heart, trying to grab Gu Ying as she fell to pull her down together.


    But how could Gu Ying let her have her way? A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of her lips. Her fingers clenched hard on the back of Gu Jia''s hand, hurting her so much that Gu Jia had no choice but to let her go. Very quickly, Gu Jia''s body fell down like rubble with a thud.


    Not to mention Gu Jia was dumbfounded.


    Even the maid Dou Kou who was with Gu Jia holding an oilmp was dumbfounded. She looked at the expressionless young miss with frightened and fearful eyes, her fingers trembling slightly in fear. "Young Miss, you... you actually dared to push Eldest Miss... in this icy and snowy weather..."


    Gu Ying''s smile faded away, her whole person became as cold as a ghost crawled out of hell.


    She stared straight at Dou Kou, walking towards her step by step.


    Dou Kou''s lips trembled weakly, "Young miss, what are you doing! Could it be you still want to kill someone?!"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly, but there was no smile in her eyes.


    Dou Kou became more and more afraid, "Don''te over! I''ll call for help!"


    Gu Ying didn''t care at all. Her small hand rested on Dou Kou''s slender shoulder, her expression looking very polite, but colder than the snow on the ground here, "The trap you dug yourself, what do I want to do? Don''t you know already?"


    Dou Kou was so frightened that her face turned pale. "Young miss is talking nonsense, I don''t understand at all..."


    Gu Ying felt that even Dou Kou''s breathing was annoying. Unwilling to listen to her sophistry any longer, she exerted force with her hand and also pushed her into the hole under the snow.

 Chapter 33: Be Seen by Him

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Very soon, cries for help from the master and servant could be heard from below, interspersed with Gu Jia''s curses from time to time.


    "Older sister, is the taste down there still good?"


    "Gu Ying, why don''t you pull me up quickly! Do you believe that when I get up, you won''t get any good fruit to eat!"


    Gu Ying''s face was cold, "Why should I pull you up? To let you go and tattle? To let you go in front of the Empress and perform?"


    Gu Jia fell below, her whole body aching, but her mouth was still unrelenting, "Gu Ying, you''re crazy! Don''t you know that the Empress summoning all thedies from official families tonight is a big deal? If I don''t go, let''s see how you exin it to the Empress, my mother and grandmother!"


    Gu Yingughedzily. Her exquisite and pretty little face was full of precocious maturity that did not match her age, "The night road is dark, sister didn''t watch her step and identally fell into a trap, why should I exin?"


    Gu Jia was almost driven mad.


    As soon as she arrived at the hunting ground, she had deliberately prepared this trap, but she didn''t expect that fate would y a trick, and Gu Ying would actually push her down!


    In order for Gu Ying not to be able to climb up, she went through a lot of trouble.


    Not only was this trap dug extremely deep, but she deliberately threw many sharp gravel inside.


    It was for the purpose that when she fell down, she could peel off ayer of skin, and it would be best if she could poke holes in that charming little face that seduced men!


    But now it had all backfired on her!


    Gu Ying looked at the sky.


    The time was reallyte.


    In her previous life, she was cold and hungry in this dark trap. Gu Jia pushed her in and never thought of sending someone to save her.


    She had stayed here for a whole night before being discovered by Bai Zhi ...


    By the time she was fished out by the Gu Residence servants, she had missed the Empress''s summons and almost missed the opening of the winter hunt.


    Moreover, because she did not attend, she was criticized by countless noblewomen for being arrogant, and her reputation in Bianjing plummeted.


    She would never forget the fleeting disgust and contempt in Jiang Yin''s eyes at the winter hunt.


    Perhaps in his eyes, she was already his fianc¨¦e, of one heart and mind with him, sharing glory and disgrace. But everywhere, this future Mrs. Jiang was embarrassing the new top schr, causing him to lose face.


    Soter when they married, he must have disliked her so much.


    Gu Ying patted the snowkes off her hands and got up, shaking off the snowkes on her cloak, preparing to leave.


    "Sister, enjoy yourself down there. If you''re lucky enough to meet a kind person, you can be saved and maybe still make it to the Empress''s summons. If no one passes by here, then you can only me yourself for your bad luck."


    Gu Jia was on the verge of copse. How could anyone pass by here?


    She had deliberately chosen this remote location, not intending to leave Gu Ying a way out.


    Upon thinking this, she was suddenly so scared that she ordered in a fluster, "Gu Ying! You can''t leave! You have to go find someone to save me! Hurry up! Go! Don''t force me! If you push me too hard, I will bite!"


    Bite?


    Hadn''t she already harmed her enough?


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly, avoiding the pit she had fallen into in her previous life. Her whole body and mind felt rxed.


    She ignored Gu Jia again and turned to leave the deep woods.


    However, before she could leave, arge palm grasped her wrist.


    The man''s grip was extremely strong. Her wrists were slender and he almost broke her bones.


    She frowned in pain, panicked for a moment, and quickly raised her eyes.


    In the dim light, the snow was bright.


    The man wore a ck gold cloud brocade overcoat, with long eyebrows and deep eyes. There was asional light reflected in his pitch-ck pupils, as if it were a bright gxy.


    Only when she saw his distinct, miraculous appearance did she breathe a sigh of relief, smiling and bending the corners of her lips, "Young Marquis? Howe it''s you?"


    This ce was remote, there shouldn''t have been anyone.


    She had just been focused on dealing with Gu Jia and didn''t notice Su Huanfeng''s presence...


    However, seeing him, she was still happy in her heart.


    There was a sh of mockery in the man''s eyes, "What''s wrong? Afraid of being seen by others?"


    Gu Ying clenched her fists. Her wrist was still in hisrge palm. She felt the undeniable pain and was stunned for a moment, "What does the Young Marquis mean by this?"


    Zhao Changdu stared at her childish little face and had no intention of letting her go. He asked in a low voice, "At such a young age, with vicious thoughts and ruthless means, even able to frame your own sister, who taught you these things?"


    Gu Ying slightly lifted her chin, her clear eyes dazedly looking at the tall man in front of her. For a moment, there was a twinge of pain in her heart. She felt that no one could understand her.


    In their eyes, perhaps they could only see her pushing her older sister into the trap.


    They must think she was not a good girl.


    Vicious and cruel.


    But so what?


    She had died in the dpidated temple at the age of 28 in her previous life, nearing 30 years old. Now reborn, adding up her age, she was older than the man in front of her by several years.


    She had lived longer than him, seen moreplicated human nature, experienced more hardships, and her mentality was no longer that of an inexperienced young girl.


    Why make a fuss over it with a younger brother?


    She soon convinced herself that there was no need to exin too much to him. After all, these were her family affairs, and it was not good to let an outsider see the joke.


    She raised a faint smile, "Perhaps the Young Marquis doesn''t know, some things don''t need to be taught, theye naturally. I am indeed as the Young Marquis sees, with vicious thoughts and ruthless means, and perhaps in the future, I will be even more ruthless."


    She had no intention of letting Su Huanfeng think she was a good person, and smiled again, "But don''t worry, maybe in less than three months, I will voluntarily annul the engagement with the Young Marquis."


    By then, they would have no rtionship.


    He wouldn''t have to care whether she was kindhearted or cruel either.


    Bianjing was so big that when they became strangers again, the filth of the Gu Family shouldn''t taint the Young Marquis''s nobility.


    Zhao Changdu understood her implied meaning, but he still felt a little ufortable.


    At first, he only felt that she was bolder than other youngdies in the capital, unrestrained, and when she came to beg him not to break off the engagement, her eyes were like a deer''s, sincere and clean, making it hard for him to refuse.


    Later, in front of Huo Qiyi, she was servile and fawning,pletely without backbone, which disappointed him.


    Now, she had harmed her own elder sister with her own hands.


    Finally revealing her ruthless and merciless true face, making his disgust for her deepen anotheryer.


    After thinking about it, he let go of her hand. Frost covered his handsome face, "Get lost."


    Gu Ying felt inexplicable in her heart. She did want to leave, rubbing the wrist that he had turned red. It still hurt for a long time.


    But seeing him walk towards the trap, she had no choice but to grab his ck gold cloud brocade coat, "Young Marquis, you shouldn''t interfere in my family affairs!"


    Zhao Changdu nced at her sideways, the coldness spreading in his eyes made her shudder all over, "What, you harm people, and I''m not allowed to save them?"

 Chapter 34: Get Your Hands Off Me.

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Gu Ying''s gaze also turned cold, "On what grounds does the little marquis save her?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was emotionless, mocking, "No need for reason, saving a life is better than building a seven-tiered pagoda."


    The cold wind rustled, and the snow raged.


    Gu Ying tilted her head slightly, her messy hair, and suddenly her heart felt panicked, with a faint feeling of chest tightness.


    Su Huanfeng''s words were not wrong, but every word was still like a knife carved in her heart.


    That''s right, even someone like Gu Jia has someone to save her.


    Then what about her?


    In her previous life, when she was struggling to survive alone in this dark trap, who had ever reached out to help her?


    Zhao Changdu impatiently frowned, disgusted, "Gu Ying, take your filthy hands away."


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly in ce, her little hand weakly removed from his cloak, her whole body filled with bitterness, in the misty vision, the man''s tall figure walked towards that trap.


    Her face was slightly pale, her vermilion lips slightly parted, like a fishcking water, her jaw slightly raised, she took a few breaths of the cool snowy wind.


    Think about it, it''s also reasonable.


    After all, in the previous life, Su Huanfeng was Gu Jia''s husband, maybe between them there was some predestined rtionship, so Gu Jia was in trouble tonight and somehow attracted Su Huanfeng.


    But it doesn''t matter, she still has plenty of opportunities.


    The pits Gu Jia dug for her were more than just this one, she had plenty of opportunities to make Gu Jia suffer.


    Gu Ying made up her mind. She didn''t want to entangle with Su Huanfeng here. After all, he was the young marquis of the Yong''an Marquis Family, with great power and influence. Offending him would do her no good since she had ruined his treasured Wang Bow.


    She restrained her mind and tried her best to calm herself down. She didn''t look at Su Huanfeng again and left the lush forest.


    Just aftering out of the dark, she saw Yanzhi carefully groping over from afar.


    "Miss, are you alright! I watched Ming Yue for a while and took the opportunity to sneak out when she was dozing off."


    Yanzhi''s concerned voice rang out. Gu Ying''s eyes turned moist. She threw herself into Yanzhi''s arms and hugged her tightly, "Yanzhi."


    The wind and snow were too cold, and people''s hearts were so cruelly cold. Only the warmth of Yanzhi''s body in front of her warmed her heart.


    Yanzhi didn''t know what to do with her little hands, gently patting her youngdy''s back, and asked worriedly, "Miss, what''s wrong with you?"


    Gu Ying''s tone was a little sour. She was aggrieved after all. She wiped all her tears on the little girl''s clothes. After a long time, she recovered herposure andughed, "Nothing, I just got tricked by Gu Jia when I went out, but your youngdy is smart and turned the tables on her."


    "Ah?" Yanzhi looked confused.


    Gu Ying chuckled and vividly told Yanzhi about Gu Jia''s pit trap.


    "Ptooey! The eldest youngdy deserved it, it served her right!" Yanzhi spat, and grabbed her youngdy''s little hand somewhat frightened, "Miss, it''s gettingte, let''s hurry to the Empress Dowager''s tent, don''t offend the Empress Dowager."


    Gu Ying''s face was calm, and she gave a cold "hmm".


    The mistress and servant walked quickly along the empress dowager''s camp.


    Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of the tent. The imperial tent was naturally exceptional, luxurious and exquisite.


    In front of the snowy ground at the entrance, dozens of youngdies and girls from prominent families were standing outside the curtains, apanied by maids and servants.


    Colorful zednterns hung in front of the tent, the five colors spilled out, as beautiful as brocade spread on the ground woven by fairies.


    Snow floated in the sky, everyone wore oilcloth umbres on their heads, carefully apanied by their first-ss maids, gathered in groups of three or five, fluttering sleeves, smiling andughing.


    There were girls from the Huo family, Zhang family, Li family, Zhao family... Their appearance was dazzling.


    When Gu Ying first arrived, she was a little messy on her body and head.


    Yanzhi had left in a hurry and forgot to bring an umbre.


    At this time, she wore arge red cloak, a pale yellow jacket, a green gauze skirt, standing lively and pretty in the wind and snow.


    Large patches of snowkes were on her hair bun, her palm-sized tender white little face was frozen red, the tip of her nose revealed a rosy color, from her cheeks to her jaw, to her slender neck, the rosy red intoxicated color. Her lips lightly dotted, disheveled sideburns did not affect her clear and unparalleled beauty at all.


    From a distance, she looked like a green lotus blossoming quietly in the thick ink night.


    Everyone looked at her in unison, as if they had never seen such a figure among the nobledies in the capital.


    Gu Ying raised her head calmly.


    A pair of starry eyes,cquer-like, no longer as timid and cowardly as in her previous life, but looking directly at everyone''s gaze, saluting gracefully, giving everyone a standard etiquette for youngdies.


    The youngdies who hadn''t seen her were a little doubtful.


    Which family was this beautiful girl from?


    "Second sister!"


    "Here!"


    Gu Shuang lowered her voice and called her. Seeing her bewildered look, she hurried out from the corner, grabbed her and pulled her behind, "Second sister, didn''t eldest sister go to pick you up? Howe you only came now?"


    Seeing her standing with Gu Shuang, Gu Wan and other Gu family women.


    Everyone suddenly understood that she was the legitimate daughter of Gu''s second house, the famous General Gu, with not a good reputation.


    Most of the youngdies came to see the style of the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo, of course, some came to watch her make a fool of herself.


    Soon there was an inappropriate buzz in the crowd.


    Gu Shuang''s face was a little embarrassed and awkward. After all, she was young and cared about face... This was the first time she felt ufortable because her sister with a bad reputation was being talked about.


    Gu Ying saw her embarrassment and didn''t care about the prying eyes. She smiled and took the initiative to stand farther away from her.


    Gu Wan, who stood beside Gu Shuang, looked disgusted, wishing she didn''t know Gu Ying, and turned her head to talk about her elder sister''s disgraceful affairs in a low voice with the youngdies she usually interacted with.


    Gu Ying was alone, with only a little maidservant, tidying the pine needles on her skirt, seemingly indifferent to all the sounds around her, looking pitiful and pathetic.


    Gu Shuang watched from afar, feeling more and more ufortable, gritted her teeth, walked quickly over, and pulled her right hand, "Second sister, I didn''t mean to despise you."


    Gu Ying looked at her in surprise, then smiled gently, "Aren''t you afraid they will ostracize you?"

 Chapter 35: The Loss of the instrument before the Account

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    "There is nothing to be afraid of," Gu Shuang thought openly, smiling indifferently, "My sister is my only family. They are all outsiders, so what does it matter what they say or think? Besides, I don''t think my sister is as ipetent as they say. On the contrary, my sister is very smart and open-minded, not at all like a coward."


    She is no fool.


    When the second sister was close to the eldest sister in the past, she was taken out to attend banquets a few times. Afterwards, rumours spread in social circles that the second sister was as stupid as a pig, simple-minded and weak.


    It is obvious whose doing this is.


    "You are..." There was some feeling and regret in Gu Ying''s heart, "Even though you are younger than me, you are more sensible than anyone."


    What a good girl she was in her previous life, designed by Lady Liu in the end, and met such a tragic fate at the hands of that uncultured bandit leader.


    Gu Ying smiled kindly, reaching out and stroking the hair ornament at her temple.


    "Don''t worry, Shuang''er."


    "Sister will protect you well."


    Gu Shuang''s cheeks flushed slightly. She always felt her second sister''s gaze scorching her heart.


    However, since she had chosen to stand by her second sister''s side, breaking through the awkwardness, the guilt in her heart dissipated like smoke, and now her smile was also open.


    ...


    Outside the pce gates, a line of six young pce maids lowered their heads and entered the Queen''s tent.


    Thedies respectfully gave way, making room for them to pass.


    After a while, a pce maid drew open the curtains and announced for thedies to enter and pay their respects to the Queen.


    The women filed in, Gu Ying and Gu Shuang followed behind, keeping a low profile.


    Once inside the Queen¡¯srge tent, a heat wave swept over their faces. Everyone held their breath and stood solemnly in their proper ces, not daring to make a sound.


    Gu Ying was squeezed to stand at the very end of the line. Together with the others, following the eunuch''s prompting, she performed the grand bow to the Queen.


    The Queen wore a phoenix crown and phoenix robes, sitting on a throne iid with phoenix and unicorn treasures.


    She was very far from thedies below, from a distance, cutting a shocking and majestic figure.


    Gu Ying had never seen such a scene in her previous life. In this life, she was not afraid at all, and nced up slightly to look over.


    Although she could not see the Queen''s appearance clearly, in her previous life, this Queen did not end well either. It was a pity that she almost could not be buried in the imperial tomb when she died.


    "Second sister..." Gu Shuang said nervously, holding her hand. "Don''t be nervous, second sister..."


    It was unclear whether she wasforting Gu Ying orforting herself.


    Gu Ying smiled lightly. "Alright, I''m not nervous."


    When the Queen gently called for them to rise, Gu Ying finally heard the sounds of thedies chatting with Her Majesty in the tent.


    She had been raised in the rear courtyard of the Marquis Fu since she was young. Apart from attending a few small banquets with Gu Jia, she rarely went out to meet people from outside.


    As a result, she was somewhat unfamiliar with these noblewomen and youngdies of the capital, and did not know many of their names. She also did not know much about the court news they talked about.


    Gu Shuang''s birth mother was a favored concubine. She had seen more people than Gu Ying, and was now quietly exining and introducing them to her.


    "That one seems to be Lady Ning from the household of the Minister of Personnel. Her mother is an old acquaintance of the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother only has Prince Duan as a son, and has not taken a wife for him yet. She intends to make that Lady Ning the Princess Consort for Prince Duan."


    "Prince Duan is of good moral character and benevolent. Many people in court hope that he can be the Crown Prince. But no one knows what the Emperor is thinking. He still hesitates between Prince Duan and Prince Shu, who is the son of Consort Wan."


    "Concubine Wan is a favored concubine, and Prince Shu is the eldest illegitimate son. The Queen Mother has the legitimacy as the Mother of the Nation, and Prince Duan is the legitimate son. No one knows whether the legitimate or illegitimate son will be chosen. Ah, court affairs are tooplicated. I asionally heard my father mention a few words, but I don''t know much else..."


    As an illegitimate daughter, she knew even less.


    The Marquisate of Dongping did not take sides. Gu Ying was also not interested in currying favor with either side. In the end, neither Prince Shu nor Prince Duan seeded to the throne anyway.


    In the year she died, Prince Shu was still alive, but Prince Duan had already died from illness.


    The factions in the pce changed unpredictably. As shey in a pile of grass in the dpidated temple, listening to gossip from the countryside, those in power had already be the Zhao Family.


    However, in this life, she would no longer be confined in the Jiang manor in the future. She also had to learn to socialize, for the sake of the Second Branch of the Gu Family, and for the sake of her younger brother.


    For example, that Lady Huo Qiyan from the Huo Family will be an Empress in the future.


    In any case, she had to think of a way not to offend her, and it would be best if she could owe Lady Huo a favor during this winter hunt.


    The pce attendant called out their names, and the youngdies came forward one by one to pay their respects to the Queen, after which the Queen would reward each with a pearl.


    While listening, Gu Ying silently took note of the names of thedies and madams in the tent, roughly observing their attire and dressing, getting a sense of them.


    Strangely, there was not a single youngdy from Madam Ye''s side. She wondered if the men of the Ye Family hade or not.


    She was still puzzled when the calling of names reached the Gu Family''s side.


    "Eldest Young Lady Gu Jia of the Marquisate of Dongping, Second Young Lady Gu Ying, Third Young Lady Gu Wan, Fourth Young Lady Gu Shuang,e forth to greet the Queen."


    The three Gu sisters stepped forward and knelt in the hall.


    The Queen asked, "Where is Gu Jia?"


    Gu Ying bowed her head and carefully exined, "Replying to Your Majesty, my eldest sister is indisposed and unable to meet Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will forgive us."


    The looks around were mostly mocking and disdainful.


    Some had clearly seen Gu Jia lively and active before. How could she suddenly fall ill now? Her illness was suspicious, she must have deliberately note.


    The Queen Mother was obviously not very interested in the few youngdies of the Gu Family. She casually let them sit down. Her dazzling eyes still lingered on Gu Ying''s face for a while.


    Gu Ying lowered her brows and eyes as she sat down.


    She then heard the Queen weakly say, "This pce has seen the youngdies of various families tonight. The girls of my Dong Li are clusters of flowers, each of them a startling beauty. Seeing them has delighted this pce greatly. Tomorrow is the official start of the winter hunt. It iste now. This pce is ill and tired. You may all withdraw to rest."


    The Queen had always been in poor health, so no one dared to overstay. They all bowed and took their leave.


    Coming out of therge tent, the heat dissipated and they were met with a bone-chilling cold and a gust of wind like knives.


    Thedies crowded outside the tent, and Gu Ying was also trapped in the middle, unable to move.


    She did not know what was happening.


    But she saw a wealthy noblewoman in the snowy mist hurriedly leading a youngdy of marriageable age with her head lowered to walk over.


    The snow was too heavy. That youngdy was dressed in a light tea-colored brocade robe. Her shoulders were slender and bony. Not seeing where she stepped, she suddenly slipped.


    Unable to stand firmly, her delicate body fell messily into the snow in front of everyone.


    "Mother!"


    She raised her pale little face, her eyes misty, pitiful.


    Seeing that she had embarrassed herself, the noblewoman turned around with a frown, and angrily said, "With so many eyes watching, you have failed me like this? Get up quickly! The Queen Mother is still waiting to see us! If you offend Her Majesty with your impropriety in front of her tent, I will not let you off when we return!"

 Chapter 36: He is the Son of the World

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    When that girl heard this, tears brimmed her eyes and fell like pear blossoms in the rain, presenting such a pitiful sight.


    She struggled to stand up, but her right foot would not budge at all. Her slender fair hand gripped her ankle tightly. It seemed she had sprained her ankle and was now twisting her elegant brows in pain as she slumped down in the cold snow, her eyes growing redder.


    "Mother...I can''t seem to move. My foot hurts so much."


    "You useless thing... If I had known earlier I wouldn''t have brought you out here to embarrass me!" The noblewoman continued cursing, but did not ask the servants to help the girl up. She was deliberately trying to humiliate her.


    The girl buried her head dejectedly as tears plopped into the snow. The maid behind her nodded obediently, not daring to do anything but cry anxiously along with her mistress.


    "How could it be her..."


    Word of what happened outside the Queen''s tent spread quickly around Qing Ying.


    "Isn''t she the illegitimate daughter of the Huo family, Lady Huo Qiyun?"


    "So it''s her? I heard thatter she married the youngest son of the Zhao family, Zhao Changxing. After she married into Zhenguo Duke Manor, she was rarely seen socializing with others. I heard discipline in the duke''s manor is very strict, and the daughter-inws are not allowed to interact closely with outsiders. As an illegitimate daughter, she should be content to have married into a prestigious household. After getting married, she focused on serving her husband and raising children, keeping an exceptionally low profile. I heard years ago that there were few heirs in the duke''s manor, so she was told to stay in the manor and concentrate on having children. And now so many years have passed, yet her belly has shown no sign. No wonder Lady Zhao treats her badly."


    "Lady Zhao brought her along deliberately today, right? After all, the heir is back in Bianjing and will meet Her Majesty soon."


    "I wonder if the heir knows that she is now¡ª"


    "Shhh, stop that! Be careful or the heir will cut off your hands and feet if he hears you!"


    Someone hurriedly interrupted the gossip, looking around anxiously as if there was a big secret that could not be spoken aloud.


    Qing Ying gazed steadily at Lady Huo, whom everyone spoke of as living such a miserable life.


    She felt like the clothes Lady Huo wore looked quite simr to her own. And the girl''s exquisite beauty that transcended the mundane world, with the air of a delicate flower and an indescribable charm, skin as fair as jade with a rosy tint¡ªit was a natural beauty, like a lotus blossoming out of clear water.


    Her pitiful weeping as she struggled helplessly in the snow...


    She was physically weak, unable to withstand the wind. Finding herselfpletely helpless, her face turned red with shame. Tears clung to her eyshes as she wished the ground would open up and swallow her.


    Perhaps it was empathy among those who suffer the same plight.


    Or maybe it was remembering her own experience of being bullied. Qing Ying''s heart stirred, and she resolutely walked out from the crowd towards the girl.


    Everyone looked at her in shock.


    "That girl surnamed Gu actually dares to offend Lady Zhao?"


    "Lady Zhao is notoriously unreasonable. Offending her means no peaceful days ahead."


    But Qing Ying was fearless. She went to Huo Qiyun''s side and smiled at her, bending down to take her arm and help her up.


    Just then, she felt the girl grip her hand tightly in a tense, downward motion.


    Under her cloak, Huo Qiyun clutched her hand firmly. Her reddened eyes pierced sharply at Qing Ying.


    Qing Ying could not pull Huo Qiyun up, and frowned in puzzlement. Looking at the tear stains on her face, she was very confused. What? She was here to help her, yet she still acted as if she didn''t need any help?


    Was something wrong with this girl''s mind after being tormented by her mother-inw?


    But before she could react, the sound of galloping hooves came from behind.


    No horses or carriages were allowed near the Queen''s tent, so anyone riding here must be extremely wealthy and influential.


    Before Qing Ying could let go of Huo Qiyun''s hand, someone grabbed her cor from behind and threw her unceremoniously into the snow...


    "Miss!"


    "Sister!"


    Gu Shuang and Yanzhi rushed over to help her up.


    Qing Ying''s butt hurt from the fall. She was stunned, gazing nkly at the one who had thrown her.


    A familiar dark purple coat... The man had a tall and upright figure, chiseled side profile, straight nose, thin lips. His long phoenix eyes were deep and unfathomable, giving off immense pressure.


    Lady Zhao''s body stiffened and her face turned deathly pale.


    The expressions of thedies present varied, but the man looked at none of them. Reaching out his long arm, he swept Huo Qiyun up from the ground in one swift motion.


    "Are you all right?"


    The man''s voice was icy cold, but his words revealed concern.


    Huo Qiyun weakly leaned away from the man''s broad chest. Through eyes blurred with tears, she looked cautiously up at the man sheltering her, trembling all over.


    "I''m fine... Thank you, Changdu."


    Hearing Huo Qiyun was unharmed, the man hid the emotions in his eyes. Expressionless, he released her.


    But that title "Changdu" struck Qing Ying''s mind like thunder.


    What Changdu?


    Which Changdu?


    Could it be the heir to the Zhenguo Duke, Zhao Changdu, that she knew of?


    But...wasn''t he the Young Marquis Su Huanfeng from Yong''an Marquis Manor?


    Could it be she had mistaken this man''s identity that day under Mount Qixia?


    Qing Ying''s mind went nk. When Yanzhi helped her up, her thoughts were still a tangled mess.


    A man in a crimson brocade robe embroidered with circr flower motifs walked up to her with a smiling face. Waving his hand casually before her, he said, "Hey, Qing Ying, what are you spacing out for?"


    Qing Ying''s dumbfounded gaze moved from the "young marquis''" retreating back and fell upon this exquisitely handsome face before her. Bewildered, she asked, "Who are you?"


    The man jumped up in anger. "You don''t even recognize me?"


    Qing Ying couldn''t recover her senses. She fixed her eyes on him and after looking him over a few times, seemed to find him vaguely familiar. After much effort she finally recognized him. "You''re the steward of Yong''an Marquis Manor?"


    But how could a marquis manor''s steward possibly be here, dressed in such luxurious brocade robes?


    The man straightened his back proudly, a dimple peeking out as he smiled. "Not bad, you still remember me."


    Seeing her confused expression and innocent, childlike charm, he couldn''t resist leaning close to her ear and meaningfully saying, "Remember this - I am your fianc¨¦, Su Huanfeng."


    So what?!


    Qing Ying''s already shattered worldview crumbled once more in an instant.


    So not only had she mistaken this man''s identity, she had shamelessly tried to flirt with the esteemed heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor!


    Qing Ying''s mind buzzed and went nk. When Yanzhi helped her up, her thoughts were still a chaotic mess.

 Chapter 37: Big Oolong

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    This farce made Gu Ying hate herself for going to Qixia Mountain to hug the thighs of powerful people.


    She would never have thought that this man who followed her, chattering nonstop, free and easy, elegant and handsome, was actually her fianc¨¦, Young Master Hou.


    It turned out that the cold "Young Master Hou" she had been thinking about for several days was a huge misunderstanding she made herself!


    She covered her face in shame, unable to stay here any longer.


    No wonder Zhao Changdu had just rescued Huo Qiyun.


    After all, Miss Huo was one of his Zhao family¡¯s people.


    He had just seen with his own eyes that she had pushed his sister into the trap, thinking she was a treacherous and vicious woman.


    Then he saw her go to pull Huo Qiyun, and must have thought she had ulterior motives, which was why he looked at her with those wary, disgusted and contemptuous eyes.


    Gu Ying did not dare to stay and contend with Su Huanfeng. Sheughed and cried as she pped her forehead several times, then hurriedly pulled Yanzhi and ran away.


    "Hey! Gu Ying, where are you running!"


    "Could it be that you''re too shy after seeing your future husband so handsome?"


    "What''s there to be shy about? An ugly daughter-inw will eventually meet her inws! I''m handsome and carefree, elegant and charming, like a jade tree in the wind. Why are you running away!"


    Not until she ran to a dark, deserted corner where she could no longer hear Su Huanfeng''s narcissistic voice did the heat on Gu Ying''s cheeks subside a little.


    "Miss, are you alright? The Young Master won''t eat people, so why did you just ignore him and leave like that?"


    Gu Ying squatted down, covered her face, hugged her knees, and whimpered twice. She then raised her red little face, "Yanzhi! I''m in trouble, big trouble! I may be done for!"


    Since her rebirth, she had never lost face so badly...


    Yanzhi became even more worried. The miss had been calm for several days. Why was she timid again today? "Miss, what''s the matter? This time I really don''t understand... Which of those two young masters is the real Young Master Hou?"


    Gu Ying sighed deeply. Yanzhi was by her side and would live and die with her in the future. So she had to exin this to her clearly to avoid more trouble in the future.


    After she finished speaking solemnly,


    Yanzhi stamped her feet anxiously, "How can there be such a coincidence! Now we''re really done for! Done for!"


    "The young miss has offended the Heir Apparent. He won''t retaliate against you, will he? He''s the heir of Duke Zhenguo''s manor. With a flick of his finger, he could wipe us out!"


    Gu Ying thought about it for a while.


    At first, she was also a little panicked and apprehensive. But now that she had calmed down for a while, she felt that Zhao Changdu, who held great power, was famously dignified without abusing his power, and probably wouldn''t be petty enough to quibble with her, a weak woman... over such a trivial matter, right?


    What was her status, and what was his?


    There was a huge gap between their status and position. If she hadn''t mistaken him for someone else, they wouldn''t have had much intersection at all...


    Thinking of this, she heaved another long sigh of relief and turned her attention to Su Huanfeng.


    "My fianc¨¦ Su Huanfeng himself seems quite pleasant... his smile is also gentle, he should be easier to deal with than the Heir Apparent. Anyway, after tonight, the Heir Apparent and I probably won''t have much chance to speak again. For us, this may be a good thing."


    Yanzhi said, "Is the young miss still going to break off the engagement with the Young Master?"


    Speaking of breaking off the engagement, Gu Ying frowned and smiled wryly, "Yes, it has to be broken off, but I also need to find a way to get my jade pendant back from the Heir Apparent... so I can return it to Yong''an Marquis Manorter."


    Yanzhi bit her lip and frowned, "If the young miss breaks off her engagement with the Young Master, I''m afraid the Madam will be delighted."


    "What does that matter?" Gu Ying smiled. "Is it more important to marry into a prestigious household, or to marry happily?"


    Yanzhi tilted her head and thought for a moment. "Naturally, marrying happily is more important."


    Gu Ying nodded and hooked the corners of her lips.


    In this life she was determined not to get involved with these nobles again, so of course she would not cling to the marriage with Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    She could not afford to marry into Duke Zhenguo''s manor, and the same went for Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    Yanzhi blinked and smiled, "Anyway, whatever the young miss says goes. I don''t have much ability. As long as the young miss makes a decision, I will unconditionally obey. Whatever the young miss asks me to do, I will do. Whoever the young miss marries, he will be my new master, Yanzhi."


    Gu Ying remembered that this maid had died for her before, and she hugged her affectionately, "Alright, I will try my best for my little Yanzhi to have a good life. In the future, my Yanzhi will be a titled Lady."


    Yanzhi scratched her head foolishly, feeling warm inside.


    After Gu Ying calmed down, she didn''t bother to find out about the situation in front of the Empress''s tent. She went straight back to her own camp.


    Since Zhao Changdu had rescued Gu Jia from the trap and she hadn''t appeared in the Empress''s tent, she was probably still waiting for Mrs. Liu to interrogate her.


    Sure enough, as soon as she sat down, Mrs. Liu sent Zhou Mama, who was capable beside her, to summon her and question her about why she wanted to frame Gu Jia.


    Gu Ying had a faint smile on her lips and looked at Zhou Mama with serene eyes, "Isn''t Zhou Mama afraid that I will disregard propriety and make a big fuss, bringing this matter to the Emperor and Empress? When the charge that the eldest youngdy of the Gu family had a pit dug to try to murder the only daughter of the second branch of the Earl''s manor falls down, how will the main branch deal with it then?"


    Zhou Mama held her hands in front of her and stuck out her neck without speaking, her expression ugly.


    Gu Ying gently said, "The most important thing now is the winter hunt. With so many kings and nobles here, I''m not interested in ying with the main branch, nor do I want to waste time and energy."


    "Tomorrow is the winter hunt. Zhou Mama should just go back and advise the eldest youngdy to rest early and not waste her efforts on an unknown nobody like me. It would be better to think about how to make a sensation on the hunting field tomorrow."


    Zhou Mama was a sensible old person. When she heard these words, there was a moment of panic on her face.


    She naturally also knew the stakes involved, but she was still somewhat dissatisfied.


    "Isn''t the second youngdy afraid that the old Madam will be angry when she finds out?"


    Gu Ying casually flipped through the military book in her hand and said, "If the reputation of Dongping Earl Manor is disgraced in front of the Emperor and Empress, grandmother will really be angry. What do you think, Zhou Mama?"


    Zhou Mama wrinkled her old face, speechless, then left with several maids who hade to cause trouble, sweeping her sleeves.


    Yanzhi, hiding outside the tent, finally rxed the tense strings in her heart a little.


    It was clear that this matter tonight was reported by Mingyue Qingfeng, yet those two were still hovering solicitously around the young miss.


    Humph! She had never seen such despicable people!


    Ming Yue came to Gu Ying with arge redcquer tray and tightened the teacup in her hand, saying: "Miss, your maidservant has prepared calming tea for you. Do you want to drink it before going to bed?"


    Gu Ying did not miss the slight nervousness in her eyes. "No need, you can all leave now."

 Chapter 38: Do Bad Things

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Ming Yue smiled as she carried the teacup back, "This servant will go first, miss should rest well."


    "Mm."


    Gu Ying put down the book with an expressionless face, listening to the sound of the wind and snow outside, not knowing what she was thinking.


    After Ming Yue left for a while.


    Yanzhi sneaked out with an elfishugh, "Miss, this servant added sweating powder in their dinner, they will sleep like dead pigs after going back."


    "They won''t wake up?"


    "That medicine was used for medicating horses in the mansion, they definitely won''t wake up."


    Gu Ying stood up, grabbed her cloak from the clothes stand, pursed her lips and smiled lightly, "Let''s go."


    "Great!"


    ...


    On Gu Jia''s side.


    After hearing Zhou Ma''s reply, she mmed the teacup in anger, "Mother! Are you just going to let that cheap hoof Gu Ying bully your child like this?"


    Mrs. Liu said impatiently, "Child, this winter hunt has honored guests everywhere, you tried to set her up tonight but failed to frame her, what else do you want to do now?"


    Gu Jia cried in anger, a vicious look shed in her eyes, "I don''t know how she suddenly became smart, she opposes me in everything now. I feel like I didn''t do anything unforgivable, why does she treat me like this? Since she doesn''t take me, her elder sister, seriously and doesn''t want me to have a good time, I won''t let her have a good time too!"


    Mrs. Liu also couldn''t figure out why Gu Ying changed into a different person.


    Thest time that Taoist priest came to the mansion, he didn''t find any evil spirits either, until now she still felt it was like seeing ghosts.


    "If not, let Ming Yue put something in her drink again tomorrow morning. Don''t let her go to the hunting ground and embarrass herself?"


    "No!" Gu Jia gnashed her teeth viciously, "We must let her go to the hunting ground, a useless good-for-nothing like her should go to the hunting ground and let everyoneugh at her! I will have someone go and add something to her horseter!"


    Mrs. Liu said, "That''s also a good idea."


    But as her mother, she had an ominous premonition.


    She held Gu Jia''s little hand and sighed, her eyes slowly moistened, "Jia''er, you have to protect yourself well. Your mother was scared to death by what happened tonight. Seeing youe back in a mess reminded me of your poor fate sister Min, if she was still alive, she would be the same age as you now."


    An ufortable look shed across Gu Jia''s face as sheughed dryly, "Mother, sister Min passed away so many years ago, stop mentioning her..."


    She didn''t know if it was bad luck recently, but she was frightened by Gu Min''s ghost at the ancestral hall. Now when she thought of Gu Min, she still felt terrified of the words "vengeful spirit seeking revenge".


    Mrs. Liu wiped away her tears, "Ai...go rest."


    After seeing Mrs. Liu go to sleep, Gu Jia came out from her tent.


    In the rustling snow, she gathered her cloak, her sickly pale face was especially gloomy and terrifying.


    "Doukou."


    "Miss..."


    "Go, have someone drug sister Ying''s horse."


    "Yes..."


    Doukou picked up thentern and went to the stable with the medicine pouch reluctantly.


    "Gu Ying, if you''re heartless, I''ll be unjust!"


    Gu Jia sneered and walked towards her own tent.


    But she had just walked for a while when she felt a ck shadow following her in the vast snow. A creepy chill came from behind, making her hair stand on ends.


    "Jia sister~~~"


    "Sister~~~ wait for me~~~"


    "Still remember your sister~~~"


    "Sister was born together with you, how cruel your heart is~~~"


    The faint voiceing through the wind and snow pierced her eardrums.


    Scared, Gu Jia ran wildly forward.


    When the voice was gone, she finally lowered her hands covering her ears. Her whole body stiffened as she held her breath, her eyeballs rolled around looking everywhere in panic.


    The thick night was like ink that couldn''t dissipate.


    In the darkness, the dim lights made therge and small tents scattered around seem even more eerie and bizarre.


    She forced her eyes open and suddenly saw a withered tree standing far away at the shooting range. A bright yellow paper was hung on it, stained with blood, with four terrifying big words written on it.


    "Vengeful spirit seeking revenge!"


    The paper swayed gently like a ghost. Behind it was an indistinct ck shadow, vaguely ovepping with Gu Min''s figure back then, as if it was going to rush at her.


    "Ah!"


    She could no longer control herself and let out a scream, frightened into fainting.


    The wind and snow rushed back, the pine wind shivered.


    "Hahaha."


    A charmingugh came from the corner.


    Yanzhi spat at Gu Jia on the ground andughed, "Serves you right, still daring to drug my miss''s horse. You deserve to be scared to death!"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips with a smile at the corners. She put away the paper and withered tree in her hand elegantly, and said lightly, "So you see, this shows that if you don''t sleep at night, you will see ghosts and monsters everywhere."


    In her previous life, she had slept too peacefully.


    That was why she had missed the countless times Gu Jia tried to scheme against her during the night.


    "Miss is right. Servant will go put the medicine Doukou prepared in eldest miss''s horse mangerter."


    Gu Ying nodded lightly, "Let''s go, Yanzhi. Let her freeze here a bit longer."


    Just as the mistress and servant were about to leave.


    "Yo, second miss Gu, leaving after just scaring someone?"


    An unfamiliar male voice made their hearts tighten and they had to stop.


    Gu Ying frowned deeply. She turned around calmly to look in the direction of the voice.


    Seeing it was Su Huanfeng, she felt slightly relieved.


    She bowed to him, raised her small face, and revealed an enchanting smile that could bring down cities and countries, "Young master is still not sleeping sote?"


    Su Huanfeng''s heart skipped a beat seeing that clear and transcendent smile. He stubbornly refused to admit that he hade to find her on purpose, and awkwardly tried to cover it up, "I really can''t sleep. You call this not sleeping?"


    Gu Jia was sprawled inelegantly on the ground.


    Gu Ying tilted her head. Her eyes were as clear as a deer''s, "This is my first time following my family out of the manor to attend this grand winter hunt, but my elder sister here has ten thousand tricks to harm me. Young master, tell me, how can I sleep peacefully on such a long night?"


    Su Huanfeng raised his brow. He walked up to her.


    He had heard that the little girl was fifteen this year and looked like a baby, onlying up to his shoulders.


    But she was young yet had matured into a graceful beauty.


    Just ncing down at her made his breath hitch.


    When she grew up, she would be formidable.


    The prodigal young masters in Bianjing would definitely fight him over her.

 Chapter 39: To See Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    Su Huanfeng had never paid attention to her before. She rarely appeared in front of everyone. asionally when he heard about her, it was usually some unsavory rumors. He thought that no matter how beautiful a woman with such a dirty reputation could be, it would not amount to much.


    Later, when he heard that she had fallen in love with top schr Jiang Yin and refused to let go, he disliked her even more. He just wanted to bring up dissolving the engagement as soon as possible.


    But now, under the bright moonlight, seeing her y tricks in the night, her bright eyes were as clear as the stars. His heart couldn''t help but beat faster by a few pulses.


    After all, she would be his wife in the future. Getting closer now would not hurt.


    "You silly girl." He curved his fingers and knocked on her fair forehead. "What if you left her here and she froze to death?"


    Gu Ying was stunned.


    "Doesn''t the young master think I''m cruel and sinister, with evil thoughts?"


    "What''s wrong with that? She tried to harm your horse first, so you just scared her. She''s lying herefortably, breathing normally, pulse steady. You can''t be considered cruel."


    Gu Ying was surprised. "Young master heard all that?"


    Su Huanfeng stuck out his chest proudly, his beautiful fair face smug. "This young master is not deaf. My ears are not just for decoration. If someone doesn''t offend me, I won''t offend them. But if someone offends me, I must offend them back. This is the code that we martial artists live by."


    Gu Ying blinked. This young master had an unexpected contrasting side.


    She really could not connect him to the doting husband from her previous life who treated Gu Jia as his equal.


    She tentatively asked, "So what does the young master think I should do?"


    "How about this, I''ll help tie her up in the stables. It''s sheltered from the wind there so she won''t freeze. The smell is pretty bad though, most youngdies can''t stand it." Su Huanfeng thought for a bit, eyes bright. He primly covered his nose. "Hehe, but the stable smells are sure to sober big sister up."


    "The smells in the stables are certainly strong medicine for big sister. But-" Gu Ying''s pitch ck eyes rolled around as she thought of an even better idea.


    "Go on." Su Huanfeng didn''t ask further. In fact he seemed a little excited. "Leave these things to me. I''ll make sure you''re satisfied."


    The woman on the ground was Su Huanfeng''s wife in his previous life... Treated this way by her own "husband", it was somewhat fresh.


    Gu Ying''s fine brows quirked up as she met Su Huanfeng''scquer-like eyes.


    Her nominal brother-inw doted on Gu Jia in their past life to the point he granted her an imperial decree. Not only that, he used his marquis authority to get one for Mrs. Liu as well. After that Gu Jia often exploited his manor to suppress her, bully her... and cripple her.


    Although Su Huanfeng had never directly gone against her, the might of Yong''an Marquis Manor was the de Gu Jia used to deal with her.


    Thinking of those past events, Gu Ying was quiteplicated inside. But in the end she sighed softly, a faint smile on her lips.


    "So this is what the young master is like."


    "And this is what second young miss is like."


    They paused and exchanged knowing smiles.


    Gu Ying had wanted to help carry Gu Jia over with him initially.


    But Su Huanfeng didn''t let her touch the other woman. With a masculine attitude he said, "Letting my elder sister-inw be handled this way, I don''t need a young girl''s help. I''m a proper adult man."


    As he spoke, he casually slung the limp Gu Jia over his shoulder.


    Gu Ying gazed at his tall, broad back, somewhat distracted.


    No wonder after Gu Jia married Su Huanfeng her days became better and better. Even her looks grew more and more beautiful.


    Su Huanfeng looked like a scoundrel, but he was actually a gentleman. If he set his heart on treating someone well, he would spoil them to the bone.


    What woman wouldn''t want to marry such a husband?


    "What are you staring for?" Su Huanfeng nced at her, smiling. "Mesmerized by your handsome husband?"


    Gu Ying was annoyed and embarrassed. "Young master, don''t speak nonsense."


    Su Huanfeng appraised her blushing cheeks, feeling airy inside, like feathers brushing his heart, a numb tingling spreading. "It''s not nonsense. This young master is as elegant as jade, strong as an ox, overflowing with domineering aura. This ismon knowledge in Bianjing. If not for our prior engagement, who knows how many matchmakers would be pounding down my doors at Yong''an Manor."


    Gu Ying smiled wryly. "Young master, about our engagement..."


    Carrying Gu Jia, he wasn''t posed very gracefully but still lowered his body to speak into her ear, deliberately unting his masculine appeal and deepening his voice. "Do you still like that bookworm surnamed Jiang?"


    Gu Ying''s longshes quivered. She said solemnly, "Who said I like him? He''s my elder sister''s fianc¨¦. Now that our families are engaged, young master shouldn''t say such outrageous things."


    Su Huanfeng''s brows twitched and he said regretfully, "Nevermind, we''ll get married once youe of age."


    Having said that, he lightly coughed, embarrassed, then carried the woman off.


    Gu Ying watched the red tingeing the tips of his ears as he left. Her heart felt torn betweenughter and tears.


    She hadn''t even agreed to marry him yet... How did he suddenly stick to her?


    Seeing the young master leaving, Rouge covered her smile, eyes curving. She earnestly spoke on his behalf, "Miss, the young master is quite good. Handsome, strong, I heard his martial arts are great too. You wouldn''t lose out marrying him."


    Gu Ying neatly folded the yellow talisman to tuck into her sleeve. Head lowered, she smiled faintly. "Of course I wouldn''t lose out, I''m just worried he would. With his status, bringing me into his manor now would inevitably invite ridicule from those powerful families."


    After transmigrating, she had no intention of actually marrying into Yong''an Manor. She just wanted to borrow their influence so Mrs. Liu and Grandmother wouldn''t dare force her marriage.


    Most importantly, he was once Gu Jia''s husband.


    Thinking of sharing a bed with him if she married him, her heart stuck on the past. And his status concern was just one of the obstacles she couldn''t get over...


    Rouge grumbled, "Miss is virtuous and innocent now, not the waster stuck on Schr Jiang like in rumors. What is there to ridicule? Miss, think it over carefully!"


    Gu Ying didn''t reply, she had her own ns.


    "Let''s head back. The winter hunt starts tomorrow, we need to conserve energy."


    ...


    After tying Gu Jia up in the Gu stables, Su Huanfeng saw Gu Ying and her maid back to camp, then hummed a tune as he headed towards his own camp.


    "Where did you go?"


    He halted as a familiar tall shadow stood outside his tent.


    Rubbing his eyes and making out the face, Su Huanfeng was surprised. "Ah Du, why are you here sote?"


    Huai An stood far away keeping watch. He stretched his neck to peer this way, sending Su Huanfeng a look wishing him luck. Su Huanfeng was even more confused.


    He thought only he and Gu Ying were still awake thiste. He didn''t expect this guy to be up too.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his slender phoenix eyes slightly, a coldness in their depths.


    "Went to see Gu Ying?"

 Chapter 40: Somebody Hurt Me

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    "Ah, this¡ª" Su Huanfeng awkwardly drawled, a faint blush rising on his handsome face, "Adu, how did you know I just wanted to go see her since the rare winter hunt was a chance to see her, I didn''t expect to bump into her evil older sister trying to drug the horse she was riding tomorrow, so I helped out that one time. I didn''t intentionally go looking for her!"


    Hearing the shy, poorly concealed tone in Su Huanfeng''s voice, Zhao Changdu frowned more severely, and said in a low voice, "In the dead of night, a man and a woman alone, how proper is that?"


    "She and I are engaged to be married. Once shees of age, I will go to her home and take her back with me as my wife. What''s there to avoid? Besides, no one saw us together tonight." Su Huanfeng looked at him strangely, puzzled by his displeased expression. "Adu, you never interfere in these private matters of mine. What''s wrong today?"


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips pressed together slightly, his sharp jaw tensed.


    He couldn''t say what the reason was...


    It was just that today, after yelling at her in front of the Empress'' tent, and letting her know his true identity... Her stunned expression and aggrieved look kept echoing in his mind, so he wanted to go find her and exin today''s events.


    But he didn''t expect that as soon as he arrived, he saw her chatting andughing with Su Huanfeng, her little face flushed red, shy and charming.


    Especially the scene of them smiling at each other, which was particrly grating, making him very ufortable, even a little angry.


    Realizing he seemed to care too much about Gu Ying, his expression darkened again, and he frowned in irritation.


    "It''s nothing, just asking casually."


    Su Huanfeng blinked, emboldened to throw his arm around Zhao Changdu''s shoulder, "Just asking casually, yet you came all the way to my ce?"


    Zhao Changdu gave a coldugh, feeling that what he had done tonight was indeed a bit abnormal.


    She was just a stranger, and his good brother''s fianc¨¦e. Now that his identity was revealed, between them was a huge gap, why should he personallye all this way?


    Thinking so, he resumed his usual aloof and detached demeanor, "I had a small misunderstanding with her earlier, since she''s a woman and I''m a man, remember to apologize to her for me if you see her."


    Seeing his expression had eased a little, Su Huanfeng was surprised andughed, "This really is a first, the War God of Dong Li, the Heir of Zhenguo Duke, Adu, actually apologizing to a woman too!"


    Zhao Changdu was expressionless, calm andposed, "Right and wrong exist, apologies are not shameful."


    Su Huanfeng cockily raised the corners of his mouth and quickly nodded, "Alright alright, don''t worry, I will tell mydy this apology personally."


    Hearing him say "mydy" again made Zhao Changdu inexplicably irritated.


    Patience was gone from his deep and profound phoenix eyes.


    He waved his wide sleeve and turned to leave, "I''m going."


    "Adu, leaving already? Won''t you sit for a while? I have excellent Bi Luo Chun tea, stay for a cup of tea before you go!"


    Zhao Changdu felt that with Su Huanfeng''s smug attitude, he would be the death of him sooner orter.


    ...


    The next day, at dawn.


    There were murmurs of people around the tent of the Earl of Dongping.


    Many people had fearful expressions, gathered around the stables, pointing and whispering, "Look, isn''t there someone inside the Gu family''s stables?"


    "It really is. Look at that outfit, doesn''t seem to be a normal maid, but a proper youngdy."


    "There are words next to her... Don''t tell me it''s a ghost!"


    The Gu family was surrounded by a few other moderately wealthy families, the Changping Earl family, the Zheng Feng High Official family, and the Xuanwei General''s family. At this time, some servants from those three families were also watching.


    Madam Liu had just finished washing up under the service of Granny Zhou. As soon as Granny Zhou heard themotion outside, she knitted her brows and walked out to the stables. From far away, she saw that the eldest daughter of their main room was actually tied to a pir in the stables, head drooping, her little face covered in dirt, still unconscious.


    What was even more horrifying were the fourrge blood-colored words written on another wooden pir in the stable: "Vengeful spirit seeking life."


    The crowds buzzed with discussion.


    Granny Zhou''s hands and feet trembled, her old face turned pale. She pushed through the crowd and rushed in, seeing that her young miss''s clothes were all intact, she was slightly relieved. She called out, "Miss! Miss! Are you alright?"


    Gu Jia was groggy, an unbearable stench reaching her nose.


    She blearily opened her eyes, looking at the erged old face before her, her unfocused gaze swept over the surrounding crowds. Her entire person was as if lost in clouds and fog,pletely unaware of what had happened.


    "Oh heavens, my miss! Why are you still sleeping!"


    Gu Jia stared nkly at her own hands and feet, and some unsightly filth on her clothes. She murmured, "Granny Zhou, what happened?"


    Granny Zhou was still rtively calm and sensible. She quickly had people untie Gu Jia and wrap her in a cloak to take her back to the tent. Then she herself stayed behind, smiling apologetically to the wives and maids of each family. "Esteemeddies, this matter, I ask you not spread it. My young miss was sleepwalking while afflicted by nightmares!"


    As she spoke, she kept bowing with hands sped, seeing the crowds dispersing and stopping their discussions, she finally dared to anxiously return to Madam Liu''s tent.


    Madam Liu''s face went deathly pale with fright. Disregarding Gu Jia''s stench, she immediately ordered several trusted maids to heat water for Gu Jia to bathe.


    Gu Jia''s hair was a mess, her eyes dazed as she sat limply on the couch. The pungent smell of horse urine assaulted her nose, making her nauseous.


    Madam Liu hugged Gu Jia and cried, but was also anxious that this matter would be hard to conceal. Her mind was a chaotic mess, "My child, what on earth happened? With so many people witnessing this today, whatever shall we do?"


    Gu Jia was still confused. She didn''t remember anything, only that she saw a ghostly shadow following herst night, then lost consciousness.


    She clutched her aching head. Shaking her head, she said, "Mother, I also don''t know what happened... But I saw a ghostly shadow... following me..."


    "Ghostly shadow?" Madam Liu was so frightened her hands shook, her face paled, "Jia''er, you must not speak recklessly. Your grandmother detests such matters the most. If she finds out a ghost has possessed you, she will certainly be wary of you."


    The tent was warm, and Gu Jia''s frozen mind also became clearer.


    "It must be someone trying to harm me!" Not daring to mention elder sister Xiao Jie, she held Madam Liu''s hand excitedly, tearfully crying, "It must be Gu Ying! Mother! It must be Gu Ying deliberately harming me!"


    Other than Gu Ying, she couldn''t think of anyone else.


    Madam Liu gritted her teeth, anger also rose in her heart. Gloomily she ordered, "Granny Zhou, go call that cheap wench Gu Ying over!"


    At this time of day, it was when all the youngdies were grooming and dressing up to go to the hunting ground assembly.


    Gu Ying and Gu Shuang had already changed into their free and easy hunting outfits, and were on their way together to pay respects at Madam Liu''s tent.


    The timing was just right.

 Chapter 41: This is the Head

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    Gu Jia was furious when she saw Gu Ying with her makeup done which made her look stunning. Gu Jia cried anxiously, "Mother! What should I do? Will I not make it in time?"


    "My child, don''t cry. Mother has already prepared hot water for you to bathe in and then you can get dressed and made up," Mrs. Liu said through gritted teeth as she turned to Gu Ying, "Tell me, was it you who did that thingst night?!"


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows calmly and asked innocently, "What is aunt talking about? Gu Ying slept earlyst night. What happenedst night?"


    Staring at Gu Ying''s overly calm and delicate face, Mrs. Liu was furious. She mmed the table next to her and said angrily, "Your elder sister was tied up in the stablesst night and stayed there all night long-"


    "Ah-" Gu Ying interrupted, pretending to suddenly realize, "So aunt is talking about this matter! I heard about it on my way here. Isn''t it that elder sister was somehow abducted and tied up in the stables in the middle of the night? I know about this now."


    Gu Jia was so angry that her lungs almost exploded.


    She did not believe that what happenedst night was the resentful spirit of that cheap woman Gu Min taking revenge. It must have been Gu Ying ying tricks.


    "Gu Ying, it must have been you who did it! Either you did it yourself or you got someone else to do it!"


    "Elder sister, don''t make groundless usations. " At this point, Gu Ying was no longer acting weak. She scoffed coldly, "How big is elder sister? How heavy is she? How could I, a weak woman, carry elder sister''s unconscious body to the stables? Elder sister said I got someone else to do it? Who could I order to do so? The only people I can order around are the three maids aunt gave me, Qingfeng Mingyue were sent by aunt, and the other one Lipstick is even weaker than me. Last night, we all went to bed early. If elder sister suspects me, then tell me who it was directly. If there was anyone around me who dared to touch elder sister, I would have beaten him to death even without aunt telling me to do so!"


    Both Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu were left speechless by Gu Ying.


    Now the entire rear courtyard of the Marquis manor was under Mrs. Liu''s control. It was indeed difficult for Gu Ying to order anyone around, and she herself was a weak woman. How could she carry such a heavy person to the stables?


    The more Gu Jia thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.


    She felt uneasy in her heart... Gu Ying''s face was as pale as paper. Could it really be the resentful spirit of Gu Min taking revenge?


    Seeing that Gu Jia was no longer arguing,


    Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly, sketching a faint arc, "Aunt, if you listen to Gu Ying''s advice, it would be best to swallow this matter into your belly, otherwise, elder sister is an innocent youngdy from a good family, being tied up in the stableste at night, if this got out, her reputation would surely be ruined. We all know elder sister is innocent, but outsiders don''t know that. Who knows what today''s events would be rumored into."


    "Moreover-" She looked deeply into Mrs. Liu''s angry eyes and said faintly, "The words ''resentful spirit seeking vengeance'', they must have some basis and not groundless. It is possible that the wrongfully dead ghost really followed elder sister, who knows."


    Mrs. Liu felt a chill down her spine from Gu Ying''s words. Angered, she asked in a frightened and angry tone, "Gu Ying, what do you mean?"


    Gu Ying said, "Aunt, think carefully, who in our household died wrongfully?"


    Mrs. Liu froze, her entire face copsed, eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    Many people had died in the rear courtyard of the household, but for some reason, at this moment, she suddenly thought of her daughter Gu Min who drowned in the pond...


    Gu Ying knew that Mrs. Liu doted on Gu Min the most.


    In her previous life, it was through an idental opportunity that she overheard the conversation between Gu Jia and Doukou, and learned that Gu Min''s death was not an ident, but rather Gu Jia''s jealousy and envy that made her push her own sister into the pond in the dark of night.


    If one day, she let Mrs. Liu know that Gu Min was killed by Gu Jia.


    Would she still dote on Gu Jia like now?


    Mrs. Liu did not speak, staring nkly at Gu Jia, her eyes filled with unspeakable grief.


    Gu Ying saw the sky outside was brightening. Her beautiful eyes nced sharply. She bowed to Mrs. Liu with Gu Shuang and said, "The sky is bright. Aunt, we should go to the hunting ground."


    As for Gu Jia. If she stubbornly went to the hunting ground, she would only be gossiped about.


    In her previous life, it was her being gossiped about.


    Today, fate was reversed.


    For thirty years the river flows east, for thirty years the river flows west. It was time for Gu Jia to taste the feeling of being killed by rumors and unable to lift her head up.


    ...


    The royal hunting ground was spectacr.


    Thousands of Nanhai Hunting Ground''s coastal households had been raising prey in the hunting grounds for years, just waiting for these few days of festivities when their masters would arrive during winter.


    As soon as it was light, the Imperial Guards had cordoned off the entire hunting ground.


    The youngdies of various noble families had long been prepared and came to thergest hunting ground.


    Spacious tents and seats had long been set up on the vast square of the hunting ground, and hundreds of pce maids waited on one side.


    At the sound of the bell, the sound of hooves had already rang out in the hunting ground.


    Gu Wan had long excitedly gone with her intimate sisters to the hunting ground and found the Gu family''s seats to sit down. She had no interest in the struggle between Gu Ying and Gu Jia, and only followed Gu Jia on a normal basis to please the legitimate daughter.


    Now that Gu Ying opposed Gu Jia in everything, she was happy to watch the tigers fight.


    Just like mother said, "Wait for them to finish biting each other, then we''ll reap the profits."


    When Gu Ying and Gu Shuang arrived, the hunting ground was bustling.


    The Emperor and Empress had not yet arrived. The attendants walked orderly between the seats of each family, preparing food, fruits, and wine cups for the young masters anddies.


    The girls chatted with each other in groups of three or two.


    The princes and sons of prestigious families also gathered together, chatting about literature and politics.


    The heavy snow had just cleared, revealing a water-blue sky with light clouds hanging quietly.


    The field was covered with ayer of thick snow, but it did not affect the men riding their horses at all.


    With silver saddles on white horses, they charged like shooting stars.


    A few men in vigorous attire, flying hair, sat casually and freely on horseback, maneuvering between heaven and earth, exuding unrestrained heroism.


    Gu Ying walked small steps toward the hunting ground, lifting her face to gaze at the figures of those handsome warhorses galloping in the field, filled with unspeakable excitement in her heart.


    In her previous life, her heart and eyes were full of Jiang Yin. She tried every means to please him, in order to marry him as his wife.


    So she had ignored such a great hunting scene and the heroic qualities of the outstanding men of Dong Li.


    "Second sister, do you see that tall que carved with a dragon head?" Gu Shuang was still a child after all. She excitedly pointed to the two tall wooden posts erected in the center of the hunting ground and eagerly exined to Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying of course knew what it was called, the dragon head que.


    It looked like a pavilion, with an extremely luxurious and vivid dragon head carved in the middle, its eyes studded with pearls and dragon scales carved with gold. The dragon''s body coiled around the two carved wooden pirs. It was majestic and magnificent.


    Below the dragon''s mouth hung a nine-ring red core target.


    Every year during the winter hunt, someone would be chosen to open the hunt. The chosen person had to shoot the gold arrow granted by the Emperor into the red core in front of everyone.


    This was called taking the first shot.

 Chapter 42: She Was Chosen

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    After the person chosen to lead pierced the red heart, the gong sounded, which meant the official start of the winter hunt.


    "I wonder who is chosen to shoot the golden arrow this year," Gu Shuang revealed her longing, "Sister still doesn''t know right? Each family will select a quota and send it to the Emperor''s hand. The Emperor will then randomly draw a name from those lists to be responsible for shooting the golden arrow at the red heart. That is an honor thatmon people can only admire from afar. As long as they hit it, not only will the Emperor generously reward them, but the person who leads will also be famous overnight with praise across the capital city. They can then walk sideways in Bianjing."


    Gu Shuang pointed at the high-hanging target in midair.


    "However, this is very difficult. If they miss, not only will they easily incur the Emperor''s displeasure, but also be aughing stock. Thus, each family is extremely prudent when selecting someone," Gu Shuang exined.


    Gu Ying asked, "Who did our family choose this year?"


    Gu Shuang shook her head and said, "Grandmother sent a calligraphy work of Wang Xizhi to Minister Mu in Guanwen Hall. She didn''t let Minister Mu submit any names to the Emperor. But this is understandable. Grandmother was worried that if one of us was chosen, it would humiliate the Gu Family. Not submitting a name is the best way to avoid losing face among the aristocratic families in Bianjing."


    Gu Ying nodded thoughtfully.


    It would be great if Grandmother really didn''t submit any names.


    But that was not the case.


    She still remembered when she had just been rescued by Bai Zhi and the others from Gu Jia''s trap. Before she could clean up, Liu Shi had sent someone to push her to the opening ceremony of the winter hunt.


    In her disheveled state, she was seen by everyone and despised by Jiang Yin.


    She tried her best to shrink into a corner, keeping a low profile, hoping to get through the opening ceremony safely.


    But out of the 50 wooden name ques presented, the Emperor randomly drew her name...


    "Dongping Earl Manor, Gu Ying!"


    She was so frightened then that she froze in her seat when the court eunuch called out her name.


    She didn''t dare to get on the horse or draw the bow. Holding the golden arrow with trembling hands, she knelt under the Emperor''s stare.


    Mockery, contempt, disgust all came pouring in.


    Her face was as pale as a ghost as she begged the Emperor to allow her fianc¨¦ Jiang Yin to shoot the arrow for her.


    Because that one shot was very difficult.


    Therefore, whenever a woman was chosen, she could ask a gentleman to shoot the arrow for her.


    Naturally, Jiang Yin also performed very well, hitting the red heart directly with one shot, eliciting cheers from the hunting ground.


    The Emperor promised to reward him with gold brocade in person. But he knelt before the Emperor and rejected material rewards. He sincerely asked the Emperor to grant him a residence that could shelter his elderly mother and young sister.


    Since then, Jiang Yin''s reputation for being wise and filial spread far and wide.


    And her reputation for being timid and cowardly was equally spread in an unttering way.


    But she didn''t care about reputation back then. She only cared about how Jiang Yin saw her. So she resolutely brought her dowry to marry into the Jiang Family and became the abandoned wife who was tormented by Jiang Yin for ten years...


    "Sister, what are you thinking about?" Gu Shuang called out after waiting for a while without getting a response. She curiously reached out and waved in front of Gu Ying, "Sister?"


    Gu Ying came back from her memories and smiled wryly, "Little sister, I''m fine. I just suddenly recalled that when father left Bianjing, he left me a book that specifically taught some archery and martial arts skills."


    "Ah?" Gu Shuang was surprised, "Sister can''t be thinking of bing the person who leads right?"


    Gu Yingzilybed her hair behind her ears and smiledzily, "Why not?"


    Gu Shuang chuckled, "I didn''t mean it that way. It''s just that since the founding of Dong Li, academics has always been valued over martial arts. Schrs have high status while military officers have low status. It was only after the current Emperor took the throne and the borders were invaded by foreign enemies that he started paying attention to military officers. Otherwise, women would never have had the opportunity to shoot that arrow. Moreover, no woman has shot that arrow until now. The hunting ground is still the world of men that we women have nothing to do with."


    Gu Ying sighed, "How can we women have nothing to do with it? We are no worse than men."


    Gu Shuang held Gu Ying''s hand and gently stroked her delicate fingers. "Sister, what if the Emperor chooses you? Will you shoot that arrow?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyes and looked calmly at the towering target stand without answering.


    Gu Shuang was only joking. Some women couldn''t even draw a bow. Although her sister was a military officer''s daughter, her hands were soft and delicate. How much martial arts skill could she have?


    Besides, Grandmother didn''t submit any of the Gu women''s names. There was no way it would be their turn today. They only needed to quietly watch otherspete for the spotlight.


    So Gu Shuang straightened her cloak and said with a smile, "Sister, just stop thinking too much. Let''s go sit over there."


    Gu Ying nodded and walked with Gu Shuang to the Gu Family''s seats.


    Soon after, the Huo Family''s women arrived at the hunting ground.


    Huo Qiyan walked in surrounded by people. She was dressed very dazzlingly today, full of jewelry and beaded headgear. Her evening mist red brocade propitious cloud patterned gown with gold threads was embedded with dozens of shining Donghai pearls. The flower on her forehead shone brightly with a golden pearl in the center, making her look like a celestial fairy.


    In such an asion, even Princess Yueyan sitting to the right below probably did not stand out as much as her.


    She was so ostentatious that she inevitably displeased the other women who looked down on her in secret.


    But Huo Qiyan proudly raised her chin, not caring about their gazes at all. She only needed to attract the gazes of the men''s seats opposite her.


    The jealousy of the women would only make her more smug.


    As the daughter of Minister Huo, a veteran official of three dynasties, who was highly respected and carried the phoenix prophecy, Huo Qiyan had always been someone the Bianjing women looked up to and admired.


    Thus, the Huo Family''s ce was livelier than the others.


    Gu Shuang curiously turned her head to look at Huo Qiyan admiringly as she was surrounded by women. "The youngdy of the Huo Family really has all the pampering in the world. She''s so beautiful, with a good family background. She really makes people envious. Prince Shu and Prince Duan are both interested in marrying into the Huo Family, but they haven''t agreed. I wonder who the Huo youngdy will marry in the future. s, unlike Sister Wan whose ambition is as high as the heavens, but whose status and position is far from the Huo youngdy''s. And Eldest Sister only married a poor schr after dreaming of marrying into a marquis manor. Even if Eldest Brother-in-Law gains fame and fortune in the future, how could hepare to these century-old prestigious families of Dong Li. What do you think, Sister?"


    Gu Shuang turned around, only to see Gu Ying resting her cheek on her hand, gazing at the men''s seats across from them.


    Gu Shuang was baffled. "Eh? Sister, who are you looking at?"

 Chapter 43: Meet Him

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Across from them, many sons of prestigious families had already taken their seats, even Prince Duan and Prince Shu were already seated in their respective ces.


    Prince Shu was the senior prince, while Prince Duan was the crown prince. One sat below the dragon throne of the Emperor, the other sat beside Concubine Wan. Astute people could clearly see that while the Emperor doted on Concubine Wan, he was still very wary of Prince Duan''s status as crown prince. In asions like this, he gave Prince Duan full face.


    Beside Prince Shu was the Zhenguo Duke Manor, and the cold prince who looked like the King of Hell, Zhao Changdu, was currently seated in his ce.


    He wore his usual jet ck long robe, the cuffs lightly folded, embroidered with the arrogant ck python on the cuffs. The gold threaded cloud patterned cape dragged on the floor, cold and casual.


    He wore a jade belt around his waist, paired with an engraved dagger set with colored ze.


    His dark hair was tied up high in a white jade crown, with some stray strandsing loose, adding a touch of charm.


    He was born with outstanding looks, a chiselled handsome face so beautiful it was excessive, as if he was the prideful masterpiece of the Creator, who had just given birth to this handsome fairy.


    But his exquisite slender brows and eyes were deep and gloomy, brimming with a hint of cold. Looking closely, they seemed to give off chills, as if anyone who displeased him would have to see blood before he was satisfied, with just a blink from this King of Hell.


    Many women looked over at him with longing, faces flushed with attraction.


    But he didn''t even nce their way,pletely ignoring everyone. His aloofness was like the purest snow atop a mountain, impossible to approach.


    Su Huanfeng sat right next to him, also dressed in a bright red brocade robe today, cinched with a silver belt at the waist, his hair half down, looking free and easy.


    Jiang Yin sat a bit further away, together with the newly selected top schr and second ced schr, asionally chatting andughing with the others.


    When no one was looking, his gaze would unconsciously drift towards Gu Ying''s side. Seeing that Gu Ying waspletely ignoring him, the corners of his taut handsome face tightened, and for some reason his chest filled with anger.


    He knew, she liked him in her heart. With Gu Jia not around, she shamelessly smiled towards them to attract his favor and attention.


    He quicklyposed himself inconspicuously, avoiding her gaze and putting on the indifference of a gentleman, unmoved like a mountain.


    Yet Gu Ying waspletely oblivious to Jiang Yin. She lightly coughed and collected herself, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I saw uncle and cousin over there."


    Gu Shuang looked over curiously, and indeed saw Ye Imperial Censor and two of the Ye sons sitting opposite them.


    "Second sister, aren''t you on bad terms with uncle''s family?"


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened with difort. She replied lightly, "Yes, so today I want to find a chance to properly apologize to uncle..."


    If it wasn''t for Gu Jia and Lady Liu''s provocations, how could she have dered cutting ties with her maternal grandfather and uncle''s families?


    After mother passed away, she rarely interacted with the Ye family anymore, truly believing that her maternal family didn''t love her mother, that they were the reason for her mother''s death.


    Uncle tried to send aunt over to the manor to see her many times, but she rejected them at the door. Later when she married Jiang Yin, and the Ye family found out he mistreated her, they submitted a harsh petition to the Emperor, angering Jiang Yin.


    Jiang Yin was a cruel man. In just a few years after rising to be a top minister, the first family he targeted was the Ye family.


    She knew she had hurt uncle and aunt''s hearts. She no longer had the face to ask for their forgiveness.


    But she also knew that once Gu Jia or Jiang Yin gained power, they would deal with the Ye family. So she had to do her best in this life to mend ties with her rtives, and protect them well...


    Moreover, she had another intention.


    Her mother''s n, the Ye family, was a prestigious n over a hundred years old. Her maternal grandfather was the leader of the righteous ministers of the court. The men of the family were raised with strict teachings that they must not take concubines if the main wife had notmitted any wrongdoing. If the main wife passed away without leaving any children, only then could they remarry.


    Her uncle Ye Zhuohua held an Imperial Censor position, upright and just, with brilliant judgement.


    Her cousin Ye Qingchi was even more gentle and refined...


    If she remembered correctly, in Eastern Li, noblemen were usually proud to have three wives and four concubines.


    Yet coincidentally, among such an environment, there were three young men in Bianjing who were different from the other men.


    One was her cousin Qingchi, who only had one wife, and the couple were affectionate and harmonious after marriage.


    Another was Qingchi''spanion Cousin Guan, the son of a branch of the Ye family who lived in Bianjing while studying for the imperial exam next year. He also only married one woman in his past life. After she passed away young, he never remarried, remaining faithful to her memory as a widower.


    The third was Fu Xunzhi, currently a fifth-rank Court Gentleman, still young, ordinary looking, but of a gentle and honest character. He doted on his sole wife.


    It was well known in Bianjing that he was a "henpecked husband" who was extremely fearful of his wife.


    Not only did he dote on his wife, he also respected and cherished her greatly.


    When his wife of humble birth wanted to travel, he let her travel. When she wanted to do business, he let her do business. He never said a harsh word to her. He even took out all his savings for his wife to open a restaurant.


    After being reborn, Gu Ying had thought for a long time during her leisure.


    After experiencing a husband like Jiang Yin, she no longer held fantasies about a blissful marriage.


    But she still had a chance to find a husband who respected her and cherished her.


    He didn''t need to be of too prestigious a background, just simr to hers.


    He didn''t need to be too good looking either, to avoid attracting flowers and butterflies that would bring unnecessary trouble.


    So after careful consideration, she had already picked out her three most suitable candidates.


    Of course, the one she was most interested in now was this ordinary yet modest and gentle Fu Xunzhi.


    Gu Ying nced at Fu Xunzhi''s seat again, the corners of her lips turning up into what she thought was a sweet smile appealing to men. "Fourth sister, do you know him?"


    Gu Shuang looked over and saw Fu Xunzhi sitting there reading a book in the cold wind, unlike the other young masters drinking and chatting. She smiled and said, "I''ve heard father mention him a few times. He loves reading the most, keeps himself virtuous, and is an extremely good and gentle person. Second sister, why do you ask about him?"


    Gu Ying smiled demurely. What a shame, that bookworm didn''t even nce her way.


    It looked like she would have to find a good chance to get acquainted with him.

 Chapter 44: Who’s She Looking At

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    ¡°Gu Ying, who do you think Gu Jia is looking at?" Su Huanfeng tried to get Gu Ying¡¯s attention with his eyes several times, but didn¡¯t get any response. Annoyed, he leaned over to Zhao Changdu and unhappily asked, "She keeps looking over here but doesn¡¯t respond to me. Is she shy?"


    Thinking of a possibility, Su Huanfeng just felt ufortable in his chest, "Could it be that she is looking at Jiang Yin?"


    "What is good about that Jiang guy, today at the hunting field, I will let her see who is the promising young man worthy of her trust!"


    Su Huanfeng was very noisy.


    Zhao Changdu looked expressionlessly in Gu Ying''s direction, and happened to see her small porcin-white face smile shyly as she turned to the side to say something to her sister. When she got to the funny part, she raised her beautiful eyes again and looked over here.


    Her long darkshes were clearly visible even from this distance, her cherry lips slightly parted, the smile at the corners of her mouth was like undissolved March snow, clean and clear, making it hard to take your eyes off her.


    She just sat there at her seat, dressed in a refreshing cyan hunting outfit, simple and neat, with her jet ck hair done up in a beautiful small tidy bun, elegant and refined.


    His heart stirred slightly, sword-like brows frowned, and his chest was filled with an indescribable emotion.


    "Changdu, Changdu, are you listening to me? You say, Gu Ying... And... I feel she ispletely different from what outsiders say... It''s like I always feel she doesn''t seem like a fifteen-year-old girl... On the contrary... Changdu... Changdu?"


    Su Huanfeng was murmuring something in his ear, but his voice gradually faded away.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze wandered absently as he picked up the ss cup on the table with his slender fingers, and drank it in one gulp.


    After drinking a cup of wine, the ss was gently ced back on the table. He pursed his thin lips, his long eyes moved slightly, and happened to meet Gu Ying''s gaze across from him.


    However, Gu Ying quickly shifted her eyes away, as if she didn''t know him.


    Seeing this, Zhao Changdu felt the irritation in his chest be more pronounced.


    "The Emperor arrives¡ª"


    "The Empress arrives¡ª"


    Soon, the singing voices of the pce''s eunuchs rose high.


    Long horn sounds followed in the hunting ground, and the imperial guard walked slowly, as the winter hunt was about to begin.


    Gu Ying withdrew her gaze, watching as the emperor and empress of Dong Li walked up the dragon and phoenix thrones, then kneeled down with everyone else, shouting, "Long live the emperor, long live Her Majesty!"


    Tianqi Emperor raised his hand to let everyone rise.


    Only then did Gu Ying lift her skirt and stand up.


    It was also at this time that she saw Gu Jia with a pale face sneak in from the tent behind and kneel down in panic among the seats, trying to pretend to calmly get up and sit down.


    The Emperor sat high above, looking down at the beautiful and luxurious youngdies below, and the handsome and elegant young men, he was very gratified.


    He then talked about Dong Li''s founding and determination to eliminate foreign invaders, and because of this, he would first reward the generals who shed their heads and blood on the border one by one.


    Among them, the mostmendable was the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke, Zhao Changdu.


    The border had just been settled, and the Heir Apparent was only twenty-five years old. When he returned to Bianjing to take office, his first position was the Pce Front Chief Commander, a second-rank position.


    Everyone was in an uproar, and they all began to congratte Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    The youngdies at the banquet were all throbbing with spring feelings as they admiringly looked at the handsome and elegant man. They blushed and were excited.


    "The Heir Apparent is still unmarried to this day, I''m afraid after today, the threshold of Zhenguo Duke Manor will be trampled t by matchmakers."


    "The Heir Apparent is also very handsome, it''s a pity that the Empress also wants him to be her son-inw. I''m afraid those of us ordinary families can''t reach the status of the Duke Manor."


    "Ah, who isn''t? The Duke Manor has been loyal for generations, and has always had handsome men. The Heir Apparent is the outstanding one of this generation. Who doesn''t want to marry him?"


    "I just wonder if the Heir Apparent has a woman he fancies. He is almost twenty-five now. Other men at this age already have children running around, yet the Heir Apparent doesn''t even have a bed warmer."


    Everyone whispered.


    Only the Gu sisters were whispering to each other because Gu Jia had suddenly arrived.


    Gu Wan was surprised, "Eldest sister, why are you here?"


    Gu Shuang was also full of doubts. After all, with what happenedst night, if it was her, she certainly wouldn''t have the face to attend such an asion again...


    Gu Ying remained calm and smiled without answering.


    On the contrary, it made Gu Jia furious. "Why can''t Ie? Today is the winter hunt, such a good day. As the only daughter of the main wife of Dongping Earl Manor, I naturally have to attend."


    "Eldest sister." Gu Shuang bit her lip and gently reminded, "Second sister is also our manor''s daughter of the main wife..."


    Gu Jia sneered, "Watch that mouth of yours! You''re from the main wife''s side, yet you''re mixing with the concubine''s side. What''s proper about that?"


    Gu Shuang''s eyes turned red from the scolding. She said in a low voice, "We are one family... Second sister is also sister."


    Gu Jia mocked, "Hypocrite."


    Gu Shuang felt wronged and kept quiet, knowing she couldn''t win against Gu Jia with words anyway.


    Gu Jia felt a little smug, and nced sideways at Gu Ying, "Gu Ying, don''t think you can win over the main wife''s side with a few flowery words."


    Gu Ying calmly said, "Doesn''t eldest sister feel you look very ugly with such malicious words?"


    "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    "Eldest sister doesn''t believe it, just look around and see how others are looking at you."


    Gu Jia lowered her head and looked left and right to see the madams and youngdies of the other families take a look at her and whisper a few more words.


    "She was tied up in the stablest night by someone, and stayed there all night. Who knows what happened."


    "I heard it was creepy. On that pir she was tied to were the four big words ''Vengeful Spirit Seeking Life''."


    "Amitabha, how could there be such a thing, she must have provoked some unclean thing."


    "Although the Jiang family is poor, they still have face. Would they still want a daughter-inw like her?"


    Immediately after, contemptuous and mocking looks followed.


    Even Jiang Yin across from her sharpened his cold and indifferent eyes slightly when he met her gaze. She even saw disdain and disgust in his cold eyes.


    Gu Jia''s face turned greenish-white. She suddenly felt like the center of attention, wishing she could dig a hole and bury herself in it.


    She red bitterly at Gu Ying. A sh of light passed through her eyes, "Gu Ying, just you wait, I''ll make you look good!"


    Even Gu Jia''s confident words made Gu Ying start to suspect that in her previous life, her name was ced on the abuse list by Lady Liu.


    Gu Ying raised her brow, "Very well, then little sister will wait and see."


    ...


    Time flew by quickly. After Zhao Changdu''s conferral, Tianqi Emperorughed loudly and said, "Today is the grand winter hunt of my Dong Li. Naturally, as in previous years, I will draw out the first archer to shoot the first arrow of this hunting ground."


    Everyone immediately looked towards the Emperor, some expectantly, some nervously, some calmly, some unmoving like a mountain despite the copse of Mount Tai in front of them.


    Only Zhao Changdu alone sat at his seat, legs apart, the hem of his ck long robe touching the ground, elbow propped on his knee, with an aura contained inwardly yet shaking outwardly, and an enchanting, cold and ascetic temperament.

 Chapter 45: Gu Ying, You Come Out

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Gu Ying would asionally notice him.


    He was born so outstanding that she couldn''t ignore that trace of cold and cruel beauty. The entanglement in her previous life and the misunderstandings in this life caused her to only be able to keep her distance from him.


    Gu Ying didn''t know what to feel in her heart. She looked away again and quietly waited for the Emperor to flip the ques.


    The Tianqi Emperor said, "Come, bring the name ques here!"


    The high-ranking eunuch Guo beside the Emperor smiled and walked over to the Tianqi Emperor with acquered golden wooden tray in his hands, "Your Majesty, all the name ques are here."


    The Tianqi Emperor let out an imposing "hmm".


    Upon hearing this, many people''s hearts jumped, including Jiang Yin. He had just be the second top scorer in the imperial examination, and hadn''t been assigned an official position yet. If he could stand out today at the royal hunting game, he would definitely be able to get a better official position.


    As long as he got this archery opportunity, he would definitely seize it to show off his skills in front of the Emperor and make a name for himself in one shot.


    He seemingly nced at Gu Ying unintentionally, thinking shamelessly in his heart, this way, she could also see his elegant bearing...


    She used to admire him before, so would she like him again afterwards?


    Men are like this, they allow women to admire them, while they remain cold towards others. But they cannot ept a woman''s indifference and coldness towards themselves.


    Just like the current Gu Ying.


    After she stopped bothering him, he became more obsessively possessive of her instead.


    Gu Ying didn''t notice Jiang Yin''s wolf-like gaze at all. She just kept her eyes on the Tianqi Emperor''s hand reaching into the tray, and couldn''t help but tense up in anticipation.


    Would things unfold the same way as her previous life?


    If the Emperor drew her name again...


    Would she bravely step forward, pick up the bow and arrow, and shoot at the target?


    The Tianqi Emperor lifted his hand from the tray, and a wooden que carved into a dragon head appeared in his palm. He frowned.


    Everyone held their breath and waited silently for the chosen one.


    A light breeze blew by in the warm sunshine on this snowy day.


    Gu Ying closed her eyes briefly.


    When she heard her namee out of the Emperor''s mouth, the tense strings in her heart suddenly rxed.


    Just as expected -


    Everything was still unfolding the same way as her previous life without much deviation.


    As soon as Gu Ying''s name came out, the gaze of all the young masters anddies present simultaneously turned towards her.


    Jiang Yin was no exception.


    He stared straight at Gu Ying. His pitch-ck pupils surged with zing ambition.


    After all, they all thought that the second youngdy of the Dongping Earl Manor, who was illiterate and ignorant, would be aughing stock and be mocked by all the nobledies of Bianjing for a whole year if she went out there on such an important asion.


    She might as well give this archery opportunity to the men present.


    Gu Ying stayed silent and lowered her long eyshes to hide theplex emotions in her eyes.


    To others, this seemed like she was afraid and didn''t dare to step forward.


    Gu Jia raised the corner of her mouth in disdain, and her mocking words reached Gu Ying''s ears, "I already told you, Gu Ying, I won''t let you off easily."


    "So my name was submitted by eldest sister to embarrass me?"


    "What do you think?"


    Gu Ying didn''t want to guess. Gu Jia''s arrogant expression had already exined everything. She had made preparations to humiliate her.


    But how could she let her have her way?


    When the eunuch Guo called out Gu Ying''s name again, Su Huanfeng immediately stood up without any hesitation. He knelt down towards the Tianqi Emperor, "Your Majesty, Second Miss Gu is not skilled at riding and archery. This inferior subject is willing to shoot the arrow on her behalf!"


    Zhao Changdu raised an eyebrow. His sword-like brows nted into his sideburns, and his deep, cold eyes shed a trace of chill.


    Thedies were all shocked. They didn''t expect that before Gu Ying even opened her mouth, the young marquis of the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor had voluntarily stepped forward to take over this job for her.


    Didn''t they say the young marquis disliked his fianc¨¦e and was making a fuss about cancelling the engagement every day?


    Why was the young marquis suddenly standing up for Miss Gu now?


    Everyone became envious and jealous.


    This was also unexpected for Gu Jia.


    However, what surprised them even more was that Jiang Yin, the new top scorer schr, also stood up from his seat after the young marquis, knelt down, and said, "Long live Your Majesty. This student is also willing to shoot the arrow on Miss Gu''s behalf."


    Gu Jia froze, her petite face stiffened.


    She couldn''t imagine that Jiang Yin would actually stand up to help Gu Ying. Wasn''t this a p in her face!


    Gu Ying, however, was a little surprised. She didn''t feel that Jiang Yin was helping her.


    He was just finding a justified excuse to get this opportunity to show his face.


    Unfortunately, did he think she would give this opportunity to him?


    How na?ve.


    Although she was a little touched that Su Huanfeng sincerely wanted to help her, the young marquis was a nice person, but not a good match for her.


    Su Huanfeng gnashed his teeth in anger and said harshly, "Jiang, what are you meddling for? Get lost!"


    Jiang Yin remained unmoved, bowing his head humbly, "This student and Second Miss Gu have some history. Now I am also discussing marriage with the Gu family. I cannot bear to see Second Miss Gu helpless and want to lend her a hand as an elder brother."


    "Elder brother?" Su Huanfeng arrogantly lifted his chin. "This young master is her fianc¨¦! If anyone is to help, it should be this young master! Who do you think you are to put on an act!"


    Zhao Changdu gave Su Huanfeng an indifferent nce, standing still.


    Since Su Huanfeng was here, he was no longer needed.


    The Tianqi Emperor said displeasedly, "Su Huanfeng, watch your attitude in this ce."


    Su Huanfeng remainedposed and asked, "Your wise Majesty, please judge whether it should be I, her fianc¨¦, or him, the self-proimed elder brother with no proper status, to shoot this arrow?"


    Jiang Yin''s handsome face soured as he pursed his lips. "This student will ept whatever Your Majesty decides."


    All thedies present were very envious and jealous that Gu Ying could receive such treatment. They began whispering among themselves.


    Even Huo Qiyan couldn''t help but turn her head to look at Gu Ying across the vast crowd.


    She felt a little unhappy and disdainful.


    No matter how much Gu Ying stood out again, and no matter how willing Jiang Yin and the young marquis were to help her, as long as cousin''s heart was not with her, she would not pose a threat. So Huo Qiyan was happy to watch the show.


    On the high tform, the Tianqi Emperor encountered this kind of situation for the first time too. He turned to look at his sickly Empress and passed the question to her, "Empress, what do you think is the best way to handle this?"


    The Empress coughed and nced at the two proud sons of Heaven kneeling below, then at Gu Ying sitting calmly in her seat. She gently said, "Your Majesty, in this concubine''s opinion, why not let Miss Gu decide for herself."


    The Tianqi Emperor also felt this was best. He called for Gu Ying by name, "Gu Ying,e forth."

 Chapter 46: Can She Mount a Horse

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    Gu Shuang was both startled and afraid, knitting her graceful eyebrows together in concern. "Sister..."


    Gu Ying gave her a reassuring look, lifted her skirt hem, and strode confidently to the center of the hunting grounds. "Your subject is present."


    The Tianqi Emperor saw that it was a beautiful youngdy who hade out, and he realized that this countenance resembled that of Bianjing''s foremost beauty, Madam Ye. He was stunned for a moment before recalling that she was Madam Ye''s daughter. Then he gentled his tone andughed, "Now both princes wish to shoot an arrow for you. What is your wish?"


    In the piercing north wind, Gu Ying kept her eyes fixed straight ahead without ncing sideways at anyone. She only raised her limpid bright eyes and looked straight at the emperor on the high seat, her voice ringing clearly, "Replying to Your Majesty, your subject does not wish to choose anyone."


    The Tianqi Emperor was very surprised. "Oh?"


    Gu Ying bowed her head respectfully and devoutly. "Your subject wishes to try it herself."


    With that simple sentence, it was as shocking as a stone shattering the sky, igniting the entire hunting ground in an instant.


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows in surprise, and dark undercurrents surged in his deep abyss-like eyes.


    Unable to restrain himself under the eyes of the crowd, Su Huanfeng reached out and felt her forehead, as white and smooth as frozen fat. He knitted his brows. "Miss Gu, are you delirious? Your head is burning up? You''re just a little girl. That tall horse is too big even for you to climb onto, how could you shoot that arrow?"


    Echoing Su Huanfeng''s words, Jiang Yin also looked at Gu Ying''s slender figure in shock, an incredulous expression on his handsome face.


    It wasn''t that he looked down on Gu Ying, but in his eyes, in everyone''s eyes, Gu Ying was aplete waste.


    How dare she brazenly stand up and say she would shoot an arrow for His Majesty? But did she dare to face the consequences if she missed the bullseye?


    Yet Gu Ying ignored all their doubtful looks and guesses. She only showed the Tianqi Emperor a calm, peaceful smile. "Your Majesty, I have made up my mind. Today I wish to shoot that arrow myself."


    Su Huanfeng gritted his teeth fiercely. "Gu Ying--"


    "Young Marquis need not try to dissuade me further." Gu Ying faced Su Huanfeng and smiled sweetly. "My mind is made up."


    Her simple words weighed like a thousand jun.


    Coupled with her harmless, sweet smile.


    Su Huanfeng didn''t know why, but his heart seemed to be struck by something, thumping nonstop.


    "Hahahaha!" The Tianqi Emperor saw that despite Gu Ying''s young age, she already had extraordinary poise. Heughed heartily, "Good! Well done, little Gu Ying! Worthy of being General Gu''s daughter. General Gu is still stationed on our Dong Li border, guarding and protecting our Dong Li. His daughter, young miss Gu, also has such courage to shoot the first arrow in this winter hunt. Very good! We shall fulfill your wish!"


    "Bring a horse here!"


    Someone brought an reddish brown steed to the center of the hunting grounds.


    Gu Ying thanked the emperor for his grace, got to her feet, and under the gloomy looks of Gu Jia and Jiang Yin, walked step by step towards the steed. She took the golden arrow and longbow from the eunuch''s hands.


    Zhao Changdu''s cold gaze was like a shadow, fixed on her straight back.


    Around her were sounds of contemptuous discussion.


    "Can she get on the horse?"


    "Just watch, a cowardly crybaby who''s all talk. She''ll just be a biggerughingstock!"


    But just after that person finished speaking, the girl in the field leapt up nimbly and vaulted onto the horse''s back.


    With one hand she took the reins, her posture extremely skilled and experienced.


    Everyone was shocked.


    Gu Jia was so angry he stood right up from his seat, looking incredulously at the nimble figure riding the horse.


    Gu Ying bestowed a breathtaking smile on the crowd, ignoring the looks falling on her back. She squeezed the horse''s belly with both legs.


    The steed galloped across the hunting grounds like a meteor, stirring up pure white snowkes, as if cresting clouds.


    Her figure was slender and upright, like a stalk of emerald green bamboo. Her sky-blue hunting outfit fluttered in the gusting cold wind.


    Her petite palm-sized exquisite face was as white as frost and snow, seeming to blend into the earth and sky''s white snow.


    The horse had a fiery temperament, and did not submit to her control at first. But she firmly pulled the reins, ran several dozen steps, and tamed the horse.


    Then her body lightly leapt up again, one foot stepping onto the horse''s back.


    Everyone watched with bated breath, shocked.


    She intended to use her body as the bow!


    In the icy wind, her ck hair was charming by her temple. Yet Gu Ying did not have a shred of nervousness.


    She smiled faintly,pletely calm andposed. Her movements extremely decisive and agile as she drew the bow and nocked the arrow!


    Her almond eyes narrowed, aiming, getting ready to shoot!


    Su Huanfeng held his breath tightly, his beautiful peach blossom eyes wide open. "Gu Ying, you must hit it..."


    Jiang Yin clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on that peerlessly elegant back. For some reason... scenes suddenly floated up in his mind. Of him shooting arrows, Gu Ying''s eyes reddened, full of adoration and admiration for him.


    His heartstrings shook uneasily... Then he saw the golden arrow in Gu Ying''s hand shoot out like a meteor, immediately followed by a clear ding as it pierced the bullseye.


    The crowd immediately burst into thunderous apuse, looks of incredible amazement and praise on every face.


    Jiang Yin''s body stiffened, his head suddenly throbbing. Some vague broken scenes shed chaotically in his mind.


    He shook his head, his eyes feeling tight as he watched Gu Ying ride the horse back.


    She no longer looked at him, her gaze would never fall on him again.


    His head seemed to hurt more...


    His heart also felt blocked up, throbbing painfully.


    Zhao Changdu withdrew his gaze, his eyes still indifferent, revealing none of his emotions. Only, in an unnoticed corner, two slender fingers silently tapped on the wooden table, as if plotting something.


    Su Huanfeng was so excited he nearly leapt three feet into the air. He wished he could rush forward and hug the girl who had ridden steadily back into the saddle, shouting loudly for everyone to hear, "This is my wife, Su Huanfeng''s wife! Look! This is the Su family''s daughter-inw!"


    After shooting the bullseye, instead of asking for rouge and jewels, Gu Ying only cared about her sick brother, which was truly unexpected.


    Upon hearing this, the Tianqi Emperorughed delightedly. "Well done! As expected of General Gu''s daughter. You have excelled today. Your gant bearing does not shame the whiskers and brows. We shall heavily reward you!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes reddened slightly as she bowed sincerely again. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your abundant grace."


    This way, no one in the earl''s manor could stop her from treating her brother''sme leg, even if Mrs. Liu wanted to object, she would not dare defy the imperial family''s face.

 Chapter 47: Who do you Pick

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    Prince Shu and Prince Duan were both astonished as they looked at this extraordinarily beautiful woman. It was the first time they had noticed her. They seemed to have hardly seen her before, as if she did not often appear at the gatherings of the youngdies and madams.


    The Empress''s appraising gaze also finally turned to Gu Ying. The Gu family did not have a high status, but there was Gu Second Master who held military power, which was not a bad choice for a daughter-inw. It was a pity that this beautiful flower already had an owner - Gu Ying was already betrothed to the Su family''s son.


    Prince Shu Li Yang looked thoughtfully at the way Zhao Changdu was looking at Gu Ying, and muttered to himself, "How interesting."


    ...


    By now, no one in the entire hunting ground dared to look down on Gu Ying anymore.


    Those people who had dered her useless were pped in the face. They all looked at her with different expressions as they secretly observed her.


    Gu Ying returned to her seat after showcasing her skills. Looking at Gu Jia''s face that was furious like pig''s liver, she smiled and said, "What did elder sister say earlier?"


    Gu Jia gritted her teeth and said, "Gu Ying, don''t becent!"


    Gu Ying''s expression was calm. "I have to admit, elder sister is indeed a first-ss expert at making threats."


    Gu Jia was rendered speechless by her retort. She was angry but did not know how to react after being humiliated.


    Gu Ying no longer had the patience to keep herpany. Now that the winter hunt had started, it was time for everyone to form teams and hunt.


    She had to hurry and warn Huo Qiyan first, and then get to know her fianc¨¦.


    After Gu Ying revealed her skills, she received great attention from the princes.


    Unfortunately, it was always thedies who had the priority in choosing teammates.


    Many princes looked at Gu Ying, who was as beautiful as a fairy, and also skilled in riding and archery. They crowded around her one after another, enthusiastically promoting themselves.


    "Miss Gu, pick me, pick me!"


    "I''m skilled in archery and horsemanship. If you choose me, we will definitely win big!"


    "Miss Gu won''t even look at me! Passersby, don''t miss out!"


    Gu Ying was not used to receiving so much attention. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "I''m sorry, gentlemen, but I already have someone in mind..."


    In the past, her beauty had been obscured by her timidness. Now that she acted generously, her beauty was amplified countless times.


    She was born exceptionally beautiful, with skin like snow and delicate features. Wearing a light green gauze dress, her entire being glowed like a fairy in the clouds and mist. Blushing now, she was bewitching like a seductive demoness.


    Su Huanfeng, standing next door, raised his eyebrows when he heard this. He hurriedly drove away the crazy bees and butterflies surrounding his fianc¨¦e, cing his hands on his hips to dere his ownership. "Gu Ying, you can only choose me, do you hear me?!"


    Gu Ying was astonished. She said helplessly, "Young Master, don''t joke around-"


    She did not have any feelings for Su Huanfeng, let alone marry him.


    She thought carefully, pulled him aside, and said solemnly, "Young Master, I''m not a suitable match for you. So after careful consideration, I''ve decided to return our betrothal personally to the Su family after the winter hunt, and break off the engagement..."


    Su Huanfeng''s heart sank heavily. His eyebrows flew up in anger as he yelled, "What did you say?"


    Gu Ying sighed. "I said we should break off the engagement."


    Su Huanfeng could not believe his ears. He red furiously at Jiang Yin and said, "You''ve fallen for someone else?"


    Gu Ying: "No."


    Su Huanfeng: "Who is it? I''ll kill him! Is it that Jiang fellow?!"


    Gu Ying quickly stopped him and cated, "Young Master, I''ll exin it to you after the hunt... For now, we''re about to form teams. I have to go first."


    Without looking at Su Huanfeng''s dejected and disappointed expression, Gu Ying hurried away without turning back.


    On this side, the youngdies had already lined up.


    Gu Ying kept apologizing as she squeezed into the crowd and went to Huo Qiyan''s side.


    Having her spotlight stolen by Gu Ying, Huo Qiyan looked rather ufortable now. The moment she saw Gu Ying, her face was a little unpleasant. "What do you want from me? Came here to show off?"


    Gu Ying smiled. "Miss Huo thinks too much. I just want to give you a reminder."


    Huo Qiyan scoffed. "Remind me of what? Given our different status, what can you possibly remind me of? I''m the Huo family''s daughter. What mistakes can I make?"


    Huo Qiyan was arrogant by nature and seemed to be prejudiced against her, making it difficult for her to listen.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and said patiently, thinking of her future status as Empress, "Later when Miss Huo teams up with the Crown Prince for the hunt, remember not to drink the water prepared by the attendants. No matter what."


    Huo Qiyan frowned. "What do you mean?"


    Gu Ying did not want to state it so clearly, but at this point, she and Huo Qiyan were not close at all. She could only emphasize again, "Miss Huo excels in everything and is more beautiful than anyone else. If Miss Huo does not want anything to happen during the winter hunt, you''d better listen to me."


    Hearing her praise of Huo Qiyan''s beauty, even her temper could not re up.


    She red at Gu Ying, then thought to herself that she had never felt Gu Ying was more beautiful than her before. But somehow today, even her in clothes looked better than her own silks and satins.


    She did not like Gu Ying very much, partly because of her attire and styling that resembled someone too much... And that person had upied Changdu cousin''s heart for ten years...


    "Why should I listen to you? Who do you think you are?" She bit her lips awkwardly. Though her words expressed disbelief, her expression showed some approval of Gu Ying. After all, every word and action of hers during the winter hunt was watched by people with ulterior motives. If anything really happened, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Huo Qiyan did not dare to be careless. She changed her tone and said, "However, what you just said about me teaming up with the Crown Prince is true?"


    Gu Ying smiled gently, knowing she was an arrogant child. But she was not a bad person, so Gu Ying decided not to argue with a teenage girl. "Miss Huo and the Crown Prince... are a match made in heaven. Of course you will be paired up."


    Hearing this, Huo Qiyan felt much better. She also looked on Gu Ying more favorably.


    "You''re right about that." She pointed with her chin at Princess Yueyan in front. Smiling arrogantly like a young girl, she said, "See that, Princess Yueyan also wants to choose Cousin Changdu, but unfortunately, he would never agree to team up with her."


    On the other side, the gentlemen were already prepared to be picked.


    Zhao Changdu stood out from the rest with an aloof air like a cold crescent moon.


    He was also the emperor''s new favorite now.


    Which youngdy did not want to team up with him?


    Gu Ying retracted her uneasy gaze, her cheeks hot. She took a deep breath to calm herself down, and whispered to Huo Qiyan behind her, "Yeah."


    Huo Qiyan said, "What about you? Who do you want to pick?"


    Gu Ying answered seriously, "I choose Young Master Fu."

 Chapter 48: She Went To Him

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    Huo Qiyan couldn''t believe it and looked back at Gu Ying incredulously. She wondered in her heart, "You look quite decent, how could your taste be so bad?"


    Fu Xunzhi was so ordinary among all the young masters, and he was a bookworm who knew nothing. How could he hunt? He was probably the waste who couldn''t even climb onto a horse''s back.


    It was alright for ady to be useless in archery and horse riding, but it would beughable for a man.


    Gu Ying just smiled without saying anything.


    She had made up her mind, and she was reluctant to change it without special circumstances.


    Seeing some young masters had already been chosen, she was not in a hurry either. She only watched Fu Xunzhi closely to see if any youngdy had chosen him.


    He was not as outstanding as Zhao Changdu and Su Huanfeng. So far, no youngdy had walked up to him.


    He looked a little embarrassed among the other young masters. He could only lower his head and stare at the white snow under his feet, not even daring to look in the direction of the youngdies. He looked rather pitiful, like an abandoned big dog.


    On the contrary, Zhao Changdu had already rejected many youngdies, even publicly rejecting Princess Yueyan.


    Su Huanfeng was even more angry. He scowled with a dark face, refusing all invitations. His crimson peach blossom eyes stared straight at Gu Ying, his face clearly saying "Woman, give you onest chance,e and take this young master away!"


    Gu Ying focused all her attention on Fu Xunzhi, thinking about how to choose himter to leave a deeper impression on him.


    Jiang Yin stood stiffly in ce, raising his eyes to nce at Gu Ying.


    Some strange fragmented memories shed through his mind, all rted to her - her shy look, frightened and timid look, her rabbit-like eyes blushing as she walked up to him and extended her hand to him humbly...


    He shook his head forcefully again and closed his eyes before opening them nkly.


    What were those memories?


    Did they really exist or were they just dreams he imagined?


    When he recovered some of his senses, he found there were not many young masters left.


    He looked around and saw only himself, Fu Xunzhi, Crown Prince Zhao Changdu and the young marquis Su Huanfeng from the Marquisate of Yong''an still here.


    And on the girls'' side, only Gu Ying, Gu Jia, Princess Yueyan and the arrogant second miss from the Huo family remained.


    Somehow, he suddenly felt confident. He knew Gu Ying would definitely choose him, or that she had chosen him before...


    ...


    In the end when only a few were left, those who had already formed their teams looked to the remaining few, even the Emperor and Empress on the high stage were guessing how the remaining few would team up.


    Emperor Tianqi''s eyes fell on Gu Ying. This girl rarely appeared in public before and seldom attended pce banquets, so he did not have a deep impression of her.


    Seeing her today, he realized Gu Ying looked so simr to the peerless beauty Ye Shi back then...


    If it were not for Ye Shi and Gu Boqing''s rtionship back then...


    s...


    He was slightly emotional, feeling some reminiscence, and his gaze became somewhat profound.


    "Empress, what do you think?"


    The Empress smiled lightly, "This Concubine feels this Second Miss Gu today seems a bit extraordinary. She may choose the young marquis Su."


    "But I heard the Su family doesn''t really like this girl from the Gu family and wanted to break off the engagement before? This girl can''t be silly enough to let the Su boy publicly reject her and humiliate herself in front of everyone right?"


    Although there was segregation between men and women in Eastern Li, marriage was not set in stone. For engaged couples, as long as both families annul the engagement, it could be dissolved.


    If the groom''s side was unwilling to marry the bride, the groom''s side could unterally withdraw from the marriage.


    The bride could also remarry someone else.


    However, being withdrawn from and remarried was equivalent to remarrying someone else, which would prevent the bride''s family from raising their heads high in her next husband''s family.


    Therefore, respectable families would absolutely not easily break off a marriage unless there were major changes.


    The Empress deliberately left some leeway in her words.


    If the Su family didn''t want this girl from the Gu family, she could think of ways to wee the girl into her son''s prince residence, even if it was as a concubine. It was still better than marrying someone inferior to the Gu familyter.


    Emperor Tianqi did not speak further and watched carefully below.


    Down on the field, the usually arrogant and pretty face of Huo Qiyan revealed a hint of shyness.


    She clutched the jade token in her hand and lowered her eyes bashfully, wanting to walk towards Zhao Changdu.


    Gu Ying gently pulled her back.


    Huo Qiyan turned her head to look at her.


    Gu Ying said gently, "Miss Huo, I want to choose first."


    It was not a request, but a statement.


    Huo Qiyan was a little unhappy turning her head, "Gu Ying, are you ordering me?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows, smiling generously. Her exquisite face looked even more enchanting andpelling against the snow. "If Miss Huo really wants to pair up with the Crown Prince, listen to me. I''ll take Master Fu first, then you can directly choose the Prince. The Prince has already rejected Princess Yueyan once, so he wouldn''t want to end up paired with her. So the Prince will only ept you."


    Huo Qiyan was angry, frowning, "What do you mean, my cousin wouldn''t want me?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Miss Huo, Princess Yueyan is after all a princess, the only daughter of the Empress Mother. If she still doesn''t choose the young marquis and insists onpeting with the Crown Prince..."


    Huo Qiyan choked. Her beautiful face revealed anger, but Gu Ying''s words made sense. If Princess Yueyan pressured with imperial power, she was just the daughter of an official family, nothing in front of imperial power.


    With a word from the Emperor, Cousin Changdu would have no choice even if he was unwilling to take Princess Yueyan.


    Thinking of this, she bit her lip and clutched the jade token engraved with her name until it turned white. "Alright, you choose first."


    Gu Ying had achieved her goal and walked out calmly.


    The three on the other side had different expressions seeing it was Gu Ying who walked out.


    Su Huanfeng knitted his brows nervously, his heart thumping. He was afraid those words about cancelling the engagement were real. But thinking further, who else could she choose if not him?


    Jiang Yin was vaguely excited, a voice in his heart telling him Gu Ying would definitely choose him.


    He raised his long eyes and slowly looked towards the approaching Gu Ying, already prepared to take the jade token from her hand.

 Chapter 49: Get What you Want

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    However, as she looked at his handsome face, she walked only ten steps towards him. When she saw the faint shimmering light in his eyes, her footsteps slightly veered leftwards, her graceful figure fluttering as her cyan skirt swayed. She walked towards Fu Xunzhi who was standing at the far left.


    A faint, delicate fragrance swept past.


    Jiang Yin awkwardly held out his hand in midair. As he caught a whiff of that familiar scent that prated his bones, his entire body inexplicably froze on the spot. A sharp pain wrenched at his heart, and cold sweat broke out over his head.


    Everyone was greatly shocked, their expressions vivid.


    They had never expected the second youngdy of the Gu family to be so astonishingly remarkable upon gaining fame.


    She actually gave up pairing up with the young marquis, and instead chose an unknown fifth-rank little official whom most did not even know the name of. This was just too preposterous!


    Yet Gu Ying paid no heed to anyone''s gaze. She stood steadily in front of Fu Xunzhi and folded her hands in courtesy. The fine silver tassels hanging by her temples swayed, giving off soft halos of light.


    The corners of her lips curved up as a blossoming smile graced her lips, alluring and ethereal, pure and elegant.


    She held out the jade tablet in her hand. "Master Fu, may I have the honor of galloping with you across the hunting grounds?"


    Fu Xunzhi looked up in disbelief at the exquisite beauty before him with eyes like autumn waters. He stared nkly for a moment at her soft, red and translucent hand holding the jade tablet. "Ah, this..."


    The person beside him was the new top schr, and the other two were sons of prestigious dukes.


    How could Second Young Lady Gu choose him...


    He thought he would be left partnerless...


    "Master Fu?" Gu Ying tilted her head slightly, a charming naughtiness in her posture.


    Meeting her pretty eyes, Fu Xunzhi immediately flushed red. He hastily took the jade tablet and clutched it tightly. "I''m deeply honored by Second Young Lady Gu''s favor. I... I am also willing to attain an outstanding score together with you."


    "Then let us go, Master Fu."


    Gu Ying smiled gently and vibrantly, radiating brilliance.


    Fu Xunzhi had seen many beauties before, but it was his first time seeing such an animated maiden.


    He did not dare to defile her beauty. Bowing his head, he followed along Gu Ying''s side as they headed towards the already formed teams.


    Su Huanfeng was so angry he nearly exploded.


    He had thought the scoundrel Gu Ying was interested in was Jiang Yin, but unexpectedly it was Fu Xunzhi. What was Fu Xunzhi worth?!


    Now there was nothing more he could say. He could only randomly pick one of the remaining girls to pair up with.


    But none of them were Gu Ying.


    What difference did it make who he chose?


    Huo Qiyan happily paired up with Zhao Changdu. When she passed the jade tablet to Zhao Changdu, his refined, cold features were extremely aloof.


    Yet he only looked at her deeply for a few moments before epting her jade tablet. His gaze would asionally and subtly nce at Fu Xunzhi''s back, as well as Gu Ying beside him,ughing exceptionally purely and innocently.


    But who Gu Ying chose to pair up with had nothing to do with him.


    He had note to the Winter Hunting Grounds for hunting in the first ce.


    Huo Qiyan''s charming face was rosy as she followed behind Zhao Changdu, feeling somewhat grateful to Gu Ying. She made a mental note to properly thank her someday.


    Su Huanfeng ended up pairing with Princess Yue Yan, while Jiang Yin could only pair up with his current fianc¨¦e, Gu Jia.


    Gu Jia was originally still brimming with anger, but upon seeing that Gu Ying had actually chosen Fu Xunzhi, she was delighted but did not know how to react.


    "As expected, a whore can never make it to the grand stage. So what if she''s in the limelight today? With so many people present, how could the Marquis let her smear his household''s reputation? After the hunt ends, I''m afraid the engagement between the Marquis manor and the Gu family will be called off! By then, Grandmother surely won''t let her off either! Hahahaha! This is truly heaven helping me!"


    Jiang Yin remained silent.


    Gu Jia smiled at him. She now felt that Jiang Yin was not bad either. At least he looked better than Fu Xunzhi, and was the new top schr. Once the Emperor granted him an official position, she could persuade Grandmother and Mother to spend money helping him navigate the bureaucratic system. Perhaps he could still aplish great things in the future.


    Thinking this, she voluntarily moved to Jiang Yin''s side.


    "Master Jiang, shall we go?"


    Jiang Yin expressionlessly nodded.


    Sensing something off about Jiang Yin, Gu Jia could not pinpoint what, so she kept silent.


    The teams had all been formed. Next, everyone mounted their horses, took up bows and arrows and provisions, and plunged deep into the ck Forest to hunt.


    Whoever hunted the most fairy deer would win.


    Gu Shuang pulled Gu Ying''s sleeve worriedly. "Sister, what were you thinking? How could you choose Master Fu?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips slightly lifted. She sincerely praised, "I feel that Master Fu is very good."


    "But Sister, have you really not considered what would happen if Grandmother and Mother find out¡ª"


    Gu Ying patted Gu Shuang''s shoulder and smiled gently, a reassuring power in her smile. "Younger Sister need not worry. I have my own ns for this matter. You''re still young and not yet of age to join the hunt, so remember to stay put in the tent and wait for my return."


    Gu Shuang anxiously stamped her feet. How could she not worry?


    The marriage alliance between the Gu family and the Marquis manor was of utmost importance to Grandmother. If Second Sister lost the engagement with the Marquis manor for the sake of Master Fu, Grandmother would certainly beat her to death.


    Wouldn''t that make it even easier for Mrs. Liu to fan the mes in front of Grandmother?


    Second Sister still had to deal with Mrs. Liu. To let Mrs. Liu gloat in triumph because of Master Fu at this time was truly unwise!


    Gu Ying did have her own considerations.


    Not only did she have to bind Gu Jia and Jiang Yin tightly together during the hunt, she also had to deal with Qingfeng and Mingyue, Mrs. Liu''s eyes and ears, and deprive her of two capable helpers.


    When she left to fetch the horses, she did not notice Jiang Yin''s gloomy, cold gaze fixed unwaveringly on her back. It was a wolfish, tigerish, and resentful gaze, as if wanting to devour her.


    She had her own horse, its fur snow-white and figure nimble.


    Leading it by the reins, she smiled and asked, "Master Fu, where is your horse?"


    Fu Xunzhi was somewhat nervous. He pointed to the brown horse in the stable to Gu Ying''s right andughed rather foolishly. "That brown one is mine, its name is Rufeng. Though named ''Like the Wind'', it actually runs rather slowly, ambling along clumsily like a turtle."


    Gu Ying looked over to see a sturdy, gentle brown horse in the stable that, although not valiant or handsome, had a silly lovability with its drooping ears and huge nk eyes ncing everywhere.


    She had heard of the romantic love story of Fu Xunzhi often riding with his beloved wife along the riverside on their old horse.


    Seeing Fu Xunzhi with his horse now, she found it all especially idyllic.


    She used to be so envious of Fu Xunzhi''s wife, and had hoped so much that Jiang Yin could spend more time apanying her. But it was not meant to be. You can feel it when someone does not love you.


    That sort of perfunctoriness, indifference, coldness and neglect could all be honed into the sharpest of knives, heart-piercing and bone-cutting.


    Pain stabbed at Gu Ying''s heart for a moment as she suppressed the past. She would no longer keep her sights set on Jiang Yin alone.

 Chapter 50: Whether it’s Fate or Not

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    She was gentle and did her utmost to make Fu Xunzhi like her. "Young Master Fu''s horse is next to mine. I chose you among so many princes and nobles. Young Master Fu, don''t you think this is fate?"


    "I guess...it is." Fu Xunzhi''s earlobes turned red as he led his horse over.


    Gu Ying was usually gentle and proper.


    But upon seeing her horse, he kept leaning towards it, constantly sniffing its scent with his horse''s nose.


    Fu Xunzhi was so embarrassed that his whole face turned red. He wanted to pull it back a bit, but it was reluctant, sting hot air from its nose at him.


    "Rufeng, be good, be good. Even if you''re just a horse, you should know, as a gentleman among horses, you must not peep, sniff or touch improperly."


    Even his voice reprimanding the horse was extremely gentle and pleasant.


    Gu Yingughed briskly and tenderly. The more she looked at Fu Xunzhi, the more satisfied she was.


    "My little white horse doesn''t have a name yet. Young Master Fu is so literary, could you give my horse a name?"


    Fu Xunzhi shyly looked at Gu Ying''s beautiful and spirited horse, and shyly said, "The youngdy''s horse has a snow-white body, just like the white snow in sunny spring. Why not call it Chunyang?"


    Gu Ying pped and said, "What a nice name, Chunyang, it sounds really good!"


    Fu Xunzhi became even more shy. He was a virtuous gentleman who had barely interacted closely with a youngdy, let alone one as beautiful as her.


    He tried hard to stay calm, scratching his head foolishly, and asked, "Miss Gu, what shall we do next?"


    Gu Ying knew he was shy, so she said, "The others are still preparing. Since we are both simple people, why don''t we go to the woods first?"


    With that, she nimbly mounted her horse, carrying her quiver and longbow behind her back. Her posture was carefree and full of heroic spirit, captivating people''s eyes.


    "Young Lady, please wait a moment..." Fu Xunzhi said with a red face as he pursed his lips, his Adam''s apple bobbing. "I''m not good at riding and shooting. I might slow you down."


    Gu Yingughed and said, "It''s fine. I just want to hunt with Young Master Fu. Whether we can actually hunt anything, Young Master Fu just needs to watch my performance."


    It was rare to see such a carefree heroism in a youngdy.


    Fu Xunzhi''s face was flushed with inexplicable emotions. He didn''t dare meet Gu Ying''s piercing gaze directly. Steadying himself, he slowly climbed onto the horseback. He missed the stirrup and nearly fell off the horse.


    Everyone wasughing at him, their eyes nailed to his back, making his scalp tingle.


    But Gu Ying covered her tender lips and smiled gently, sincerely reaching out her fair little hand to him. "A gentleman stands between heaven and earth. He doesn''t have to know how to ride and hunt to be a gentleman. Don''t be nervous Young Master Fu. Just follow me, I''ll go slowly."


    Hearing this, Fu Xunzhi felt the unnamed emotions surging in his chest. Her soft and delicate voice seemed to seep into his heart.


    "Tha...thank you, Young Lady Gu..."


    He didn''t dare take Gu Ying''s hand. Carefully he grabbed her sleeve, full of gratitude as he climbed onto the horse''s back.


    The two rode side by side towards Heimu Forest.


    Along the way, Gu Ying took the initiative to chat with him, asking about his interests and hobbies, and the type of girl he liked.


    She was determined to make Fu Xunzhi unable to forget her after this winter hunt.


    Once she cleaned up those worms in the Marquis Fu''s residence, she would take the initiative to get engaged to him.


    Fu Xunzhi looked at Gu Ying in confusion. Why did he feel that everything the youngdy said and did seemed to imply that the two of them were a good match?


    But how could such a peerless beauty, the proper daughter of Marquis Fu, be interested in him?


    He couldn''t help touching his own face. The more he touched, the more he felt his ordinary face without any distinctive features was like a toadpared to the youngdy''s snow-white face.


    The contrast made him feel inferior.


    However, if the youngdy chose him, perhaps it was not because she valued him, but because he was the only option left among the few men present.


    Thinking of this, Fu Xunzhi felt somewhat relieved of the difort. Feeling sorry for her, he hurried to carefully survey the terrain with her.


    "Young Lady, do you not have any attendants?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "No, what about you?"


    "I only have a boy servant. He doesn''t ride well, so he didn''te." Fu Xunzhi stammered, "Young Lady, don''t worry. If there''s any danger, I will do my utmost...to protect you well."


    The imperial hunting grounds actually had Forbidden Guards arranged everywhere to protect the safety of the young masters anddies. They just wouldn''t provide close protection.


    So it was fine for her toe without attendants.


    But Fu Xunzhi''s words clearly showed his sincere desire to protect her.


    The feeling of being treated with someone''s wholehearted devotion made her feel so warm and moved. Looking back at his worried eyes, mist even rose in her eyes.


    "Thank you, Liuguang."


    Fu Xunzhi''s pupils froze. "How does Young Lady know my courtesy name?"


    Only then did Gu Ying realize she had let his name slip. How could she have such poor control?


    Only his close few knew this courtesy name Liuguang. She had happened to hear it when Jiang Yin was chatting about his profile with a subordinate.


    Liuguang, meaning "light passing swiftly", suited his name very well.


    She smiled and patted her forehead, rolled her eyes coyly, and had to change the topic. "We''re about to reach deep into the woods. There are many fierce beasts in the woods. Young Master Fu, please be very careful."


    An indescribable atmosphere flowed slowly between them. Fu Xunzhi''s heart beat rapidly as he stared at Gu Ying''s back as she moved forward, his earlobes burning hot.


    Heimu Forest was very big with tall trees. Covered in heavy snow, it was dark deep inside. The deeper they went, the moreplex the terrain became.


    At the far east of Heimu Forest was a very high cliff called Jixue Cliff.


    Gu Ying knew that in her previous life, someone had hunted four celestial deer near Jixue Cliff.


    So she nned to get ahead of others. Instead of wasting time elsewhere, she would go straight to Jixue Cliff.


    However, this hunting ground was so huge. After galloping through a stretch of t woods, the path became very dangerous. Especially as they headed towards Jixue Cliff, the terrain became steeper and steeper.


    Gu Ying''s horse was a warhorse raised by the second branch of the Marquis Fu, so it could still adapt.


    But Fu Xunzhi''s Rufeng was just an ordinary people''s means of transport. After running through the woods for a while, it was starting to struggle.


    Before long, it started snowing again. The cold wind howled as the woods became misty and visibility dropped.


    Worried that Fu Xunzhi might get separated from her and identally eaten by some beast, Gu Ying suggested they ride together.


    But as soon as Fu Xunzhi heard this, he hurriedly waved his hands, blushing, "No no, absolutely not. That would damage the youngdy''s reputation. It''s not gentlemanly!"

 Chapter 51: Stab

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    He was an upright gentleman who adhered to proper etiquette. He would never cross his own moral line or get so intimate with an innocent youngdy before marriage.


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. As expected, honest people also had downsides when it came to being honest. At critical moments they didn''t know how to be flexible.


    She had no choice but to make apromise, "There really are wild beasts in this forest. I didn''t intend to take advantage of Master Fu. Let''s use our sashes to tie each other''s wrists to prevent getting separated. What do you think, Master Fu?"


    Fu Xunzhi was embarrassed. He felt like he had embarrassed himself. "Second youngdy, you misunderstand. I didn''t mean that..."


    Gu Ying nimble removed the sash around her waist. She tied the two ends together into a long rope. She tied one end around his wrist and the other end around her own.


    Fu Xunzhi''s face grew even more flushed. He didn''t know where to put his hands.


    Gu Ying no longer had any other thoughts. The deeper they went into the dense forest, the more she just thought about how to get out alive. After all, in her previous life, someone had lost a leg to a tiger during a winter hunt.


    She had some martial arts skills and could climb trees. But Fu Xunzhi looked like a weak schr without any fighting ability. If they really encountered a tiger, they would likely end up as a meal.


    She pulled Fu Xunzhi along, her gaze firm. "Let''s go."


    The two walked towards Jixue Cliff again. After about an hour, Gu Ying''s biggest worry happened.


    The wind and snow suddenly grew stronger and the weather became severe, affecting their hunting progress.


    She was still fine alone, but with Fu Xunzhi, it became somewhat difficult.


    Before long, the cold wind intensified. The horse under them panicked and Fu Xunzhi was thrown off. In a sh he was gone.


    The situation was urgent. Gu Ying could only give her horse to Fu Xunzhi. In the fierce wind and snow, she used all her strength to push him onto the horse''s back. She told him to hold the reins tightly and head out of the ck Forest. "Master Fu, I''ll go find your horse. Ride my horse out of the ck Forest first. Otherwise when it gets dark, it will be even harder to find our way! This forest is huge and deep. It''s impossible to walk out on foot!"


    Fu Xunzhi''s face stung from the icy wind. The world around them was dark and blurry. He couldn''t clearly see the woman''s face, but his heart pounded anxiously. "No! Second youngdy! I can''t leave you alone here!"


    Gu Ying didn''t care what he said. She pped the horse''s rear and let it take Fu Xunzhi away.


    Watching his disappearing figure, she breathed a sigh of relief. But she didn''t dare linger and hurried in the direction Rufeng had run off.


    After walking for a long time, she felt her strength draining away. She still hadn''t found Rufeng.


    She decided to just head to Jixue Cliff. There would naturally be hunters there. She could ask them for help getting out.


    Exhausted, she stubbornly walked through the swirling snow.


    Just as she was about to reach Jixue Cliff, suddenly she heard the muffled sound of galloping hoofbeats behind her.


    Whose horse could gallop so smoothly through this deep snowy forest?


    She struggled to stand up straight in the fierce cold wind. Before she could see the person''s face, her foot slipped on the slope and she tumbled sideways.


    "Ah - help!"


    Even someone as calm as her turned pale now. She desperately reached out, trying to grab onto something!


    She didn''t want to die. She had been reborn once. She hadn''t had a chance to avenge herself yet. How could she die such a meaningless death in this vast ck Forest!


    But her rapid descent made her feel hopeless and helpless.


    She even shamefully wet her eyes and closed them in despair.


    However, just as she was panicking and thought her death was certain, a long arm suddenly reached out from midair and easily encircled her slender waist.


    That person''s figure was like a startled swan, leaping over nimbly like a bird. His speed was extremely fast, blending into the wind and snow. His billowing ck cloak was powerful and made one''s breathing turn cold.


    Gu Ying was startled. She suddenly felt light as a swallow. After a dizzying spin, she found herself pulled back onto a horse''s back, safely nestled against a sturdy, broad chest.


    She still hadn''t recovered from the close call. Her breathing stopped for a while as she stared nkly with wide eyes. It wasn''t until the icy snow seeped into her eyes that she finally blinked her sore eyes.


    "Thank you for saving me, sir¡ª"


    "Keep quiet."


    Hearing the familiar low voice, Gu Ying lowered her head and noticed the "Qilin" pattern on the man''s sleeve.


    "Prince Zhao?"


    Zhao Changdu wrapped his arms around her delicate body. His right hand tightly held the reins. He didn''t speak again.


    The horse under them was very different from her pampered warhorse in Bianjing. Each powerful and agile step showed its fine muscles and noble head, just like its master - handsome and aloof.


    She had wanted to ask Zhao Changdu to put her down first, but the situation suddenly reversed. A cold arrow flew out from somewhere, narrowly missing her feet and making her heart leap to her throat.


    Before she could react, more arrows rained down behind them.


    She turned pale with fright.


    "Prince, what''s going on? Could it be... someone is trying to assassinate you?"


    She didn''t think she was important enough for someone to ruthlessly attack her like this.


    But Zhao Changdu was different. Hemanded a powerful army and had long held control of the border. Now he held great power and had just been appointed Supreme Commander by the Emperor. It was no surprise someone resented him. This assassination attempt was surely aimed at him.


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    What terrible misfortune had she encountered to have so much go wrong since entering the ck Forest?


    First Rufeng had run off, she sent Fu Xunzhi away, and was left alone. Just as she thought to head to Jixue Cliff to find help, she had identally slipped and fallen.


    It was one thing to be saved by the Crown Prince she had tried to avoid. But she never imagined Zhao Changdu would drag her into this deadly assassination!


    She did have some martial arts skills, enough to deal with the youngdies of her household. But that was far from sufficient against these trained killers.


    To preserve her life, she had no choice but to cling to Zhao Changdu''s arm...


    The spirited horse galloped swiftly as lightning. The fierce wind and snow stung her delicate cheeks, instantly turning them red.


    The man seemed to notice her difort.


    Even at such high speeds, he freed a hand to wrap her small face in his thick cloak.


    Gu Ying''s vision went dark, but she felt strangely reassured.


    "Prince, you don''t need to be so concerned about me..."


    "Don''t speak."


    As always, he was taciturn and cold.

 Chapter 52: Falling Off the Cliff

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    He shielded himself, thus unable to bend the bow to shoot back.


    Gu Ying thought that she could not drag him down like this, so she took the initiative to poke her head out from the greatcoat. He looked ahead while she scouted the situation behind for him.


    "Your Highness, there are probably ten people in ck behind us. They have long swords around their waists and bows and arrows in their hands, but there don''t seem to be many arrows left in their quivers!"


    "Oh? About how many are left?"


    Gu Ying squinted to see through the snowstorm and said with great effort, "Around ten!"


    "Good." Zhao Changdu said in his deep voice, "Do you see the cliff ahead?"


    Gu Ying nervously swallowed and said, "I see it!"


    "I will rein in the horse and stop by the cliff. You get off the horse and hide behind that big rock."


    The man''s mellow, deep and sexy voice seemed toe from his chest. Gu Ying''s back was pressed tightly against his chest, as if she could feel his strong and powerful heartbeat.


    She couldn''t see his expression, but just listening to his steady and calm voice settled her heart.


    "Okay!"


    As they spoke, the steed neighed as Zhao Changdu pulled on the reins and made the horse rear up.


    His ck robes billowed in the fierce wind, and his handsome face seemed godly amidst the swirling snow.


    Gu Ying didn''t dare hesitate. The moment the horse''s hooves touched the ground, she nimbly jumped off and ran towards the big rock without looking back.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curled up slightly, this girl dismounted cleanly and nimbly without any fuss.


    He tipped his toes and forcefully stepped on the horse''s back, turning around and unsheathing the soft sword around his waist to counterattack the ten men in ck besieging them.


    The men in ck were professional killers, well-trained and disciplined without making a sound. With their faces covered in ck kerchiefs, only their bloodthirsty eyes were visible.


    One look at their skills and weapons, it was clear they were not from the imperial court.


    Gu Ying crouched behind the rock and poked her head out to nce at the chaotic fight. Her heart thumped wildly.


    But Zhao Changdu''s fighting style was so elegant, even when besieged in embarrassment, he remained unperturbed with Mount Tai copsing in front of him. The soft sword in his hand shed, and those men in ck were thrown into disorder.


    Blood flowed down the de onto the pure white snow.


    Gu Ying''s heart quivered as she noticed another man in ck hiding in the shadows, drawing his bow at Zhao Changdu.


    She quickly called out, "Your Highness! Watch out to the southeast!"


    Zhao Changdu stood erect, turning his head sideways. His dark eyes were deep, and the long sword in his hand rested on a man in ck''s throat. With a slight pull, the de slit the throat and blood spurted out, sttering a few drops on his cheek, looking bewitching and wicked.


    But he no longer had time to stop that man in ck.


    Unwilling to fall behind, Gu Ying picked up a small pebble, squinted one eye, and mustered all her strength to throw it at the hidden man in ck.


    The pebble hit the man''s fingers and the arrow fell to the ground. Furious, his eyes turned cold and he pounced towards Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying was so frightened she kept retreating, unaware of the thousand-zhang cliff behind her.


    "Gu Ying!"


    Zhao Changdu immediately lost hisposure, his pupils contracting as he shed over to Gu Ying''s side, circling her waist with his arm. But his foot slipped over the edge.


    "Hold on to me!"


    "Your Highness, save me!"


    With the icy winds howling in their ears, Gu Ying hugged Zhao Changdu''s firm and muscr waist tightly, her eyes brimming red.


    Gripping the long sword in his hand, Zhao Changdu focused all his inner energy into the de and stabbed it fiercely into the cliff face. Sparks flew as the de scraped down the cliff with a piercing screech. "Don''t be afraid, just hold on to me."


    "Okay..." Gu Ying forced herself to stay calm. She couldn''t mess up Zhao Changdu''s mind at this life-and-death moment.


    But with both of them falling, the soft sword could not bear theirbined weight. They continued sliding down rapidly.


    The wind and snow in the ravine cut more than knives. Eventually, Gu Ying''s weaker physique gave out and she shamefully fainted.


    ...


    "Reporting!"


    An armored imperial guard charged into the imperial camp holding up a g.


    "Your Majesty! The Crown Prince was ambushed in the ck Forest. The Crown Prince is now missing!"


    The Tianqi Emperor was greatly shocked, pushing aside the tender concubine in his arms as he stood up, "What?!"


    The guard said, "After the Crown Prince and Lady Hu entered the ck Forest, our men tailed them for a while. Suddenly dozens of men in ck descended from the sky and charged at the Crown Prince. To protect Lady Hu, the Crown Prince told us to escort her back first. But when we returned to search for the Crown Prince, we could no longer find him."


    The Tianqi Emperor nearly lost his footing and was gently supported by Concubine Wan at his side.


    "Your Majesty, do not worry. The virtuous Crown Prince will surely turn peril into safety."


    The Tianqi Emperor''s face was ck as the bottom of a pot.


    The Old Duke was still stabilizing the Dong Li''s rule at the border. Although Duke Zhao did not participate in court politics, he was still Zhao Changdu''s biological father after all. If anything were to happen to this outstanding son at the hunting grounds, the Zhao family would definitely not let this rest!


    "Go search again immediately!"


    The guard quickly bowed, "Yes!"


    "Wait!" The Tianqi Emperor suddenly sat down on the dragon throne, pondering carefully, "This cannot be concealed for now. Go and order Commander Xia Zixi to send men to ry the news of the Crown Prince''s assassination attempt to the Zhao family. Then take all the imperial guards to search the ck Forest for the Crown Prince''s whereabouts. Also¡ª"


    "Have the Qilin Army join the search."


    Concubine Wan was startled, "Your Majesty, this is..."


    The Qilin Army had formidable military prowess. It was an elite force trained exclusively by the Zhao family. Small in size but efficient, unlike these useless imperial guards.


    The imperial house had always been wary of the Qilin Army''s existence, forbidding the Zhao family from mobilizing them freely.


    Once deployed, the Zhao family might be unwilling to stand down this army again.


    The Tianqi Emperor held up his hand solemnly, "This assassination is of utmost importance. The Old Duke still lives! If his most beloved grandson Zhao Changdu really died today, I''m afraid Dong Li will plunge into civil strife even before the foreign enemies invade!"


    "Your Majesty is right... The Crown Prince''s safety takes precedence." Concubine Wan smiled and leaned against the Tianqi Emperor''s shoulder, massaging his tense body and lowering hershes to conceal the gleam in her eyes.


    ...


    Soon, news of the Crown Prince''s assassination and disappearance spread throughout the entire Nanhai Hunting Ground.


    Torches were lit everywhere, lighting up the hunting ground bright as day. Imperial Commander Xia Zixi personally led the troops to surround the area, not letting a single thief escape.


    Panic arose in every household. As time passed, some worried the assassination was not just targeted at the Zhao family, and others might be in danger too. Thus they quickly sent their family guards to increase security and defense.


    Amidst the chaos at the hunting ground, some assessed the situation and analyzed which major power was behind the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince, and what their intentions were.

 Chapter 53: Finding the Ye Family

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    At this moment in the Huo Family''s camp.


    Huo Qiyan was frightened into tears, crying incessantly in her mother Zhao Rou''s arms, "Mother, please send someone to save Cousin quickly! Cousin went missing trying to save me!"


    Zhao was the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, the younger sister of Zhao Hui, Duke of Zhao.


    Sheforted her foolish daughter, with a solemn expression, "Don''t worry, the Huo Family and the Zhao Family are closely linked, they will certainly not abandon your cousin. Your father has already sent people to search for him, stop crying now, or your eyes will be swollen."


    Huo Qiyan was in no mood to care about swollen eyes, when Zhao Changdu told her to leave first, she was so moved that she thought she loved him even more. Now she was just worried whether he was still alive. If he died, she wouldn''t want to live either...


    "Mother, let''s ask uncle! Uncle will surely find a way!"


    "Alright, alright." Zhao Rou conceded helplessly, and had no choice but to take her to the Zhao Family''s camp.


    The Zhao Family camp was also in chaos, only the neat and tidy Qilin Army''s twelve soldiers were armed and ready.


    When Zhao Rou and Huo Qiyan arrived, the Qilin Army had already silently departed into the ck Forest.


    She watched the twelve soldiers'' backs solemnly, and walked into the main tent after lifting the curtain.


    The wind and snow blew in from the doorway, bringing a hint of chill.


    Duke Zhao Hui sat anxiously on a short couch, with Lady Cheng sitting beside him, along with Zhao Changxing and the Huo couple.


    Zhao Rou immediately noticed Huo Qiyan''s pale face, and the uncontroble worry in her moist dark eyes.


    She thought to herself: She''s been married for so many years, could she still have feelings for Changdu in her heart?


    Zhao Rou said impassively, "Yan''er, go talk with your sister."


    Huo Qiyan''s thoughts were simple, although she looked down on Huo Qiyun''s low status as a concubine''s daughter, but now she was distraught, and would have to get along with her sister sooner orter after marrying into the Duke''s manor, so she set aside her usual reservations and went to sit with Huo Qiyun.


    After thinking for a moment, Zhao Rou turned and asked Zhao Hui, "Big brother, what is going on with the Qilin Army?"


    Zhao Hui sighed, "His Majesty ordered the Qilin Army to go find Changdu''s whereabouts."


    Zhao Rou''s eyes lit up, "This is great news, big brother! If the Qilin Army is deployed, wouldn''t our Zhao Family''s status in Bianjing rise even higher in the future?"


    Lady Cheng also thought this way. The old Duke was away leading troops, Duke Zhao had no military power in Bianjing, only a rich and noble sinecure. Her son Changxing was already over twenty-five, but could only mix around idly in the Ministry of Rites without a say in anything. Life was terribly stifling.


    But if the Zhao Family held military power, even Commander of the Imperial Guards Xia Zixi would have to be polite to her Changxing.


    Duke Zhao said nothing. "In any case, we must first find Changdu safe and sound, otherwise when my father hears of this, he''ll stop eating and drinking, and rush back from the border to Bianjing. He''ll y us for failing to protect Changdu and hang us on the wall!"


    Zhao Rou scoffed, "Father only dotes and pampers Changdu alone, has he ever doted on his granddaughter Yan''er?"


    Duke Zhao red at her, "Enough, you shouldn''t talk about father''s affairs! It''s not for you or me to meddle with!"


    He was terribly anxious here, how could he have the leisure to joke with her?


    Zhao Rou silently rolled her eyes, and couldn''t help urging, "Brother, don''t forget about the marriage between Changdu and Yan''er. As soon as Changdu returns, Her Majesty has summoned him twice, it seems she still hopes that Changdu will marry Princess Yueyan. How can our Zhao family let Changdu marry into the imperial family? Him marrying Yan''er is the best oue for us."


    Hearing this, Huo Qiyun felt something copse inside her heart... An indescribable loss slowly spread in her chest.


    She didn''t even hear Huo Qiyan calling her name.


    Zhao Hui waved his hand, "I''ll keep this in mind, for now let''s wait for Changdu to return safely before discussing it."


    Zhao Rou nodded.


    But Lady Cheng seemed to sneer, cursing countless times in her heart, wishing for Zhao Changdu to return dead and dismembered, so the Duke''s title could only be inherited by her son Changxing!


    ...


    With the disappearance of Heir Zhao, only the Ye Family noticed that Gu Ying was also missing.


    Gu Shuang was the first to discover Fu Xunzhi returning on Gu Ying''s white horse.


    "Young Master Fu, where is my second sister?"


    Under the night sky, Fu Xunzhi was dressed entirely in ck, almost blending into the night.


    He rolled off the horseback in shock and fear, stiff all over, lips pale, "Second Young Lady, she... she''s gone."


    Gu Shuang was shocked breathless, and regardless, pulled Fu Xunzhi''s hand and immediately brought him to the Ye Family.


    The Gu Family was unreliable, she could only seek Imperial Censor Ye Zhuohua''s help, "Master Ye, please save my second sister!"


    Imperial Censor Ye Zhuohua looked over the battered Fu Xunzhi up and down, with a solemn and cold expression. "You said Miss Gu let you leave first while she chased after the horse alone?"


    Fu Xunzhi was dumbfounded, snowkes all over his hair bun. At these words, he knelt down with a thud, tears falling from the braved''s eyes, "Yes, it was me who was ipetent, I couldn''t protect the Second Young Lady! I won''t ask for Master Ye''s forgiveness, I only ask that Master Ye grant me a good horse so I can rush back into the ck Forest to search for the Second Young Lady!"


    "I''m going too! I''m going to find sister too!" Gu Shuang hurriedly knelt down red-eyed beside Fu Xunzhi, "I''m going to find second sister too!"


    As head of the Censorate, Ye Zhuohua had always been cold and ruthless, his face like iron and upromising. Only when facing this niece of his who had long dered she would sever ties with the Ye Family, did the hard expression on his face crack slightly.


    As Gu Ying''s uncle, how could he not worry?


    But remembering how Gu Ying had said she despised him and would cut tiespletely, he hesitated, unsure whether he should help or not.


    Ye Qingchi bent down to help both Fu Xunzhi and Gu Shuang up, gently saying, "Don''t panic, Miss Gu''s affairs are naturally the Ye Family''s affairs. I will go with you two to search for Miss Gu shortly."


    Then he turned and said, "Father, go to His Majesty''s imperial camp now and report this matter. We have to make it as big as Heir Zhao''s disappearance, otherwise the Gu Family won''t expend effort to search for Miss Gu. I''m afraid ill-intentioned people will take advantage of Miss Gu being alone to plot against her life."


    Hearing this, Ye Zhuohua immediately could not sit still, "No matter how much Gu Ying despises the Ye Family, we have to wait until she returns alive before she can scold me. Qingchi, you take the Fu Family''s son and the Gu Family''s daughter to search for Gu Ying first, I''m going to report to His Majesty right away."


    "Yes, father."

 Chapter 54: Her Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    She did not know how much time had passed.


    Gu Ying had a nightmare where someone forcefully pressed her down beneath him. She struggled but could not break free and could only cry as she was forced to oblige.


    The hard wooden bed beneath her back hurt so much.


    In a deste wilderness, a dpidated house, flickeringmplight, clothes in disarray.


    Traces of that man were all over her body.


    She wanted to open her eyes countless times to see what he looked like, but she could never clearly see his blurry, handsome face.


    His breathing was heavy, his body moved quickly, his hot breath fell on her ear, burning her earlobe scalding hot.


    She hurt, curling her body, her whole body hurt, hurting until she almost cried out.


    Suddenly, a sensation of weightlessness and shock went through her body, and then she woke up from the shivering of her muscles.


    She trembled as she opened her eyes, and was met with pitch ck darkness into which she could not see her hand stretched out before her. It was deathly quiet around her, only the sound of water dripping onto stone, drip drip drip, striking fear into her heart.


    Her clothes were drenched, her whole body cold, dizzy and disoriented. For a moment she thought she had died again, and was now in the underworld.


    But the pain throughout her body, as if her bones had shattered, slowly brought rity back to her mind.


    She covered her aching left arm and felt the dampness soaked with the smell of iron rust. "Where is this ce? Prince Zhao?"


    "Prince Zhao, where are you?"


    Her voice was dry and hoarse when she spoke, her throat sore and itchy. She coughed for a while, groping along the stone wall to try to get up and figure out what was going on here.


    Before she could move, a tall figure holding a torch bent down and entered the cave, that beautiful face like jade, seemed especially clear and bright in the flickering firelight.


    Light gradually returned to her eyes, and Gu Ying''s uneasy heart finally found its footing.


    She had never wished to see Zhao Changdu as much as she did in this moment... The fear, confusion, and helplessness in her heart all disappeared the instant she saw his handsome face, and her heart settled down steadily.


    No matter what, having two people in this kind of ce was a hundred times better than being alone.


    "Prince Zhao..." A smile appeared on her face, her voice soft, "We''re still alive, right?"


    Zhao Changdu looked at the girl''s tiny face, pale as paper as she pretended to be calm, and nodded, "Mm."


    Hearing this affirmative murmur, Gu Ying heaved a long sigh of relief. As she rxed, she noticed a faint smell of blood.


    She turned her head and saw that Zhao Changdu''s overcoat was currentlyid beneath her. The right sleeve had been shed open by a de, revealing his sturdy arm muscles. Fresh blood seeped through his fair skin, it seemed he was injured.


    Even so, he showed no sign of pain at all. He held piles of dead branches in his arms that he had found from somewhere. All he had left on was a long ck-patterned robe. Even the pendant and jade ornament on his waist was gone, leaving him bare.


    His hair was somewhat disheveled, a few strands of jet ck hair hanging down by his temples. His wless, beautiful face was also smeared with mud and blood.


    Even so, he showed no hint of disgraceful messiness. On the contrary, his straight nose and deep eyes made him look even more elegant.


    Gu Ying stared nkly, thinking this man was far too good-looking... She herself was probably too ugly to be seen now, right?


    While she was spaced out, Zhao Changdu had swiftly started a fire, lighting up the entire cave. He also used the dead branches to erect a stand next to the fire.


    After finishing this, he walked back to Gu Ying''s side. "We fell down from above. Fortunately wended on a big tree, otherwise we would have lost our lives."


    "However, your martial arts foundation iscking, your constitution frail. You also fainted, so with one hand holding my sword and the other holding you, I could not prevent you from getting hurt."


    The man paused, then continued nonchntly.


    "I''m fine, no major wounds on my body. I haven''t had time to check your injuries yet, how are you feeling?"


    Listening to his sexy voice, Gu Ying felt her ears grow hot. She checked over her own body, "My left arm seems to be scraped and bleeding. My back and legs hurt too, probably just abrasions... A scalding pain, but no broken bones. It doesn''t hinder me, I can endure it."


    She was not being overdramatic. In this environment, she could not possibly let a grown man like Zhao Changdu undress her to examine her body.


    The best method was to check herself thoroughly first, then report the situation to him.


    He had many years of battlefield experience and knew more about treating injuries than her.


    She didn''t want to die here, nor be disabled. No matter what, she had to get out of here alive.


    "Prince Zhao, I don''t want to die." Gu Ying''s lips were pale, her delicate brows furrowed in pain.


    Zhao Changdu gave her a silent look. In the firelight, the girl''s petite face was as pale as paper, yet her shining ck eyes could not be ignored.


    He lowered his head to check the wound on her arm, and said lightly, "I won''t let you die."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying rxed a bit more. "You''re injured too. Is it serious?"


    "Just external, it''s nothing."


    Such a high cliff... Holding her as they fell, not knowing how they ended up at the bottom. She was quite big, not light. His arms were likely not as fine as they seemed.


    As he tore her sleeve to treat her wound, Gu Ying''s brows furrowed tighter in pain, her attention diverted.


    "Go ahead and cry out if it hurts."


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, her entire body chilled to the bone. The situation now was so simr to when she was in the dpidated temple in the past. Whenever it rained or snowed, the rain and snowkes would flow down the broken roof tiles of the temple.


    Her tattered clothes were always wet, cold, filthy and foul.


    No one was willing to go near her, everyone detested her.


    Thinking of this, a hint of self-mockery appeared between her brows. "Thank you, Prince Zhao. I can do it myself."


    Zhao Changdu gazed at her steadily for a few moments. Seeing the girl''s stubbornness, he did not offer his hand again.


    Gu Ying moved closer to the fire, instantly wrapped in warmth.


    She raised her hand to wipe the cold sweat from her brow. ncing to the side, she saw Zhao Changdu had turned his back and was taking off his wet, cold clothes.


    "...Prince Zhao, what are you doing?"

 Chapter 55: Who’s Going to Kill Him

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    She whipped her head around rapidly, her entire face flushed crimson. In her mind''s eye, the glimpse of pristine chest she''d just seen was so vivid it made her flush with embarrassment...


    "Didn''t see anything? I''m undressing," Zhao Changdu nced back at herzily as he unbuckled his belt and took off his robe, draping it over a tree branch. "Go ahead and turn around. Even if you wanted to look, there''s nothing to see now."


    "I don''t want to look..." Gu Ying''s heart thumped loudly as she mumbled, blushing furiously as she tentatively turned her head.


    His ck robe obscured his whole body. She could only see a pair of long legs and a pair of dark boots.


    She had been with him once before. Aside from that one time, they''d never crossed paths. But now, stranded here alone, man and woman, still made her very uneasy.


    She wanted to ask after his injuries, but didn''t know how to broach the subject.


    In her past life, after he''d forced himself on her and she''d returned to the Jiang mansion, Jiang Yin rarely entered her chambers again. Sometimes when Jiang Yin looked at her, his gaze grew increasingly cold, even disgusted.


    When Ming Yue became pregnant with Jiang Yin''s child, he was so happy he threw a banquet, expressly inviting her.


    But the things he said... He said, "Ming Yue is expecting. At least this body and this child are pure and innocent, not like some people who came back dirty and sullied. Oh, she even has the nerve toe back? Hahaha, tell me, isn''t she ashamed? Embarrassed?"


    Back then her heart had shattered into pieces... It was like being viciously stabbed through the heart with a sharp knife, then the handle twisted around, turning her internal organs into a tangled mess. The gaping hole in her heart was like something had been gouged out, leaving a hollow space for the wind to whistle through, chilled to the bone and extremely painful.


    Amidst his taunting and the endless humiliation from his concubines, she had shamefully burst into tears. After that was endless debasement from those concubines.


    Her feelings towards Zhao Changdu wereplicated,prised of resentment and annoyance.


    Yet she didn''t know who to me, after all he seemed to have been drugged then, not in control of himself, while she had just been unlucky to be caught by him to counteract the drugs.


    Zhao Changdu sat on the other side of his clothes, picking up a stick to poke at the fire, causing the mes to burn brighter.


    After being injured for years roaming outside, falling down this cave was already the best oue for him.


    It was just that Gu Ying was a pure and innocent girl.


    Spending the night together in this cave with him, a grown man, if they were found tomorrow, she likely wouldn''t retain any reputation.


    He also didn''t know what hade over him. In the past he was unconstrained, paid no heed to Bianjing''s so-called rules, never cared about things like reputation and integrity.


    But now looking at Gu Ying, so delicate and stubborn sitting curled up on the other side of the tree branch, he felt the ice around his heart thaw a little.


    "Your clothes are already soaked through. I suggest you take them off to dry as soon as possible, otherwise the cold mountain winds will rapidly sap your body heat and you won''t make it through tonight."


    Gu Ying''s body quivered slightly, partly from fear, and partly from the cold.


    She had wanted to take off her clothes for a while now, but didn''t dare move with Zhao Changdu present...


    After all, the ferocious, ravenous way he''d wanted to devour her whole was still fresh in her mind. She didn''t dare disrobe in front of him now.


    It wasn''t that she presumed malice...


    It was just once bitten, twice shy... After what had happened at the broken-down temple for over ten years... She now had aplex towards men and those matters, even fear.


    "Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. I''ll sit here by the fire and dry my clothes this way."


    She still refused to undress.


    Zhao Changdu paused, ncing towards her. Neither spoke as they sat apart.


    After a lengthy silence, the sound of dripping water in the cave grew more distinct.


    After some time, he rubbed his right arm and indifferently said, "Gu Ying, are you afraid of me?"


    Gu Ying hurriedly shook her head. "No!"


    Feeling her denial was too quick, too insincere, she softened her voice and said in a sticky tone, "No, why would Your Highness think that?"


    Zhao Changdu gave a derisiveugh. He recalled when he''d first arrived in Bianjing and bumped into hering to curry favor.


    Back then her eyes had been full of anticipation and longing. Those distinct dark eyes had also held inscrutable sadness and pain, as if she were a drowning person who after great effort had finally crawled ashore.


    She had given him the feeling of a new lease on life, reborn.


    From that day forth he had wanted to give her a chance, a chance to marry into the Duke''s residence.


    Of course he didn''t have feelings for her. To be frank, it was using each other. To be more precise, mutually beneficial.


    "I still owe you an apology for what happened that night."


    The man''s deep voice sounded from the other side.


    Gu Ying was startled, looking over puzzledly. Although his thick clothes obscured him, her heart was still shaken.


    He who is conscious of shame is close to courage¡ªa man of such status actually apologizing to her, a young girl.


    He seemed simr to Jiang Yin on the surface, yet different...


    Just what kind of man was he?


    "Your Highness..."


    Zhao Changdu indifferently said, "I wrongly med you for pushing your elder sister. I had misunderstood and got angry, so I also want to say sorry for what I said outside the Empress'' tent."


    Gu Ying couldn''t describe theplicated feelings in her heart. For a moment, her nose tingled as if she wanted to cry.


    "It''s fine, I didn''t take it to heart anyway."


    Zhao Changdu lightly hmm-ed. Despite her light tone, with the dark and quiet amplifying emotions he could still detect the hurt within.


    She was only fifteen or sixteen, what had she experienced to give her eyes a maturity andposure beyond her years?


    Feeling it was awkward sitting so far apart, Gu Ying deliberately tried to make conversation. "Who exactly were the people trying to assassinate you?"


    Zhao Changdu''s longshes lowered, gaze falling upon the firelight. "Judging by their outfits and weapons, they were Jianghu people."


    Gu Ying fell into thought, trying hard tob through memories of Zhao Changdu''s assassination attempt in her still aching mind. Back then her energy had been focused on Jiang Yin, but an incident as major as an assassination attempt she still vaguely recalled hearing about.


    Zhao Changdu hadn''t died in that assassination attempt.


    Not having been by his side in her past life, she didn''t know what had happened to him. She''d only heard he''d been found with an arrow in his body, nearly dead. After being brought back to the Duke''s residence he had recuperated for over half a month before recovering.


    Afterwards, His Majesty had sent people to thoroughly investigate. It was discovered the assassins were from the Jianghu assassination organization Yanyun Tower. As for who had hired the assassins, after an extensive investigation it was discovered to be Prince Duan''s subordinates.


    The Prince Duan faction had been greatly impacted by this, falling out of the Emperor''s favor and losing the chance to be Crown Prince.


    After this Prince Duan fell ill and did not recover, with medicine proving futile. In approximately 1631 or 1632, he passed away in seclusion.


    Later, others had used Prince Duan''s name to raise troops in rebellion, implicating the Empress'' n. After the Empress died from the resulting illness and almost couldn''t be buried in the Imperial tombs.


    This was the extent of Gu Ying''s knowledge. She asionally overheard ordinary people discussing state affairs at the broken-down temple, but the factual truth she wasn''t very clear on.

 Chapter 56: Bao Tuan Heating

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    ¡°Could it be Prince Duan? Is someone among the senior officials at court jealous of the power in the Crown Prince¡¯s hands?¡± Gu Ying wanted to remind him, but felt she didn¡¯t have the standing. He was so meticulous, he might detect something amiss with her and kill her for being a monster.


    She chose to speak circuitously. She left her words half unsaid.


    Zhao Changdu raised his sword-like brows, but read the deeper meaning behind her unfinished words. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be Prince Duan¡¯s line.¡±


    Gu Ying was puzzled and blurted out, ¡°Why?¡±


    As soon as she asked, she realized right away. Prince Duan wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough to make a move against Zhao Changdu during the winter hunt. What¡¯s more, Zhao Changdu now held military power, Prince Duan would need to curry favor with him if he wanted to contend for the Eastern Pce.


    Gu Ying felt annoyed at herself and rapped her knuckles against her head. It was her fault for being preupied with affairs in the rear courtyard that she¡¯d forgotten the tangled rtionships in court.


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s cold lips quirked into a faintly mocking arc. ¡°I returned to Bianjing this time to investigate the truth behind my mother¡¯s death years ago. It¡¯s possible someone doesn¡¯t want me to discover anything.¡±


    Gu Ying froze. ¡°Your Highness, your mother¡ª¡±


    ¡°She fell to her death beneath this Jixue Cliff.¡±


    Gu Ying stiffened again. She suddenly felt an eerie chill creep down her spine. She could also sense the unspeakable pain hidden in his tone when he spoke those words.


    Zhao Changdu indifferently lowered his longshes, but didn¡¯t continue.


    The silence at this moment made Gu Ying¡¯s heart ache. Since it was the pain in someone else¡¯s heart, she didn¡¯t feel right to keep asking.


    The two of thempsed into lengthy stillness again, as time trickled by.


    As the night grew increasingly darker, Zhao Changdu took the initiative to stand and check their surroundings. When he returned, he carried back damp air and white snow. After just that brief time outside, his clothes were soaked through again, which showed how heavy the wind and snow was.


    He stepped into the cave entrance and used withered vines and rocks to block it up. He shook off the snowkes clinging to him and headed over only after seeing Gu Ying had worn her clothes properly.


    ¡°We can¡¯t light a fire now. There are tracks left by beasts walking outside. The mes might attract wild animals looking for shelter.¡±


    Gu Ying turned her back to him and shyly tied her sash. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to Your Highness.¡±


    Hearing her soft, tender voice, something in Zhao Changdu¡¯s heart inexplicably softened.


    He watched her deeply for a few moments before using sand to put out the fire.


    With the firelight extinguished, darkness swiftly closed in. The bone-chilling cold seemed to seep into their marrow and creep into their bones.


    In her previous life, Gu Ying had spent years sleeping in the pitch-ck nights of a dpidated temple. She had some trauma now and shivered all over, hands and feet icy cold while unease and confusion seeped out in her heart.


    She had no other choice but to sit leaning against the icy stone wall. Only this way did she feel like she had something supporting her back.


    ¡°Gu Ying?¡± A steady, rich voice sounded in the dark.


    Gu Ying moved her stiff little face in the direction of the voice. ¡°Your Highness?¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than a warm body shifted closer.


    The bloody scent grew stronger. Gu Ying leapt up in an instant, scared out of her wits. ¡°Your Highness, what are you trying to do!¡±


    Zhao Changdu hadn¡¯t expected Gu Ying to react so intensely. Her small hands bumped into his wounds and the pain made him knit his brows. ¡°It¡¯s extremely cold outside. Even with the cave entrance blocked up, the chill in this cave is enough to take a life. Now that we¡¯ve lost the fire, if we want to make it through tonight, we have to huddle together for warmth.¡±


    Huddle together? How would they huddle?


    They were a man and a woman. Even if nothing truly happened between them, if the search party that came in the morning saw them clinging so close like this, it would give rise to all sorts of unspeakable rumors.


    Yet he spoke righteously and properly, without a hint of vulgar intention.


    But Gu Ying was so frightened she trembled all over, eyes welling red...


    She thought of the people who had bullied her in the past, the foul stench that clung to them as they rushed at her...as well as their vicious beatings and molestation.


    They had shaved off her hair over and over with knives until no one bothered anymore. Then they tossed urine and excrement on her. Those nauseating filthy things stuck in her dry, withered locks...And so year after year, day after day, she lived as humbly as an ant.


    The more she thought about it, the more she loathed herself, hated herself to the point that tears rolled uncontrobly from her eyes.


    Hearing Gu Ying¡¯s muffled sobs, Zhao Changdu¡¯s body stiffened. His thin lips moved awkwardly. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. I don¡¯t mean to take advantage of you.¡±


    Gu Ying gave a bitterugh amidst her silent tears and sat far from him.


    Although it had been caused by the drugs, the fact was Zhao Changdu was the first man to have her in her previous life...Now just his touch made her very afraid.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Your Highness¡¯s fault, but my own issues.¡± She paused and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, forcefully suppressing the surging hatred in her heart and struggling to calm herself. With a smile, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll just sit here. If I get cold, I¡¯ll get up and jog in ce to warm myself up. Don¡¯t worry about me, Your Highness.¡±


    In the darkness, Zhao Changdu¡¯s brows knitted tightly, but he didn¡¯t say anything more.


    As the night grewter andter, the cold had Gu Ying frozen stiff. She couldn¡¯t fall asleep at all. The more unbearable it became, the slower time seemed to crawl. Having no other option, she could only stand and feel her way along the stone wall, jumping and running while kneading her numb body, striving to warm herself up.


    But she hadn¡¯t anticipated the extremely low temperature in the mountains. Her body heat was still seeping away bit by bit.


    Gradually, she grew lightheaded with a headache and restlessness. Her heart raced as her joints stiffened and her limbs shook.


    ¡°Gu Ying?¡± Zhao Changdu had his eyes closed but suddenly didn¡¯t hear the sounds of her movements anymore. His eyes snapped open.


    As Gu Ying slowly lost consciousness and finally copsed, she thought that if she died one more time, she hoped Heaven would give her another chance at rebirth...


    ...


    Zhao Changdu gathered the girl who was nearly frozen stiff into his embrace. With his better night vision, his long arms easily swept her petite frame into his arms.


    Only after reaching the spot furthest inside the cave, out of the wind, did he set her down, propping her against himself.


    She had alreadypletely fainted and softly leaned on him, her faint breaths lightly blowing at his neck and making it somewhat itchy but also providing some warmth.


    He held her stiffly, senses amplified many times over in the dark.


    Even through the icy clothes, he could feel her slender arm was less than half the size of his own. Her skin was as smooth as fat, wless. Her scented hair, her pert nose, her tender flower petal lips, and also that sweet, floral peach blossom fragrance from her cor.

 Chapter 57: His Offer

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    He leaned upright against the stone wall, closed his eyes, and tried his best to maintain his usual calmness andposure.


    However, his mind was upied with the thought that he had once led his troops deep into enemy territory. In the harsh, freezing weather, he and over a dozen brothers had hid in a cave to take shelter.


    But that time, even several strong, martial men were frozen to death in the heavy snow.


    How much more a physically weak youngdy?


    Since he had decided to save her, he could not just watch her die in this cave.


    Thinking thus, he closed his eyes again, using only his hands to see, and slowly untied her sash, stripping off her clothes...


    Leaving only a belly wrap embroidered with blue lotus flowers, before gathering her entire body tightly into his embrace.


    When that extremely soft body fell into his arms, Zhao Changdu couldn''t help it - his Adam''s apple bobbed rapidly. He had always lived among men, how could he have known a woman''s body was this soft... That waist, slender as could be grasped in one hand... All too bewitching and captivating... And that snowy protrusion, soft, pressed right against his chest. Their temperatures instantly rose, the intimate contact of their skins scorching hot.


    However, the person in his arms was not well-behaved either. It seemed she had found a trace of warmth and instinctively burrowed into him for dear life.


    Zhao Changdu''s chin tilted up slightly as her furry little head nestled right under it, like a kitten.


    His brows knitted tightly, his breath unclear. He ced his big hand firmly around her waist.


    "Gu Ying... you..."


    His voice was low and hoarse as he ground his teeth. "Don''t move around..."


    "Mmm¡ª" Gu Ying let out an unconscious moan.


    Hearing this, Zhao Changdu''s throat grew even drier. The always calm andposed person, for the first time had a chaotic mind.


    "Gu Ying, are you awake?"


    "Warm... Don''t go."


    "You¡ª"


    "Please... Don''t go, don''t abandon me..."


    Zhao Changdu''s pair of slender eyes flickered in the darkness, his breathing increasingly ragged.


    Gu Ying seemed to have fallen into a nightmare, painfully murmuring a few words, before quieting down again.


    Zhao Changdu''s ear tips were scalding hot. In the unnoticed darkness, he kept his handsome face cold, reluctantly pulling over his greatcoat and forcefully wrapping her in it, continuing to warm her stiff body with his own warmth and inner energy.


    ...


    Daybreak had just arrived.


    Gu Ying''s throat felt parched and hoarse. She was disoriented for a good while before waking up fully.


    "You''re awake?" The man''s cold and ascetic voice sounded from not far away.


    Gu Ying opened her eyes with difficulty, discovering that Zhao Changdu was sitting against the rock wall to her left. A fire had been built up between them again, no wonder she felt some warmth.


    She pinched her brows, seeing herself fully dressed, only the bow at her waist was tied rather sloppily.


    She froze, with too many things happening yesterday that she couldn''t remember when the bow had be so messy. It was possible during her fall down the cliff, or when she was running and jumping around, or when she fainted.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze imperceptibly tightened when he saw her looking at her waist sash, suddenly vignt.


    "Gu Ying, you¡ª"


    Could she have noticed the sash was tied by him?


    Gu Ying shyly smiled, turning her body away. "My sash hase undone... Prince, allow me to redo my waistband."


    "Mm..." Zhao Changdu let out a relieved breath, awkwardly pursing his thin lips. His scorching gaze fell upon her fair neck.


    Head lowered, she was fully concentrated on retying the sash.


    From his angle, he could see her cheeks, still carrying some baby fat, fair with a rosy tint, delicate as could be broken.


    Her shoes had been lost in the mountain stream, and her jade-like feet now curled up slightly, the plump rounded toes like glistening pearls, looking cute and endearing.


    Actually, she didn''t need to hide from him.


    Her body had basically been fully seen by him...


    He had stayed up all night warming her, and only when dawn broke did he clumsily help dress her.


    By then there was some light shining into the cave, and he had no intention of acting improperly. However, herplicated woman''s clothing meant he had no choice but to... look at her body.


    That sloppily tied bow was tied by him personally.


    However, he wouldn''t tell her all this for now. Since she detested what happenedst night so much, he would simply act as if nothing had transpired.


    But in the end, she was still an unmarried youngdy. Now that her chastity had been seen by him, no matter what was said after they left, she would be mocked and berated by others.


    "Your skirt hem¡ª"


    His gaze suddenly fell upon the light gauze edging her skirt, and his brows knitted together.


    Gu Ying looked down to find her skirt covered in blood. "Ah, this is..."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as ck as the abyss, filling with puzzlement. "Are you injured?"


    Gu Ying was bewildered herself. She hastily flipped up her skirt hem to check carefully, but found no wounds on her legs. However, the subtle acheing from her lower abdomen made her suddenly realize something terrifying...


    "Prince, I¡ª" She tightened her breathing, her whole face flushed red, "I''m not injured... I''m just... just..."


    She couldn''t bring herself to continue, her face growing redder.


    Zhao Changdu was clever. He instantly averted his eyes, turning his back.


    Gu Ying''s small face turned bright red. She expected that stopping the nourishing pills meant her monthly affair wasing, but its timing was just too perfect!


    How much more embarrassment did it want to cause her in front of the Prince?


    She hastily tore off a strip of skirt lining, swiftly taking care of herself. It was a good long while before she spoke, "Done... Prince, you can turn around now."


    Zhao Changdu had not expected to be the first man to witness her growth into a woman. His mood was somewhatplicated.


    The atmosphere in the cave was a little awkward.


    "This is only natural for women, there''s no need to feel embarrassed..." Gu Ying let out a few hollowughs, trying hard to exin.


    Zhao Changdu looked at her in amusement. Solemnly, he said, "Gu Ying, there is something I wish to discuss with you."


    Gu Ying''s mood stabilized. She retied the butterfly bow and pulled her skirt down to cover her feet, nearly frozen stiff. "What is it, Prince?"


    A pair of bright, new eyes with a flush of bashfulness looked over.


    Zhao Changdu imperceptibly averted his gaze. Lightly, he said, "Nothing happened between usst night, but since we have now stayed alone together as a man and woman, it will be hard to exin things clearly to the Emperor or your family after we return. However, I do have a proposal that can resolve both our dilemmas."

 Chapter 58: To the Family

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    Zhao Changdu turned his head and looked at her earnestly, "After we go up, I will propose marriage to your family and give you a title."


    When Gu Ying heard this, her face instantly turned pale. "No... that won''t work!"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows furrowed, his gaze turned cold. "What, you''re unwilling to marry me?"


    The title of the wife of the heir apparent of the Duke''s mansion was not something anyone could obtain easily.


    "I..." Gu Ying bit her lip, her mind in turmoil. "It''s not that I look down on the heir apparent, it''s just that I already have someone I love..."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows slightly rxed, his gaze faintly sank. "You already have someone you love?"


    When she came to Secluded Mountain to find him that day, she hadn''t mentioned having someone she loved. It had only been a few days, who had captured her heart? Or was it true about her affair with Jiang Yin?


    Gu Ying gave an awkwardugh. She said sincerely, "From the beginning I had feelings for him and wanted to marry him. It''s just that my engagement to the young master has not been dissolved yet. I was thinking of waiting until the dissolution of the engagement before discussing marriage with the Fu family... It wouldn''t be toote."


    "I know my status is unsuitable for the honorable Duke''s mansion. Afterwards, I will still try to find a way to dissolve this marriage with the Duke''s household. Young master is free-spirited and charming, he deserves a better woman to be matched with him."


    However, Zhao Changdu did not pay attention to what she was saying. He just stared fixedly at her petite face, "When did you start having feelings for him? Why do you like him?"


    Gu Ying looked at him puzzlingly, not knowing where she had offended him. She thought nervously, "I had feelings for him from the beginning and wanted to marry him. It''s just that my engagement to young master has not been dissolved yet. I was thinking to wait until the dissolution of the engagement before discussing marriage with the Fu family... It wouldn''t be toote."


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome face darkened, he gave a cold humph. No wonder, at the winter hunt she specifically chose Fu Xunzhi to pair up with, so she had already had feelings for him early on.


    "Your Highness, what''s wrong? Is there something inappropriate?"


    She and Su Huanfeng were unmarried men and women. It was tacitly understood by everyone in the capital that the two families would annul the engagement. She was a girl from a rear courtyard. At least before her father returned to the capital, she should find a good way out for herself.


    Fu Xunzhi was a good man. She believed that even if she wanted to bring her younger brother and father to the borderter, Fu Xunzhi would respect her choice.


    This was what she saw in Fu Xunzhi.


    Zhao Changdu did not speak. He sat in front of the fire. The bright yellow firelight cast his handsome face in a three-dimensional, exquisite glow. His nose was tall and straight.


    However, his head was slightly lowered, and the aura he exuded was like an iceberg, permeated with lifelessness.


    This man had brows and eyes like jade. Even in such downtrodden and injured circumstances he was still as beautiful as a painting.


    No one disliked beautiful people and objects. Gu Ying also liked him. However, her feelings towards Zhao Changdu wereplicated. If not for this ident, she would not have wanted to have any ties or connections with him.


    After being rescued and brought up today, she would no longer have any involvement with him.


    "Nothing." After a long pause, Zhao Changdu''s sharp jaw slightly tensed. His eyes as dark as ink contained faint indifference. He stood up and tidied up his belongings in the cave. Looking down at her, he said, "For your reputation, you should stay hidden in the cave."


    Gu Ying''s heart sank. She hurriedly walked over to him, "Your Highness, where are you going?"


    The man was tall and sturdy. Dressed in arge cloak, he re-sheathed his soft sword at his waist.


    He looked at her coldly, his expression frosty. With little emotional fluctuation, he sized her up expressionlessly, then resumed the aloofness from when they first met. "I can''t stay with you, in case the guardse and there are rumors."


    Moreover, he was already not innocent towards her.


    If he stayed longer, the only one who would feel bad would be himself. Since she already had someone she loved, what more could he say? Even if it was mutual utilization, it required her willingness.


    Since she was unwilling to marry him, he would not force her either. Then let it go.


    Gu Ying thought carefully. She was courageous for a youngdy, but after all she had lived one lifetime already, so she was bolder than an average girl.


    The sky was gradually brightening and the heavy snow had stopped.


    "I''m leaving." Zhao Changdu did not look at her again. Head lowered, he pulled a dagger from his waist and threw it at her feet. "Take this dagger to defend yourself. I''ll go out first to check the guards'' whereabouts, then lead them over here."


    Gu Ying smiled. Facing his aloof back, she said, "Your Highness, thank you."


    Zhao Changdu waved his hand back. "I''m going."


    ...


    Gu Ying took a deep breath as she was left alone.


    The cave was not big nor small. Inside, a stream of fresh water trickled out from a narrow slit.


    She was bored alone, so she walked around to explore.


    Overgrown weeds flourished here for many years. She squatted down, originally wanting to pluck a leaf to scoop some water to drink. Unexpectedly, as she brushed aside the weeds, she discovered a jade pendant buried in the mud.


    "This is..."


    The jade pendant had been buried underground for quite some time. The carved pattern on it was alsopletely covered in mud.


    She pulled the jade pendant out from the soil and washed it clean with water, only then discovering that the pendant was carved with a strangely shaped flower that could not be named. Yet the material of the jade pendant was top quality mutton fat jade. After enduring endless wind, rain and erosion, the pendant''s silk tassel had rotted away. But from the remaining strands, this was material only wealthy households could afford.


    In a ce like this, at the bottom of a cliff, an unnamed cave, how could such a valuable jade pendant exist?


    "Someone''s here!"


    "There''s a cave here!"


    "There seems to be smokeing out, someone must be inside! Perhaps the heir apparent is inside! Everyonee over quickly!"


    Hearing the sounds of movement outside, Gu Ying hurriedly stuffed the jade pendant into her bosom and rushed to the cave entrance to push aside the withered vines and take a look.


    Sure enough, arge group of imperial guards hade searching through the frost and snow. Judging by everyone''s fatigue, it seemed they had been searching all night beforeing down the cliff.


    "Sir! Sir! I''m over here!"


    Gu Ying hurriedly crawled out and greeted the lead imperial guard.


    "It''s Miss Gu! Come! It''s Miss Gu!"

 Chapter 59: His Maintenance

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    The leader of the group quickly looked towards her and hurriedly sent people to clear away the thorny trees and shrubs in front of the cave. Only then did he lead his men to stand in front of her.


    Seeing that she was just a disheveled young woman with most of her hairpins and jewelry in disarray, he quickly had his men turn their backs so he could take off his cloak and wrap it around her shoulders. Only then did he say, "Last night, the Ye family said their second young miss had also gone missing, worrying the Ye family members and Master Fu to death. How is it that the second young miss also fell off the cliff? How did you fall down? Was there anyone else with the second young miss?"


    Upon hearing that the Ye family was worried sick about her, Gu Ying felt a twinge in her heart. Her uncle and cousin did care for her after all...


    She blinked back tears in her eyes, wanting to ask about Zhao Changdu''s whereabouts but not daring to be too obvious. She could only reveal some of a young girl''s fear and grievance, "I identally slipped and fell off the cliff. My bow and arrows were all lost down below. I thought I was done for, but luckily I happened tond on a big tree. That tree had dense foliage, and I finally managed to climb down its trunk with great difficulty... Thinking back now, I was so scared."


    The leader looked at her dubiously as he listened to the young girl''s tearful ount. While he sympathized, he was still full of doubts.


    It was such a high cliff that a nobledy had leapt to her death here years ago.


    How could a young girl like her survive the fall?


    "From the lord''s tone," Gu Ying sniffed as she continued crying, "I wonder if there was anyone else who slipped and fell off the cliff like me?"


    The leader went into the cave, looked around, and didn''t find anyone. He said, "There was also the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor."


    "Ah?" Gu Ying pretended to be shocked as she covered her lips with her hands, flustered and at a loss. "Then have the lords found the heir? I spent a long timest night finding this cave to take shelter from the wind and snow. I don''t know where the heir is now. Has he been injured?"


    The leader looked thoughtful. "The second young miss really didn''t see the heir?"


    Gu Ying shook her head solemnly. "Really not..."


    Unable to get anything out of Gu Ying, the leader had no choice but to hand her over to the other guards to take her back to the hunting grounds, while he led another group of men to continue searching.


    Gu Ying kept looking back worriedly at the group of imperial guards searching for people, knowing that Zhao Changdu had left alone entirely for her own good. She sighed softly in her heart, feeling very apologetic.


    But before she had walked far, she heard the leader cry out excitedly, "The heir! We finally found you!"


    Soon, the dozens of imperial guards clustered around the aloof and handsome man walked over from the boulders by the creek across the way.


    Seeing the man''s noble and striking face, Gu Ying''s breath hitched.


    "Heir..."


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome brows knitted coldly. He gave a faint "hmm" and didn''t even nce at her, as if he didn''t know her at all. He turned his head to talk to the leader of the guards instead.


    The guard leader nodded and bowed, not knowing what he said to Zhao Changdu. The two walked on ahead shortly after.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, gripping the dagger hidden in her sleeve. She hurried to catch up, following far behind Zhao Changdu and the guards.


    ...


    The two returned to the hunting grounds unharmed.


    Emperor Tianqi himself came to wee them. He brought Zhao Changdu into the imperial grand tent and specially summoned the most skilled imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to personally examine Zhao Changdu''s injuries, in order to appease Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    All the imperial physicians the emperor had brought rushed over anxiously, waiting expectantly outside the tent with their medicine boxes in hand, as if facing a formidable enemy.


    Upon hearing the news, Empress Consort Wan and the others also hurried over worriedly, "Where is the heir? How is he? He''s not injured, is he?"


    A eunuch respectfully said, "Reporting to Mother, the heir has no major issues, only that he broke his arm when he fell off the cliff."


    As soon as the Empress Consort heard that, she knitted her shapely brows. "Quickly, fetch the best medicinal ointment from the pce."


    Compared to the eminent Heir Zhao, the insignificant Gu Ying was of little consequence.


    Gu Ying calmly ryed the emperor''s words outside the tent.


    Concubine Wan leaned against the emperor''s side, the corners of her mouth brimming with smiles. "It''s truly heaven''s blessing that the heir and second young miss could return safely. Butst night the wind howled and snow swirled, so how did the heir and second young miss survive the storm?"


    Emperor Tianqi''s gaze swept over the two of them. He had wanted to probe further.


    Zhao Changdu frowned, clutching his injured right arm. Ignoring Concubine Wan, he said to Emperor Tianqi, "Your Majesty, I did not fall off the cliff together with Second Young Miss Gu. We only caught a fleeting glimpse of each other when we were found by the Guard Commander today. I did not know the Second Young Miss was also at the bottom of the cliff."


    Gu Ying moistened her lips and picked up where he left off, her eyes rimmed red in grievance. "Your Majesty, I also did not know the heir was at the bottom of the cliffst night. If I had known, I would not have suffered so much down there. I thought I was going to die..."


    She spoke tactlessly on purpose, insisting on being tactless, so that the schemers present would know that if she, a lone woman, had really met Zhao Changdu, she would never have left his side.


    Emperor Tianqi did not say anything more, knowing that Zhao Changdu was trying hard to distance himself from the Gu family. Knowing that he had no interest in the Gu daughter, the emperor was reassured.


    Seeing Zhao Changdu escorted into the imperial grand tent, that was the end of Gu Ying''s matter.


    She stood in ce in a daze for a while, increasingly grateful to Zhao Changdu.


    It was said that the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor often led troops abroad, dealing with foreign enemies and domestic rebels. His methods in the army were a hundred times more ruthless than those petty tricks in court.


    Even before he returned to Bianjing, many youngdies had gossiped about him. On one hand, it was because of his excellent background and marriageable age. On the other hand, it was because of his unmatched, stunning looks. Andstly, it was because he was ruthless and merciless, sinister and malicious. Even the emperor was wary of him.


    So everyone wanted to marry him but didn''t dare, liked him but didn''t dare get close.


    But from her interactions with him these few times, although she still didn''t know what kind of person he really was, he had not shown the slightest disrespect towards women.


    After thinking for a while, she sighed.


    No matter what he was like, she should first return to her camp to change her clothes and take a hot bath.


    She had just taken a step when Gu Shuang, looking aplete mess for some reason, suddenly grabbed her in an embrace. "Sis! Where did you go! You''re finally back! Do you know how worried I wasst night!"


    The little girl cried hard, her eyes red like a little rabbit, and her tone was severe,pletelycking a youngdy''s manners.


    Gu Ying''s left arm hurt badly. She impatiently patted the girl''s shoulder and said, "There, I''m back safe and sound, so stop crying. Be careful your eyes swell up and look ugly."

 Chapter 60: Cousin

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    When Gu Shuang heard this, she finally let go of her and her eyes brimmed with tears.


    Gu Ying had lived two lifetimes, but this was the first time she had seen the usually calm and mature little Gu Shuang cry so ungracefully. Her heart felt soft, warm and sweet. Seeing her whole face covered in ck mud, she couldn''t helpughing, "How did you get yourself in such a state after one night apart?"


    Gu Shuang was embarrassed as she wiped the ck mud off her face. Although her face was ck, a hint of blush could still be seen on her little face that was hard to make out.


    "I''m... I''m... I''m sorry..." At this moment, a more ragged ck figure emerged behind Gu Shuang, "It''s my fault, I didn''t protect the fourth youngdy well..."


    Gu Ying blinked her eyes. "And who is this dark knight?"


    "Second youngdy..." The man raised his hand. His whole robe was just like a big ck dog that had just rolled out of the mud. He grinned awkwardly, revealing a mouthful of pearly white teeth, "It''s me, Fu Xunzhi."


    "What?" Gu Ying almost spit out the water she was drinking. "What were you two doing? Did you go take a mud bath?"


    Fu Xunzhi was too embarrassed to speak.


    A clear voice like water striking a rock floated over softly, "Last night, in order to find you, the two of them rode into the ck Forest and got lost again. Then they identally fell into the ck mud pond. And to save each other, they both fell in together. So Ying, that''s why you get to see two perfect little ck people in front of you today."


    Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi looked at each other, both with embarrassed faces.


    Gu Ying turned around and looked at the gentle schr walking towards her. Her eyes suddenly turned sour and tears welled up.


    Without thinking, she rushed into Ye Qingchi''s arms and grabbed hispel like a child, crying.


    Ye Qingchi was taken aback. If it were an ordinary person who dared to cry and hold him like this, he could have flung them eight feet away with a flick of his hand.


    But this was not someone else. She was his aunt''s only daughter, his father''s most beloved younger sister''s offspring, and the darling of the Ye family that they loved to no end but couldn''t spoil enough.


    The big hand hanging in the air froze for a moment before itnded on her shoulder and gently patted. He coughed lightly and said awkwardly, "Why are you crying? Did I scare youst night?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. Looking up from his arms, tears rolled down her cheeks like a broken string of beads.


    She fluttered her long eyshes. Ye Qingchi''s handsome, gentle and refined face was reflected in her reddened eyes. "No, I just miss my cousin and uncle so much..."


    The entire Ye family had been harmed by Jiang Yin because of her...


    She heard that her upright and incorruptible uncle had his tongue cut out by Jiang Yin when he was alive. That was not enough. Jiang Yin stuffed the tongue down his throat and put him in an iron furnace to steam him into a lump of meat paste.


    Her aunt was sold to the brothel and ravaged by thousands...


    When Ye Qingchi died, he was chopped into eight pieces and hung at the city gates. Her gentle cousin, whose clothes had always been spotlessly clean, was desecrated like that in the end...


    Gu Ying really regretted it deeply and hated herself for not seeing Jiang Yin''s true colors earlier, implicating her family who had truly cared for her...


    "If you say this to your uncle in person, he will definitely be happy enough to eat two more bowls of rice." Ye Qingchi knocked Gu Ying on the head andughed. "Earlier you said you wanted to sever all ties with the Ye family. What about it now?"


    Gu Ying shook her head again, smiling through tears, pleading, "Those were just angry words from Ying''s ignorant youth. We are blood rtives. How can we sever ties? Cousin, can you apologize to my uncle and aunt for me?"


    "How can I say this for you? He was busy with your matter all night. If not for his old age and poor health, I''m afraid he would be here with me to see you now. My father''s birthday ising up soon. If you cane in person to congratte him, I''m afraid he will be happy enough to eat three more bowls of rice."


    Gu Ying was filled with remorse and gratitude. Her eyes were cleansed by the tears. "Alright cousin, it''s a deal. I will definitely give Uncle a big gift then!"


    Ye Qingchi was stunned for a moment, smiling at her. He had known since she was little that the Gu family''s main branch would spoil her rotten. He had urged his father long ago to take his aunt''s child into the Ye family to raise, but unfortunately Ying was close to the Gu family''s main branch at that time and detested the Ye family.


    They had been driven away several times when they went to the Gu residence.


    Later, they could only secretly send people to watch over her without going to the door again.


    Now that Ying had grown up and was slowly realizing who was truly good to her, he was satisfied.


    "Go back to the Ye family camp to bathe and change your clothes before you go back. You''re too dirty like this." Ye Qingchi was a cleanliness freak. If Ying wasn''t his favorite cousin, there was no way he would let such a filthy persone within five steps of him.


    His tone of disgust warmed Gu Ying''s heart.


    She could now distinguish between real disgust and fake disgust, but it wasn''t toote.


    "No, cousin, I have to go back to the Gu family first."


    "Why?"


    Ye Qingchi quickly realized mid-sentence and pped his forehead. "Look at me, I almost forgot. You go back to the Gu family first. When you have time I''ll have Mother go visit you."


    If she returned without the clothes she left with, the main Gu family might make trouble out of it.


    But when did this silly cousin be so careful?


    Could it be that she learned it from being harmed in the Gu family?


    Ye Qingchi was usually very gentlemanly, but even he couldn''t help cursing the main Gu family branch in his heart.


    Gu Ying''s heart felt warm. Her nose turned slightly sour. "Alright cousin, I''ll wait for Auntie."


    As Gu Ying was leaving with Gu Shuang, she thought for a moment and still couldn''t resist. She pulled Ye Qingchi''s big palm over and slowly wrote Jiang Yin''s name on it.


    Ye Qingchi looked at her meaningfully.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and said seriously, "Cousin, be careful of him."


    Ye Qingchi waved his hand. "Off you go. Your brother knows what to do."


    Hearing the word "brother" made Gu Ying''s eyes well up again.


    After Gu Ying left, the corners of Ye Qingchi''s smiling lips slowly drooped. The usual gentle and refined look in his eyes shed a trace of fierceness.


    ...


    After Gu Ying returned to the Gu family camp, she first went to pay respects to Mrs. Liu.


    Gu Jia, Gu Wan and others were sitting around the firece chatting andughing. Seeing Gu Yinge back alive from the great snowstormpletely unharmed, they were greatly shocked. With such a big storm, how could a weak womane back intact?


    She must have encountered great fortune!


    And that damned Gu Shuang, a youngdy of the main family, just had to follow Gu Ying everywhere, causing trouble at the Ye familyst night and disturbing the Gu family''s peace!


    Seeing Gu Shuang''s little ck face, Gu Jia scolded Gu Ying and Gu Shuang as dirty things in her heart!


    The atmosphere in the tent thus became awkward.


    Gu Ying and Gu Shuang were not surprised by the happy scene in the tent. They nced at each other, stood side by side, and bowed in greeting before Mrs. Liu.

 Chapter 61: My Aunt Smacked her in the face.

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    Mrs. Liu was stunned for a moment, then quickly regained herposure and slowly said, "Where did you two gost night? As unmarried youngdies, staying out all night anding back looking like this, how proper is that?"


    These words were truly heartless.


    With what had happenedst night, with all the imperial guards of the hunting grounds mobilized, there was no way Mrs. Liu didn''t know what was going on.


    She was just being petty, seeing the two of them return unharmed and deliberately trying to make things difficult for them.


    Gu Ying was no longer the soft persimmon that could be manipted by others. Naturally, she would not let Mrs. Liu have her way.


    "What is mother-inw saying?" Gu Ying sat up straight, a smile blossoming on her dirty little face. "My sister and I narrowly escaped deathst night. If it hadn''t been for the Ye Family''s rescue, I''m afraid we wouldn''t be standing here paying our respects to mother-inw today."


    Mrs. Liu was so angry she pped the table. "Gu Ying, how dare you talk back to me like that? Bringing up the Ye Family too, what kind of status is the Ye Family, who do you think you are to try and get close to them?"


    "Talk back? What exactly does mother-inw not believe about us?" Gu Ying was so angry she almostughed. "We''vee back looking like this much of a mess, nearly died in the ck Forest, could it be we were secretly meeting with men? Mother-inw doesn''t believe we are innocent, only thinking of how to falsely use us and get us in trouble with Grandmother when we return home?"


    Having her intentions seen through, Mrs. Liu''s face turned ashen. "You..."


    "Hehe." Gu Ying insisted on bringing out into the open the shady thoughts made in private. "In other households, any family with a little status and reputation would protect their youngdies well. Regardless of birth order or seniority, they are all virtuous youngdies from good families, with reputations intact. Only in our great Marquis Fu, overseen by mother-inw, is there this murky, foul air. Now who in the capital does notugh at the youngdies of Marquis Fu for having no self-respect or propriety? Grandmother worked hard for many years to slowly build up the good reputation of Marquis Fu, yet mother-inw has totally destroyed it all. When we return home, Grandmother will surely stand on our side in this."


    Mrs. Liu''s expression was extremely ugly.


    But she soon remembered that under their machinations, Gu Ying''s connections with the Ye Family had long been severed. Now Gu Ying was trying to use the Ye Family to pressure them, wishful thinking!


    Mrs. Liu slowly smiled. "Ying, your words sound nice, but I''m afraid the Ye Family is unwilling to acknowledge you as a niece."


    Today she would definitively establish that Gu Ying and Fu Xun had fooled around together all night in the ck Forest.


    There was no need for outsiders to know about this.


    Once they returned to the Marquis Fu, telling Grandmother that Gu Ying had personally chosen Fu Xun at the hunting grounds, then spent the night with him in the ck Forest, would be enough to incur Grandmother''s wrath.


    At that time, forget about the engagement with Marquis Yong''an''s estate, even an ordinary family would be unwilling to marry a ruined woman like Gu Ying. Even if Grandmother insisted on arranging a marriage for her, it would only be to a lower ranking family.


    As long as she secretly arranged things well, making sure Gu Ying married into a wolves'' den and was stifled for life.


    The dowry Madame Ye had prepared for Gu Ying would all be her precious Jia''s.


    The more Mrs. Liu thought about it, the more satisfied she was. She mocked, "Go on, does the Ye Family recognize you as a niece or not?"


    Just as Gu Ying was about to speak.


    At this moment, a loud voice suddenly came from outside the tent entrance.


    "Who said the Ye Family doesn''t recognize her as a niece?"


    The voice arrived before the person, clear and melodious, carrying a bearing of ss and refinement.


    Gu Ying was astonished and eximed, "Auntie, why are you here?"


    Didn''t cousin say for Auntie toe visit her when she had time?


    This ''had time'' came too quickly!


    Gu Ying hurriedly turned to look. She saw the thick curtains outside lifted, and a slender figure bent to enter.


    She raised her delicate face, long brows, straight nose, red lips, brimming with masculine spirit yet exceptionally beautiful and dazzling.


    Her hair was styled neatly and elegantly, long coat opulent yet simple. Around her neck was a cor of gray squirrel fur, her eyes holding a formidable astuteness, at first nce seeming fierce, but the distinct ck and white of her eyes were full of doting.


    Gu Ying was surprised. "Auntie, how did youe?"


    Didn''t cousin say for Auntie toe see her when she had time?


    This ''had time'' came too fast!


    Gu Ying hurriedly turned to look. She saw the thick curtains being lifted outside the tent. A slender figure bent to enter.


    She raised her delicate face, long brows, straight nose, red lips, brimming with spirit and exceptional beauty.


    Her hair was neatly and elegantly styled, long coat opulent yet simple. Around her neck was a gray squirrel fur cor, her eyes holding a formidable astuteness, at first seeming fierce, but the distinct ck and white of her eyes were full of doting.


    Gu Ying was surprised and eximed, "Auntie, how did youe here?"


    Qin walked in briskly and casually, nodded at Mrs. Liu, then took Gu Ying''s hand and said, "Ying, this elder brother''s wife is just the head madam of the main house of Marquis Fu. Isn''t your dad away making his own fortune nning to split from the main house? How does the main house madam now interfere with you youngdies of the second house?"


    Mrs. Liu and her daughter''s faces darkened, forcing stiff smiles. "Madame Qin, what brings you here today?"


    Weren''t rtions with Gu Ying severed?


    How did she suddenly show up, could Gu Ying have secretly used some charm to summon her here?


    Qin nced at Mrs. Liu, steadily walked to the main seat in the tent and sat down.


    Mrs. Liu the so-called head madam could now only stand. Even if she were to sit, it would only be in a lower position, clearly far inferior in status.


    Qin unabashedly had Gu Shuang stand up and pulled Gu Ying to sit with her. Smiling she looked at Mrs. Liu standing below and said, "Look at what elder sister-inw is saying. As auntie,ing to see my niece, do I need to pick an auspicious day from the Imperial Observatory to send an announcement to the Gu family mansion?"

 Chapter 62: You send people, I send two people.

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    When Mrs. Liu said this, she had Qinpletely under her control.


    In her youth, Qin was a famous destitute woman and the only daughter of a bandit leader.


    Later, due to various coincidences, she kidnapped Ye Zhuohua, who had just entered the Censorate when he was young and impetuous, forcing him to be her bandit husband.


    After going through many setbacks, the two finally got together and married, so she followed him and married into the Censorate, bing the overbearing wife with the final say in Bianjing City.


    She never cared about any of the madams in the capital, only the peerless beauties Madam Ye and Mrs. Lin from Bianjing City were considered her best friends. As for others, they were just worthless dogs in her eyes.


    She had a straightforward and tough personality. Whoever dared to confront her, she could argue back on the spot.


    Only for the daughter left by Madam Ye, because she felt too heartbroken and ashamed, she didn''t dare to overstep that line to take care of her.


    Today when she waste getting back and told her that Gu Ying was finally willing to get close to the Ye family, she was so happy that she almost went crazy.


    What else was she waiting for?


    She thought about it and immediately tidied herself up and headed straight for the Gu''s tent.


    Mrs. Liu''s body shook and she forced out augh, "Qin is joking..."


    "I''m not joking!" Qin said with a false smile, "Come on, bring in the things I prepared for Gu Ying!"


    Several maidservants filed in carrying nice wooden boxes.


    The maids trained by the Censorate all had straight backs and smiles on their faces, making Mrs. Liu and her daughter''s faces even darker.


    Gu Ying looked at them doubtfully, "Auntie, what is this?"


    Qin red fiercely at Mrs. Liu, then turned her head and smiled at Gu Ying, "These are the new clothes that auntie prepared for you long ago, but never had a chance to send them to you. Look at you, your clothes are so dirty and torn by the branches. You must have been freezing at the bottom of the cliffst night alone, poor child. Don''t be afraid, from now on auntie will take good care of you."


    Her words were heartbreaking. Gu Ying also felt upset, after all it was her who had listened to Gu Jia''s nder, which led to her estrangement from the Ye family. Now she sincerely regretted it...


    "Auntie..."


    Qin patted the back of her hand and said again, "There are also two sets of clothes for your fourth sister, just a little gift from auntie. I hope the fourth youngdy will appreciate it."


    Gu Shuang was pleasantly surprised, "Shuang thanks Madam Qin..."


    "What''s there to thank? Last night you didn''t care for your own life for my Gu Ying. I''m sending you just two dresses which is too simple. I''ll select some good paintingster to send to you."


    "Oh, this..."


    The paintings and calligraphy from the Ye family were naturally all from famous masters!


    Gu Shuang didn''t expect Qin to be so generous. The things from the Censorate were naturally extremely good.


    "As long as you treat Gu Ying well, our Ye family will never let her down."


    When Qin spoke, her words flowed smoothly without interruption, not giving Mrs. Liu and her daughter a chance to interrupt at all. In the end, she simply treated this ce as her own home, and solemnly ordered, "Where are the servants of the Gu family? The youngdies are so dirty, and still no one goes to boil hot water for the two youngdies to bathe? With such poor judgement, how can they serve as maids in a prominent family? Madam Liu, I don''t mean to criticize you, but as thedy of the house, the people you have trained are so unreliable. Why don''t I send a couple of maids to help you manage things? What do you think?"


    As she spoke, she didn''t wait for Mrs. Liu to refuse, but directly called out the two maids in green brocade, "Yin Lan, Yin Zhu,e over and pay your respects to the second youngdy."


    After Yin Lan and Yin Zhu met Gu Ying, Gu Ying smiled helplessly and asked them to rise, "Auntie is too polite."


    Qin gently stroked her messy hair, "This is nothing. Auntie has sent Yin Lan and Yin Zhu to serve you. From now on, they are yours, life and death, if they dare to betray you, I will be the first one not to spare them."


    Gu Ying only had Rouge temporarily and no one else to use, so Qin''s maids happened to fill her vacancy.


    She smiled and epted.


    But Mrs. Liu did not agree, "Madam Qin, you don''t have to worry about the second youngdy''s daily life. I have arranged maids to serve her early on. After all, you are from the Ye family. It wouldn''t look good if others know you interfere in the affairs of my Gu family like this?"


    "Your clumsy servants can''tpare to my people," Qin made no secret of her disgust for Mrs. Liu, "Don''t be angry. The two maids I sent don''t need payment from the Gu family. They will each get 5 taels of silver a month from my Ye family."


    When Qin said this, the maids in the Gu''s tent looked at each other in disbelief.


    5 taels of silver?


    The monthly pay of a side daughter of the Gu family''s main room was only 2-3 taels of silver.


    The first ss maids of the Ye family actually had more money than the youngdies, enjoying more dignity and status!


    Mrs. Liu''s face turned red. She was petty all along, so naturally the Ye family was much more generous than her when running the household. Now in front of the maids, she suddenly couldn''t hold her head high and it was awkward for her to refuse the matter.


    Gu Jia and Gu Wan gritted their teeth in jealousy, wishing they had been born in a better womb and gained such a generous aunt''s family!


    Qin was toozy to linger with such an indecent woman like Mrs. Liu. "Gu Ying, let''s go to your tent. Auntie has something personal to tell you."


    Gu Ying nodded and signaled Gu Shuang to go with her.


    Qin didn''t say anything. Although there was no such dirty infighting in her household, she still knew a thing or two about the nasty affairs in the inner courtyard.


    Back in her own tent, someone had prepared hot water.


    When Qingfeng and Ming Yue saw arge group of peopleing in a hustle and bustle, they were shocked with eyes wide open. Hearing that Qin had sent Yin Zhu and Yin Lan to serve the second youngdy, Qingfeng felt threatened.


    "Ming Yue, those two maids were sent by the Ye family?"


    "Yes..." Ming Yue looked at the demeanor and outfit of those maids, worlds apart from herself, and was a little jealous, "I don''t know what the Madam from the Ye family means by sending more people to the Twilight Snow Studio when the second youngdy already has enough. Isn''t this obviously trying to p our madam''s face andpete with us sisters for work? If they gain the second youngdy''s favor, will there still be a ce for us in Twilight Snow Studio?"


    Qingfeng frowned, "We can''t let those two stay."


    A shrewd look shed in Ming Yue''s eyes, "Sister Qingfeng, do you have any good ideas?"


    "Let''s wait and see."


    She didn''t have a way for now, but Yin Lan and Yin Zhu would live together from now on since they were sent here. Qingfeng was always calm and slowly had an idea.


    ...

 Chapter 63: Start Disciplining Your People.

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    After taking a bath and re-bandaging her wound, Gu Ying changed into clean, warm clothes and walked out.


    Only Qin was left in the tent.


    She went over without saying anything, hugged Qin''s neck like a child.


    Qin''s heart ached and softened as the young girl hugged her, but when she recalled the harsh, hurtful words Gu Ying had said to her in the past, she was still fearful and hesitantly asked, ¡°Ying, were the things you said to me...were they real or fake? You weren¡¯t tricking your auntie, were you?¡±


    Her voice was soft. She was afraid this was all a dream.


    After being reborn, Gu Ying rarely showed some girlish coquettishness. She leaned against Qin''s chest pitifully and rubbed her delicate face against Qin¡¯s full bosom. After lying there a while, she slowly reached out her little hand and traced Qin¡¯s fairplexion, along her jaw, cheeks, and nose, as her eyes slowly grew wet.


    What did this beautiful and heroic aunt look like when she was reduced to a living hell by Jiang Yin?


    Back then, she had lost her beloved husband and closest son. As strong as she was, when she could not live or die, when she was in utter despair, what was that like?


    Gu Ying couldn''t bear to imagine it. She closed her eyes, her heart full of bitterness, and forced the tears toe.


    "Auntie..." Her voice trembled, delicate with crying, "I was wrong and spoke hurtful words when I was young and ignorant. Will Auntie give me another chance to make up for it?"


    Qin was confused.


    Why was the girl crying?


    What was she talking about making up for?


    She had only said some harsh words. It was normal for a child to be ignorant. There was no need to make up for anything.


    "Not just one chance. Even ten, a hundred, a thousand chances, Auntie is willing to give you." Qin''s heart softened. She gently stroked Gu Ying''s back and tentatively asked, "But what do you want to make up to Auntie for? As long as you don''t say those harsh words about cutting ties again, Auntie will agree to anything."


    After a short time in the pce, why did this girl seem to have changed into a different person?


    Could it be like Elder Ye said, that the girl was possessed?


    Gu Ying stifled augh. The difort in her heart gradually dissipated. "I''ve decided that from now on I will treat Auntie like my own mother."


    Qin was surprised and overjoyed. "Ying, are you telling the truth?"


    Gu Ying nodded seriously. "Yes, why would I trick you? After Mother passed away, only Uncle and Auntie were left for me in Bianjing. If I don''t treat Uncle and Auntie well, who can I treat well?"


    Qin pinched her own thigh, delighted until her eyes reddened. "Ow, that hurts! I''m not dreaming! This is real! Ying is willing to love me now! Zhong, can you see this? Ying no longer keeps her distance!"


    Seeing Qin''s flustered expression, Gu Ying finally understood that after her mother passed away, it was the Ye family who had treated her the best.


    "Auntie, there''s a favor I''d like to ask you, if that''s okay?"


    Right now, Qin would have been happy if Gu Ying asked her for a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand favors, just so the girl could feel Qin''s deep love for her!


    "Go ahead and ask! No need to stand on ceremony with your auntie! Silly girl! With so many sons in the Ye family, you''re our only girl. If we don''t dote on you, who will?"


    Gu Ying''s heart warmed. Seeing Qin''s delighted expression, she also smiled. "I believe Auntie also saw at the winter hunt that I chose Fu Xunzhi as my partner. It wasn''t a whim or because there was no one else to choose. Auntie, I''ve decided. I want to call off my engagement to the Su family."


    Qin''s mind was unfocused, but upon hearing this, her smile faded slightly and she wrinkled her brow, squeezing Gu Ying''s hand. "But your engagement to the Su family was arranged by your own mother before you were even born. Do your father, grandmother and mean eldest aunt know?"


    "Grandmother definitely won''t agree to me calling off the engagement." Gu Ying sighed. "Father is far away on the border. He can''t manage family affairs. He won''t interfere in my marriage arrangements. That will surely be left to Grandmother, but she''s not the type of person to care about my marriage."


    The more Qin thought about it, the angrier she felt. "That vexing old witch in your family¡ª"


    "Ahem." Mid-sentence, she nced cautiously at Gu Ying. "Your auntie didn''t mean to curse your grandmother."


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, her little hand still soft in Qin''s palm. She scratched Qin''s hand and said, "Go ahead and speak, Auntie. I understand in my heart."


    Only then did Qin''s mouth rx into a smile. Sheughed loudly, "Ying, your auntie has kept some words bottled up for too long. That old witch in your family pretends to be vegetarian and recite sutras every day, but she''s the most troublesome one of all..."


    She didn''t know how to exin some matters to a half-grown girl like Gu Ying. After all, Ye''s death after marrying into the Gu family had been too suspicious...


    But Gu Ying was still young, and lived with a crippled boy emperor in the Gu residence. How could Qin let her specte about her own grandmother?


    Qin silently scolded herself for being tactless. With a smile, she changed the subject, "You want to break off the engagement because you want to marry that Fuyang boy?"


    Gu Ying didn''t miss theplicated, conflicted look on Qin''s face. She tilted her head and said solemnly, "Yes. For marriage, I don''t ask about background, only that he truly treats me well."


    "Ha, that''s music to your auntie''s ears." Qin was open-minded and had long looked down on the so-called importance of background in Bianjing. Hearing this, she was immediately full of righteousness. "Us women should marry someone who treats us well. When I married your uncle, so many people mocked him, but now, many respectabledies envy how well I''m doing. So Ying, if you want to marry Fu Xunzhi, your auntie will help you however she can!"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly. "Then I''ll have to fully rely on Auntie for this."


    Back then, her engagement to Su Huanfeng was witnessed by Qin, Madam Ye, Mrs. Lin, and Su Huanfeng''s mother, Mrs. Li.


    If the Ye family stepped in to persuade Grandmother, it would be easy to call off the engagement. Mrs. Liu wouldn''t dare make a peep.


    "Leave it to your auntie!" Qin assured with a chuckle.


    ...


    After sending off Qin, Gu Ying sat in the tent, turning the dagger Zhao Changdu had given her over and over in her hands... After looking at it for a while, she carefully hid the dagger under her pillow and called in all of her servant girls.


    Yin Lan and Yin Zhu were sent by Auntie, Qingfeng and Ming Yue were sent by Mrs. Liu, and Yanzhi had grown up with her since she was little.


    Now Yanzhi could only stand in the corner for having made a mistake.


    The servant girls greeted her respectfully.


    Gu Ying had them rise and said with a smile, "From today on, you will all serve me. I won''t mistreat you, but I''ll say this outright: if any of you harbor ulterior motives, I won''t show mercy."


    They all carefully acknowledged this.

 Chapter 64: Provocateur by Design

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Gu Ying said again, "The monthly allowance for Yin Lan and Yin Zhues from auntie, and it''s five taels of silver each month. I won''t mention it for now, but there will be rewardster if you serve me well."


    Yin Lan and Yin Zhu smiled and said, "Thank you, Second Miss."


    Gu Ying went on, "As for Qingfeng, although she hasn''t been in my courtyard for long, she is careful and diligent in her work, and does things steadily in a way that pleases me. Therefore, I will also give her two taels of silver from my private funds as a subsidy, apart from the monthly silver given publicly, which will be calcted separately. Qingfeng, are you willing?"


    Qingfeng''s eyes lit up, and her heart fluttered quickly.


    Even Gu Wan only got two taels of silver as monthly allowance in the Gu family, yet a maid like her from Twilight Snow Studio could get so much money...


    "Second Miss, I''m willing! I''ll never forget Your kindness and generosity even when my teeth fall out!"


    Gu Ying looked at her barely contained excitement with an indifferent expression. Indeed, no one could escape the temptation of money.


    If she gave Qingfeng even more, Qingfeng might even betray Madam Liu to serve her instead.


    Unfortunately, Qingfeng had plotted against her time and again in her previous life, and even put drugs in her calming tea. No matter what, she would never let Qingfeng off in this life.


    After dealing with Qingfeng, it was Ming Yue''s turn.


    Ming Yue had already nervously pursed her lips, her hands clenched around her waist, and her heart thumping quickly.


    "Ming Yue," Gu Ying nced at her.


    "Young... Young Miss," she said excitedly. The Young Miss had given Qingfeng a monthly allowance, so she certainly wouldn''t shortchange her. She just didn''t know how much the Young Miss would give her.


    "You just arrived here recently, yet made a mistake with my hair. I spared you because you were sent by Eldest Aunt. So this time, you''ll still get the original monthly allowance given publicly. I''ll increase it when you improveter," said Gu Ying.


    Ming Yue''s face turned pale. The world spun around her as she stood there in shock. "Young Miss, I still have a sick mother at home to support..."


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly at this maid''s habitual lies and pretense of pitiful circumstances. She maintained herposure and just looked at Ming Yue calmly. "When you serve well, I''ll naturally not stint on your silver. But with your current mediocre service, if I give you a raise, how can there be rules and order in Twilight Snow Studio?"


    "That''s right," Qingfeng chimed in smugly. "Sister, just wait a little longer. Our Young Miss is generous. She definitely won''t shortchange you in the future."


    "Yes... I understand," Ming Yue suppressed her emotions as her small face quivered. She lowered her head resentfully.


    Yanzhi had made mistakes, so of course there would be no rewards.


    Gu Ying deliberately sighed and looked at her disappointedly. "Yanzhi, take care of yourself. I''ll deal with you properly when we return to the residence."


    Yanzhi immediately knelt down, wiping her tearful eyes. She cried pitifully, "This ve has made mistakes and is willing to be punished. As long as the Young Miss doesn''t drive me away, I''m willing to do anything!"


    Gu Ying pretended she didn''t want to hear her sly words anymore. She waved her hand in disappointment and told Yanzhi to leave.


    Yanzhi cried out in utter fear, "Young Miss! I really know my mistakes now!"


    Seeing Yanzhi being dragged away miserably by Yin Zhu, Ming Yue narrowed her eyes imperceptibly.


    ...


    After leaving the Young Miss''s tent, Yanzhi drooped her little head dejectedly, looking utterly crestfallen.


    Qingfeng gave Yanzhi a mocking nce. She returned to the tent happily to prepare lunch for the Young Miss.


    In the afternoon, if the Young Miss was fine, she would have to return to the hunting grounds. After all, the Young Miss had gained face there, so the entire Gu family was benefiting too. She didn''t dare to be negligent.


    Meanwhile, Ming Yue took the chance to pull Yanzhi to a secluded grove and poked her brow. "Are you really so willing to be driven out of Twilight Snow Studio by the Young Miss?"


    Yanzhi lifted her head with eyes brimming with tears. She looked as if the sky was falling down.


    "Sister Ming Yue, I grew up with the Young Miss since I was little. I don''t want to leave the Gu residence. I''m an orphan who was bought into the Gu family as a child. If I''m driven out, I won''t even know where to go..."


    Ming Yue''s eyes glinted sinisterly. "If you''re sold to another family as a servant, that''s still fine. But if you meet a heartless olddy matchmaker, you might even be sold to a kiln!"


    Yanzhi shuddered in fear upon hearing this. She hurriedly grabbed Ming Yue''s sleeve tightly and shook her head forcefully. "Sister Ming Yue, I don''t want to go to a kiln! Please help me! I don''t want to be sold! No!"


    Seeing Yanzhi crying messily, Ming Yue sneered inwardly at her foolishness and pathetic state. On the surface, she pretended to be a caring older sister. "s, I do want to help you. It depends on whether you''ll listen to me in the future."


    To the current Yanzhi, no matter what Ming Yue said, she could only nod obediently. "I''ll listen to sister in everything! As long as sister can help me, even if it''s telling me to die, I''m willing!"


    Seeing Yanzhi''s foolish and pitiful appearance, Ming Yue scoffed. Why did Qingfeng get better treatment than her as soon as she entered the Second Miss''s courtyard?


    She was clearly prettier than Qingfeng, and her hands and feet were more nimble than Qingfeng''s. But for some unknown reason, this usually dull-witted Second Miss seemed to be possessed, and actually treated Qingfeng like a mistress!


    Why?


    Weren''t they both from the Eldest Madam''s courtyard?


    Why could Qingfeng get such a high monthly allowance?


    Why could Qingfeng live in such a nice room?


    Why were the fabrics of Qingfeng''s clothes so fine?


    Thinking of all this, Ming Yue wished she could tear Gu Ying and Qingfeng into halves. But as a lowly servant, she was powerless and insignificant. She had no way to deal with Gu Ying for the moment, but this didn''t mean she was helpless against Qingfeng.


    Thus, she pretended to be even kinder to Yanzhi. "Yanzhi, you were only punished by the Young Miss for damaging Prince Li''s bow¡ª"


    Yanzhi hurriedly nodded. "Yes..."


    "What if the LiWang Bow wasn''t actually damaged by you?"


    Yanzhi stared wide-eyed, shocked to the point she almost couldn''t control her voice. "What?"


    Ming Yue pressed Yanzhi''s hand down forcefully and pinched her fiercely to calm her down. "Why are you screaming? Do you want everyone to know the LiWang Bow was damaged?"


    Yanzhi hurriedly shut her mouth foolishly.


    Only then did Ming Yue breathe a sigh of relief. She nced coldly at Yanzhi, a frosty smile on her lips. "Just listen to me on this matter. I guarantee the Young Miss will keep you and drive out the real culprit who damaged the LiWang Bow."


    Yanzhi blinked innocently. "Sister Ming Yue, if you can really help me in this, I''ll listen to you in everything in the future."


    Ming Yue''s vanity was greatly satisfied. She lifted her chin arrogantly. "Go back first. You should return too."


    After Ming Yue left, Yanzhi wiped the tears squeezed from the corners of her eyes. She blinked and the grief on her face instantly vanished. She tiptoed towards the Young Miss''s tent.


    Gu Ying had just applied medicine on her wounds, changed into hunting attire, and taken out that dagger to examine it carefully on her palm.

 Chapter 65: The Prince of the World

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    Yanzhi sneakily lifted the curtain and hopped in like a rabbit, blinking her bright eyes. "Miss, now that this is taken care of, what should we do next?"


    A faint smile yed on Gu Ying''s rosy lips as she put away the dagger in her sleeve. "Since the stage is almost set up, it''s time to invite the audience."


    Yanzhi sidled up to her. "Miss, this dagger looks unfamiliar. I''ve never seen it before. Where did you get it?"


    Gu Ying''s smile faded slightly and she ufortably averted her gaze. "I picked it up. It felt handy so I kept it... I''ll have to return itter."


    Yanzhi felt something was off but couldn''t pinpoint what.


    Nevertheless, the young miss always had her reasons these days, so Yanzhi just obeyed her.


    With this thought, Yanzhi hurried off, continuing to pretend to be a pitiful abandoned servant.


    ...


    That afternoon when Gu Ying went hunting, she brought the silver beads given by Qin.


    Although she was somewhat trusting of the people Qin sent, she had been hurt in her past life. Apart from Yanzhi, she couldn''t fully trust anyone.


    To test Yin Zhu''s abilities, Gu Ying first took her around the hunting grounds, using memories from her past life to be the first to hunt a fairy deer.


    When she dragged the deer out of the ck forest at dusk, she was surrounded by many curious people.


    Yin Zhu promptly shielded Gu Ying, adopting a protective stance. "Don''te closer. Hunting the fairy deer relies on one''s own ability. If any of you dare snatch my miss''s catch, you''ll have to step over my dead body!"


    Gu Ying looked steadily at Yin Zhu''s back, inexplicably softened. She smiled, "It''s fine, Yin Zhu. They don''t have ill intentions."


    Yin Zhu looked back at her. "Miss, I overreacted."


    Gu Ying shook her head. "You meant well."


    "So that''s the famous second miss Gu who took first pick. She''s really outstanding this time, being the first to hunt a fairy deer. She''ll surely get a big reward from His Majesty this winter hunt."


    "I didn''t expect Second Miss Gu to be so beautiful as well. I heard the Su family wants to break off the engagement. I must hurry to propose marriage!"


    "You? With your capabilities? How dare you snatch my woman!"


    Gu Ying said nothing, secretly relieved to see Su Huanfeng''s handsome face emerge from the crowd, fury etched on it.


    He angrily drove away the gentlemen and princes, possessively shielding Gu Ying.


    But she then noticed Zhao Changdu not far behind Su Huanfeng.


    Tall and straight like jade, still in his customary ck robes. His nose was high and eyes heavilyshed like crow feathers.


    His features were as elegant as a painting, his hair bunned with a light dusting of snow. He looked coldly at her through the swirling snow.


    She didn''t know why, but the dagger in her sleeve grew hot against the person''s warmth and her heart raced uncontrobly...


    "Gu Ying, I heard you fell off a cliff yesterday. I was so worried I couldn''t sleep. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Su Huanfeng frowned worriedly. His tall frame shielded Gu Ying as he inspected her for injuries. "Tell me, why didn''t you choose me? If you had, I could''ve protected you. That Fu Xun is nothing. How dare he let you get hurt! I''ll have him thrown into the river tomorrow as turtle feed!"


    Gu Ying''s mind nked...


    "Gu Ying, are you listening? What are you doing? Are you even listening to me?"


    "..."


    "Gu Ying, what exactly happenedst night? How did you survive under that cliff alone?"


    The man''s angry words rang in her ears, but she couldn''t hear him. She could only recall the sole warmth fromst night''s cave fire, the man''s towering silhouette against the flickering light, his hot breath and broad hands.


    She remembered being so cold she couldn''t endure anymore before fainting...


    Yet when she awoke, she felt as warm as a spring day.


    She didn''t know what he did, but Zhao Changdu had saved her...


    "Gu Ying, if you continue ignoring me, I''ll get angry!"


    The man''s voice sounded no older than a 3-year-old throwing a tantrum.


    Gu Ying lightly fluttered her longshes and nced up, regaining her senses. She beamed at Su Huanfeng, "Heaven protected me and I found a cave, so I survived the blizzard."


    Saying so, she guiltily nced at Zhao Changdu behind Su Huanfeng.


    The man remained silent, thin lips curved into an aloof arc, as if he didn''t know her.


    She couldn''t describe her feelings. The Crown Prince''s eyes were too deep and dark to look into, so she returned her attention to Su Huanfeng. "Thank you for caring. It''s a pity I lost my good bow..."


    Mentioning the bow reminded Su Huanfeng. "Gu Ying, where''s the LiWang Bow? Why don''t you have it?"


    Hunting the first fairy deer with the LiWang Bow would make her even more outstanding among Bianjing''sdies.


    Seeing he had finally asked the key question, Gu Ying silently cheered him on.


    She knitted her delicate brows helplessly and forced a smile. "The LiWang Bow is in my tent... I didn''t dare take out something so precious... I was afraid of failing your kindness..."


    Seeing her hesitant expression, Su Huanfeng knew something was off. He cautiously nced at Zhao Changdu and said lightly, "Since it''s in your tent, take me to see it."


    "Ah? This..." Gu Ying bit her lip nervously, lowering her brows. "My lord, why not wait until we return... I''ll show you then..."


    "We''ll go now." The words came from Zhao Changdu who had approached unnoticed.


    Gu Ying turned to him puzzledly.


    The man''s eyes and brows were as sharp as a de, emitting a faint chill that made people shrink back.


    Her heart clenched. Why did he want to go too?


    Were he and the young lord close?


    But Su Huanfeng looked far more nervous than her. He forced a rxedugh, "Since Adu wants to see it, let''s go... see it together?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was stern, brows knitted tightly.


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes in thought. Anyway, one more person didn''t matter... as long as the young lord was present.

 Chapter 66: The Bow He gave me

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    So Yinzhu took the deer and walked ahead of the two with a heart full of doubts, calcting the time while walking.


    Su Huanfeng followed Gu Ying closely with some anxiety showing on his handsome face, asionally ncing back at the man behind him.


    Seeing the man''s gloomy expression, Su Huanfeng''s heart thumped wildly, having an ominous premonition.


    In his heart he tearfully called for his dad one moment and mom the next, afraid that something might go wrong with LiWang Bow, and then the dark Yama behind him would surely mercilessly cut him into pieces, or even have his old man personally punish him by banishing him to the border troops without allowing him to return!


    He swallowed, looked around nervously, and kept chanting to himself as he walked.


    As a faithful man, Su Huanfeng is here to sincerely pray to the gods and immortals in the sky, please protect LiWang Bow from any mishaps, but if something does happen... Don''t make me kneel down and beg you!


    Unfortunately, man proposes, God disposes.


    Before he could finish his mumbling, as soon as they approached Gu Ying''s camp, amotion of maidservants arguing and scuffling was heard from inside.


    "Sister Qingfeng, why are you framing me!"


    "When did I frame you? Who told you I framed you?"


    "If Sister Mingyue hadn''t told me, I wouldn''t have known it was you who deliberately broke the bowstring and waited for me to go touch it, just so the young miss would get angry at me and lose hope in me, in order to drive me out! I knew it, I hadn''t even touched the bowstring yet it broke! It must have been you!"


    "Mingyue, you cheap slut¡ª" Someone was infuriated and a crisp p rang out.


    Someone cried again, "Sister Qingfeng, you did it so just admit it, why bother denying it?!"


    Another sobbed, "It wasn''t me who broke LiWang Bow''s bowstring, I must tell the young miss right now!"


    As soon as this was uttered, it was like a p of thunder exploding above Su Huanfeng''s head.


    He staggered on the spot, forcing an awkward smile as he looked at Zhao Changdu, "Brother Du...Did I just hear that right?"


    Did he hear it wrong?


    LiWang Bow''s bowstring broke?


    That LiWang Bow that Brother Du risked his life fighting the enemy generals to snatch back?


    Zhao Changdu knitted his cold eyebrows without a word, slightly turning to the side to look at the ashen-faced girl, his tone icy cold, "Miss Gu the Second, what is going on?"


    Gu Ying''s fingers trembled as she said, "I..."


    The few quarreling maidservants rushed out from the tent and ran right into their masters, instantly freezing in ce.


    "Young miss...young lord...eldest young lord?"


    Everyone in the Gu manor knew that LiWang Bow was sent by the young marquis.


    Seeing the huge young Marquis Su now, the maidservants were so frightened they couldn''t utter a word.


    Gu Ying nced at Su Huanfeng and Zhao Changdu expressionlessly. Her eyes slightly red, she said angrily yet anxiously, "Exin clearly to the young marquis and eldest young lord, what exactly happened to LiWang Bow''s bowstring!"


    Yanzhi immediately knelt on the snowy ground upon hearing this, crying andining, "Replying to the eldest young lord, young marquis and young miss! A few days ago, Sister Qingfeng falsely used me of breaking LiWang Bow''s bowstring. I didn''t know the truth then, which made the young miss disappointed and upset, but today I''ve learnt that I was framed! The bowstring was broken by Sister Qingfeng early on, she wanted me driven out of Twilight Snow Studio! Sister Mingyue can testify for me!"


    Now, Mingyue had no way back. She could only kneel beside Yanzhi and admit to conspiring with Qingfeng to frame Yanzhi, bowing her head in trepidation.


    "Oh?" Zhao Changdu''s brows and eyes were slightly raised, with indistinguishable mirth swirling at the corners. "So you''re saying LiWang Bow was indeed damaged?"


    The chill emanating from his smile could freeze the surroundings.


    The kneeling maids couldn''t help but shudder violently. The eldest young lord''s smile was colder than the blizzard around them.


    Su Huanfeng was so anxious he cursed aloud, "You silly girls, do you know how precious LiWang Bow is?! That bow... was personally snatched back from the enemy troops by the eldest young lord... He was injured by a knife during the fight for this bow, do you understand?!"


    Gu Ying was puzzled. She frowned and looked sharply at Zhao Changdu, "Eldest young lord, wasn''t this bow given by the young marquis..."


    "Sorry...Gu Ying." Su Huanfeng scratched his head awkwardly and exined, "Actually this bow wasn''t from me, it was Brother Du''s idea, to send the bow to the Gu family in the name of the marquisate¡ª"


    "Is now the time to talk about this?"


    Su Huanfeng obediently shrank back when Zhao Changdu interrupted him coldly, shooting Gu Ying a look wishing her good luck.


    Gu Ying didn''t expect LiWang Bow to be from Zhao Changdu. She was greatly shocked and her thoughts turned chaotic.


    She had mentally prepared her excuses to exin to the young marquis over the past two days. But now the target had suddenly changed to the infamously ruthless and vicious eldest young lord of the Duke''s manor... She instantly panicked, almost losing herposure.


    "Eldest young lord, it''s all my fault... I didn''t discipline my maids strictly, which led to their outrageous behavior in damaging LiWang Bow... I, I''m willing topensate the eldest young lord for any loss... if I can afford it..." She was on the verge of tears, really quite flustered now, "that is..."


    Zhao Changdu lifted his longshes slightly, just looking at her act with a calm expression.


    The young girl was veryposed and steady for her age, also an expert at pretending and acting.


    Gu Ying bit her red lips and said earnestly, "Eldest young lord, please believe me, no matter how high the price, I will find a way to repair LiWang Bow''s bowstring."


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curved ever so slightly.


    No matter how high the price?


    It was just a bow, no matter how precious. If she was willing to marry him... he wouldn''t care about this lifeless object.


    The mor here finally attracted Mrs. Liu over.


    She first saw the maids from Twilight Snow Studio kneeling all over the ground, then looked up to see the eldest young lord from the Duke''s manor and the young marquis of the Marquisate of Yong''an. Not understanding what was happening, she greeted them and asked, "Eldest young lord, young marquis, what...what''s going on here?"


    Su Huanfeng red at Mrs. Liu. Unable to contain his anger, he said, "Madame Gu, how can you still ask what''s going on! You should be asking your maids here!"


    Mrs. Liu was still confused. How did things be like this in just an afternoon?


    It was Zhao Changdu who calmly said, "This matter is of great importance, let''s talk inside the camp."


    Only then did Mrs. Liu calm herself down and lead everyone into the main Gu tent.


    Zhao Changdu leisurely sat in the main seat of the Gu family.


    Gu Ying clenched her palms tightly, feeling anxious standing below, secretly ncing up at him from time to time, wondering if he was thinking of how to punish herter...


    After all, it was LiWang Bow. She still felt guilty deep down.


    For now, she hadpletely forgotten her own ns, only hoping that he would let her off this time.

 Chapter 67: He Decides for Her

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    Zhou Mama brought in hot tea. Mrs. Liu personally offered it to him right in front of his eyes. "Prince, what brings you here to our ce?"


    Zhao Changduzily took the teacup and lifted the cdon lid with his slender, bony fingers. He brushed away the white tea foam on top and took a sip, his eyes lowered.


    Gu Ying was anxious, carefully peeking at the man''s picturesque eyebrows and eyes, afraid that he would get angry at the slightest displeasure and implicate the entire Gu family.


    Zhao Changdu spoke unhurriedly and calmly with an icy and extremely powerful aura. "The bowstring of LiWang Bow was cut. Since it was caused by a servant in the household, does Madam Gu think some exnation should be given to the young lord?"


    Su Huanfeng unnaturally touched his nose. Oh dear, he was just a messenger... Ahem.


    "What?!" When Mrs. Liu heard that LiWang Bow was damaged, she paled in fright and red at Qingfeng and Ming Yue who were kneeling below, pointing her finger at them and cursing angrily, "You few lowly beasts even dare to touch LiWang Bow?! Not only will the Prince and young lord be angry about this matter today, even I will not let you off easy, you little beast!"


    Qingfeng was both shocked and afraid, kneeling there with an ashen face. Her mind was numb with fear and she couldn''t even utter a word of defence...


    Ming Yue kept her head lowered gloatingly without saying a word.


    "Qingfeng is usually sensible. How could she be so muddled this time!" Seeing Qingfeng trembling all over, Mrs. Liu was both angry and resentful, wishing she could drive this fool away immediately.


    She had sent her to Twilight Snow Studio to act as her eyes and ears, to keep an eye on Gu Ying and make Gu Ying die quietly if necessary. She didn''t send her there to get taken away in less than a month!


    This stupid, useless wench!


    Gu Ying saw that Zhao Changdu didn''t seem to me her, so she seized the opportunity and deliberately put on a helpless expression. "Qingfeng works steadily, so I thought she was a prudent maid. That''s why I let her help manage Twilight Snow Studio and take care of LiWang Bow. I didn''t expect her to do such a thing... Aunt, you specially sent Qingfeng and Ming Yue to me. For them to end up like this must have hurt your feelings... But I can''t let her off for the sake of the Prince and young lord, so Ying is really in a dilemma..."


    This was undoubtedly forcing Mrs. Liu into the fire.


    She didn''t want Qingfeng to leave, but with Zhao Changdu and Su Huanfeng present, she could only reluctantly say, "Then find a tooth-woman and sell Qingfeng offter!"


    Gu Ying pretended to wipe tears from her eyes. "The young lord sent me so many things... In the future, Ying won''t dare to let people touch them carelessly anymore... This is Ying''s fault for not teaching them properly. I will be more careful in supervising the servants in the future."


    Zhao Changdu said lightly, "Is this how Second Miss Gu supervises servants in the household?"


    Gu Ying was taken aback, and Mrs. Liu was also stunned.


    Zhao Changdu coldlyughed. "LiWang Bow is a divine bow, priceless and a national treasure. Since Second Miss Gu is soft-hearted and unable to discipline servants, then this prince has no choice but to intervene."


    Mrs. Liu forced a smile. "But... the Prince is an outsider after all. The affairs in my brother''s household..."


    Zhao Changdu looked down on her condescendingly. "This concerns LiWang Bow, not your household."


    Mrs. Liu felt a chill creep up her spine and didn''t know how to respond for a moment.


    Zhao Changdu nced at her disdainfully, knowing about the sinister scheming between women of wealthy families. He suspected that the two maids Qingfeng and Ming Yue were deliberately sent to Gu Ying by this malicious aunt Mrs. Liu, and Gu Ying had no choice but to set up this scheme today to get rid of both of them.


    His gaze turned cold as he looked at the people below and continued, "I grew up in the military under Old Duke''s caning in the Duke''s residence since young, so I have always enforced militaryw and showed no mercy, whether towards men or women, for any mistakes made. Without rules, arge household cannot function. Since the bowstring of LiWang Bow is broken, all who have touched it except Second Miss Gu will receive twenty heavy strokes of the cane. Qingfeng the ringleader will be sold off. Her aplice Ming Yue will also be sold off and not allowed to remain in the household, to prevent them from damaging LiWang Bow again in the future. As for Yanzhi, she will be spared punishment this time since she was framed, and will be dealt with as Second Miss Gu sees fit."


    His expression was tranquil as if discussing today''s weather, but this made him even more frightening.


    Qingfeng had already epted her fate, but Ming Yue raised her head in shock. "Your Highness, spare me! I didn''t touch LiWang Bow. I was fooled by sister Qingfeng for a moment!"


    Zhao Changdu looked at herzily and smilednguidly, though there was no smile reaching his eyes. "Still daring to quibble? Twenty more strokes."


    Ming Yue''s breathing hitched as she slumped limply to the ground.


    Forty heavy strokes would be the death of a frail woman like her!


    She looked nkly at the handsome and proud man on the main seat. She couldn''t believe that in just an afternoon, she had thought Qingfeng could be gotten rid of and she would reign supreme in Twilight Snow Studio. But in the end, she didn''t even enjoy a good day before ending up like this!


    "Madam Gu, bring them out to be punished."


    As expected, the man''s methods were ruthless without hesitation.


    Mrs. Liu had no choice but to obey the order to drag Qingfeng and Ming Yue away.


    Soon, the sounds of caning on flesh and the women''s shrill cries of agony could be heard from outside.


    It took Gu Ying some time to recover from her daze and shock before realizing that Zhao Changdu was helping her.


    She smiled and said, "Many thanks to the Prince for upholding justice on Ying''s behalf."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was still indifferent as he listened to the screams outside without a ripple on his face. "It''s nothing, just for LiWang Bow."


    Gu Ying became strangely more fearful yet grateful towards him. "Your Highness, please let Ying escort you and the young lord out..."


    Zhao Changdu stood up. His tall and upright figure was especially striking in the tent. "Alright, let''s go."


    Gu Ying thought about the bow with its severed string and sighed, before seeing them off.


    Watching their departing figures, Mrs. Liu was so angry herplexion kept shifting between green and white. She didn''t know if it was her imagination, but she felt the whole incident today was suspicious. How coincidental that the Prince and young lord of the prestigious Duke''s household would condescend to visit the Gu family''s tent!


    She vaguely felt there was a hand pushing things behind the scenes, but when she looked again, Gu Ying had such a pitiful and helpless expression with an aggrieved look, that she didn''t think this fool could have arranged it.


    After all, if the young lord really wanted to me someone for LiWang Bow being damaged, none of the Gu family could afford to bear it.


    Gu Ying wasn''t foolish enough to use LiWang Bow as a raft to drive away her people, right?


    "How unlucky! How did she get the Prince to look upon her differently? I noticed the Prince kept his eyes on her the whole time. Could the Prince have taken a liking to her?" Mrs. Liu was so anxious she couldn''t sit still, and felt even more irritated as she thought about it.


    Zhou Mama massaged her shoulders and quickly said, "The mistress jests. What kind of man is the Prince? How could he be interested in the Second Miss?"

 Chapter 68: The Prince Still wants to Marry Me

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    Mrs. Liu always felt restless in her heart, especially after Gu Ying fell into the water in the pce. This restlessness had not gone away for a day.


    "Granny Zhou, I feel very uneasy in my heart, afraid it''s not a good omen. If the Prince really takes a liking to that cheap girl Gu Ying, then my Jia''er will really have no way out..."


    Granny Zhou felt that Mrs. Liu''s worries were unnecessary, andughed, "Madam has forgotten that when the Prince was fifteen years old, he was already engaged to the eldest youngdy of the Huo family. But then the Huo youngdy went back on her word and married the second son of the Duke''s Residence. Since then, the Prince was heartbroken, and there were no more women around him. Let''s take a step back - even if the Prince wants to get married, he would not choose a girl like the Second Miss. There are so many daughters of prominent and noble families in Bianjing city eyeing the Prince''s marriage!"


    After hearing these words, Mrs. Liu felt a little more at ease andughed, "That makes sense. My Jia''er couldn''t even marry into a prominent family, how could that Gu Ying hope to marry up? No way! She''s only worthy of marrying that useless bookworm from the Fu family!"


    "That''s right!"


    ...


    Coming out of the military tent, the wind and snow swirled, pure white snowkes fell on people''s bodies and heads, bringing an uncontroble chill that pped their faces.


    Gu Ying followed the two men in small steps, pulling her thick cloak tightly around her, walking slowly.


    Zhao Changdu stopped and turned around. His cold and noble features were slightly blurred in the swirling heavy snow. "I have something to say to Second Miss Gu. Go ahead first."


    Su Huanfeng''s eyes widened. He looked at Gu Ying with her head bowed following far behind, then looked at Zhao Changdu with his cold expression. Worried that he was looking for trouble with Gu Ying, Su Huanfeng said, "Brother Du, I will find a way to reattach the bowstring of the King''s Bow. Don''t me her, she''s just a young girl, and it wasn''t her who damaged it. You''re so fierce, as soon as she sees you, she''ll definitely cry."


    Zhao Changdu nced at him, a hint of impatience in his brows and eyes. "Get lost."


    Su Huanfeng touched his nose. "She''s my woman, I have to protect her."


    Zhao Changdu was expressionless. "You two haven''t gotten married yet."


    "Soon, she''s about toe of age. When the timees, I will marry her." Su Huanfeng''s brows were upturned joyfully. When he looked back at the little girl following far behind, his eyes were full of cherishment and affection.


    Seeing him protect Gu Ying like this, Zhao Changdu was even more displeased for some reason, a hint of impatience in his cold brows. He kicked out, "I''m not so shameless as toy hands on a weak woman. Do you think I have no principles?"


    Su Huanfeng nimbly jumped aside to avoid his kick. Knowing that Zhao Changdu was prestigious yet principled, he grinned, "Alright, I''ll go ahead and wait for you. Finish your talk with her quickly."


    Su Huanfeng had alreadypletely taken Gu Ying to be his possession and protected her. Watching his smiling face leaving, Zhao Changdu''s heart inexplicably gave rise to anger and concern.


    Su Huanfeng had always been fickle in love. Was he truly sincere towards Gu Ying this time?


    Gu Ying lowered her head and walked forward silently. After a while, she bumped straight into a broad chest.


    "Not looking while walking?"


    A low, hoarse voice sounded from above her head.


    Gu Ying rubbed her sore forehead and looked up. Under the moonlight she saw the man''s cold, noble jawline.


    She panicked and took two steps back, saying respectfully, "Prince, I didn''t mean it. I was lost in thought for a moment and didn''t notice...you were in front of me."


    Zhao Changdu wasn''t really ming her. Just looking at her bowing her head, revealing a perfectly curved neckline, his heart stirred slightly. The wind and snow on her face made her cheeks flush alluringly, somehow irritatingly arousing.


    He had never paid attention to Su Huanfeng''s unknown fianc¨¦e before.


    He had asionally heard about her a couple times, always with Su Huanfengining about how silly she was and that he would definitely call off the engagement in the future.


    It wasn''t untilter when he returned to Bianjing and met her by ident.


    Only then did he realize that this girl was hidden deeply.


    Their eyes met in mid-air, both startled. The air was filled with restless heat. Although it was the height of winter with heavy snow swirling, between them the atmosphere was still somewhat scorching.


    Not to mention the man''s gaze, which was so profound and burning.


    Being looked at like this by such deep, slender eyes, Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat. She was the first to avoid his gaze, "Prince, please speak..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes, gaze fixed tightly on her left hand. "Have you treated the wound on your body?"


    Gu Ying didn''t understand his meaning. Did he dismiss Su Huanfeng just to ask about her wound?


    Just now when he was dealing with the servants, he had been so ruthless... And now he was showing such concern for her.


    Just what kind of person was he, cold, ruthless, or what?


    "Yes, Prince, it''s been treated." She smiled. "And you, Prince, how is the wound on your hand?"


    "Hmm, it''s been treated pretty much."


    Gu Ying looked at his hand wrapped in a thick overcoat and couldn''t make out anything. With the imperial doctors, his wound must have received the best treatment, she had nothing to worry about.


    After the awkward silence for a while longer.


    Gu Ying was thinking about the King''s Bow matter and was about to say that she would take responsibility to the end, when she saw Zhao Changdu look at her solemnly.


    "Gu Ying."


    His tone was so formal that Gu Ying''s heart shook inexplicably. "Prince, please speak... Ying will listen carefully."


    "This afternoon, my people saw your fourth sister secretly going to see Fu Xunzhi."


    Gu Ying''s brows knitted slightly. "What is the Prince trying to say?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly.


    He had originally nned to persuade Gu Ying to marry him, knowing it would take some effort. Until his people saw Gu Shuang blushing as she went to deliver medicine to Fu Xunzhi.


    It was truly heaven helping him.


    The cold man''s smile was particrly charming. Gu Ying pursed her lips, lowered her longshes, flustered with reddening cheeks.


    "Nothing. I just want to tell you that my proposal to you at the bottom of the cliff remains valid."


    Gu Ying was very embarrassed. She didn''t feel that Zhao Changdu liked her and wanted to propose to the Gu family. Nor did she feel that she could catch his eye.


    She thought for a moment and had no choice but to reply, "The Prince still wants to marry me?"


    Zhao Changdu: "Yes."


    Gu Ying: "But I already have someone in my heart..."


    Zhao Changdu: "Does the Second Miss really like him? Gu Shuang was with him all nightst night. Although nothing happened between them, the friendship forged through adversity is no ordinary one."

 Chapter 69: The Heart of a Man Can Change.

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    Gu Ying suddenly understood something, her eyes going slightly nk.


    After being reborn, she had thought about too many things - taking revenge, saving her brother, avoiding all the dangers and schemes that had trapped her in her previous life.


    She had seized every advantage, arrogantly believing everything was under her control.


    But she had overlooked the fact that human hearts change, that Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi had searched for her togetherst night, and fell into the ck pond together... and endured that most helpless night together.


    An environment like that is most likely to give rise to feelings and dependence.


    Gu Shuang was young, and Fu Xunzhi rarely got so close to a woman, so it was likely their feelings for each other were no longer those of strangers from yesterday.


    Gu Ying''s heart wasplicated, the corners of her lips curving up slightly, a bitterly sad smile spilling out. "But, I and the Prince, we really can''t be considered a good match."


    Zhao Changdu slowly said, "Whether it is a good match or not is unimportant."


    Gu Ying looked up, "What does the Prince mean by that?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows and eyes were tranquil, his jet ck pupils reflecting the snowy sky, as unfathomable as an abyss. "I am already of age, it is time I took a wife, and there are already people in my household making preparations for my marriage. However, no matter if it is Princess Yueyan, or the Huo Family''s second youngdy, or any other woman they choose, I will not agree."


    Gu Ying''s expression gradually became solemn. "The Prince''s meaning is..."


    Zhao Changdu''s appearance was cold and detached, "My wife will naturally be chosen by me, not by them."


    Gu Ying was speechless for a moment. "But even without Young Master Fu, I and the Young Marquis already have a marriage agreement..."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as dark as ink, as if they could see into the depths of one''s heart.


    He said, "Gu Ying, Huan Feng is not your good match."


    Gu Ying''s heart trembled slightly, and for a long time she had no words to say, "......"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows raised coldly, his thin lips curving up slightly, "I will give you time to consider this, and I promise you, after marrying you I will give you everything you want."


    His mocking tone was detached and indifferent, yet with a trace of arrogance and possessiveness. Though it seemed casual, every word was cold and authoritative.


    Gu Ying listened until her heart was in chaos, raising her wet eyes to look at him.


    Everything she wanted, did he know what she wanted?


    "Prince, I''m unwilling¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows and eyes were cold. He took out a jade pendant from his clothes and ced it in her hand. "You don''t need to hurry to refuse. I will give you time to think about it, but you should know, the only answer I want is yes."


    His icy tone held a hint of coercion.


    Gu Ying''s heart sank. What kind of person was he? The only heir to the Duke of Zhenguo Manor, his word wasw, he held great power, and now he was also a rising star favored by the Emperor in Bianjing.


    If he was determined to force her to marry him, with the power of her Gu family, she would not be able to resist.


    More words were useless. She could only knit her brows tightly, lowering her eyes to look at the jade pendant engraved with Huan Feng''s name, gripping it tightly. "Even if I''m willing to break off the engagement, Grandmother won''t agree. This matter will require some time to n..."


    What Zhao Changdu wanted was just her attitude.


    Knowing that she had ns and strategies, it eased his heart greatly.


    "Mm. Don''t worry about this matter, leave it to me. I previously promised you I woulde in three months to break off the engagement, and I will keep that promise."


    Gu Ying, who had originally wanted to hurry and run away with her brother during this time: "......"


    That wasn''t what she meant!


    Zhao Changdu stretched out his big hand, seeing the girl''s dazed look, his heart softened a little. He stroked the top of her head, "Don''t worry, marrying me, I will treat you very well."


    Gu Ying pulled the corners of her lips.


    She didn''t know if he would treat her well in the future, she only knew this Prince also didn''t keep his word...


    Just yesterday he had righteously spoken for her reputation, yet in barely a day''s time he had changed so quickly.


    It seemed men''s hearts were fickle, every one unreliable.


    Or perhaps, those in high positions all had these ws, unwilling to let others trample their authority. She had rejected his proposal, instead arousing in him some possessive desire to conquer her?


    Gu Ying now deeply regretted rejecting him so decisively before. Her mind was in chaos.


    She didn''t even know when Zhao Changdu had left.


    By the time she came back to herself, there was only a little rouge girl blinking her bright eyes before her, and an exquisite carved ink-ck jade kirin pendant lying in her hands.


    "Miss, this is the kirin jade pendant the Prince''s close attendant Huai An gave this servant to pass on to you. He said, if in the future Miss wants to find the Prince, just take this jade pendant and find a beggar dressed in ck outside their manor."


    Gu Ying came back to her senses, chagrined as she asked, "Did the Prince say anything else?"


    The rouge girl shook her head, her eyes blinking. "Miss, what did the Prince just say to you? I saw your brows were furrowed so tight, did the Prince bully you?"


    "No..." Gu Ying clenched a jade pendant in each hand, a headacheing on. "But speaking truly, it could be considered bullying..."


    As she spoke, she walked back, pondering how to resolve this matter.


    How could she escape from Jiang Yin''s clutches, only to truly marry into the Zhenguo Duke Manor''s household?


    The rouge girl hop-skipped along behind her young mistress, an innocent happy look on her face. "Miss is getting more and more amazing. Now both the Young Marquis and the Prince favor you, Qingfeng and Mingyue have been sold away from our residence, in the future no one will dare bully you again. And Miss, your heroic bearing while riding and shooting is so handsome, let alone those young masters from prestigious families!"


    Gu Ying impatiently said, "Don''t speak nonsense. Who said the Prince favors me?"


    "But this servant feels¡ª"


    "Hurry up and shut your mouth! Don''t you know disasteres from the mouth?"


    The rouge girl quickly covered her mouth, her jet ck eyes twirling around.


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the more upset she felt. To her, Zhao Changdu was no haven, but more like a wolf''s den...


    She still resented how he had bullied her in her past life. How could she marry him and be his pillowsidepanion in this life? This...this was taking her life!


    Her heart was tangled with anger, thinking over his words as her footsteps unconsciously walked towards Gu Shuang''s tent.


    In the wind and snow, the rouge girl called after her in a hoarse voice, "Miss, you''ve gone the wrong way! That is Fourth Young Lady''s tent!"


    Gu Ying pulled up her hood to cover her hair buns, blinking the snowkes from her longshes. "I didn''t go the wrong way. I''m going to see my Fourth Younger Sister."


    Lifting the curtain, a gust of icy wind swirled inrge snowkes into the tent.


    The brazier in the tent gave off a red-yellow firelight with popping sounds.


    Gu Ying stepped inside, and saw Gu Shuang alone, busily hiding something by candlelight. Seeing here in, the little face quickly showed an awkward but polite smile. "Second Elder Sister, you...why have youe?"


    Gu Ying stared at her blushing little face and didn''t speak.

 Chapter 70: Why is this man so powerful

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    Gu Shuang was very ufortable under her gaze. She rubbed her little hands and stood up, walking to her side and holding her arm. "Second sister?"


    Gu Ying turned her head, her eyes falling on her flushed face, "Fourth younger sister, what were you doing just now?"


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips and smiled stiffly. "Nothing...just bored and wanted to read a book..."


    Gu Ying walked over tentatively, and Gu Shuang nervously stopped her from continuing. "Second sister, did youe to see me because you have something to discuss?"


    Gu Ying smiled faintly. "Does Fourth Younger Sister have something to hide from me?"


    "Second sister, I¡ª"


    Gu Ying''s lips curled slightly. She had already seen that piece of biyu medicine bottle at first nce, with the words "flowing light" on it.


    It was obvious who had sent the medicine.


    Gu Ying took her small hand and looked at the scars on her palms left by the tree branches. She sighed distressfully, then walked to the table and turned out the medicine bottle in front of her.


    "Fourth younger sister, this was sent by Young Master Fu?"


    Gu Shuang nodded shyly. "Yes..."


    Worried that Gu Ying would misunderstand, she quickly exined, "Second sister, don''t get the wrong idea. We didn''t do anything inappropriate, and abided by propriety without crossing the line. He was just worried about my hand, so he sent the medicinal ointment, saying it is very effective for treating scars. I don''t want scars on my hands, so I epted it..."


    Seeing the shy girl with red ears, Gu Ying, as someone who had gone through this before, understood everything.


    There was no reason to like someone.


    You just liked them. If you had to give a reason, it was because that person gave off a glow at some point that just happened to shine into someone else''s heart.


    She looked at the girl''s expression as she tried hard to exin, without blinking. "Fourth younger sister, have you ever thought that your mother has high aspirations, how would she allow you to marry someone like Young Master Fu?"


    "What''s wrong with Young Master Fu? He is very good¡ª"


    The words blurted out made Gu Shuang''s face flush red in an instant. "Second sister, you tricked me!"


    Gu Yingughed out loud humorlessly. She poured out some crystal clear ointment from the medicine bottle, looking at her deeply, "Fu Xunzhi is a good man, and will surely be a good partner. If Fourth Younger Sister really likes him, she should think of ways to grab hold of him properly."


    "Second sister?" Gu Shuang looked up happily, thinking that second sister was here to interrogate her about getting too close with Young Master Fu. But she didn''t expect Second Sister to not me her.


    Gu Ying soothingly took her soft hand and gently applied the ointment to her scarred wounds. "Don''t worry, with such a good younger sister like you, such a good girl, I will help you too."


    "But Second Sister also likes Young Master Fu, right? I..."


    "My liking for him is admiration, not that I must marry him."


    "Really?"


    "If I''m lying, I''m a dog."


    The sisters looked at each other and smiled.


    Gu Ying''s smile was faint. She hoped she could marry a man like Fu Xunzhi in this lifetime, who would love, protect, and grow old with her, even if life was in and simple, as long as they respected each other and lived in harmony for a lifetime, she would be content.


    But she didn''t like Fu Xunzhi to the point of infatuation.


    And Gu Shuang died a terrible death in her previous life, also because of a bad marriage. How could she bear to watch her marry into fire pit again in this life when the girl was protecting her so much?


    She wanted to protect her and make it possible for her and Fu Xunzhi to be together.


    "Second sister, you are better to me than my mother."


    "It''s still too early to say that." Gu Ying bent her fingers and scraped her nose sadly and helplessly. "Which mother in this world does not love her own children? My kindness to you is the mutual help that should exist between sisters. Her kindness to you is a parent''s love for their child, with deep and far-reaching ns."


    If her mother was still alive, how could she and her brother end up in this situation?


    So children who have mothers are the most enviable.


    Gu Shuang smiled shallowly, nodding her head, "Yes, I know. I''m just worried that when Mother finds out I want to marry Young Master Fu, she will be so angry that all hell will break loose..."


    "Wait for now. Leave this to Second Sister. Second Sister will definitely make it possible for you to marry an ideal husband and live a peaceful life."


    "Okay!"


    Gu Shuang felt that the Second Sister now was more and more reliable. She was only one or two years older than herself, yet seemed like a mature and steady adult, giving her a sense of security.


    ...


    After leaving Gu Shuang''s camp, Gu Ying knew she probably couldn''t marry Fu Xunzhi anymore.


    But the Zhao family was too powerful, and she still couldn''t resist Zhao Changdu.


    If he threatened her with the Li King''s bow again, she was even more powerless.


    Thinking of this, a sense of helplessness was born instantly.


    Marry or not marry, this was a very serious problem.


    ...


    The next two days, Gu Ying focused on hunting.


    There were many excellent hunters in the hunting grounds, but among the youngdies, only she alone hunted three celestial deer, exclusively obtaining the brightest one, quickly attracting the attention of the Tianqi Emperor.


    On thest day of the winter hunt, when tallying the hunt, only she and Zhao Changdu had each hunted three, tying for first ce in the winter hunt this time and receiving great praise and reward from the Tianqi Emperor.


    Zhao Changdu did not want the reward. He asked the Sage for a promise, "Your subject has ady in mind and wants to ask Your Majesty for a marriage decree."


    At his words, the various people present had different expressions. This prince of the Zhao manor had always been the apple of everyone''s eye. Until now when he was still unmarried, many families had racked their brains to send their daughters to the Zhao manor.


    Now, what was the prince saying?


    He already had ady in mind?


    Who was thatdy?


    Other than that Miss Huo from back then, who else could be so fortunate as to have the prince personally ask for a decree to marry her?


    Miss Huo, sitting beside Zhao Changxing, took a long time to recover from his words "already has ady in mind." She looked as calm as ever, but her heart was already sorely heartbroken.


    Huo Qiyan, on the other hand, didn''t think too much. She just smiled smugly.


    She knew that her name would definitely be written on that decree.


    "Oh?" The Tianqi Emperor''s eyes were full of cunning. He smiled unexpectedly and said, "Who is thedy Adu has taken a liking to? As long as you name her, Zhen can grant you marriage right now."


    Gu Ying''s cherry lips tightened slightly, and her small hands gripped tightly in her sleeves, afraid he would say her name.


    Fortunately, Zhao Changdu did not look at her. His handsome face lifted slightly, thin lips hooking into a faint smile, he said lightly to the Sage, "It is not yet the right time. When the timing is ripe, I will personally enter the pce to seek Your Majesty''s decree to marry her."


    There were whispers below, Zhao Guogong looked at Cheng, then exchanged nces with Zhao Rou, and their expressions were not very good.


    Gu Ying lowered her head, feeling extremely tormented.


    Zhao Changdu was clearly deliberately pressuring her.


    If she hadn''t considered it well and didn''t agree to marry him, then he would use the decree to force her. By then, even if she didn''t want to marry him, she would have to.


    How could this man be so overbearing?


    If she really married him, could she still have good days?

 Chapter 71: She Wants a Reward

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    After much difficulty, it was finally Gu Ying¡¯s turn. She could only think of Zhao Changdu¡¯s decree of marriage. Now she only hoped that His Majesty would give her an imperial edict to forbid her from marrying for the rest of her life!


    "Miss Gu, what reward do you want?" Tianqi Emperor patiently looked at the woman kneeling below and smiled, "You have made quite an achievement this time. In the future,e to the pce more often, so those youngdies in Bianjing can learn from you."


    Jiang Yin''s deep eyes quickly nced at Gu Ying. These days, he had more dreams about her... They were all about scenes where she admired and smiled at him affectionately, but he clearly didn''t have much interaction with her, so where did those scenese from?


    Gu Ying respectfully bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Gu Ying is not worthy of your praise."


    "Alright, tell me what reward you want. As long as I can do it, I will definitely grant it to you."


    Gu Ying originally wanted to give the fairy deer she hunted to Su Huanfeng who gifted her the crossbow, but now, things had changed, and that crossbow was no longer Young Master Huo''s.


    She could only bite her teeth and say, "Your servant also wants to ask Your Majesty for a promise, like the Crown Prince. When your servant thinks of something in the future, I will mention it to Your Majesty again..."


    She thought Tianqi Emperor would not agree, but unexpectedly, Tianqi Emperor agreed without thinking twice, "Okay, as long as it does not go against my principles, I will grant you one thing."


    Gu Ying was overjoyed. If it was really like this, as long as Zhao Changdu dared to force her again, she would resist him to the end.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!"


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows and looked at her as if asking: Little girl, is this to deal with me?


    Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly, and cast him a bright look: Crown Prince, let''s wait and see.


    Tianqi Emperor''s face was full of smiles as he looked at the schrs and officials below, "Alright, for this imperial hunting event, everyone performed very well. Stay here tonight, and we''ll return to Bianjing at dawn tomorrow."


    Everyone knelt down and cheered, "Long live the Emperor!"


    After that was the bonfire feast with fine wine and delicacies.


    The two sides of the long wooden table were filled with youngdies from prestigious families and young masters from noble households.


    After dinner, His Majesty and Consorts left the banquet tent, and everyone else became more rxed.


    Among the youngdies, Gu Ying was no longer as unknown as before. Many youngdies from prestigious families took the initiative to chat with her.


    Even Huo Qiyan walked over with a smile and sat down beside her, raising the jade cup in her hand, "Miss Gu, I have to thank you this time."


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows slightly.


    Huo Qiyan lowered her voice and said, "I took your suggestion and had people search the attendants, and they found one of them carrying a medicine packet. Guess what medicine it was?"


    Gu Ying already knew the answer but still remained expressionless and asked, "What was it?"


    Huo Qiyan whispered mysteriously, covering her mouth, "Mother had the doctor take a look. He said it was Bliss Powder that could make men and women infatuated. This is a major matter, mother didn''t want me to talk about it to others, so only you know about this. As for the one who wanted to harm me behind the scenes, I''m still investigating."


    After she finished, Gu Ying took a sip of hot tea.


    Seeing that Gu Ying remained silent, Huo Qiyan tilted her head in confusion and nced at her, "But how did you know that person would drug me?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "When I arrived at the hunting ground, I identally saw your servant looking strange, as if he had done something bad, so I suspected he might harm Miss Huo, and guessed from that."


    Huo Qiyan let out a long "oh" sound, she didn''t doubt it, and felt somewhat grateful to Gu Ying in her heart, wanting to befriend her, "In the future, I''ll invite you to visit the Huo residence."


    Gu Ying''s eyes were filled with smiles, "That would be wonderful, I humbly obey Miss Huo''s kindness. But Miss Huo, as an unmarried youngdy, carrying such indecent medicine powder in your sleeve, if seen by others, would damage your reputation. Why not give the medicine to me, and I''ll discreetly dispose of it for you?"


    Huo Qiyan hesitated looking at her, "You are also a woman¡ª"


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "I''m different from Miss Huo. Miss Huo is unmatched in Bianjing, bearing the destiny of a phoenix. Everyone''s eyes are on you."


    Upon hearing this, Huo Qiyan also felt that the thing in her sleeve was indeed a hot potato.


    She quietly lowered her head and slipped it into Gu Ying''s hand, "You keep it safe, don''t let anyone else see it."


    Gu Ying subtly nodded, "Don''t worry."


    After doing something naughty together, Huo Qiyan looked at Gu Ying with warmer eyes.


    She didn''t think Gu Ying was someone worth befriending before, but now she saw that Gu Ying was smart and knew how to adapt to circumstances. Most importantly, her respect and liking for herself was not mixed with the jealousy and contempt behind the back like other girls.


    She really liked her.


    So she had a good impression of her.


    Gu Ying secretly tucked the Bliss Powder into her sleeve, then bid farewell to Huo Qiyan.


    Huo Qiyan looked up, "There are song and dance performancester, won''t you miss them if you leave now?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth raised, "My clothes are dirty. I''ll go change ande back."


    She then gently ordered, "Yin Lan, Yin Zhu, let''s go."


    Huo Qiyan was puzzled. Although Gu Ying left, she left a seemingly silly maid here.


    But she was soon attracted by the graceful figures of the dancing girls at the banquet and returned to her seat, looking at Zhao Changdu eagerly.


    ...


    After leaving the imperial tent, Gu Ying immediately handed the Bliss Powder to Yin Zhu who knew martial arts. Yin Zhu didn''t say anything and just left with a cold face.


    Gu Ying paused and said solemnly, "Was Yin Zhu always like this before? She just leaves without asking anything when I do bad things?"


    Yin Lan smiled, "Yes mydy, she doesn''t speak much and seldom smiles, but is very obedient. She said as long as it¡¯s what mydy wants done, she will help without asking anything more."


    In other words, a very good tool. Gu Ying could rest assured.


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched as she smiled wryly.


    No wonder her aunt sent Yin Zhu over. This maid is a ruthless, no-nonsense type, but her martial arts skills are good. She can protect Gu Ying and help her get things done, very convenient.


    "What about you?"


    Yin Lan lowered her eyebrows, the ambiguous smile still lingering around her lips, "I don''t know any martial arts. I''m just clever. I was originally bought by the old master to serve the mistress and have her learn more tricks. Unfortunately, in the Censorate these years, the mistress was the only woman, so I didn''t get to use my skills. The mistress said this time, no matter what mydy wants to do, I''ll just help without asking anything more."


    From her tone, she sounded a little proud and expectant. She even seemed somewhat eager when she heard she could do bad things.


    This maid looked like the truly ruthless one!

 Chapter 72: Gu Ying wants to meet him

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    Gu Yingughed helplessly.


    The two people her aunt had sent were like her left and right arms, especially Yin Lan. She had a sweet mouth and nice personality, and could give Gu Ying ideas and ns.


    "Young miss, this servant understands what you want to do. These are the most basic tricks for fighting in the inner chambers. When I came here with the mistress, I had already scouted the terrain. The hunting grounds are heavily guarded by forbidding guards everywhere, but the banquet tent seems heavily fortified now when in fact it has the mostx defenses, since all the nobles and gentlemen are inside. So the store tent for hunting equipment and game on the right side of the banquet tent is the best location - this is what they call taking advantage of the darkness under themp," said Yin Lan.


    Gu Ying had been fretting over this matter. Hearing Yin Lan''s words immediately cleared her confusion. "Good, let''s set it there."


    Right now Gu Jia was still in the Gu family camp tent. Gu Ying had to think of a way to lure her out.


    "Yin Lan, go do as I said first."


    Yin Lan nced at Gu Ying in surprise, then quickly answered, "Yes, young miss."


    ...


    Gu Jia did not go to the bonfire banquet tonight.


    She had lost face after being mocked by several youngdies from prominent families today. She also had an unhappy argument with Jiang Yin, so she had pled illness and returned to her tent early.


    While Gu Ying gained face and made a big impression, Gu Jia was suppressed like this instead.


    Not only had the matter in the stables been spread around, Jiang Yin had dared to dere he wanted to break off their engagement.


    Calling off their engagement right after getting engaged, how could she keep face after this?


    She of course refused, and viciously ridiculed that Jiang fellow, only then feeling a little better.


    After returning to her tent, she looked scornfully at her own attire. Recently after Gu Ying''s change, she constantly felt inferior to her. And now she kept smelling the stench of horse dung from the stables on her body, so she had someone prepare hot water for her to bathe.


    When she returned from her bath, she saw a pot of hot tea on the table.


    Ever since Gu Min''s resentful ghost had appeared, she had developed the habit of drinking fortifying tea, and figured that Dou Kou was thoughtful enough to know that she was so angry she couldn''t do anything right now and just wanted to sleep, so Gu Jia picked up the porcin cup and poured out the hot tea to drink a mouthful.


    After a mouthful of tea slid down, a wave of warmth came over her.


    "Dou Kou?"


    No one responded.


    There was only her alone in the tent, onemp, the faint yellow glow of the flickering candlelight, and the wind and snow howling outside, as if ghosts and monsters were shrieking.


    "Dou Kou, where are you! You little slut, where did you run off to sote?"


    She shivered from the cold, and subconsciously pulled her cloak tighter, but still felt an inexplicable chilling out from her bones behind her back.


    Especially after calling for Dou Kou multiple times with no response, that chill was like wisps of smoke winding into her chest, making her even more panicked. For some reason, a burst of heat suddenly rose within her body, making her heart thump rapidly.


    She tugged at her cor with her hand and breathed out a mouthful of hot air.


    "That little slut must have gone drinking with some other maid! I''ll give her a good beating when shees back!"


    She was about to take off her cloak to put on some clothes and go out to look for people, when


    a white sheet of paper floated fluttering out of her clothes and fell down.


    She had sharp eyes and immediately saw severalrge written characters in red cinnabar ink on it - "Jia''er, I''m still alive, I''m waiting for you in the game store tent, Gu Min."


    "What the hell is this?"


    She let out a shriek, startled until her pupils shrank.


    "Who?!"


    Who had put this inauspicious thing in her clothes?!


    But...she shakily squatted down to pick up the paper, and when shepletely saw the handwriting on it, her breath was nearly choked off and she almost couldn''t breathe...


    That waspletely Gu Min''s handwriting when she was alive!


    Gu Min wasn''t dead?!


    Impossible! Gu Min had already been pushed by her into the pond and drowned! When her body was dredged up, it had already turned white and swollen like a steamed bun!


    She had personally watched her mother bury her, so how could she still be alive!


    Gu Jia fell on the ground in fright, madly shaking her head.


    Extreme fear made her ignore the heat that suddenly rose in her body.


    She bared her teeth savagely, her eyes narrowed, her fingers shaking as they tightly clutched the sheet of paper, then rushed outside, "I''ll go take a look! Just who is pretending to be a ghost and ying tricks!"


    There were many people outside, and it was lively.


    She kept a dark look on her face but her bearing was flustered. She made her way through, avoiding the strange looks from others, and barely managed to walk to the store tent for the hunted game.


    When she arrived, there were unexpectedly fewer people, because there was only hunted game piled inside, so there were almost no forbidden guards, not evenmps.


    The pitch-ck tent stood quietly in front of her. Her entire body went cold, and she took a deep breath, her heart even more panicked.


    But she had no choice.


    Gu Min''s resentful ghost had always hounded her. If she didn''t resolve this tonight, she would be trapped forever!


    ...


    Gu Ying stood in the dim corner not far away, watching as Gu Jia bent down to enter the tent, very calmly saying, "Once she''s inside, don''t let here out again."


    Yin Lan''s eyes showed some admiration. She didn''t expect the second young miss of the Gu family to actually be so clever and scheming. She couldn''t help praising, "Young miss divines well."


    "What divination," Gu Yingughed lightly. "It''s just the human heart is tricky. If her heart had no guilt, why would shee here tonight?"


    Yin Lan''s eyes shone as she looked at Gu Ying reverently and admiringly. "Young miss speaks true."


    Gu Ying smiled. "Yin Lan, go find Rouge now."


    Yin Lan quickly responded, "Yes, young miss."


    ...


    Jiang Yin sat in the corner of the tent, staring in Rouge''s direction while continuously drinking wine.


    He usually held his liquor very well, but for some reason tonight, whenever he thought of those fragmented glimpses in his mind of Gu Ying nestled by his side, begging him to look at her, his eyes quickly turned red.


    After a while, Rouge suddenly walked over to him.


    The tent was filled with singing and dancing. The dancing girls swayed their waists vigorously, exerting themselves to show their bewitching figures and alluring dance moves to the audience. The young masters anddies of prominent families toasted each other, smiling faces shining in the firelight.


    No one noticed a little maid quietly walking to Jiang Yin''s side, nor Jiang Yin''s dumbfounded expression after hearing the maid''s words.


    After she finished speaking, Rouge let out a cleverugh and returned to the Gu family''s seats. Everything happened so quickly it was as if nothing had transpired.


    Jiang Yin looked at her in a daze for a moment.


    Gu Ying wanted to meet with him?


    Gu Ying, she...was engaged to the young marquis, and also chose Fu Xun to be her partner for the hunt, so why was she enticing him now? What were the "very important words" she wanted to tell him herself?


    He shook his dizzy head. He was truly muddled. Were those oaths of love from her that shed through his mind real, or just a dream?


    He panted for breath and contemted for a while in his seat before finally summoning his heavy body to stand up.

 Chapter 73: The Greatest Shame

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    Junjie''s cheeks were flushed red, and his heart felt as intoxicating as fine wine. Just thinking about Gu Ying''s sweet and alluring little face made his chest burn like fire, restless with excitement.


    He lifted the corner of the grand banquet tent and walked out into the lively feast.


    Outside, the wind and snow were raging, the frigid weather biting his face like knives.


    Yet he did not feel cold at all. Following Hongfen''s directions, he stumbled tipsily towards the tent for storing prey.


    Gu Ying watched as he stepped closer and closer to that tent, a cold smile slowly forming at the corner of her lips.


    She had already arranged for Yin Zhu to hide in that tent. Once Jiang Yin went in, he wouldn''t be able toe out for a while.


    During those two years when she was alone, how she had hoped that Jiang Yin would want her...


    But now, she hoped even more to see him intimately embrace Gu Jia, letting all the officials and nobles in Bianjing see their true faces!


    A feeling of exhration welled up inside her, making her want tough, but she knew now was not yet the time to rejoice.


    Hearing the stifled noisesing from the tent, a woman''s soft moans soon intertwined with a man''s heavy breaths, the sound of their panting explicit and arousing.


    Before long, Gu Jia let out a cry, painful yet pleasurable.


    Gu Ying knew the deed was done.


    She swallowed down the excitement and joy churning within, closing her eyes to calm herself.


    Then she had Yin Lan toss a lit match into the corner of the tent, before tremblingly grasping Yin Lan''s arm and whispering urgently, "Let''s go, Yin Lan, hurry."


    Yin Lan did not understand why her young miss would do this, nor the pained yet gleeful look in her eyes.


    But gazing at the gentle, tranquil side of her miss''s face, and those sparkling eyes, her heart ached inexplicably.


    The young miss looks like she''s been hurt far too deeply... that must be why she bears such a resigned pain.


    Gu Ying''s heart pounded as she calmly returned to the banquet tent, where no one yet knew what was happening next door.


    But soon panicked shouts rang out, "Help! Fire! There''s a fire!"


    Hearing the cries from outside, the tent erupted into chaos as everyone rushed out to watch the spectacle unfold.


    "What''s going on? How could a fire start in this cold weather?"


    "Luckily it was just the storage for some unimportant game, no one was inside. Hurry and put out the fire!"


    "A fire starting for no reason like this... could it be something unlucky has happened?"


    Ill omens were the most taboo thing for such a grand asion.


    The Tianqi Emperor and Concubine Wan also came out, standing under the brilliant yellow canopy as they peered towards the ze.


    Gu Ying discreetly followed the crowd out of the tent, watching from afar as the store tent burned brightly.


    Just as she anticipated, a disheveled couple came stumbling desperately out of the mes, sped in each other''s arms.


    Once clear of the fire''s heat, they copsed in the snow, gasping for air in frightened shock as they stared at the inferno.


    But the nobledies and gentlemen gathered could all clearly see the messy debauched state of the pair¡¯s clothing and bodies.


    The woman''s cheeks were flushed, her hair disheveled with locks falling onto bare shoulders, her skirt torn to reveal two pale bare legs.


    The man was slightly more put together, but the strange damp marks on his clothes hinted at what had urred, his outer robe nowhere to be seen. Scratch marks were visible on his bared chest, and his handsome face was also flushed red, eyes still blurred in a drunken daze, unaware of what was happening.


    The nobledies all turned their faces away in embarrassment.


    The wives cried out in anger, "Heavens! What kind of adulterous couple is this, to daremit such lewd acts at the royal hunt!"


    "That girl looks so familiar! Isn''t she the eldest miss of the Gu family of Dongping Earl Manor?"


    "And the man with her, it''s Jiang Yin, the new top schr!"


    "Weren''t these two engaged to marry? Why so impatient that they would do this before the wedding, even burning down the storehouse? How passionate they must have been..."


    "Such indecency right before His Majesty! Jiang Yin was a promising schr, does he still want a future now? And this young miss Gu, I always heard it was the second miss who had her eyes on Jiang, but now it turns out the eldest was entangled with him all along! No wonder there were undercurrents in that family... With this scandal, I''m afraid..."


    Hearing this, Gu Jia was already in tearful panic surrounded by the imperial guards. She was cold, afraid, and full of hatred, staring at Jiang Yin with twisted crimson fury in her eyes. The drugs had worn off and she finally understood what had happened.


    She had been set up!


    And Jiang Yin had dared vite her!


    Now she had no hope of marrying into a prestigious household.


    She had been defiled, dirtied!


    Gu Jia wept piteously, heartbroken and despairing, hating herself for falling into this trap.


    Concubine Wan''s mouth quirked in a faint smile, saying nothing.


    The Tianqi Emperor was enraged, ring coldly at Jiang Yin''s ragged, debauched state. He let out an icy snort. "Good! Well done! The so-called schr of my Dong Li, the top schr! A man socking in propriety, how could he possibly serve in office in the future? Seize them, get them out of the nobledies'' sight!"


    At the emperor''smand, Gu Jia and Jiang Yin were both dumbstruck.


    Several of the imperial guards came to apprehend them.


    Gu Jia wept without dignity, crying, "Mother, save me! I''ve been falsely used! This wasn''t me! He was the one who¡ª!"


    Someone muffled her shrill objections.


    With tearful eyes she looked pleadingly through the crowd for someone who could help her, but Lady Liu was already frozen stiff in fear, not daring to stand out before the emperor and empress to plead for her.


    She even directed desperate appeals towards Gu Ying in the crowd.


    But of course Gu Ying would not help her.


    Her gaze was tranquil as she looked across the sea of people at Gu Jia and Jiang Yin, the corners of her lips curving up slowly. Soundlessly, she mouthed, "Do you like this gift I''ve given you?"


    In that moment, Gu Jia was struck by lightning, her entire body going cold as the blood drained from her face.


    And Jiang Yin, also seized alongside her, saw the words on her lips.


    His dark eyes pierced her icily, gaze so frigid it could freeze.


    But Gu Ying did not care one bit.


    From this moment on, this wretched couple would have no more reputation or standing in Bianjing.


    Want an official appointment?


    No chance!


    Aspire to be Prime Minister?


    Not anymore!

 Chapter 74: Are You Afraid of Me

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    Gu Ying seeded in her mission and quietly slipped away, breathing a long sigh of relief.


    Since being reborn, she had never felt as rxed as she did in this moment. "Has the tea in Gu Jia''s tent been taken care of?" she asked with a smile.


    Yin Lan replied, "Mistress, Yin Zhu has already taken care of it."


    The smile on Gu Ying''s lips did not diminish, and she seemed strangely rxed. It was clear she was very happy tonight.


    However, her happiness did notst long.


    She had just reached the entrance of her own tent when she saw a tall, grim figure standing with his hands behind his back in front of her tent.


    Hearing her footsteps, the man turned unhurriedly. His ink ck hair was all pulled up neatly into a jade crown. He wore a stylish dark purple robe with an auspicious cloud pattern, with high brows and deep eyes, his aura majestic and not like an ordinary mortal.


    Gu Ying''s steps faltered as her heart tightened. "Prince, what are you doing here?"


    Zhao Changdu waved his hand. "Have them all leave."


    Gu Ying''s mouth pursed slightly, somewhat unwilling.


    Zhao Changdu took a few steps to stand in front of her, lifting her chin with slender, long fingers. "Why so disobedient?"


    His tone was light, but as a military man, his aura was naturally strong.


    Even a casual sentence sounded a bit cold and displeaseding from him, making one''s heart tremble.


    Gu Ying''s heart quivered slightly, not daring to defy his will anymore. She signaled Yin Lan and the others, "You all go first. I need to talk to the Prince for a moment."


    After the maids had left,


    Zhao Changdu released her chin and directly swept open the curtain to her tent, raising a brow as he strode in.


    Gu Ying wanted to speak but hesitated. "Prince, if someone sees us like this¡ª"


    The man nced back at her, grasping her wrist in hisrge hand and pulling her in as well.


    Caught off guard, Gu Ying lost her bnce and identally fell into his embrace.


    The tent was dimly lit, she could barely make out the snowy scene outside. Gu Ying blinked nkly, her body leaning against his broad chest, numb all over.


    But not only did Zhao Changdu not let her go, his eyes darkened as he exerted some strength, grabbing her slender waist in his palm.


    The scorching heat of his palm made her face change color.


    She had not expected him to be so bold, actually sneaking into a woman''s tent at night, even daring to take liberties with her. "Prince! What are you doing?!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned red as she struggled, but she did not dare make too much noise, afraid of attracting people over. She could only let him keep her locked in his embrace, raising a pair of wet eyes pitifully and pleadingly looking at him.


    "Prince, don''t do this. Even if you want to marry me, we shouldn''t be doing such things alone when unmarried..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his head, his long eyes narrowing slightly. "You''re only fifteen. Where did you learn those tricks?"


    Sensing the man''s low air pressure and heavy breathing, the too intense masculine auraing at her.


    Gu Ying anxiously curled her fingers, her face instantly drained of color.


    "I..."


    "Gu Ying, why do you hate Jiang Yin so much?"


    "..."


    "Does your heart truly belong to him?"


    "I¡ª" Gu Ying shook her head vigorously, her eyes brimming with sorrow. Under his relentless interrogation, tears filled her eyes.


    A burst of inexplicable anger ignited in Zhao Changdu''s heart. Gripping her chin, he tilted it up. His thin lips drew close to the corner of her mouth.


    The hot breath at her lips, then two soft petals descended upon them.


    Gu Ying''s mind went nk, her whole body stiff and staring at him in shock, her heart almost jumping to her throat...


    Zhao Changdu also paused for a moment, instantly pulling back a step away from her, his brows deeply furrowed.


    He had not originally intended to kiss her...


    It was just that, sensing her special feelings towards Jiang Yin, it made him inexplicably angry, and he lost control.


    But this fleeting peck made his whole body feel uneasy.


    He had not expected Gu Ying''s lips to be so sweet and soft, and somehow so familiar, making him unable to stop.


    Thinking of this, he took advantage of her dazed state and did not react, stretching out his long arm and hugged her back into his arms. Pressing her head in his big hand, he lowered his head, his thin lips containing hers, arrogantly and forcefully caressing her lips.


    She stared incredulously. They were an unmarried man and woman... How could he kiss her!


    Her lips and teeth were pried open by him, his breathpletely invading her senses.


    Gu Ying was furious and terrified!


    How could he!


    How could he do this to her!


    "Mmm--" She struggled violently, her little face flushed red. But the more she struggled, the more difficult it was to breathe. The man holding her was too strong, her petite body was like a kitten in his arms, simply unable to resist, only able to resign herself to being fiercely pressed against the cab by him.


    Gu Ying''s little face shed between green and red. "P...Prince."


    The man leaned to her ear, his strong arms encircling her waist, his voice low and husky. "Gu Ying, marry me."


    The man''s strength was such that he seemed able to snap her waist with a pinch.


    She felt the breath in her mouth nearlypletely sucked away, her lips hurt where he was biting.


    Gu Ying''s eyes brimmed with tears as she desperately pushed against his chest, softly pleading, "Don''t--"


    That nightmare still kept her up at night even now.


    Mustering all her strength, she pushed him away, her whole body heavily falling to the icy floor, eyes red, grievously crying, tears sliding down her cheeks one by one.


    She red at him, flushed face, tightly covering her swollen lips with both hands.


    Hearing the girl''s sobbing cries, the crimson in Zhao Changdu''s eyes faded somewhat. She had an intoxicating vor that made him crazed, just shallowly tasting her tonight already made him somewhat insatiable. Now seeing the alluring redness in her eyes, he also knew it was not yet time to touch her. He could only force himself to regain some sanity.


    His expression turned cold again as he bent down and extended a hand to her.


    Gu Ying shrank back in fear, hiding her hands in her sleeves, refusing to give it to him.


    "You''re that afraid of me?"


    "No."


    Zhao Changdu fell silent, his gaze sinking deeper. He always felt this little girl before him had an inexplicable fear of him.


    She was not afraid of anyone, not even the Emperor, yet whenever she faced him, the fleeting panic and unease in her eyes still gave her away.


    Perhaps because he was a military man? Or had he unknowingly offended her somewhere in the past?

 Chapter 75: What else is there to do

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    But she was ten years younger than him, and they had never interacted before. Talking about offending and hurting her was simply out of the question.


    He heaved a long sigh, and frowned.


    Perhaps realizing that he had frightened her, they were going to be husband and wife in the future. If he scared his future wife now, I''m afraid life would be difficult in the future.


    He softened his tone and hooked the corner of his mouth, "I was too forward just now. From now on, without your permission, I won''t touch a hair on you."


    Gu Ying stubbornly bit her lip, tears wet her eyes, her face full of distrust.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips slightly hooked as he squatted down regardless of her wishes and picked her up in his arms.


    Earlier, he had thought to be a gentleman and not neglect propriety. If she really had a lover, he would stop pestering her.


    But now, he just wanted the trembling beauty in his arms to belong to him as soon as possible.


    After so many years, it was rare for a woman to interest him again. This was not easy, she wanted to escape, to shy away? She''d have to ask if he agreed.


    He put Gu Ying on the bed.


    Gu Ying didn''t hesitate to shrink under the quilt for a moment, her pair of dark wet big eyes now revealing childlike innocence and pity, looking at him pitifully, "If the Princees over again, I will call for help."


    Her voice was a little hoarse, and her chest heaved slightly due to her uneven breathing.


    Zhao Changdu sat down by the bed, listening to her low voice, his eyes falling on her flushed lips, and chuckled lightly, "Don''t be afraid, I won''t do anything to you."


    What do you mean you won''t do anything, this was already happening, what more could happen.


    Gu Ying red at him stubbornly and aggrievedly, with tears streaming down the back of her hand. She was ashamed and annoyed, "Leave."


    Zhao Changdu had onlye to ask her about Gu Jia and Jiang Yin. He didn''t expect to lose control like this in the end.


    "Cough cough." He coughed into his fist, speaking stiffly, "Since I''ve treated you like this today, I will take responsibility for you. For the engagement, I won''t slight you either."


    Gu Ying''s eyes were filled with tears. She sat on the bed hugging her knees without saying a word, clutching the thick quilt tightly until her knuckles turned white.


    Zhao Changdu knew she was an inexperienced youngdy from a boudoir, and very young. She was naturally repulsed and afraid of these things.


    It was precisely because of her fear and inexperience that he felt a little happy in his heart. At least it showed that although she knew about those things, she hadn''t been with another man yet.


    The Gu family''s reputation was probably already ruined because of Gu Jia and Jiang Yin''s affair.


    For the Gu family''s girls, it would surely be difficult to find a good marriage in the future.


    If Gu Shuang really liked Fu Xunzhi, that would be easy to say.


    But what about Gu Ying?


    The Su family would definitely not allow a woman with such a bad reputation to marry into the Marquis''s mansion. In the end, the only one who would get hurt was her.


    "Don''t cry." He stretched out his finger and wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes. He found it quite interesting to watch her cry. "Anyway, you will only be my woman in the future, this is inevitable, what''s there to cry about?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip and red at him resentfully, "Do you know, I don''t like you. Even if I marry you, the best result between us is mutual respect. The worst result would be we be a bitter couple."


    Zhao Changdu was stunned for a moment, his face turned cold, "Between husband and wife, liking each other is not important. What''s important ispatibility. It doesn''t matter if there are no feelings at the beginning. Feelings will grow over time. I will treat you well, and you will know I can be a good husband."


    Gu Ying sighed helplessly, "Your Highness, it''s not as simple as you think between men and women..."


    Hearing this, the man immediately lowered his eyes, "You don''t need to say more. I''ve made my decision and I won''t change it. Go back to the manor and wait."


    Gu Ying''s heart sank.


    Watching the man''s departing figure, she felt cold all over, even her hands and feet went soft.


    Yin Lan was the first to rush into the tent, while Yin Zhu and Yanzhi went to light the candles.


    In the dim candlelight, Yin Lan noticed the tear stains on her youngdy''s face, as well as the marks on her lips...


    "Mydy, did the Prince..."


    Gu Ying came to her senses, wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, "I''m fine."


    And said no more.


    The few maids looked at each other, not daring to ask further.


    That night, Gu Ying went to bed early.


    Outside the Gu family''s tent, it had been noisy all night until finally Mrs. Liu sent gifts around to rescue Gu Jia and Jiang Yin.


    When Gu Ying was asleep, she vaguely heard Gu Jia crying, and Mrs. Liu cursing intermittently.


    She didn''t know what had happened to Jiang Yin.


    But she didn''t want to care about his affairs anymore. Anyway, after this incident, he would never get a good official position again. He would most likely be sent to a remote ce in the southwest to be an official.


    Gu Jia was his future wife, so of course she would have to go with him too.


    Thinking this, sheughed out loud in her sleep. But not long after, she dreamed of a devilishly handsome face getting close to her ear, biting her ear, and breathing heavily that he was going to marry her.


    She was so frightened that she woke up with a start, staring nkly at the hazy tent with sleepy eyes.


    Making sure Zhao Changdu was not there, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Yanzhi hurried to her bedside, patting her shoulder and said, "Mydy, you''re finally awake. We were about to pack up and return to the city. Did you have a nightmare? I heard you kept saying ''no, no''."


    Having just woken up, Gu Ying recalled the debauchery in her dream and her face flushed red. The tent was very warm.


    She looked puzzled at the brazier in the middle.


    Yin Lan quicklyughed and said, "It was our Madam who ordered it. She said the weather was cold and snowy, so naturally we had to use the best silver thread charcoal for mydy."


    Gu Ying felt warm inside, "Auntie still dotes on me."


    Yin Lan said, "Madam has only had the young master all these years. She has always wanted a daughter but was unable to. So she has long treated mydy as her own daughter."


    Gu Ying smiled and nodded. Although she had many dreams, she felt refreshed after waking up.


    Many families outside had already started heading back home.


    She got up, washed, dressed, and was about to go to Mrs. Liu first to ask about things and watch the excitement. But Zhou Mama sent maids from all over to pass on the message that the youngdies should rest in ce today and could go straight back to the city when it was time, no need to pay respects.


    What, now that things were settled, were they afraid people would go and see Gu Jia''s ugly state?


    Gu Ying sneered, there would be plenty of opportunities to beat the fallen dogter. She might as well quietly read.


    When it was evening and most of the nobles had left, her carriage finally set off.


    After a bumpy journey, they finally arrived back at the Dongping Earl Manor.


    As soon as she entered the door, Li Mama from Gu Old Madam''s side came to summon her with a cold face.

 Chapter 76: In Turn

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    However, the protagonist of this time was not her, but Mrs. Liu from the main room and Gu Jia.


    Seeing Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia get off the carriage, facing Li Mama''s ashen face, and the undisguised fear and dread, Gu Ying had never felt so refreshed before.


    The servants moved the masters'' boxes and luggage into the backyard, and the Earl''s manor was busy but orderly, with people whispering to each other from time to time.


    Gu Ying gathered her thick fur coat and stood under the corridor, staring at the hunched figures of Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia walking towards the Yongshou Hall without moving her eyes.


    Thinking back to their previous life, the mother and daughter must have watched her walk into the Yongshou Hall countless times as well.


    What were the expressions on their faces at that time?


    Delight? Mockery? Sarcasm? Or uncontroble schadenfreude?


    The snow in Bianjing was much smaller than that in the Nanhai Hunting Ground. The willow catkin-like snowkes fell on the tall artificial rockery in the courtyard. On a withered wax plum tree that had withered for a long time, winding old branches, there were sporadic tender yellow flower buds that were not easy to spot if you didn''t look carefully.


    Gu Shuang happily curved her eyes, tilted her head, walked over here, and pulled Gu Ying''s sleeve and said, "Sister, look, the wax plum tree seems to be blooming!"


    Gu Ying was startled. Looking closely, there was indeed a not very conspicuous flower bud on the ckened branches, and a few more ready to emerge next to it if you looked closely.


    How amazing!


    After so many years, this almost dead tree actually had flower buds?


    She couldn''t say how she felt, she only felt her eyes moisten inexplicably. A dead tree blooming in spring can still sprout again, which is exactly symbolic of her rebirth!


    Gu Shuang didn''t dare to cheer loudly. Her mother had taught her to be cautious about such weird things, as the old ancestral grandmother of the Gu family was notoriously superstitious.


    "Sister, do you think this tree suddenlying alive is a good or bad omen? The original dead thinging alive seems to be auspicious, but coinciding with elder sister''s matter, it doesn''t seem to be a good sign."


    Gu Ying thought for a while, stroking her chin, and walked closer to the wax plum tree. Suddenly, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth, "An old tree flowering must be an auspicious sign."


    She was just wondering how to expose the murderer Gu Jia, and now it seemed that even the heaven was helping her!


    Gu Shuang looked puzzled. But Gu Ying didn''t continue, only urging, "Younger sister, don''t spread this matter for now."


    Gu Shuang quickly said, "Okay, I didn''t want to cause trouble anyway. I will turn a blind eye to these things."


    Gu Ying smiled. A n was slowly taking shape in her mind.


    ...


    The lights in the Yongshou Hall remained lit for a full day and night.


    When Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia came out, they both looked ten years older overnight.


    Earl of Dongping, Gu Boyan, returned from the yamen furiously, and was said to have fiercely pped Gu Jia several times in front of the servants, "Shameful! You have disgraced my Gu family! Cheap slut!"


    Gu Jia''s face was beaten swollen, and she was sent to the ancestral hall dispirited.


    It had been calm in the Yongshou Hall for a day and night. Although the old madam Gu seemed to have not had an outburst, she wore a sullen face and was so angry that she didn''t eat for a full day and night. The servants were terrified and carefully waited upon her. Everyone knew that the old madam had a storm of anger pent up inside her and it was only a matter of time before she erupted.


    Aunt Zhao was still fine. Gu Jia had lost such a big face outside and implicated her daughter''s future marriage prospects, so she just gritted her teeth and sneered a few times. She still felt that reputation was something to be picked up slowly afterwards, but beating Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia, the two bitches, ruthlessly could not wait any longer. The good show at the winter hunting ground was really refreshing. It was just a pity that she was not there to see Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu''s embarrassment herself, which was truly regrettable!


    It was very quiet in Wang''s yard. Although Gu Wan was very unhappy and broke several teacups, there was no movement afterwards that could be probed.


    Yanzhi told Gu Ying one by one all the news she had probed from each courtyard, "Miss, the old madam won''t vent her anger on our Twilight Snow Studio, right?"


    A golden beast-headed small incense burner stood in front of the open window.


    This small courtyard was still the only tranquil ce in the Earl of Dongping''s manor.


    Gu Ying was not afraid of the cold at all, simmering a warm hot water bottle while sitting quietly at the book table, reading a medical book she had rummaged out from the bottom of her mother''s boxes, carefully studying the medicines and case studies for leg problems.


    Yin Lan brewed hot tea for her and brought it to her right hand side, with a faint doubt arising in her heart. It was said that the second youngdy of this manor was illiterate, wasn''t she?


    She saw that her young miss was reading very attentively, without the slightest cluelessness of illiteracy, and her doubts deepened.


    At this time, Yin Zhu was familiarizing herself with the Twilight Snow Studio, iming that she would set up some security mechanisms for this dpidated courtyard.


    Now, Gu Ying was very trusting of these few maids in her courtyard. She casually drank a sip of the hot tea, warmed up her body, and lightly said, "It''sing."


    "Huh?" Yanzhi pouted, "We didn''t do anything, let alone offend the old madam. How can the old madam take it out on us for no reason? She can''t be so unreasonable."


    Gu Ying chuckled, "What reason can you have with a woman, let alone grandmother who is over fifty? She can''t bepared to ordinary women."


    Then Yin Lan said, "Is the young miss referring to the marriage of the Marquis of Yong''an?"


    Yanzhi was stunned. She was a fool with shallow thoughts and had always been insensitive to these things. She only looked puzzled with widened eyes, "Sister Yin Lan, what happened to the marriage?"


    Yin Lan smiled, "You''re so silly. After what happened with the young mistress, who would dare marry the youngdies of this family? I''m afraid the letter of cancetion from the Marquis Manor will arrive soon."


    Yanzhi''s expression immediately darkened upon hearing this. She pouted unhappily, "Miss, think of a way. We can''t let the main roomugh at us. Although this servant girl knows that the young miss is unwilling to marry the young marquis, if the young miss really gets her engagement annulled, I''m afraid the main room, as well as those outside, will mock the young miss to death..."


    Although Yin Lan was also regretful about the engagement with the young marquis, seeing Gu Ying''s indifference, she knew that this youngdy must have other ns in mind.


    She was not in a hurry, she would just see how the young miss handled it.


    Gu Ying sighed andughed, "It''s fine, I don''t care at all, why do you care?"


    Yanzhi pouted aggrievedly. How could she not care? What she cared about most was the young miss''s reputation. She didn''t want to see the young miss sad because of the gossip and finger-pointing outside.


    Gu Ying stared nkly at the snow scene outside the window and spaced out for a while. In her mind, the rtionship between the major families in Bianjing gradually formed a clear web of power.


    Not to mention, in this Bianjing city, how many girls who just came of age were secretly admiring the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 77: Jiang’s Mother Thought She was her Daughter-in-law

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    Speaking of the Duke of Zhenguo''s manor, it was a prominent and influential household that had rendered merit and loyal service to the throne for generations and enjoyed great imperial favor. It had been on good terms with the Huo family for generations. Although the Huo family did not wield much power, Old Master Huo was held in high esteem for his virtuous character. The younger generation of the Huo family had firmly established themselves in Dong Li''s officialdom, and no one dared easily offend them.


    On the other hand, the Su family of the Marquisate of Yong''an had always been loyal and devoted to the throne. For some unknown reason, they had not gotten along well with the Duke''s manor in the past. It was not untilter, when the two families'' rtionship gradually improved due to two children, but it could not be said to be very good either.


    The only thing was that the current Empress was a youngdy of the Su family, and the Su family was rted by blood to the imperial household. The Empress had a Princess Yueyan, who was said to have admired the Prince for many years and would definitely marry the Prince.


    With the imperial power being absolute, it could crush anyone.


    The Duke''s manor had not made any statement on this matter either, so it remained an unresolved marriage issue.


    As for the Huo family, they had long intended to marry their daughter into the Duke''s manor to continue the glory of both families.


    The current matriarch of the Huo family, Zhao Ruo, was the sister of Duke Zhao Hui of Zhenguo. Her daughter, Huo Qiyan, was naturally intended to be married back into the Zhao family.


    Therefore, the more prominent a family like the Duke''s manor was, the more they understood the importance of marital alliances with rtives to ensure the pedigree of future generations.


    Someone as high profile as Zhao Changdu, just what would he do during this time to be able to marry Gu Ying into his family against all opposition?


    Or was his statement merely joking around with no intention of marrying her at all?


    Gu Ying felt somewhatplicated. She was very clear what impact calling off the engagement with the Su family would have on her reputation.


    She did indeed feel aversion towards this Prince due to some matters in her previous life.


    But she had also heard someter rumors about him.


    When the Duke''s manor was buffeted by storms during the power struggles, and foreign enemies invaded, the old Duke desperately turned the tide but identally ingested lethal poison. During Dong Li''s internal and external strife, it was Zhao Changdu who rushed back over a thousand miles to stabilize the border situation.


    This man had fought and struggled on the battlefield for years, winning every battle. He rendered distinguished service in safeguarding the country, sacrificing himself for the nation. He was the battle god general revered by themon people and deeply loved by them.


    Heter married Huo Qiyan, the daughter of his aunt. Then some turmoil urred in the capital again, the Zhao family took control of the court, and he rocketed to be the youngest regent.


    Afterwards, when the Li imperial n declined, the Zhao n took over. Huo Qiyan became the Empress.


    Thinking back to this, Gu Ying felt somewhat confused for a moment. Back then, she was in the dpidated temple, with destitute beggars, students from out of town, and passing peasantsing and going. She only heard people mention the Empress, but no one ever said who the Emperor was. Who was the Emperor?


    Could it be Zhao Changdu?


    Gu Ying felt a momentary gloom in her heart, bing even more determined about her own wishes - even with a second chance at life, she had no great ambitions, only to avenge past grievances, protect her family, and live an ordinary life.


    Zhao Changdu would definitely not be a good match for her...


    She now only hoped that Zhao Changdu was just joking around to tease her. How could his marriage possibly involve her, someone with a bad reputation who had a broken engagement and couldn''t even recognize many words?


    "Youngdy?" The voice of Yin Lan called Gu Ying back from her chaotic thoughts.


    Gu Ying regained her focus. Her heart was a mess, so she simply got up and said, "I''m going to check on An Ning."


    ...


    The Gu household had not been peaceful over the past few days.


    With the scandal involving Gu Jia, Gu Jia and Jiang Yin''s wedding had to be dyed.


    The two families quickly set a date to sit down and properly discuss the marriage.


    Old Madam Jiang brought Jiang Ling''er to the Gu manor gates. They were led to the Yongshou Hall in the rear courtyard by the maids.


    It was Jiang Ling''er''s first time visiting such arge manor. All along the way, she couldn''t help craning her neck around, curious about everything. At the same time, she nervously and shyly clutched her mother''s sleeve, walking gingerly as if afraid to crack the green bricks underfoot.


    Old Madam Jiang was also visiting a grand manor for the first time. Her sharp old eyes darted around wildly, and whenever she saw some novelty, her hands and feet would tremble from fear, not knowing where to put them properly.


    The cotton-padded jackets worn by mother and daughter were washed to faded whiteness but still tattered. Their hair buns were also very messy, with several inappropriate ornate hairpins haphazardly inserted, frequently drawing disdainful looks and mocking from the manor''s maids.


    The two made their way to Yongshou Hall. As they drew near, they saw the maids and servants were all dressed in embroidered silks and wore bejeweled hairpins. This contrast highlighted the rustic airs of the mother and daughter even more.


    Gu Ying brought Gu Shuang to pay respects at Yongshou Hall, coincidentally running into Jiang Ling''er and her mother.


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows. It was the first time seeing Jiang''s mother without the condescending, sour and vicious sarcasm she constantly subjected Gu Ying to in their previous life. Gu Ying actually felt a little unustomed to it.


    The maids greeted Gu Ying and Gu Shuang withposure and respect.


    The neat and deferential gestures made Jiang Ling''er enviously admire them.


    She stealthily raised her head to size up Gu Ying and Gu Shuang standing not far away.


    They were both youngdies from distinguished families, dressed in silks and satins whose names Jiang Ling''er couldn''t identify. She only felt their clothes, no matter the colors or styles, looked very beautiful.


    The girl named Gu Shuang had fair and delicate skin. Her face still retained some baby fat on the jawline, with a few traces of childish naivete between the brows. Her ck hair was styled into a very pretty coiffure, adorned with pleasing green jade hairpins. When she smiled gently with lowered eyes, there was a touch of charming demeanor.


    But Gu Ying was different. She was shockingly beautiful at first nce, distracting to behold. Her skin was like snow, her hair like ink. She had bright eyes and white teeth. Even the simplest style and most in color could not diminish her exquisiteness. She was like a paintinge to life. Just standing there, she took people''s breath away and quickened their heartbeat.


    When Gu Ying coolly nced this way, Jiang Ling''er couldn''t help but lower her head in deference. She recalled that some days ago in the alley near the West Market, she had seen her elder brother speaking to this youngdy about something. Her brother''s gaze towards the girl had been...inscrutable, full of unspeakable feelings.


    Somehow, Jiang Ling''er gritted her teeth as the admiration that rose in her quickly transformed into sharp jealousy.


    Why was her fate so bitter...


    "This is Master Jiang''s mother?" Gu Ying''s thoughts raced as countless feelings swirled within her. But in the end, she still could not let go of her grudge against this old woman who had tormented her for two years. She wanted this woman who had ground her down for so many years to clearly see what kind of life she was living now, and to let her know that she would never again lower herself to fawn over this ignorant country woman who understood nothing.


    Jiang''s mother anxiously looked at the exquisite beauty before her, frightened until her lips trembled. "Oh heavens! Youngdy, you are truly blinding to this old body! Youngdy, you are so beautiful, could it be you are a heavenly immortal?"


    She had not seen Gu Jia before. At first sight of the stunning Gu Ying, she assumed this must be her future daughter-inw.


    She was overjoyed, hurriedly rubbing her rough hands on her clothes at a loss as she babbled, "Youngdy is so beautiful. In the future when you marry my son, rest assured, this old body will make sure Yin treats you well and you won''t suffer any grievance."

 Chapter 78: A surname

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    When this was said, the servant girls aroundughed.


    Gu Ying quickly said in embarrassment and anger, "You old woman, what nonsense are you talking about!"


    Jiang''s mother was shocked, her face turned pale, and seeing the servant girls around herughing at her, she didn''t know what she had said wrong either, and the happy expression on her old face froze.


    Gu Ying''s mouth corner pulled out an harmless shallow smile. She calmly pulled Jiang''s mother''s hand, lowered her eyes, and her small hand stroked the rough palm that had pped her countless times.


    She hated this old woman countless times, but when she really saw her being respectful to her without daring to say a harsh word, she just wanted tough.


    "Old mother, aren''t you just old and your eyes are blurred? Look closely, I''m not your future daughter-inw, I''m your future daughter-inw''s younger sister, Gu Ying."


    She deliberately dragged out her tone to let Jiang''s mother hear the two words Gu Ying clearly. Unfortunately, Jiang''s mother didn''t remember her, otherwise, her expression now must have been very interesting.


    Jiang''s mother''s old face flushed red all of a sudden, "Oh my, this this... it''s old me who misspoke! Youngdy don''t me old me!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes contained a trace of coldness in her smile. "I don''t me you. After all, you haven''t seen the big world, mistaking someone ismon. Old mother, don''t you think, I am the legitimate daughter of the Earl of Dongping, how could I marry your son?"


    Jiang''s mother didn''t know why, she finally felt Gu Ying''s malice towards her.


    She pursed her lips and dared not speak with obedience.


    "Miss Jiang, why haven''t you gone in yet?" Gu Ying tilted her head and smiled gracefully and gently.


    Jiang Ling''er didn''t expect Gu Ying to take the initiative to greet her. She was ttered and swallowed her saliva. "I... I''m waiting for my brother."


    "Oh? Miss Jiang''s brother is here."


    Gu Ying seemed to see the figure and chuckled softly, the corners of her lips slightly raised.


    The beautiful woman''s smile made Jiang Yin who was walking behind Jiang Ling''er lose his mind.


    His brows wrinkled first, he looked straight at Gu Ying. His eyes gradually sunk, he looked deeply at her, his eyes were extremely dark, revealing some resentment.


    It was rare for the yard of Yongshou Hall to be so lively, it was a pity that the weather was bad, snow fluttered, lead clouds covered the sky, and Jiang Yin''s face looked even worse than the weather, as cold as an ice cer.


    Gu Ying met his strong gaze, and she was extremely excited inside, "Master Jiang, please?"


    Jiang Yin''s gloomy eyes fell on the smile at the corner of Gu Ying''s lips. His heart ached sharply again.


    "Brother." Jiang Ling''er seemed to have found a lifesaver and pulled Jiang Yin''s sleeve tightly, "Let''s go in first, it''s a bit cold outside."


    Jiang Yin turned his head and patted Jiang Ling''er''s back of hand twice, and walked into Yongshou Hall with her, brushing past Gu Ying.


    "The young master''s family is poor, I''m afraid this time he can''t even afford a good betrothal gift."


    "Of course, didn''t you see the patches on the youngdy''s clothes? There are patches on it."


    "A family from the countryside, can''t get on the stage. In the future, they will probably rely on our Earl''s House to give alms to their family. The youngdy is so pitiful, marrying into such a family, will she have good days to live in the future?"


    Jiang Ling''er listened to the whispers of the maidservants, her cheeks flushed with irritation, but she couldn''t behave like those youngdies.


    She lowered her head more humbly, standing behind Jiang''s mother and Jiang Yin like a servant.


    What they said was right, the Jiang family really couldn''t afford a decent betrothal gift.


    Jiang Yin had only raised one hundred taels of silver by selling the ancestral house, which was negligible in front of the Gu family.


    Gu Old Madam was furious immediately and bluntly proposed, "In that case, your son can only marry into our family!"


    As soon as Jiang''s mother heard this, she hurriedly stood up and said angrily, "Marry into your family? That''s impossible! My son Jiang Yin is the only descendant in his generation! He is the only incense left in the Jiang family and cannot marry into your family! Cannot! Don''t think you can bully usmon people by relying on your power and status!"


    Gu Jia''s dowry was hundreds of times more than Jiang Yin''s betrothal gift. Jiang Yin had taken Gu Jia''s chastity, so it was nothing for the groom''s side, but the bride''s side refused to marry, which was embarrassing.


    However, as soon as Gu Old Madam''s threatening words came out, Jiang''s mother and Jiang Ling''er, who had been holding back for a long time, couldn''t find a word to refute.


    The matchmakers of both sides had extremely embarrassed and ugly expressions.


    However, Jiang Yin frowned gloomily, listening to Gu Old Madam arguing with his mother, he ufortably pinched his brow and said heavily, "I agree to marry into your family."


    His weighty words finally settled the dust.


    Gu Ying watched the excitement inside for a while, then got bored directly. She stretched out her slender fingers, covered her mouth and yawnedzily, "Yin Lan, let''s go back."


    She didn''t even want to watch the show anymore, and felt that Jiang Yin and his whole family were inauspicious.


    From now on, let Gu Jia enjoy all the hardships she had suffered before.


    ...


    Gu Ying left Yongshou Hall with Yin Lan and first went to Mohufang to see Gu Ning''s leg disease.


    She dismissed Cui Ling and rolled up Gu Ning''s trouser legs by herself. It seemed that in the few days she went to the winter hunting ground, Cui Ling had not taken good care of her brother either.


    On the contrary, there were several more deep and shallow purple and blue bruises on his waist and legs. Especially on the most embarrassing part of his inner thighs, there were some too.


    Gu Ning suddenly closed his legs tightly, his face was bloodless, he looked at Gu Ying''s pained expression timidly, unable to lift his head.


    Gu Ying''s heart was twisted like a knife. She didn''t uncover his wounds, just quietly hugged his weak body and distressedly said, "Why is it getting more and more painful? Ning, can you try getting off the bed?"


    Gu Ning shook his head. He bit his teeth, walked two steps off the bed, his forehead was already sweating, and his fingers began to show symptoms of numbness and spasms. It could be seen that the illness was getting more and more serious.


    Seeing him struggling to try to stand up, Gu Ying felt extremely distressed. She quickly helped him back to the bed.


    "Alright, Ning, let''s not go anymore. Your illness can''t be rushed, we have to take it slow."


    "I''m already crippled..." The teenager said hoarsely, lifeless.


    He seemed to have given up. He pulled the corners of his mouth self-deprecatingly, sitting limply on the bed like a fragile porcin doll, revealing a broken smile.

 Chapter 79: Jiang Yin is Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    Gu Ying stared at the young man''s legs, whose calves were gradually withering away, and felt extremely sad. "Ah Ning, you still refuse to call me sister?"


    Gu Ning stiffened and turned his head away. His pitch-ck, deep pupils were filled with agony.


    He was unwilling and did not want to.


    He hated his sister because she had never cared about him before. Now that his legs were disabled and wasting away, and he was mocked by everyone in the household, even a maidservant dared to humiliate him right in front of his face.


    He loathed these people to the core.


    He also knew it wasn''t his sister''s fault, yet he could not help but resent her, begrudge her.


    Gu Ying did not want to force him. Anyway, she had plenty of time and opportunities. No matter what, she could not let that cheap Mrs. Liu harm her younger brother again.


    Stopping Liu Langzhong''s medicine was just the first step. The second step was to wait for the imperial physician Wang from the pce toe and take a look at his legs, at least to find out what the problem was, before prescribing the right medication. It was definitely better than blindly fumbling like headless flies now.


    She smiled and rubbed his long hair draped over his shoulders,forting him to eat well. After Gu Jia''s marriage was settled, Imperial Physician Wang woulde too.


    Gu Ning remained silent and did not speak. The Wind Bathing Studio was very cold. The charcoal in the brazier was burning, yet he still felt cold. Sometimes he even felt like he was about to die, that kind of icy feeling rising from the bottom of his heart, tormenting him from time to time.


    Feeling disheartened, he leaned crookedly on the bed. The bedding had been changed to clean ones, yet he still felt very filthy.


    Gu Ying knew he did not want to talk to her. She sighed, got up and left the Wind Bathing Studio.


    Yin Lan said, "Miss, have you not seen the young master''s medical records?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "Ah Ning doesn''t have any medical records."


    Yin Lan understood in her heart. There must be something suspicious about the young master''s legs, otherwise the young masters living in a wealthy household would all have medical records when seeing a doctor and taking pulses.


    So she sincerely suggested, "If the miss really wants to save the young master, why not let Yin Zhu stick to him day and night starting tonight to keep an eye on the situation here?"


    Gu Ying raised her brows, a hint of joy on her face as she turned her head. "Can Yin Zhu do it?"


    Yin Lan smiled. "She is healthy and more spirited than us. Keeping watch for three days and three nights is no problem."


    Gu Ying pondered for a moment. She had intended to do this earlier, butcked capable people around. Yin Zhu hade at the right time.


    "Good. Then let''s start tonight. I want to see what exactly Mrs. Liu has done to my brother."


    Not long after the mistress and maid left the Wind Bathing Studio and turned a corner around a long corridor, just after passing through a drooping flower door, Gu Ying felt her wrist being forcefully grabbed by someone.


    "You--"


    "If you scream, I''ll kill you."


    The neer had a knife up his sleeve. The gleaming de was currently pressed against her waist, and she could feel a piercing pain through her thick wadded coat. It seemed he was using a lot of force.


    Yin Lan''s shriek got stuck in her throat as she anxiously watched the man and the dagger in his hand. She was so frightened that her face was bloodless.


    "Jiang... Young Master Jiang, calm down... Let''s talk nicely... First let go of my young miss..."


    Jiang Yin''s eyes emitted a ghastly cold light. He looked at Gu Ying, "Let your maid leave first."


    Gu Ying''s longshes quivered. Her clear and cold gaze steadily sized up the man''s handsome yet gloomy face. The panic she initially felt had nowpletely faded away. The corners of her lips even curled upzily.


    "Young Master Jiang, why should I listen to you?"


    "Don''t you want to live?"


    "Do you really dare to kill me?"


    "Gu Ying--you''re asking for death!"


    Jiang Yin gnashed his teeth, ring at her with almost violent eyes. But his big hand had already recklessly pulled her slender waist towards him, dragging her to a secluded corner where no one would pass by.


    There was a low wall here, separated from an abandoned courtyard next door.


    He moved roughly, forcefully pushing her against the wall. His gaze was heavy as he stared at her exquisite little face nestled in a ring of white fur cor. Her eyes were brimming with ayer of mist, evoking an irresistible urge to love and protect her, or to bully her.


    He could no longer restrain the turbulent undercurrent swirling within him. Lowering his head, his lips recklessly pressed towards her red ones.


    Gu Ying narrowed her beautiful eyes, and lifted her palm to p him hard across the face.


    "p!"


    Jiang Yin''s face was pped to one side, a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. He licked his lips, his pitch-ck, sinister eyes ncing sideways at her. "Gu Ying, you dare hit me?"


    Gu Ying alsoughed coldly, looking back at him without any fear. "You''ve eaten the heart of a bear and the guts of a leopard, daring to take liberties with me. Why can''t I hit you?"


    "Heh heh." The surging undercurrent in Jiang Yin''s dark pupils was suppressed anger on the verge of erupting. "What is it, Gu Ying? Back then, you cried and made a fuss, saying you liked me, and got your eldest sister to give me handkerchiefs, love poems, sachets. You even said you wanted to marry me and be my wife, that you''d only marry me and no one else. Yet now, you''ve suddenly changed. If I hadn''t personally felt your feelings towards me in your eyes, I would suspect you were possessed by some evil spirit."


    Gu Ying''s mind trembled slightly, her pupils contracting as she red at him.


    Seeing the intense hatred in her eyes, Jiang Yin was only slightly surprised before he quickly and satisfactorily raised the corners of his lips.


    "Ah Ying, you care about me, don''t you?"


    Gu Ying almost vomited from disgust. She looked mockingly into the darkness in his eyes but said nothing.


    Her silence only fueled Jiang Yin''s arrogance andcency.


    He chuckled frivolously and moved closer to her, his fingers stroking down her cheek. His eyebrows and eyes were seductive. "At the Nanhai hunting grounds, you deliberately designed the situation between me and Gu Jia, right?"


    "You''re doing this to me because you feel I will never fall in love with you in this lifetime. So out of love turned hatred, you did those things to get my attention, to make me notice you, right?"


    "Ah Ying, ah Ying..."


    He used a finger to gently lift her chin, gazing intently into the churning emotions in her eyes, smiling meaningfully. "Sometimes I really feel that you love me so much, your love for me is uncontroble. Every time you look at me, your eyes are full of affection I cannot ignore. I even feel that you were once my woman, married me and became my wife, and gave me children--"


    "Keep dreaming!"


    Gu Ying sneered again and pped him across the face.


    She equally hated the former ignorant herself who was infatuated with him without a bottom line. It was precisely because of her foolishness that allowed him to push her step by step into the abyss of hell.


    This bastard actually dared to mention those disgusting things from their past life!


    For an instant, Jiang Yin''s gaze turned sinister. He used his tongue to push against his mrs, spitting the blood in his mouth to the side.


    "What is it, did I hit a nerve and make you angry with shame? I still remember your body fragrance, your smooth and fair skin, and your plump round--"

 Chapter 80: The Death of His Heart

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    Gu Yinghong''s eyes reddened, and her palm tingled. But looking at the vulgar and shameless appearance of the man in front of her, her eyes gradually changed from anger to calm, and finally to indifference.


    She slowly raised the corners of her mouth, thinking in her mind about how to ruthlessly stab a knife into the heart of this cold and ruthless man, so that he could also experience the piercing pain that she had felt.


    But a man like him, arrogant and aloof, would naturally not be knocked down by her few trivial words.


    Now, she had already ruined half of his future prospects, and tied him together with a woman like Gu Jia.


    But this was far from enough.


    He married into the Gu family, and although the reputation spread out would not sound very nice, how could Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu not make arrangements for this brother-inw of theirs?


    Mrs. Liu had always had some connections, and her olddy friends who had received titles by now, if they sent gifts and money, could probably fight for some achievements for him.


    A man like him, everyone was just a stepping stone for him to climb up. He was heartless and had probably never truly loved anyone.


    Gu Yinghong suddenly smiled, her picture-like eyebrows opened up, and her smile was as beautiful as a flower.


    She solemnly looked into the man''s deep eyes, put her small hand on his chest, and said sincerely, "Jiang Yin, what if I tell you that I really was your wife before?"


    Jiang Yin''s heart skipped a beat as he stared fiercely at her.


    Gu Yinghong was still smiling, smiling carefreely. "I loved you more than I loved myself. I was willing to abandon my dignity and status for you, and give my life for you. But so what? I suddenly woke up and regretted it. Most importantly¡ª"


    Her beautiful eyes fell on Jiang Yin''s pale handsome face. She really felt that she had let go of her obsession with him, so her heart would no longer feel self-pity because of his indifference. She smiled breezily and said word for word, "Jiang Yin, I don''t love you anymore."


    Jiang Yin''s eyes turned cold. He grabbed her hand tightly and gritted his teeth. "Gu Yinghong, what nonsense are you talking about!"


    Gu Yinghong struggled free of his grip. Her small hand moved up and stroked his prominent handsome brow. She murmured, "A Yin, do you think I''m really talking nonsense?"


    Being called A Yin made Jiang Yin''s whole body tremble. A strange feeling rose up in his heart.


    They looked into each other''s eyes, and everything around them seemed to have frozen.


    He remembered those dreams he had been having about her recently, in the dreams, she loved him wholeheartedly, she was his wife, she had tried so hard just to give him a son and a daughter, she loved him so much...


    He clenched his fists tightly, looking at Gu Yinghong''s indifference on her face. A nameless sourness quickly spread throughout his body. "A Ying, I..."


    Halfway through his words, his head was in excruciating pain, and his heart felt like being clutched and crushed by a big hand, the pain made him bleed.


    "Ah--"


    He couldn''t help but let out a low roar, holding his head in pain, staggering and almost falling to the ground several times. His handsome face was twisted.


    Gu Yinghong''s state of mind was unprecedentedly peaceful. She blinked her eyes, forced back the tears that she had been enduring, lowered her head expressionlessly, and stroked the wrinkles on her clothes. "Master Jiang, I will pretend I didn''t see you today. If you pester me again, I can only hand you over to Grandmother and Eldest Sister."


    Jiang Yin''s mind went nk as he stared nkly at the smoky pink skirt passing by in front of him.


    After a while, the woman had already left with her maidservant.


    He closed his eyes fiercely, the pain in his chest was like being stabbed by a de, and it took him a long time before the pain became more and more unbearable.


    How could this be? What was real? Why did she say again that she was his wife...


    But if she really was his wife, why was her eldest sister now engaged to him?


    He painfully clutched his head again. Gu Yinghong''s charming voice kept haunting him.


    "A Yin! A Yin! Do I look good in this dress?"


    "Do you like me wearing this? It''s so revealing that I really don''t feelfortable wearing it, but if you like it, I...I can try."


    "A Yin, do you prefer a son or a daughter?"


    "A Yin, I made your favorite food today. Will youe home and eat with me after work today?"


    "A Yin, A Yin, it¡¯s thundering, I¡¯m so scared, hug me, okay?"


    "A Yin...what if I can''t conceive your child...will you abandon me..."


    "A Yin, our child is gone..."


    In his mind, she looked pitiful, helpless, and in tears.


    She once loved him so much, why was she so cold-hearted now?


    "Gu Yinghong! What spell have you cast on me!" Jiang Yin shook his head violently, punching the wall angrily with his fist, his bloodshot eyes violent and fierce. "Don''t think you can escape from my palm. Never!"


    ...


    Gu Yinghong felt suffocated in her chest. After leaving Jiang Yin, her ghastly little face eased up.


    Yin Lan had been frightened all this time, holding her hand tightly, using her own palm''s warmth to convey to her, "Miss, are you okay?"


    "I''m fine." Gu Yinghong smiled absently at her and said gratefully, "Don''t tell anyone about today."


    Yin Lan: "Between the young master Jiang and you..."


    Gu Yinghong: "We have nothing. I just said those things to fool him."


    Yin Lan didn''t know what had happened. Seeing her pale, sorrowful and confused look, her heart ached. "This servant understands, don''t worry Miss."


    Gu Yinghong smiled bitterly. She didn''t know what had provoked her to say those reckless words to Jiang Yin today either. Obviously she shouldn''t have been so impulsive. But she just couldn''t stand to see him well off.


    She was in pain, so she wanted him to suffer with her.


    So she didn''t regret it, she even wanted to y bigger.


    Unfortunately, Jiang Yin was different from her. He didn''t have the memories from their previous life. Otherwise, if he knew that she had ruined his prospect of bing the top minister, he would probably vomit blood.


    Thinking of this, she couldn''t helpughing out loud again. "Yin Lan, have you ever hated someone before?"


    Yin Lan tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Yes, hated before."


    Gu Yinghong asked, "What happened to that person now?"


    Yin Lan smiled and said, "Now he''s buried in the ground, I''m afraid he''s almost turned into a handful of dirt. Back then, he wronged me and caused me to lose a child in my belly. Later, when he was drunk, I took the chance and killed him. It was thedy who helped me bury him and got me off the hook. In the end, she was even willing to take me in to serve in the Censorate."


    Gu Yinghong was taken aback, "So the real ruthless one turned out to be you!"


    Yin Lan blinked. "Is the young miss scared?"

 Chapter 81: The Marriage of the Marquis

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    Gu Ying shook her head and said sincerely, "No, no one is born evil. Only those who are driven to desperation have no choice but to be evil. You are a woman, and women are weak by nature. If you made up your mind to fight back, you must have suffered a lot before you had no choice but to kill him, right?"


    Yin Lan was silent for a moment, perhaps empathizing, or perhaps wondering how Gu Ying, just a fifteen-year-old girl, could make such mature remarks.


    She recalled the man who had abused her for years, and thought of how the child in her belly turned into a pool of blood flowing out between her legs before it even took shape. Her eyes gradually turned cold, then slowly smiled open, nodding like she was coaxing a child, "The youngdy is right."


    Gu Ying hugged Yin Lan and rested her chin on her shoulder. In a hoarse, childish voice she said, "Yin Lan, I''ll treat you well in the future. Don''t put your hopes in any man, men will only hurt and harm you."


    Yin Lan hugged her waist in return. She didn''t know if the youngdy was speaking to her or herself, but all she could do now was to quietly let the youngdy hold her.


    This was the first time she felt that she was not a ve, but the elder sister of the young miss of the prestigious Earl Manor.


    She sighed softly, "Has the youngdy been hurt by someone too?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes grew hot, she sniffed, pulled away from her, and her expression calmed down. "No, I won''t be hurt by men either. I remember now, I must rely on myself at all times, not on others."


    Just like her unreliable father.


    After her mother passed away, he went far away to the border. He woulde back once every three or five years if they were lucky. He rarely came back to see her and her brother. Although he asionally sent some little gifts from the bordends to amuse her, and wrote her letters, with him not around, theck of fatherly love could never be filled.


    Since even her birth father was like this, how could she ce her hopes on a stranger who might be her husband in the future, and rely on him for the rest of her life?


    Yin Lan tilted her head sympathetically and gripped her soft little hand. "The youngdy''s mind is as deep as her graceful temperament. I''ve made up my mind that I won''t marry again in this life. I will repay Madam for life and apany the youngdy for life."


    Gu Ying smiled genuinely, "Let''s go back to Musui Studio."


    ...


    The days that followed were somewhat dramatic.


    Gu Jia and Jiang Yin set their wedding date for the end of the year, just a month away.


    With the date set, it seemed Gu Jia''s heart was also suddenly settled. She also seemed to have epted this oue and Jiang Yin.


    After leaving the ancestral hall, she stopped going out. She stayed in her Cangwu Pavilion every day, happily spending her days embroidering her wedding dress in preparation for her wedding.


    Moreover, since Jiang Yin was marrying into her family, as the wife, no matter Jiang Yin''s achievements, he would have to listen to her. She resigned herself to her fate of not making a prestigious marriage, and started seriously preparing for her marriage with Jiang Yin.


    What delighted Gu Jia even more was that after the winter hunt ended, the young lord of Yong''an Marquis Manor was promptly sent to the border by the old marquis to temper himself.


    On the third day, the letter cancelling the engagement arrived at Dongping Earl Manor from the marquis manor.


    Lady Dowager Gu Jia was still busy with Gu Jia''s wedding. She had originally nned to thoroughly interrogate Gu Ying about what happened with Fu Xuan at the hunting grounds after finishing Gu Jia''s wedding preparations.


    As soon as the cancetion letter arrived, the olddy was suddenly thrown into disarray, and nearly copsed to the ground in anger.


    "What an injustice! What an injustice!"


    "At my age, there is not a single person in this family who doesn''t give me trouble!"


    On the day of the cancetion, the marquis manor acted rtively low-key.


    The old marquis came in person with a decent matchmaker, bringing the original marriage contract to Yongshou Hall.


    When Gu Ying received the news, she had just gotten up and finished the fresh milk delivered from the kitchen.


    Yanzhi rushed in furiously just as Gu Ying was holding the anti-aging pills that Yin Lan had fetched from the manor''s medicine pavilion, and was gently raising her longshes. Her eyes still held some lingering drowsiness after just waking up. "What''s the hurry?"


    Yanzhi was so angry her face turned red. She yelled in a shrill voice, "Youngdy, the marquis manor has reallye to cancel the engagement! That wretched young lord imed to like you! How could he send a cancetion letter just three days after returning!"


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched, but she remained rtively calm. "Are you afraid the neighboring Weiyuan General Manor won''t know your youngdy''s engagement was cancelled?"


    She sat up, without the slightest anger or fluctuation on her face, gazed at the anger on Yanzhi''s face, andughed. "After all, he is young and couldn''t withstand the winds and waves. A cancelled engagement is nothing worth mentioning."


    Yanzhi was indignant.


    Thinking of her youngdy''s tragic fate, she knelt on the footstool by the bed, grabbed Gu Ying''s skirt with her little hands, and couldn''t help but feel sad to the point of wanting to cry. "But youngdy, after having your engagement cancelled, your reputation will be worse than eldest youngdy... ording to our Dong Liws, a cancelled engagement is equal to divorce. When you marry again in the future, you will already be considered a twice-married woman. Which respectable schr in Bianjing City will still be willing to marry you then!"


    "Based on what you said, your youngdy will immediately be the notoriously unwanted steamed bun in Bianjing City?"


    Yanzhi gritted her silver teeth. "Exactly!"


    Gu Ying chuckled. Yanzhi was silly but also quite cute.


    In her past and present livesbined, she no longer had high expectations for human nature. Thanks to Yanzhi''s unswerving loyalty, she knew there were still people in this world who loved her so unquestioningly.


    Her heart softened into a pool of spring water.


    She held Yanzhi''s little hand in hers and rubbed her frozen stiff fingers. "Didn''t you use the Frost Flower Cream I gave you?"


    "Youngdy, I''m telling you important things!"


    "The cancelled engagement can''t be more important than your hands." Gu Ying carefully examined the chapped skin and frostbite on her hands that grew every winter. She was extremely distressed. She casually took some Frost Flower Cream and applied it to her hands herself.


    Yanzhi was stunned.


    Yin Lan smiled as she brought in hot water and smoothly handed Gu Ying a hot towel. "Youngdy, look at how silly this girl is."


    Gu Ying also smiled. "But Yanzhi is right too. The marquis manor cancelling the engagement will surely make Gu Jia eager to watch me make a spectacle of myself. I''m afraid Mrs. Liu won''t be able to restrain herself either."


    She wasn''t worried about anything else, just that Mrs. Liu would continue making trouble using her marriage.

 Chapter 82: A Successful Divorce

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    Yanzhi nkly raised her tear-stained little face and looked down at her own slender, jade-like fingers again, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Miss, you''re so kind to this servant."


    Gu Ying finished wiping her hands and thought to herself that this little bit of kindness was nothing. Yanzhi had nearly died for her sake.


    She took the handkerchief that Yin Lan handed over and wiped her face clean. Her snow-white little face shone brightly in the faint morning light.


    "The young miss is right. Now that old Madam is not managing affairs, the inner residence only listens to Mrs. Liu. If Mrs. Liu marries the young miss off to some awful family, the Marquis will naturally not intervene either, and Second Young Master is at the border, unable to rush back in a short period of time. People all say marriage is a woman''s second rebirth, so the young miss must still be careful."


    Gu Ying smirked and stroked Yanzhi''s fuzzy little head, saying to Yin Lan, "You''re right, but I have my own ns in mind. We''ll deal with Mrs. Liu''s matters slowlyter. Today I still need to go see Old Marquis Hou, after all I didn''t intend to marry into the Su family either, so I should return that betrothal jade pendant."


    Yin Lan smiled and nodded. "I''ll follow whatever the young miss decides."


    After grooming and dressing herself, Gu Ying was satisfied looking in the bronze mirror at her own paleplexion and listless expression, seeming heartbroken and dejected. She got up and supported the still red-eyed Yanzhi out of Muyue Study to Yongshou Hall.


    Old Marquis Hou had already been sitting in Yongshou Hall for a while.


    Beside him sat a young man, around twenty years old, wearing a green-toned robe with grey fur draped over it, handsome and refined with a bright moon-like appearance.


    The atmosphere in the inner hall was somewhat awkward and tense amidst the curling incense smoke.


    As soon as Gu Ying walked in, Old Marquis Hou Su Ning''s deep gaze looked over, sizing her up.


    The neer was young and frail, with a little snow-white face the size of a palm. There were two circles of fatigue and darkness under her eyes, and her body trembled weakly, as if anxious and flustered after hearing of the canceled engagement, rushing over without even a cloak. Large kes of snow were scattered over her body, and a st of cold air swept in when she entered the hall. Yet she was still timidly well-behaved, standing by the door to shake off some of the chill before daring toe over.


    She bowed to the few people in the hall, her frostbitten purple lips unable to speak clearly. "Ying pays respects on behalf of Grandmother."


    Gu''s Mother-inw red at her. "Stand up. Go pay your respects to the Old Marquis, and this is Fifth Young Master Su from the Su family, your little uncle. Address him as Uncle from now on like the young marquis."


    "Ying pays respects to the Old Marquis."


    "Pays respects to Uncle."


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes, concealing their shrewdness. She walked carefully to stand in front of Old Marquis Hou and bowed, her actionscking any respectable family''s demeanor and even a bit clumsy. In her flustered state, her embroidered shoe got caught in her skirt hem, almost causing her to fall over in embarrassment.


    Luckily Su He timely reached out to steady her, allowing her to bashfully stand upright again. "Thank you, Uncle."


    Su He looked up, just happening to meet the young girl''s bright eyes. Was this girl deliberately acting like this?


    He was briefly stunned before swiftly regaining hisposure, smiling amiably back at her.


    "Ying heard that the marquis came to annul the engagement, and I was so anxious..." She tugged at her fingers and spoke aggrievedly. "So I rushed over looking like this, Grandmother, does the marquis really want to annul my engagement?"


    Su Ning disappointedly nced at her.


    After so many years, this was still his first time seeing Gu Ying at such a close distance.


    When she was little, she had a timid personality, always clutching Ye Shi''s skirt and hiding behind her, frightened and pitiful. He didn''t like her much back then.


    But looking closely now, the little girl had matured into a graceful beauty, her appearance increasingly resembling Bianjing''s number one beauty, Ye Shi.


    It was a pity though, her appearance was outstanding, but her personalitypared to her mother''s fell far short.


    Ye Shi was peerlessly elegant and talented, astonishingly beautiful, making people forget worldly cares upon seeing her. Back then countless men had fallen for her elegance and charm.


    Yet her daughter was so mediocre, illiterate and crude, without knowledge of proper etiquette or morals. Along with the previous rumors with Jiang Yin, and unclear entanglement with Fu Xuan at the winter hunt, she waspletely unlikable.


    "Forget it, sit down for now." Su Ning spoke domineeringly with an icy arrogance. As a military man, he had always been tough, speaking forcefully.


    Not just Gu Ying, even Gu''s Mother-inw frowned slightly at themanding tone.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying''s eyes instantly reddened as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    She didn''t dare sit, only standing solitary there, heartbroken and on the verge of copse.


    Seeing the tears on her face, Su Ning became even more impatient, without any pity at all. "Lady Gu, I''ve already personally brought over the annulment letter. Hurry up and give me an answer on whether the engagement will be canceled."


    Gu''s Mother-inw pulled at the corner of her mouth in a smile. "Old Marquis, this marriage was agreed on by my daughter-inw and your wife in person back then, and our families also exchanged tokens. For the Old Marquis to now personallye demanding an annulment, you are simply not giving any face to my household."


    Her words were clearly rejecting it.


    Su Ning coldly snorted. "Back then my wife and Ye Shi also agreed that if the two children grew up and did not develop affection or the desire to marry each other, the engagement could be cancelled based on the circumstances, and did not set this in stone."


    Gu''s Mother-inw was stunned, her brows knitted as she responded coldly. "Could it be Yong''an Marquis Manor wants to go back on their word like a spineless coward?"


    Sparks exploded in the air.


    Su Ning''s piercing gazended on Gu Ying as he mocked. "It''s not my manor going back on its word, but that your Gu family''s girl is not worthy of my manor!"


    Gu''s Mother-inw sneered and retorted. "Back then, wasn''t the marquis also fickle and unfaithful like this, breaking off the engagement with the Lin family, then promptly marrying the eldest young miss of the Xie family instead? What now, the marquis has personallye to annul the young marquis'' engagement, the son following the father''s example, also leading the young marquis down the old path the former marquis took? Don''t regret itter!"


    Su Ning was furious with shame. He fiercely stood up and mmed the table. "Lady Gu, nonsense!"


    Back then, for some unknown reason, Old Marquis Hou had inexplicably broken off the engagement with the Lin family.


    This led to Lin Shiter marrying into Prince Jing''s manor, giving birth to the current Heir Apparent Zhao Changdu. Within a few years, Lin Shimitted suicide by jumping off Jixue Cliff during the winter hunt.


    Old Marquis Hou''s past affair with Lin Shi was still an unmentionable secret to this day.


    Gu''s Mother-inw also realized she had gone too far, her old face stiff as she had no words in response.


    The atmosphere turned awkward again.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, listening to the two elders bickering back and forth. Hearing this, she tearfully bowed to Gu''s Mother-inw and Old Marquis Su again, seeming to steel her resolve. "Grandmother, Ying is willing to annul the engagement."


    Gu''s Mother-inw angrily shouted, "Ying!"

 Chapter 83: Down with the Punches

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    Gu Ying handed the jade pendant she had been gripping tightly to Old Marquis Su, forcing a smile, "Little girl is returning Young Marquis''s jade pendant to Old Marquis today. From today onwards, Gu Ying has severed all ties with Young Marquis, with no further entanglements. The little girl asks for nothing more, and only hopes that Young Marquis will be able to find a well-matched youngdy of a respectable family to exchange wedding vows with and grow old together in the future."


    Su Ning''s brows furrowed as he nced at Gu Ying''s pitiful little face, seemingly reminded of Madam Lin whom he had previously annulled the engagement with...


    Back then, Madam Lin was also heartbroken and devastated at first. Later, when he forcibly demanded annulment of the marriage, she smiled through her tears and personally handed their engagement gifts back to him in front of all the Lins.


    Time flowed by, and it seemed like history was repeating itself. Su Ning felt a vague sense of unease in his heart.


    The little girl was sincere, and appeared frail, but her expression and the gleam in her eyes were somewhat reminiscent of Madam Ye''s bearing back in the days.


    Could he have judged wrongly? Was this girl not as undeserving as rumored?


    But now that things hade to this, there was no room for retreat. He epted the jade pendant with a deep sigh, "Don''t take my stern words to heart, little girl. A man and a woman should not be bound together by a mere marriage contract. It''s just that you two were not fated to be together. Huanfeng still has an immature temperament and would not make a suitable husband for you. He might not even be able to protect you in the future. Be at ease, you will surely be able to find a good husband in the future with my Yong''an Marquis Manor''s backing, one who will cherish you for life."


    Gu Ying''s heart was calm, as she gave him a look of gratitude, "Thank you, Old Marquis."


    Su Ning took a deep look at her. She was but a woman, even if Huanfeng returned in the future to find the marriage annulled, he could easily find him several better matches, tens or hundreds of times better than Gu Ying, and he would not make a fuss.


    He said indifferently, "I''ll take my leave."


    Then he left Yongshou Hall with Su He.


    Only Gu Ying remained in the hall. She lowered her head, revealing a swan-like white neck, looking weak and pitiful.


    Gu Old Madam stared at her sullenly, unable to help but angrily scold, "You''re still so young yet you dare make your own decisions? Do you know how much face I''ve lost for the sake of this marriage?!"


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly. Her grandmother had long favored the main house. Where was her heartfelt care for her wellbeing?


    She had lost face not for her sake, but for the Marquis Manor. After all, losing such a good marriage would be theughing stock of the whole city, and it would humiliate more than just herself, this pitiful abandoned girl.


    Her beloved eldest son of the main house, Gu Jia and her sisters, Gu Ming and his brothers, would all lose face in their future socializing.


    "Grandmother, everything Ying has done and said is for your sake. Otherwise, with Old Marquis''s attitude just now, I''m afraid he would have demolished our entire Yongshou Hall before relenting." Gu Ying gave a bitterugh, with tears welling up in her eyes, looking grievously tearful.


    "Even if you wanted the best for me and were unwilling to annul the marriage, what could be done? Old Marquis was determined to annul the marriage, so it had to be annulled whether we liked it or not. It would be better to give Old Marquis the steps to disentangle honorably now, and let him feel indebted to us."


    Gu Old Madam''s deep eyes stared intently at Gu Ying.


    She had never noticed before how glib she was.


    Lately, was she bing more and more like her charming mother?


    Thinking of Madam Ye''s dead eyes, staring vacantly in her final moments, her irritation rose.


    She was so angry that her old face tightened. Yet she could find no words to rebut her.


    "Go on your way first. Your marriage matters will be handled by your aunt. Her maiden family still has some unmarried brothers. They will be willing to marry into our Gu family, and will not shame you."


    Gu Ying''s expression slowly darkened as she obediently acknowledged.


    Then she left Yongshou Hall.


    Gu Jia stood outside Yongshou Hall, under a long rain-sheltering corridor, holding a green bamboo umbre.


    Seeing Gu Ying from afar with tears streaking her face, lookingpletely distraught, she gloated, "Second Sister, congrattions on your joyous day! Eldest Sister specially waited here to congratte you on this joyous asion!"


    Gu Ying smiled faintly, pressing down on the simmering Yanzhi behind her, "Is Eldest Sister possessed?"


    Gu Jia gave a cold sneer, no longer pretending,ying her cards on the table and taunting, "I was married off to the lowly Jiang Yin, and had always felt aggrieved. But now that you''ve lost this marriage with Yong''an Marquis Manor, you''re beneath even me. The more Eldest Sister thinks about it, the happier I feel. Why don''t you take some time off today to apany Eldest Sister back to Cangwu Pavilion for a couple of cups of hot wine to warm our bodies?"


    Of course Gu Ying was happy to let Gu Jia gloat for a while, and even yed along, acting utterly devastated and grief-stricken, making her feel like her world had copsed now that this marriage was annulled.


    But she would never apany her for drinks.


    "Eldest Sister, please don''t go overboard with your bullying."


    "Hahahaha, seeing you in such sorry straits now is so exhrating!" Gu Jia saw that her face had turned white, her eyes were as red as a rabbit''s, and said maliciously, "Don''t worry, little sister. There is nock of men in the capital. Eldest Sister will be sure to find you the nastiest, most vicious one, to serve you well."


    Gu Ying''s longshes quivered. Her petite face tightened slightly.


    Gu Jia didn''t miss the subtle panic on her face, and became even morecent. "Alright, scram. When your elder sister''s husband enters the officialdom, you''ll still need to rely on me plenty. I''ll make sure you lose all face then."


    "Douko, let''s go."


    Sheughed arrogantly.


    Douko gave Gu Ying a disdainful re as well.


    Mistress and maid left swaggeringly.


    Yanzhi was furious, baring her teeth ferociously, full of hatred, "Miss, why did you stop me? I wanted to rush up just now and scratch Big Sister''s skin off! Fight her three hundred rounds!"


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, hugging the waist of the furious little maid to hold her back, "Let her gloat for a couple of days, she won''t be gloating for long."


    Yanzhi cried in anger, tears flowing down her face like June rain, "Then how many more days can she gloat for, Miss... What will you do now that you can''t get married...?"


    "Your maid just wants you to get married happily!" The little girl sobbed, "I had a nightmare where Miss grew old alone for a lifetime, and was bullied for a lifetime. The Miss in the dream was so pitiful... Your maid has no other thoughts, I just hope that like the elders say, dreams are the opposite of reality, and Miss will live a happy and blessed life to show those from the main house!"


    She cried and threw herself into her Miss''s arms, seemingly truly afraid.

 Chapter 84: Marry her to annoy you

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    Gu Ying patted her backfortingly. "Don''t worry, I''ll live happily. You can rest assured about that."


    When she said this, she didn''t really have much confidence in her heart.


    After being reborn, she never thought someone would protect her and prevent her from being harmed.


    She never thought about marrying Su Huanfeng either, but she couldn''t deny feeling upset when the Su family came to cancel the engagement.


    She also clearly understood her current situation.


    How could Gu Jia let her live a good life?


    The news about the Su family cancelling the engagement would soon spread across the city. After that, who else woulde propose to her?


    Her marriage had be a bargaining chip in Mrs. Liu''s hands. Mrs. Liu could marry her off to whichever family she wanted.


    By then, she would be a powerless young girl confined in the inner residence. She wouldn''t be able to resist at all and would end up walking down the same path as Gu Shuang in her previous life, eventually dying under some man''s hands in endless loneliness and neglect.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying''s elegant brows furrowed as a cold look shed across her eyes.


    Yanzhi reached out and waved her hand in front of Gu Ying. "Miss, what''s wrong? Are you afraid too?"


    Gu Ying sneered. "Humph. Afraid? There is no such word as fear in my life."


    After speaking, she left with Yanzhi and returned to Muyue Studio.


    She didn''t want to give Mrs. Liu a chance to persecute her. She could only get rid of Mrs. Liu early, at least before Mrs. Liu started arranging her marriage. She had topletely lose her grandmother''s trust.


    ...


    Bianjing, Liyue Building.


    This street had embroidered gates and carved beams everywhere. It was hung with brightnterns and was where the powerful and elite gathered in Bianjing.


    Therefore, it had always been a prosperousmercial area with restaurants and taverns everywhere.


    The convoy of the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor slowly drove by from Changning Avenue, arousing whispers from the onlooking crowd.


    "The marquis manor has sent out such arge array of carriages. I heard they went to cancel the engagement at the Dongping Earl Manor."


    "Ah, the Earl of Dongping Manor! That makes sense. Those youngdies from the Gu family are all loose women. The eldest youngdy ispletely shameless, actuallymitting adultery with a man in the hunting grounds where so many people saw them! Tell me, if you were the old marquis, would you still dare to take a wife from the Gu family?"


    "I see! No wonder, no wonder!"


    Second floor elegance pavilion.


    Zhao Changdu sat by the window holding a ss of zed wine. His icy gaze followed the carriage as it traveled farther away.


    After a while, a figure in green walked up.


    The person pushed open the door, walked past thendscape screen in the elegant room, took off his fox fur coat, and sat down across from the man in ck. He smiled and said, "The engagement is cancelled. Are you satisfied now?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold. His high brows and deep eyes nced at the wine as he lightly took a sip. "Mm. How is she?"


    Su He mocked him while pouring himself a cup of the tavern''s best wine. "She''s the one whose engagement was cancelled. How well could she be? She cried in front of my elder brother and obediently returned the jade pendant. When I left, I saw the tears on her face like pear blossoms in the rain, so pitiful."


    Zhao Changdu''s brow furrowed as if he couldn''t imagine what she looked like crying.


    Seeing a rare ripple of emotion appear on his perpetually cold and aloof face, Su He was quite surprised. "Changdu, do you really like the second youngdy of the Gu family and want to marry her?"


    "It''s not that I like her." Zhao Changdu''s brows knitted tightly as he lightly said, "I just feel she is suitable to be my wife."


    Su He was rendered speechless for a moment. "Marriage is a major event, not child''s y. The position of a wife is not about suitability. You must love her in order to be with her for a long time."


    Just like back then, he had always thought he liked Huo Qiyun.


    But he clearly felt Changdu only depended on and protected Huo Qiyun like family to repay her for taking care of him since childhood. In order to repay her kindness, the only idea he coulde up with was to marry Huo Qiyun into the Duke Manor to protect her.


    To him, taking a wife seemed to be just a formality that had no connection with feelings of love.


    Did this man understand what love was?


    Zhao Changdu raised his deep and tranquil eyes to look straight at him, curling his lips mockingly. "At least if she marries me, I will treat her well her whole life and won''t let her suffer even a bit, so she won''t go mad andmit suicide from endless coldness and neglect."


    Su He sighed.


    Having known him for so many years, he knew Changdu still couldn''t get over his mother''s death, and also resented the former Duke and the current Lady Cheng. He also hated Huo Qiyun who had abandoned him after he had given her all his feelings when he was fifteen.


    To ask him to fall in love with another woman again was impossible.


    Huo Qiyun''s betrayal had hurt him too deeply.


    He still remembered on the day Huo Qiyun got married, he, the heir of the duke manor, had cast aside all dignity and propriety. Carrying a sword, he had charged into the Huo residence in front of so many people, wanting to take Huo Qiyun away with him.


    Huo Qiyun''s single sentence - Don''t make trouble - had extinguished all the light in his eyes.


    He had just stood there nkly as so many peopleughed at him, his straight back hunching over, before coughing up a mouthful of blood.


    Huo Qiyun had stepped over him without even ncing at him once. Wearing her grand red bridal clothes, she had walked towards the Zhenguo Duke Manor''s flower pnquin expressionlessly, leaving the youth behind.


    The deafening gongs and drums of celebration had buried a young man''s sincere and ardent heart.


    The fifteen-year-old Zhao Changdu had died under Huo Qiyun''s cold gaze. Since then he had never recovered.


    On that night, taking advantage of his despair and heavy drinking, a group of assassins had injured him so severely he had nearly lost his life.


    He hadin on his sickbed lifeless for a whole month. When people saw him again, the smile had already disappeared from his naturally gifted handsome face.


    Later, the old Duke had taken him to the border and let him temper himself in the army.


    Ten yearster when he returned to the capital, he had be the God of Death that everyone feared, mature and restrained. The vigor of his youth was gone, reced by clouds and rains, decisive killing intent - only his aloof coldness remained as he reveled in his own willfulness. It was a pity his whole body remained cold and indifferent, with no visible joy or anger, making people not dare to get near him easily.


    Those who knew the inside story back then had all thought he would find trouble with Huo Qiyun after he returned.


    But it had almost been half a month now.


    He rarely troubled Huo Qiyun and was unfathomable, leaving people unable to grasp his thoughts.


    As his best brother, Su He was also confused and had even been pulled in by him to facilitate the cancetion of the engagement between the marquis and earl manors.


    This Gu Ying alone seemed to be worth his personal nning and scheming. She appeared to have some skills.


    Su He meaningfully said, "Changdu."


    Zhao Changdu raised his brow. "Hm?"


    Su He tentatively asked, "Are you marrying Gu Ying to provoke Huo Qiyun?"


    Zhao Changdu rolled his eyes at him and coldly stood up. "Let''s go."


    Su He was already used to his coldness and hurriedly got up as well, grabbing his fox fur coat to drape over his arm as he followed behind him.


    Outside, the wind and snow were heavy. The fluffy snow had covered the entire street white, and there were gradually fewer pedestrians.


    Feeling the cold, Su He rubbed his hands and put on the fox fur coat again, tucking his neck into the fur cor, revealing a sharp, thin jaw. "His Majesty has just promised at the winter hunt that after it concludes, he will send the Imperial Physician Wang to the Gu residence to treat her younger brother''s illness. But something happened in Imperial Physician Wang''s family thesest few days, forcing him to leave Bianjing and return home. It''s impossible to say there''s no scheming in this."


    The two handsome men walked side by side down the street. Their boots made crunching sounds in the snow, asionally attracting the nces of passersby.

 Chapter 85: She’s Had a Rough Day

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s face was expressionless as he narrowed his dark eyes. "Those with a guilty conscience wouldn''t ask Imperial Physician Wang to make a house call."


    In fact, he had anticipated this move from the start and had people secretly follow Imperial Physician Wang.


    Only that girl was naive, thinking that with an imperial decree, there would be no more obstacles. Unfortunately, she overlooked one thing - human hearts are as deep as the sea, let alone the treacherous situation in Bianjing.


    Su He pondered, "Changdu, whose reach extends into the Imperial Medical Academy?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t reply.


    The power dynamics in Bianjing wereplex with many vested interests. Gu Ying had more backing than just the East Ping Marquis''s estate; her bigger patron was the prestigious Ye family of centuries-old noble lineage.


    Who would go through so much trouble to deal with a helpless young girl and a ten-year-old disabled boy?


    The mastermind must be targeting the Ye n ultimately; the Liu n was merely a convenient tool.


    Su He added, "Mistress Ye Qin has been busy these past few days."


    Oblivious to the Ye n''s activities, Zhao Changdu''s brows furrowed slightly at this information. "Busy with what?"


    Su He said sarcastically, "Who knows? Thanks to whatever your youngdy told her aunt, Mistress Qin is now looking around for a new match for her."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression suddenly darkened.


    Su He chuckled brightly - how rare! To see such an interesting y of emotions on the General of Hell''s face was a real treat!


    ...


    Indeed, Gu Ying did not have an easy time these past few days.


    Imperial Physician Wang still hadn''te to treat her younger brother''s illness. Her grandmother grounded her, ordering servants to guard her courtyard and forbid her from leaving the estate. Now she could only stay cooped up in the inner residence, unable to do anything.


    Most infuriating was how the arrogant servant girls of the household openly and covertly mocked her after her broken engagement, calling her unworthy trash.


    For two straight days now, Twilight Snow Studio hadn''t received properly cooked, hot meals from the Main Kitchen, let alone high-quality charcoal.


    Even with money, she nowcked the power to aplish anything.


    The eldest wife severed ties with her second wife''s quarters, foregoing even pretenses of civility.


    As soon as the engagement with the Marquis Estate fell through, Mrs. Liu immediately began matchmaking for Gu Ying, introducing her to the dregs of Bianjing - men from insignificant families, ugly, aged, disabled.


    Even more absurd was that she had taken a liking to a profligate son from her own natal n. Over thirty and still unmarried, his multitude of consorts and illegitimate children already numbered in the tens, some even beaten to death in childhood from his violent temper.


    Mrs. Liu had already notified that Liu nephew to hurry to Bianjing to meet Gu Ying.


    Gu Jia especially invited the nobledies Gu Ying used to be close with, gathering them at the estate to heap scorn on her as an unwanted wretch.


    She didn''t take these to heart at first - in her eyes, Gu Jia was no different than a corpse.


    But Mrs. Liu arranging her marriage to that wastrel nephew crossed the line.


    Only now did Gu Ying understand the terror of unchecked power.


    She had thought her rebirth gave her the advantage to toy with these people. Looking at it now, only money and power were the true overriding forces in this world.


    "Miss, the food delivered today from the Main Kitchen has gone bad again."


    Yanzhiined as she set the food on the table, grumbling resentfully, "We already paid them, but they still look down on our Twilight Snow Studio. Those dogs, with their eyes growing on their brows, looking down on us everywhere - they think our Twilight Snow Studio is easy to bully! If you hadn''t told me to restrain my temper, I would''ve beaten them ck and blue!"


    Gu Ying sat quietly at the desk, weary after considering her circumstances these past days. "At least Fourth Younger Sister and Aunt Zhao secretly sent over some things. Eat a little to fill your stomach for now."


    "And remember, restrain your temper."


    This servant just couldn''t control her temper, always sticking up for her, thus provoking Jiang Yin''s murderous rage. Foolish girl, still too young to understand how the rigid snap while the flexible endure.


    "I''m about to lose control!"


    How could Yanzhi eat like this, pent-up frustration churning inside? A thought urred to her and her eyes lit up. "Miss, do you still have that unicorn jade pendant the Crown Prince gave you?"


    Gu Ying''s brows rose. "What about it?"


    Yanzhi piteously clutched Gu Ying''s sleeve, scheming for a solution to their plight. She could only think of that celestial Crown Prince. "Miss, let''s go beg the Crown Prince! Right now, he''s the only one in Bianjing who can help us!"


    "...Do you understand what that means - begging him? It means marrying him."


    Yanzhi perked up. "Wouldn''t that be wonderful!"


    "Oh you...don''t just look at the surface. Marrying him isn''t so simple. He''s the heir of the Prince''s Estate - I''m just a daughter of the lowly Earl''s House with a tarnished reputation. It''s not that easy, him marrying me or me marrying him."


    "But the Crown Prince giving you that jade pendant means he doesn''t care about your reputation!"


    Indeed, Yanzhi''s words gave Gu Ying pause.


    Whatever Zhao Changdu''s motives in marrying her, his gesture of giving her his personal pendant meant she held value to him.


    Value meant bargaining power.


    She was originally unwilling to rely on Zhao Changdu unless utterly desperate...but her brother''s illness couldn''t be dyed any longer.


    Moreover, her marriage now rested in Mrs. Liu''s hands - given the choice between Zhao Changdu and that profligate nephew, any sane person knew which to pick.


    She slowly closed the medical book in her hands.


    For so long, she still hadn''t found a cure for her brother. She felt useless.


    Before Mrs. Liu gained control, she should have struck her down first - that was her failing too.


    She finally admitted her limited abilities. With the broken engagement, her status and standing in Bianjing were now insignificant.


    To truly avenge herself, she needed to climb higher.


    High enough that they wouldn''t dare look down on her casually again.


    "Yanzhi, bring me the unicorn jade pendant."


    "Yes, Miss!"


    Yanzhi rushed off and quickly brought back the exotic ck unicorn jade, cing it in her palm.


    The smooth, faintly cool jade, just like Zhao Changdu himself - seemingly gentle as water, yet emanating an edge as sharp as a de.


    She was silent for a long while, a trace of sourness welling in her heart. She heaved a long sigh, eyes reddening slightly from her powerlessness.


    After much deliberation, she stillughed helplessly at her inability to act and said, "Yanzhi, go call Yin Lan. I want to see my aunt."


    ...

 Chapter 86: He Was Crazy for Love

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    Qin arrived at the Gu Residence very quickly that evening.


    Both Yongshou Hall and Zhe Yu Residence, upon receiving the news, sent people to invite Qin.


    Unfortunately, Qin had always been arrogant and didn''t give anyone face. Naturally, she didn''t even give Old Madam Gu face and went straight to Twilight Snow Studio in a huff.


    The people from Yongshou Hall who wanted toe over to find out news were all blocked outside by the people Qin brought along.


    As soon as Qin entered the room, she looked around Gu Ying''s living environment and was very dissatisfied. She asked Yin to take the several maids she had brought along to the Mansion¡¯s kitchen to get coal.


    "Ying, you have suffered so much grievance in the Mansion like this? If this is the case, why don''t you juste back and live in the Censorate with auntie! Take a look at this ce, is it suitable for people to live in? If your grandfather knew about this, who knows how angry he would be!"


    Qin was so furious that she almost wanted to flip over the doors of Yongshou Hall immediately.


    Gu Ying quickly pulled her to sit down on the beauty couch, smiling, "Auntie, don''t get angry first. I asked you toe today because I want to ask you about something."


    Qin still spoke unpleasantly, "I know you''ve been thinking of ways for me ever since the dissolution of the engagement. But--"


    This marriage issue was not something she could arbitrarily obtain by relying on Ye''s power.


    "Auntie, I understand," Gu Ying patted her hand and smiled self-deprecatingly, "Auntie has been busy for me. I also know that no family will look upon me now. It will be difficult for the Gu family''s daughters to marry out after what happened with Gu Jia. I have already thought of these."


    "Then you..." Qin said puzzledly, "Are you still thinking about that Fu Xunzhi? In my opinion, that Fu Xunzhi is not a good man either... I also secretly investigated the Fu family. Their attitude is also very clear... They are a family of schrs and cannot marry the Gu family''s daughter."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying was not surprised either.


    In her previous life, when Fu Xunzhi wanted to marry the merchant''s daughter, his family was also against it.


    However, Fu Xunzhi was indeed a reliable good man. He overcame all difficulties to marry the merchant''s daughter back home.


    His family disliked the merchant''s daughter. In less than a year, he moved out with his wife and lived separately. The married couple were intimate and affectionate, living their own little life regardless of how others talked.


    "Auntie, I have decided that I want to marry the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke Manor."


    "What?" Qin was stunned for a moment. "Which heir are you talking about?"


    Gu Ying said, "The heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor."


    It took Qin a long time to recover. When she reacted, she couldn''t help but knock Gu Ying on the head, "How can you think like this? What kind of status is Zhenguo Duke Manor? How can you--"


    She realized her words were improper and quickly stopped talking.


    "Auntie doesn''t mean to look down on you. It''s just that Zhenguo Duke Manor is different."


    Gu Ying smiled. She didn''t intend to hide it from Qin either, and told her about how she and Zhao Changdu fell off a cliff together at the Nanhai Hunting Ground, andter he privately asked her if she was willing to marry him.


    Qin''s brows were knotted as she listened anxiously. She hurriedly grabbed Gu Ying''s little hand, "So you''re saying that you spent a night alone with him in the cave back then?"


    "Yes," Gu Ying answered frankly, not even blushing. "But nothing happened between us. The only physical contact was when he bandaged the wound on my arm."


    At this point, Qin became even more anxious. No matter whether anything happened between them or not, just that one night itself, people outside wouldn''t know how much they could imagine.


    For a woman, this kind of thing had always been detrimental since ancient times.


    The Zhao family''s status was naturally good. Being able to marry up given Gu Ying¡¯s current reputation would also give her face.


    But that Zhao Heir... He can¡¯t be considered a good match!


    "Auntie, is there something inappropriate about the Zhao Heir?" Gu Ying sensed Qin''s concern.


    She was straightforward and simply couldn''t hide her expressions.


    Qin wanted to speak but hesitated. She didn''t know whether she should say certain things.


    After all, those were old stories from the past, and shouldn''t be brought up to begin with.


    Gu Ying said earnestly, "Auntie, I asked you toe today to inquire about the Zhao Heir. I think that currently there is no one more suitable than him. The Zhao family also has great power. There may be other opportunities in the future. The Zhao Heir is also willing to marry me, which is good for me. Also, he said he would take the initiative to propose, meaning he doesn''t care about my reputation and status. In the future after marrying him, he would also treat me well."


    "This..." Qin''s face was still filled with struggles. She grasped Gu Ying''s little hand tightly, "What you said makes sense... If the Zhao family is willing to marry you, your grandmother and eldest aunt wouldn''t dare mistreat you."


    Gu Ying said, "Yes."


    At this point, Qin''s expression became even more solemn. She thought for a long time before deciding to tell Gu Ying all the debauchery about Zhao Changdu, and then let her make her own decision.


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows slightly. "Auntie means the Heir once had a woman he loved?"


    Qin said heavily, "Yes. That woman is also no stranger to you. She is the other granddaughter of Lord Huo, Huo Qiyun, who is now the wife of the Zhenguo Duke Manor¡¯s Third Young Master, Zhao Changxing."


    For some reason, Gu Ying felt a strange feeling in her heart, "It turned out to be her?"


    That time, at the Empress'' tent, she had wanted to help the young madam who was mistreated, but Zhao Changdu misunderstood that she wanted to push her away and even pushed Gu Ying instead.


    At that time, she felt Zhao Changdu''s feelings for that madam were unusual, but didn''t think too deeply about it at the time.


    Hearing Auntie''s words now, she felt somewhat indescribable.


    "Ai," Qin sighed as she spoke, "That Huo Qiyun was also a pitiful child. She lost her mother at birth. The Ho family got Zhao Rou for Lord Huo, who was the Heir''s aunt. A few yearster she gave birth to the doted on Huo Qiyan. With Huo Qiyan''s arrival, Huo Qiyun''s status in the Ho family plummeted. As an unloved legitimate daughter, apart from Lord Huo who still doted on her a little, everyone else''s attention was on Huo Qiyan."


    "The child suffered a lot of bullying in the Ho family and lived a very difficult life. The Heir often took care of her." Qin said sadly, "Back then, Huo Qiyun and Zhao Changdu were deeply in love at a young age. They grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Naturally, their feelings were deeper than others''. When both of them were fifteen or sixteen, feelings of affection arose during their youthful times, and they naturally developed feelings for each other."


    Gu Ying asked, "Then what happened afterwards?"


    Qin also knitted her brows, puzzled, "Auntie also only heard these things from others. I don''t know what happened afterwards, but Huo Qiyun actually took a liking to Zhao Changxing."


    Gu Ying sank into silence.


    Qin was also angry. "On the day she married Zhao Changxing, the Heir went mad. I heard he charged into the Ho Residence with a sword, wanting to take Huo Qiyun away. But Huo Qiyun insisted on marrying Zhao Changxing. The Heir that day was described as frenzied, with eyes wide open. He was like an enraged beast. It frightened everyone when they recalled itter. No one dares to mention it much."

 Chapter 87: Is There a Problem with the Prince’s Body

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    Gu Ying''s brow furrowed. She really couldn''t imagine Zhao Changdu going crazy for a woman.


    Had he gotten over his deep love for Huo Qiyun? It had been ten years since they parted. People were starting to forget about it. Now he had suddenly returned and taken up office in the capital again. It seemed he would be staying at the Duke''s estate for quite some time. Living under the same roof, their paths would cross daily. If Gu Ying married into the household, she would have to face the woman he loved every day, perhaps even watching their lingering nces. Wouldn''t that make her ufortable?


    Qin spoke candidly. She had married well herself.


    Imperial Censor Ye only had her as his proper wife. He was normally principled and strict, doing everything by the book. He never so much as nced at another woman. So she especially hated men with multiple wives and concubines.


    Even when the current Emperor with his three pces and six chambers made an off-color joke in front of Imperial Censor Ye, she would scold him a couple times.


    It was true that a crooked beam caused the whole house to nt. These powerful officials in Bianjing were a bad influence.


    Gu Yingughed. She concealed the subtleplexity in her heart and said teasingly, "Auntie, what are you saying? Miss Huo has been married for ten years. There is no possibility between her and the Prince. Even if he did love her before, so what? The Prince is twenty-five now, not a fifteen year old boy. He has his own life to continue and knows what he wants for the future. He''s at the age to marry and can''t dwell in the past forever."


    Besides, she wasn''t marrying the Prince for love anyway.


    Qin was still very worried. She thought it over and made up her mind, "I still feel your marriage is inappropriate. I don''t approve. Your uncle and maternal grandfather definitely won''t agree either."


    Gu Ying gave a self-deprecatingugh and squeezed her soft palm. In a coaxing tone she said, "Don''t worry, Auntie. Ying has a sense of propriety."


    She was no longer a fifteen year old girl either. She no longer harbored fantasies about romance. So she didn''t really care who the Prince had loved or still loved.


    She just wanted their families to agree to the marriage, and for her and the Prince to negotiate good terms.


    If his heart was still on Huo Qiyun, she would draft an annulment agreement ahead of time. When the time came, she would leave the Duke''s estate and Bianjing. No one would say much, at most calling her a discarded woman.


    People would forget about her soon enough.


    As long as Prince Zhao was reliable and didn''t go back on his word.


    "Marriages to elite households are difficult. If your husband doesn''t dote on you, you''ll have a miserable life," Qin said. She didn''t know Gu Ying''s thoughts. In her mind, Gu Ying was just a fifteen year old child who knew nothing about matters between men and women. She was just infatuated with the Prince''s unique looks.


    So she advised earnestly, "Ying, don''t marry into that family and follow in her footsteps."


    Gu Ying was surprised. "Does she have such a hard time?"


    What did the Prince think?


    A man naturally feels pity for the poor and weak. He must feel very distressed over Huo Qiyun.


    Qin said, "That''s right. Now that the Prince has returned and seen her in such misery, if he starts to pity her... With his temperament where no one can stop him when he''s obsessed... He may try to snatch her again..."


    She didn''t finish, but Gu Ying understood her meaning.


    She was worried Zhao Changdu only had a passing interest in her, and would abandon Gu Ying to take Huo Qiyun back.


    Gu Ying also became hesitant. If the Prince was like Jiang Yin, better to stake her life fighting Mrs. Liu.


    "Auntie, what do you think of the Prince''s character?"


    Qin considered and said, "The Prince''s personality is decent. Other than being rather cold, he''s a proper, steady gentleman. But he has an unruly, rebellious side. When he rebels, he''s a madman. When he''s not rebelling, he''s measured. I''m worried that after so many years in the army, he''s be harsh and aloof, not someone warm or cool-headed."


    Gu Ying smiled and nodded. "Alright, Auntie, I understand. Most of what you said was hearsay. Only the Prince can tell me the truth. I believe him. Since he''s willing to marry me, his heart must have let go of Miss Huo already."


    She was worried Zhao Changdu was cunning like Jiang Yin, only caring about power and status without any real feelings. Hearing of his deep love for Huo Qiyun put her at ease instead.


    Also, he had been back in the capital for some time but still treated Huo Qiyun with care and respect.


    It showed he valued loyalty and righteousness. His character was reliable.


    Qin was so anxious her face turned red. "You''re still set on marrying him? The Zhao men are all fox spirits, useless pretty boys. You don''t know everyone in Bianjing says Huo Qiyun hasn''t conceived because of Zhao Changxing''s issues, not hers!"


    As Qin spoke more urgently, it was as if Gu Ying was marrying Zhao Changdu right away. Thinking of the Zhao men and their bewitching looks, she was even more against her niece marrying into that family.


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. "So Auntie means the Prince is also incapable?"


    Qin was extremely frustrated. She pped Gu Ying''s hand andughed in exasperation. "I didn''t say that! Don''t talk nonsense or the Prince will punish you if he hears!"


    After listening to Qin''s words, Gu Ying had made her decision.


    Marrying the Prince was feasible.


    Since he had loved before, he wouldn''t touch her. After their marriage they would respect each other, which was ideal.


    Seeing Qin out, Qin was still solemnly holding Gu Ying''s hand, nagging away.


    Gu Ying said sincerely, "Auntie, I''m still surnamed Gu in the end. Even if Mrs. Liu doesn''t decide, I still have my grandmother on my father''s side. We can only take this step."


    Qin sighed. "Don''t be so hasty about this. Ying, you have to consider it carefully. Getting married isn''t child''s y. It concerns your happiness for life, so you must be prudent."


    "I know, Auntie."


    After sending off Qin, Gu Ying thought to herself that she no longer had any happiness to speak of. She didn''t dare hope for that anymore.


    Turning back, snow fluttered from the sky.


    Gu Ying gathered her thick fox fur cloak and looked down at the dark Kirin jade pendant she took out of her bosom, rolling it around in her palm. Her heart was filled with indescribableplex emotions.


    She just wondered, when the Prince had loved Huo Qiyun, how deeply maddened had that love been, that he was willing to openly snatch a bride at the wedding?

 Chapter 88: Letters of the Prince

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    Gu Ying couldn''t help feeling that Huo Qiyun was so fortunate to have someone care for her so wholeheartedly.


    It was a pity that she herself failed to seize the happiness right in front of her.


    She didn''t know what had gotten into her. As she looked at the vast expanse of snow covering the artificial hill in the courtyard, her heart ached with inexplicable loss and mncholy.


    She said she no longer believed in love between men and women in this world, yet she still couldn''t help but envy Huo Qiyun...


    Oh well, she would take it one step at a time. She didn''t need anyone''s love or pampering anyway.


    "Miss!" Yanzhi waved her little hand as she came running over, holding a bamboo umbre far away, running towards Gu Ying like an excited child. "There''s a note!"


    Illiterate Yanzhi ran over panting and shoved the note in front of Gu Ying eagerly, "Look, Miss! A servant secretly passed it in from the front gate and gave the password ''Kirin!'' I guessed it must be from the Prince!"


    Gu Ying''s heart stirred.


    She had just asked her aunt today, and now the Prince sent her a note already? How did he get the news so fast?


    "Hurry and see what the Prince wrote!"


    Gu Ying red at her impatiently. "It''s broad daylight. Aren''t you afraid the Madam will find out?"


    Only then did Yanzhi realize she was out of line. Blushing, she quickly looked around and shut her mouth.


    Back in Twilight Snow Studio, Gu Ying took out the note again and unfolded it. The handwriting was bold and vigorous, forceful like hooks and silver like wires.


    Seeing the words was like seeing the man himself. She could vividly imagine how overbearing he must have looked when he wrote these words.


    "Tonight at the hour of the pig, under the eaves by the flower wall, to discuss marriage."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks grew inexplicably warm. How arbitrarily overbearing this man was!


    Had she agreed to marry him that he would make such presumptions?


    "Miss, what did the Prince say on it?"


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, a faint blush rising on her cheeks.


    She pretended to be cold and aloof as she tossed the note into the charcoal brazier, watching it turn to ashes. Her mood was quiteplicated. "Nothing..."


    "I saw several words on it! Don''t think you can fool me just because I''m illiterate!"


    "He said to marry you off to his servant named Huai An."


    "What?" Yanzhi''s eyes widened in disbelief. "How could the Prince do that?"


    "So now you understand that marriage is not something to be talked about casually, right?"


    "I don''t believe it." Yanzhi stuck her chin up stubbornly.


    How could the Prince remember a lowly maid like her and marry her off to Huai An?


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. The Prince asked to secretly meet her alone at night. That was a huge taboo for an unmarried man and woman. Yet hepletely disregarded propriety and even brazenly delivered the note into the Mansion. What did that imply?


    It meant he didn''t care at all about gossip or rules. If he wanted to meet someone, he would stop at nothing to make it happen. That was quite valiant and fearless like when he drew his sword to abduct his wife back then.


    If she didn''t show up tonight, who knew what else he might do.


    He really was a madman.


    Gu Ying was torn. Just then, Yin Lan brushed the snow off her shoulder and entered the room, parting the curtain.


    "What were you and Yanzhi talking about?"


    Gu Ying had not made up her mind whether to meet the Prince yet. Looking up, she smiled awkwardly, "Oh, just joking around."


    Yin Lan cast a puzzled look at Yanzhi''s aggrieved face but didn''t ask further. She pushed Yin Zhu forward.


    "Miss, Yin Zhu found out some things she wants to tell you."


    Hearing about important matters, Gu Ying tensed up instantly and forgot all about the Prince. Staring intently at Yin Zhu''s emotionless face, she asked carefully, "Go on, tell me."


    Expressionlessly, Yin Zhu presented a West Pool longevity hairpin to Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying took a closer look at the hairpin, finding it increasingly familiar. "This hairpin..."


    Yin Zhu licked her lips and said tly, "It belongs to Mrs. Liu. I''ve been watching Muffeng Studio for several days and discovered Mrs. Liu sneaking over therete at night when everyone else was asleep, wearing a ck cloak. This hairpin was left behind identally in Muffeng Studio after her adulterous rendezvous with Dr. Liu."


    At the mention of ''adulterous'', Yanzhi''s eyes bulged in shock. "Has the Madam lost her mind? How dare she do something like this! She''s the main wife of our Mansion!"


    Yin Lan gave a faint smile, her face contemptuous. "So what if she''s the main wife? The Master has been doting on Aunt Zhao and neglecting her for years. She''s a woman in her thirties. Of course she feels lonely and restless without a man. Just back from Nanhai Hunting Ground, she immediately took up with Dr. Liu. It''s clear she is very lustful."


    "This, this, this..." Yanzhi felt her worldview shattered once again.


    Back when Mrs. Liu insisted on keeping Dr. Liu in the Mansion to treat the young master''s leg disease despite objections, no one found it inappropriate. After all, there were so many eyes in the Mansion. No matter how bold she was... How could she dare to have an affair right under their noses!


    This news was just too shocking!


    The girls in the room now were all unmarried maidens who knew nothing about the affairs between men and women.


    Realizing she had spoken too much, Yin Lan''s face flushed red. She turned to check Gu Ying''s expression. "What do you think, Miss?"


    Gu Ying''s brows pressed together. She didn''t find it improper at all. Her young face was stern, exuding a gravitas beyond her years.


    She was shocked for a moment, then her red lips slowly curled up into a cold smile.


    This was just perfect timing!


    She had been worrying about how to deal with Mrs. Liu, and now Mrs. Liu had voluntarily offered up such a huge w. This was a godsend!


    "Yin Zhu, did you see Mrs. Liu with your own eyes?"


    Yin Zhu nodded. "I saw her take off her veil with my own eyes and embrace Dr. Liu in the outbuilding. Half a minuteter, Mrs. Liu tidied her clothes and left. After that, Dr. Liu started drinking. Before bed, he went to the young master''s room to check on his leg disease but didn''t do anything and directly went back to rest."


    Gu Ying''s dark eyes narrowed coldly, and she suddenly clenched her fists. Judging from this, the situation was very clear. It was Mrs. Liu who harmed her brother!


    It seemed that Dr. Liu and Mrs. Liu could no longer stay!


    "Yin Zhu, keep watching Muffeng Studio. Report to me immediately if anything happens."


    "Yes."


    Without another word, Yin Zhu turned and left.


    Receiving this news, Gu Ying felt greatly relieved.


    Now she just hoped Imperial Physician Wang woulde soon on imperial orders. Several days had passed with no news, and she was growing worried that someone was interfering behind the scenes.


    After sitting for a while, she couldn''t sit still and wanted to go take a look at Muffeng Studio.


    Leaning against the doorframe, Cui Ling stretched out her little hand for money as usual. "Second Missing to see the young master again?"


    The rich patron had arrived, so she smiled ingratiatingly.

 Chapter 89: The Wretched Liu Langzhong

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    Gu Ying stuffed a pair of jade earrings into her palm before she swayed her slender waist and left the room.


    Gu Ying nced coldly at her and then went into the room.


    Gu Ning was huddled at the head of the bed, gritting his teeth to endure the pain in his legs. He said sourly, "What are you here for again?"


    Gu Ying knitted her brows. After stopping his medicine, Gu Ning''s legs seemed to be getting worse by the day.


    The child didn''t know better. He thought she was deliberately making things difficult for him and trying to cripple him like this. So he still had no kind words for her.


    She was extremely distressed. She sat at the bedside and sighed, "Ah Ning, just wait a little longer."


    Gu Ning turned his cold little face away without saying a word.


    It was all his sister''s fault. His sister was trying to harm him... His legs were hurting more and more. He probably wouldn''t live much longer.


    But she was still his favorite sister. If he was going to die, he still wanted to give her all the precious jewelry he had hidden away.


    Mother had said it was for his sister''s dowry.


    He endured the piercing pain in his bones. He thought of what he''d overheard the servants say, that his sister was going to get married, and the man she was marrying was not a good man. He would beat his wife and had many other women. If his sister married without money, she would certainly suffer greatly.


    With reddened eyes, a moist heat rose in his eyes. No matter what, he had to hold on until his sister''s wedding day before he died...


    Gu Ying didn''t know what he was thinking. She watched him eat and drink soup, then helped him wash up and change his clothes before she finally rxed.


    Dr. Liu still lived in the small room at the Perfume Pavilion.


    Gu Ying nced over in that direction before leaving.


    Dr. Liu was a slender middle-aged man of medium height with a thin face and narrow forehead. He had a long face and thin lips, and always wore a smiling expression that made him look very polite. However, his shrewd eyes often gleamed with a hint of cunning that made people feel uneasy.


    Especially when he looked at her, the tant lechery in his eyes made it seem like he was mentally undressing her.


    Gu Ying suppressed her disgust and bowed slightly to him with a smile. "Dr. Liu, do you know when my brother will be able to stand up again?"


    Dr. Liu was ttered that Gu Ying had taken the initiative to greet him. He slowly walked out from the room, went up to Gu Ying, and smiled obscenely. "Second youngdy, don''t worry. Your brother will definitely be able to get out of bed and walk within a year. But youngdy, your brother''s constitution is weak right now, so you shoulde to the Perfume Pavilion more often to see him."


    Gu Ying let out a mockingugh. She didn''t miss the vulgar lust in his eyes.


    She curved her lips into a smile and lightly caressed his sleeve with her fair and delicate little hand. "Dr. Liu is right. It seems I''ll have toe more often. I wonder if Dr. Liu will have time to carefully exin my brother''s illness to me?"


    The sweet scent of a young maiden wafted over to him. When the thin gauze fabric brushed over his wrist, he instantly felt his scalp tingle.


    He stared wide-eyed at Gu Ying''s exquisitely beautiful face, watching her lips that were as wless as finely carved jade. He almost drooled. "Second youngdy, don''t worry. I will certainly do my utmost best to treat young master''s illness. When you have time, you cane find me. I can teach you well how to massage the acupoints on young master''s legs. That will also aid young master''s recovery."


    "Very well." Gu Ying gently curved her lips into an enchanting smile.


    When Dr. Liu saw that, he felt his heart melt. He wished he could press Gu Ying under him right now and ravage her thoroughly.


    Unfortunately, this was the Marquis''s estate, not a ce where he could act recklessly.


    He suppressed the urge welling up within him, and reluctantly watched Gu Ying leave. His mind was already scheming about how to get his hands on Gu Ying next time they met.


    ...


    Gu Ying had just left the Perfume Pavilion when her face immediately darkened. She ripped off the thin gauze on her sleeve and handed it to Yanzhi with a look of disgust.


    "Yanzhi, remember to burn this. Burn itpletely."


    Yanzhi made a disgusted expression and shook her head, looking like she wanted to vomit. "That man looks revolting, and his words are even more revolting. Mydy, why lower yourself to talk to him?"


    Gu Ying''s petite face was icy cold. "It''s just expediency. He''ll regret it one day."


    That night, she was so disgusted that she didn''t eat a single bite. Just thinking about how Dr. Liu looked at her made her unable to swallow her resentment.


    These people were all beasts, lower than animals. She had to make them die without a proper burial to quell the hatred in her heart.


    But she was still too weak.


    She needed someone powerful, someone even her grandmother feared...


    Thinking of this, Zhao Changdu''s naturally handsome face involuntarily appeared in her mind...


    He had bullied her in their past life. That night, he owed her. He had to repay her...


    So it wasn''t unreasonable of her to negotiate conditions with him through marriage...


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi heated up the water and came in to pull back the curtain. Seeing their young miss sitting motionless under themp, they exchanged a puzzled nce. They didn''t know what was going on with their youngdy.


    Ever since she had returned from the Perfume Pavilion, she had been sitting at the desk in a daze without eating dinner or reading books. On normal days she would listen for news about Cangwu Pavilion and The Banishment, and analyze things, but today she was distracted.


    Yin Lan put the hot water on the wooden stand and called softly, "Mydy?"


    Gu Ying was startled out of her reverie. Her pair of lost, beautiful eyes were clear and limpid, taking Yin Lan''s breath away.


    "Yin Lan, what''s the matter?"


    Their clever and mature youngdy seldom revealed such childlike confusion. Yin Lan sighed in wonder and curved her lips. "It''s nothing, I just saw you were spacing out for a long time and wanted to ask if you''d like to bathe and wash your face before resting."


    Gu Ying licked her dry lips and nced out at the night sky. She uneasily asked, "Yanzhi, what time is it now?"


    Yanzhi quickly replied, "Mydy, it''s already the hour of hai (9pm-11pm) now."


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped. Her hands suddenly clenched tightly as she murmured to herself, "It''s already hai hour. He''s probably left by now..."


    Yin Lan sensitively asked, "Who is mydy speaking of?"


    Gu Ying swallowed and thought it over. She still felt it would be inappropriate to go see him in the middle of the night. "No one. Just wash my face."

 Chapter 90: Top of the Wall

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    Gu Ying had more doubts in her heart, but seeing that Zhao Changdu had no intention of speaking, she did not ask further.


    She had always been someone who knew when to advance and when to retreat, who understood propriety, so she would not question her master''s reasons.


    She just had to listen to orders.


    After washing her face, Yin Lan and Yanzhi both withdrew.


    As they left, following their usual custom they put out themps in Gu Ying''s room, "Miss, we''ll go down first. If the miss needs anything, just ring the little bell over there."


    Ever since Gu Ying''s rebirth, the little bell had been arranged there for her to conveniently summon people.


    Zhao Changdu opened and closed his mouth, but did not end up saying anything.


    Only his heart kept restlessly beating, though he could not say why. The matter of Zhao Changdu asking to meet her lingered in his thoughts. Without a clear resolution, he was unable to fall peacefully asleep no matter what.


    Hey in bed, fiddling with the thick brocade quilt with his hands. Through the curtains, he looked again at the lighting in through the cracks in the windowttice.


    Outside it was pitch ck night, with snowkes still swirling around. But most of the Marquis Residence had already settled down, with only a few patrolling servants still moving about.


    Twilight Snow Studio was rtively secluded, with few visitors.


    The flower wall mentioned in Zhao Changdu''s note was in the abandoned courtyard next door.


    Climbing over that flower wall led to the small alley behind Moonlight Street. Many of the lower servants in the Marquis Residence would asionally sneak out that way after the main gate had closed.


    The wind-oilmps hung high under the eaves, swaying and creaking with the cold wind, sounding unusually jarring in the depths of the quiet night.


    Time flowed slowly by, and somehow tonight passed especially slowly.


    When Gu Ying next looked up, it was alreadyte night.


    "I wonder if he''s left yet?"


    This matter kept nagging at her, not letting her fall asleep no matter what.


    She finally sat up in bed, sitting nkly for a while, before finally making up her mind to go take a look under the flower wall.


    The most prudent choice would have been to bring her two maidservants along for propriety''s sake.


    Yet for some reason she felt guilty about it, and didn''t dare light themps either. She fumbled in the dark to take outer clothes and a fur coat off the clothes rack and put them on.


    She figured Zhao Changdu wouldn''t possibly still be waiting for her under the flower wall, so she feltpletely carefree.


    She just wanted to seek an answer, and leisurely wandered in the snow, emptying her mind and thinking of nothing, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.


    After a short while, she arrived at the abandoned courtyard. Pushing open the wooden door covered in cobwebs, she went inside. The courtyard nts and trees were all withered. Only the tall ck wall was covered in ivy vines that climbed upwards.


    Every summer, the wall would be revived with beautiful flowers and leaves.


    Although now the leaves had withered, the pure white snowkes covering it also presented an interesting scene.


    Gu Ying stood under the wall, and looked up. It was sote, with such heavy snow, there was no way he would still be waiting for her here...


    But since she hade, she should still check just in case.


    There was a bamboodder ced in the right corner of the flower wall.


    She had always been proactive. After thinking for a bit, she directly moved thedder against the wall and climbed up with effort.


    She had just popped her little head up over the top of the wall and taken a look, when she saw Zhao Changdu dressed in ck robes standing upright below the wall, handsome as a nobleman.


    He had a tall and slender figure. Just standing there under the wall like that, he had already be a sight that no one could ignore.


    Perhaps hearing movement on the wall, the man also happened to raise his head and look at her.


    Amidst the swirling snow, their eyes met over the wall.


    At the instant his deep dark eyes saw her, they seemed to be even more profound and unfathomable.


    His gaze was as if it could ignite a fire.


    Gu Ying''s pupils shook. With the slippery snowy ground beneath her feet, and grasping onto the top of the wall with her hands, her body tumbled down without care.


    She thought she would definitely crash into the snowy ground, but unexpectedly, the man below the wall moved and grabbed the back of her cor with one hand, easily lifting her up.


    At this time she couldn''t care about anything else. Flustered and panic-stricken, she hugged his slender waist tightly. Under his elegant lightness skill, she slowly descended to the ground.


    Afternding, she was quite silly-looking - hair in disorder, little face pressed against his chest,ughably clinging to his waist with both hands, legspletely soft.


    Her legs simply couldn''t stand firmly. It was only with him propping her up with a hand that she finally came to her senses in shock, straightening her body and hurriedly retreating back two steps.


    Raising her eyes, she met his mocking gaze. Her little face flushed bright red.


    "Don''tugh!"


    As soon as she said this, she realized she had been too disrespectful to this cold and ruthless Marquis''s son. Afraid he would get angry, she carefully looked up at him again, nervous and puzzled in her heart.


    Why was he still here waiting for her sote into the night?


    If she hadn''te today, would he have continued waiting or left?


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes to look at the little girl in the snow who was flustered with embarrassment.


    She hadn''t dressed up at all, not evenbing her hair, leaving it a huge mess of thick ck tresses simply tied back with a green ribbon.


    After her blunder just now, most of her hair hade loose and cascaded down her back, smooth and soft as silk brocade. The contrast of her ck hair made her face appear even paler, and out of shyness and annoyance her cheeks were an alluring pink hue. The fur cor of her coat was big and thick, framing her exquisite beyondpare little face that seemed as delicate as if it would break at the slightest touch. Her skin was fine and smooth, with a pair of eyes as dark and limpid as ck pearls, holding azy, artless charm that made people like her more the longer they looked.


    He wasn''t angry at all, just smiling as he lifted the corners of his lips, "Why did you onlye now? To avoid the maids in the residence?"


    Her inner thoughts seen through, Gu Ying subtly bit her red lips. Her little face grew even redder as she stubbornly said, "No, I just thought the young marquis wouldn''t necessarilye, so I had already decided not toe."


    Zhao Changdu meaningfully looked at her, "Since you thought I wouldn''te, why did you still end uping in the end?"


    "I just came to confirm...not because..."


    "Not because of what?"


    Of course it was because she didn''t want him to fruitlessly wait alone!


    But Gu Ying couldn''t say it out loud. She grew more and more embarrassed,pletely unable to parry Zhao Changdu''s overbearing interrogation. She was utterly routed, and simply closed her mouth, refusing to speak.


    The cold wind howled, sweeping up snowkes past the two.


    It was Gu Ying''s first time secretly meeting a man outside at night. She lowered her longshes, only feeling the man''s heavy gaze falling on the top of her head, carrying an immense sense of pressure that also contained a trace of some indescribable scorching heat as he looked her over.


    She felt very unsettled, and without thinking turned to leave.


    After walking two steps, she then remembered that she had fallen outside the wall, and now with nodder on this side, how would she get back in?

 Chapter 91: What, that’s a yes

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    She had no choice but to turn around and look towards that handsome and unparalleled man for help.


    "Your Highness, I beg you for one thing."


    Zhao Changdu still had that unmoved and steady expression, beautiful yetcking much feeling, "You need not beg me, I came to find you tonight, precisely because I have something to make clear with you."


    Gu Ying was full of questions, "Huh?"


    Zhao Changdu spoke steadily, "Three days from now, I wille in person to propose marriage. You need not have your aunt run around for you anymore."


    After hearing this, Gu Ying''s little face flushed red, "I''m not that--"


    Zhao Changdu cut her words off, speaking solemnly, "Don''t worry, I won''t skimp on any of the three letters and six etiquettes, the ten li of red makeup. Whatever other women have, you will have too."


    Listening to the overbearing and focused words of the man.


    Gu Ying''s chaotic heart suddenly calmed down. Letting the heavy snow fall on her head, her clothes were wet with snow water, cold and chilled, but her heart was scorching hot.


    She had to admit, for a moment there, when she met his earnest gaze, her heart quivered, and a rush of inexplicable warmth spread through her whole body.


    It seemed Zhao Changdu could give her everything Jiang Yin had not.


    But thinking of Jiang Yin''s betrayal, she swiftly calmed down again, raising an aloof and indifferent smile to Zhao Changdu, "Your Highness, I can marry you, but can you agree to a few things for me?"


    Zhao Changdu arched his sword-like brows, his expression still typically cold.


    He spoke solemnly, his gaze deep and concealed a hint of fierceness, "Speak."


    The hidden moonlight fell on his sharp and handsome face, casting an obscure and unclear shadow.


    This man was not one to be trifled with, offend him and it would mean broken bones.


    Gu Ying was not unaware of his reputation in the capital, she had also heard of how strict he was whenmanding troops at the border. Everyone above and below, men and women alike, feared him.


    She was but a youngdy from a sheltered upbringing. It would be false to say she did not feel some fear.


    She could only pretend to be bold, licking her lip and saying, "Your Highness, I know there are no feelings between us. It''s only because we spent a night together at Jixue Cliff that you feel responsible and want to take me as your wife, correct?"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze fell on her moist, red lips, recalling the soft feel of them that night in her tent, and remembering the sensation of holding her soft body against him in the cave. A hard to describe restlessness rose in his heart.


    He gave an indifferent nod, "Mmhmm."


    Gu Ying continued, "As Your Highness said before, our marriage is a transaction, each taking what they need. Your Highness needs a wife, and I need a backer. In that case, our wedding is just a deal. After the deal ends, I hope Your Highness will grant me a divorce letter one year from now. What does Your Highness think?"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze froze, no joy or anger could be seen.


    Gu Ying quickly added, "If Your Highness does not agree, I will leave immediately."


    Zhao Changdu stared fixedly at her charming blushed cheeks, pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, I agree to you."


    Gu Ying let out a breath, "After we are married, I also want to bring my younger brother to live with me."


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was low, "As you wish."


    With everything said, Gu Ying felt she had nothing more to ask. She then inquired of him, "Does Your Highness have any conditions you would like to set? I will write up a contract and put everything in it, to be stamped and signed by both of us."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was cold. Seeing her so eager to draw clear boundaries between them, he felt an inexplicable displeasure.


    "You''ve made thorough preparations."


    Gu Ying smiled and politely said, "I can trust Your Highness''s character, it''s just as a woman, I face difficulties, so I feel more assured with things in ck and white."


    In other words, this girl had absolutely no feelings for him at all. After all that discussion of terms, she still did not see him as her future husband.


    To put it nicely, she just saw him as a sturdy thigh to cling to?


    Zhao Changdu could not describe what he felt.


    In all these years, it was rare for a girl to not be interested in him. He found it increasingly amusing, and wanted to let the little girl know that he was not only sturdy of thigh, but quite impressive in certain other areas as well.


    "Your Highness?"


    Gu Ying was puzzled by the man''s silence, thinking he was unhappy with the conditions she proposed, and felt uneasy in her heart.


    Zhao Changdu was pulled back to his senses by the girl''s gentle voice. What was the matter with him recently?


    How was it that thoughts of her would pop up every now and then?


    Especially some less than properscivious ideas, leaving him very annoyed.


    Could it be because he had abstained for too long?


    A twenty-five year old man, with no warmpany in his bed to serve him all these years, could it be that it was time he desired a woman?


    He furrowed his brow in irritation. "I have no other conditions. After we marry, you will join the Duke''s Residence. Just focus on tormenting Cheng as your duty."


    "Huh?"


    Seeing the girl''s confused expression, Zhao Changdu''s heart softened, and his tone grew gentler, "If you anger Cheng to death, consider it your greatest achievement for me."


    Gu Ying chuckled.


    In the drifting snow, this was the first time she felt the cold-faced Prince was quite adorable.


    So he had gone through all this effort to marry her back just to vex his stepmother? If he had said so earlier, she would not have agonized over it for so long.


    "Don''t worry Your Highness, I definitely won''t fail my mission. I will think of ways to rile up that stepmother of yours."


    Vexing people, that was no difficult feat.


    With twelve hours in a day, if she had free time, she could hover around Cheng for all twelve just to annoy her to death.


    That would be far easier than scheming against Mrs. Liu.


    Zhao Changdu kindly reminded her, "Cheng is not one to be underestimated."


    Gu Ying tilted her head, looking rather proud, "Am I so easy to deal with? Isn''t Your Highness marrying me precisely because you saw my talent for this?"


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s lips tilted in a faint, barely discernible smile.


    The young girl before him, pure and stunning without any make-up, enduring hardship without self-pity, reminded him somewhat of Huo Qiyun when they first met. Especially with her preference for light colored in robes, green hair ribbons, and the sly cleverness revealed in the corners of her eyes and brows when she smiled.


    Why did thoughts of her arise again?


    He gave a self-deprecatingugh, banishing Huo Qiyun''s name from his mind. Raising his palm, he ced it on the little girl''s head, unconsciously softening his voice, "Alright, it''ste, improper for a youngdy to linger here too long. I will take you in first."


    Gu Ying felt the warmth of his palm on her head, looking up at him through hershes. The difort in her heart seemed to lessen somewhat.


    "Come here." The man''s voice was low and raspy.


    Gu Ying did not shy away. She obediently reached out her little hand and grabbed his belt, awkwardly saying, "I''m a bit heavy, be careful Your Highness."


    How heavy could a young girl be?


    Her slender, tender hand on his belt, Zhao Changdu''s brow furrowed, his throat involuntarily tightening.


    A burst of heat uncontrobly rushed down.


    His handsome face visibly tensed, not saying another word as he swept the girl''s soft body into his arms horizontally, spun around, and leapt atop the high wall.

 Chapter 92: Poke His Lung Tube.

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    The cold, piercing wind blew in, and Gu Ying''s body swayed unsteadily. She hurriedly wrapped her arms tightly around Zhao Changdu''s waist. When she opened her eyes again, the two of them hadnded steadily within the wall.


    Her face turned pale for a moment as the cold wind hit her face-on, yet she also felt somewhat feverish. "Prince, you can put me down now."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to nce at her, but did not let her go. His sexy, thin lips pressed together as he refused upromisingly, "I''ll take you back."


    "No!" Gu Ying rejected without thinking, "You can''t go to my residence, or Yanzhi and Yin Lan will easily discover us!"


    They had secretly met tonight already going against propriety, he could not go to her courtyard, it would be too easy for them to be discovered by Yanzhi and Yin Lan!


    What was this feeling of secrecy?


    Gu Ying clutched hispel tightly, shaking her legs as she tried to jump down.


    But she had overlooked the disparity in strength between men and women. No matter how she struggled, she could not budge the iron grip of the man''s arms one bit.


    Frustrated, her face flushed as she said, "If the Prince is going to be so unreasonable, it seems I have no need to marry you after all."


    The man''s eyes dangerously narrowed, "Threatening me? Do you know, if you don''t agree to marry me, I have a hundred ways to make you voluntarily marry me?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip, recalling his madness over Huo Qiyun in the past, and a wave of fear rose in her heart.


    How could this man be so temperamental?


    Her own temper red and she could not restrain herself, "If I''m unwilling, can the Prince still kidnap me again?"


    As soon as she said this, Zhao Changdu''s face instantly turned cold, ayer of frost covering his exquisite, handsome face.


    His kidnapping attempt years ago had failed, and he had been ridiculed for many years in front of so many officials and nobles when he was abandoned by a woman. That incident was still probably an incurable scar on his heart.


    Gu Ying realized lightning fast that she had spoken impulsively and said the wrong thing. Taking advantage of his inattention, she jumped out of his arms.


    "Well...I''ll go first..."


    Without waiting for the man''s reaction, she directly turned and ran, as if there were wolves and tigers behind her.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were frighteningly cold as he watched her fleeing back. The scene of being abandoned years ago was as if it were just yesterday.


    He curled his lips self-mockingly, an indescribable sourness spreading through his body.


    Thinking of something, the chiseled, handsome face was filled with a terrible anger, his brows furrowed with a frightening rage. That little girl had dared to stab him in his heart, angering him until his teeth itched.


    ...


    Gu Ying anxiously fled back to Twilight Snow Studio, although it was freezing weather, she was drenched in sweat.


    Standing at the door looking back, in the distant darkness, he had not followed.


    How could she not restrain herself!


    With his love for Huo Qiyun, what could he do to her?


    She had just lost her temper for a moment, speaking recklessly. Now calming down, if he refused to marry her, it left only a wave of panic.


    The more she thought about it, the more regretful she became. She thought there might still be a chance if she hurried back to apologize to the Prince.


    But when she walked back to under the flower wall, Zhao Changdu''s figure was already gone...


    Her heart sank, her heart twinged painfully, and she stood nkly in ce for a good while.


    In the end, she sighed weakly, turned around and walked towards Twilight Snow Studio.


    However, in the overlooked corner, a tall jade-like figure had seen Gu Ying and Zhao Changdu''s secret meetingpletely.


    He was hidden in the gloomy corner, looking at Gu Ying''s delicate petite figure and innocent, gentle little face, his eyes as dark as the abyss.


    In that abyss, the undercurrents surged violently, the mes of karma zed furiously.


    "Gu Ying, so you''ve abandoned me, wanting to marry Zhao Changdu to fly up a branch and be a phoenix." A hint of sinister smile appeared on Jiang Yin''s lips. "What a pity, I won''t let you get your wish, I will also let you taste the feeling of being schemed against like I was."


    ...


    The next day when Gu Ying woke up, she felt somewhat dizzy and muddled headed, probably because of the cold windst night. When she returned, she did not dare heat water to wash up, and went straight under the quilt to catch a chill.


    Yin Lan stood by the bedside, reaching out to feel her burning forehead, "Miss don''t worry, it''s probably just sleeping uneasilyst night and identally catching a chill. Just wait for me to grab some medicine to take and it will be fine."


    Gu Yingy powerlessly on the bed, "Alright, thank you for the trouble, Yin Lan."


    Yin Lan smiled, "Why stand on ceremony, Miss?"


    Gu Ying''s face was pale, "I just didn''t cover the quilt properlyst night..."


    The corner of Yin Lan''s mouth tilted up, "It''s fine, Miss doesn''t need to exin to me. I''ve been serving Miss these days, I understand you. Miss does sleep restlessly, always liking to kick off the quilt. This habit still needs to be changed. The winter chill in Bianjing, Miss your body is weak, you still have to be careful."


    Hearing Yin Lan speak for her like this, it made Gu Ying feel somewhat uneasy and embarrassed on the contrary.


    "Well...you go busy first, I''ll sleep some more."


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi hurried off.


    Her head really hurt badly, she didn''t have the energy to think about anything else, she could only bury her head in the quilt to sleep.


    Halfway, Yin Lan came in to feed her medicine, and half of the quilt on her was lifted again.


    Yin Lanughed, "Miss is still like a child."


    In a daze, she drank it. Yin Lan even praised her for not fearing bitterness at all.


    Gu Yingy curled up in the bedding, wrapped up thickly like a cocoon by Yin Lan.


    Sheughed self-deprecatingly, where was she not afraid of bitterness? It was just in her previous life, in order to conceive Jiang Yin''s child, the medicine she drank was far more bitter than this.


    At first she was afraid of the bitterness. Later on, drinking medicine was asmonce as eating meals, so much so that Yanzhi scolded her for being unworthy.


    At that time, her face was washed with tears every day, her health deteriorating more and more. Not to mention conceiving a child, even a gust of cold wind she could not stand. She thought she would not live much longer.


    Later she was thrown into the dpidated temple, humiliated and bullied by so many people.


    Countless times she had wanted to die, yet she could not die no matter what.


    The workings of fate toyed with people. Just like now, she wanted with all her heart to get rid of Mrs. Liu and the rest, yet she was still confined in this cage called the Gu family.


    Even when she finally made up her mind to marry Zhao Changdu, she happened to offend him with a careless sentence.


    The ups and downs of this marriage left her temporarily without backbone.


    "Miss?" Yin Lan called softly, seeing the person curled up in the quilt with red eyes, seeming to be crying, yet on closer look there were no tears on her face.


    Gu Ying felt extremely suffocated in her heart, wrinkling her brows. Powerlessly, she pouted her lips, "Yin Lan, what is it?"


    Yin Lan gently patted the quilt twice, tucking the corners tightly, seeing that Gu Ying still had a young girl''s manner, hearing her tender voice, it reminded her of her own child that could not be born. She smiled, "Nothing much, Miss rest a while more to warm up your sweat."


    Yin Lan''s voice was too gentle.


    Gu Ying let down all her defenses, truly falling asleep curled in the quilt.


    When she awoke again, noisy, morous sounds could be heard from outside.


    She opened her eyes, dazed for a moment.


    Yin Lan drew the curtains and walked in, a sh of anger on her face vanishing instantly as she smiled and asked, "Does Miss feel a little better?"

 Chapter 93: Infertility, Full of children and Grandchildren

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    Gu Ying was sweating profusely. Her entire body seemed as if it had just been fished out of the water. After sweating so much, her headache wasn''t as bad, but she still felt weak.


    With Yin Lan''s support, she sat up in bed weakly and leaned against the pillow. "I''m feeling a little better. What''s with all that noise outside?"


    Yin Lan''s usual smiling face also looked more serious. She sat at the bedside and brought over a medicine bowl, feeding Gu Ying spoonfuls of medicine. "It''s nothing much. Yanzhi and Miss are arguing."


    Gu Ying''s actions paused as she drank the medicine, and her elegant eyebrows knitted together. "Yanzhi wouldn''t argue with someone for no reason."


    Yin Lan looked worried. "It''s because Liu Jianren from the Liu family came to the mansion today. The old master went to greet him personally. This evening he went to Liu''s Twilight Snow Studio, and at dinner, the old madam personally hosted a banquet for him. Originally Mrs. Li came to invite Miss to entertain the guest, but at that time Miss was severely ill and sleeping, so I sent her away."


    "But when Miss found out about Liu Jianren, she wanted toe see Miss''s illness. I thought she was up to no good and definitely didn''te to see Miss, but must be taking advantage of Cousin Liu''s arrival to add insult to injury. So I took it upon myself to block her froming in. I didn''t expect Miss to send Dou Kou to force her way in. Yanzhi has a fiery temper and started fighting with Dou Kou."


    "Entertain guests?" Gu Ying''s eyes reddened as she gritted her teeth and coughed heavily several times. "Are those the words a grandmother should say?!"


    "I know..." Yin Lan looked at the young miss on the bed, as beautiful as a carved jade statue, with distress.


    In all her time working in this wealthy household, the elders had never asked the unmarried youngdies of the household to entertain male guests.


    Moreover, that man was extraordinarily ugly, fat-bellied, with flesh hanging on his face. His smiling appearance was particrly lewd and disgusting.


    If her beautiful young miss really married this kind of terrible future young master, who knew what would happen.


    Gu Ying sneered. Half her body leaned over the bed, her small face flushed an abnormal red from anger. "Tell Yanzhi to stop her properly. Don''t let Gu Jia take half a step into my Twilight Snow Studio."


    Yin Lan quickly said, "Alright, I''ll go stop her too."


    Gu Ying leaned back into the pillow, breathing heavily with anger as she listened closely to the noisy argument outside.


    "Little sister, what are you hiding for? Your future husband hase to see you, how can you still be holed up in your room noting out?"


    "Don''t worry little sister, before Cousin Liu confirms the marriage with you, he won''t go anywhere but stay in our residence. Little sister, your body is unwell and you can''t get out of bed, but that''s fine, we have plenty of time to meet!"


    "Cousin Liu really likes little sister, he can''t wait to immediately take little sister home as his wife. I heard Cousin Liu is the best at doting on his woman. As long as little sister marries over, she''s sure to have two children in three years!"


    "Big sister, what a vicious mouth!" Yanzhi''s angry voice rang out. "Then Yanzhi wishes big sister and Young Master Jiang a hundred years of happiness, two children in three years, childless and infertile, with descendants filling the halls!"


    Gu Jia was furious. "You daring ve, how dare you curse at me!"


    "Why can''t I curse you! If you dare say another word against my young miss today, I''ll rip your mouth apart! Even if I''m dragged to the old madam, I won''t be afraid!"


    "Yanzhi, calm down."


    "I can''t calm down! Even if I die today, even if I jump down from here, I definitely won''t let those wild dogs from the main room through the door of our Twilight Snow Studio!"


    "Good! What an arrogant ve defying her masters! Just you wait Yanzhi! Wait until your young miss marries Cousin Liu andpetes with Cousin''s whole courtyard of women, then you''ll have bitter days ahead!"


    Gu Ying closed her eyes, her long curly eyshes trembling slightly.


    She didn''t expect Liu Jianren toe so quickly, and she happened to be ill and offended Prince Zhao.


    But Gu Jia dared to be so arrogant, how could she let her off easily?


    A cold smile appeared at the corner of her lips, her expression calm as she listened to Gu Jia''s nonsense outside.


    In the end, Gu Jia was unable to enter the Twilight Snow Studio.


    Yanzhi came back and cried by Gu Ying''s side for a while. Gu Ying stroked the little maid''s hair andforted her. "Don''t worry, even if your young miss dies, she won''t marry that Liu fellow. Yanzhi, do you want to make Gu Jia unhappy?"


    Yanzhi nodded heavily. "I do!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were cold. She smiled slightly.


    That night, several frightened screams came from Gu Jia''s Cangwu Pavilion.


    The next day, Yanzhi happily came back to report the news. "Young miss is so clever. After Yin Zhu sprinkled the blood water on the roof over big sister''s room, those drops of blood slowly seeped through the roof and dripped onto big sister''s bed canopy, it nearly scared half her life away! She deserved it!"


    Gu Ying was feeling a little better. After sleeping one night, her temples still ached a little and needed medicine today.


    Yin Zhu had gone to Muffeng Studio again. Yin Lan brought in the medicine. Hearing from Gu Ying that Gu Jia had harmed her own sister, she frowned angrily. "Young miss, you are still too soft-hearted. Why didn''t you reveal this to the old madam earlier?"


    Gu Ying slowly drank the medicine in the bowl. "It happened too long ago, there''s no evidence anymore. At the time Gu Min was said to have identally fallen into the water and died. No one reported it to the authorities then.


    "If we suddenly reveal it to Grandmother, Gu Jia will likely talk her way out of the crime. I don''t want her to escape so easily. What I want is to torment her until she goes crazy, to hound her to death."


    Yin Lan involuntarily felt a chill. The young miss lying in bed had an innocent, harmless appearance of a fairy, but her eyes held chilled ruthlessness when she spoke those words, making one''s heart panic.


    She thought about it, and actually felt somewhat excited. "Young miss, then what are we still waiting for?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into a crescent smile, their shape as beautiful as the new moon. "Have Yin Zhu hurry it up. It won''t be long."


    When one does too many malicious deeds, they will be afraid of ghosts knocking on their door.


    With Gu Min''s "vengeful spirit" back at the Gu Residence, Gu Jia should be very ufortable and afraid, right?


    Thinking of Gu Jia being spurned by the Liu family, she felt that losing her engagement to Prince Zhao wasn''t too upsetting after all.


    She would have a chance, taking it step by step slowly.


    ...


    That day at noon.


    In a side hall of Yongshou Hall, Old Madam Gu set up several simple tables and invited only the madams and young misses and young masters of the household, as well as the Jiang family and Liu Jianren''s family.


    This time it was Old Madam Gu''s Mrs. Li and Mrs. Liu from the Liu family who personally came to invite them.


    Yanzhi didn''t dare block them again, and the smiling Yin Lan standing to the side didn''t say anything either.


    The two madams lifted the curtain at the door and walked in smiling, not bothering whether the people inside were dressed properly or not. "We don''t know if second young miss is feeling better? The old madam is concerned about young miss''s health, and asks that young miss definitelye to Yongshou Hall for the meal today."

 Chapter 94: Set Her up with Liu Chien-jen

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    "Yes, ourdy is also worried about Second Miss''s health. She has been saying that she wants toe see the youngdy," Zhou Mama said as well.


    The two mamas spoke politely, but their words were chilling.


    They were all worried about her health, so why didn''t anyonee see her except Gu Jia who came to kick her when she was down?


    Gu Yingughed silently and coldly.


    After taking medicine for three days, her health was more or less better. After all, the current her was young and healthy, more than ten times better than her previous life''s decrepit body. Now she only had some flushedplexion and slight coughs.


    She sat up in bed and feebly let Rouge make a seat for the two mamas, "Mamas, my health is not well, I''m afraid... cough cough... I will pass the sickness to Grandmother and Eldest Aunt. That would be my unfilial act."


    Li Mama nced at Ying disbelievingly that Gu Ying was really sick.


    She reached out and felt her forehead. Her face blossomed into a smile.


    "Oh, Young Miss is not hot anymore. I''m afraid the illness is mostly cured. The Old Madam finally got to prepare a few tables at home today. She wanted Second Miss to meet Young Master Liu. If Second Miss still declines, wouldn''t it be like asking this old servant to tell the Old Madam toe invite Second Miss herself?"


    Gu Yingughed drily. The coldness on her face receded. "I wouldn''t dare... Li Mama wait outside for now. I will call two maidservants to wash up and dress."


    Only then was Li Mama satisfied. She put on her hood and went out, apanying Zhou Mama to report back.


    Yin Lan came in to do Gu Ying''s hair while Rouge went to fetch clothes and dresses.


    "Young Miss don''t worry too much. With so many people around, that Young Master Liu wouldn''t dare do anything to you."


    "The Liu family wouldn''t dare make trouble in front of the Old Madam."


    "Young Miss just go. This servant will stick by your side every step. We won''t give them any opportunity."


    Gu Ying looked at herself in the bronze mirror with a calm expression, seemingly not hearing Yin Lan''s words.


    She kept ncing outside and then dejectedly lowered her longshes from time to time.


    After Yin Lan finished her hair and chose some simple hairpins, she noticed something off and asked, "Young Miss, what''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying''s fine brows slightly furrowed. She mumbled, "Three days..."


    Yin Lan was puzzled. "Three days?"


    Gu Ying quickly snapped back and smiled. "It''s nothing."


    She was just thinking about what the Prince had said that night. He said he woulde to the Earl Manor with people to propose marriage in three days.


    Today was the third day. Early in the morning... she was thinking he probably wouldn''te anymore.


    Sure enough, it was almost noon now and there was still no news outside. He was probably thoroughly provoked by her words that night and took offense.


    Gu Ying clenched her cold, sweaty palms and smiled indifferently. "We''ll just go with the flowter and deal with things as theye. Yin Lan, don''t worry too much either."


    That room full of jackals, tigers and leopards in Yongshou Hall, she still had the ability to handle them.


    After all, no matter what, she was the only legitimate daughter of the Second Madam in Dongping Earl Manor.


    After washing up and dressing, Gu Ying took a deep breath and stood at the door looking at the clear winds and white snow of the manor for a while.


    After confirming there was still no news from the front yard, she headed to Yongshou Hall with an expression as usual, thick cloak and hood on.


    ...


    As soon as she entered the side room of Yongshou Hall, Gu Ying immediately spotted Jiang Yin sitting amongst the crowd, as clear as the moon in the sky.


    He wore a warm white robe. Thick grey squirrel fur lined the cor, making his handsome face nested in the cor appear somewhat like a graceful young master.


    It formed a stark contrast with the pot-bellied Liu Jianren with cloudy eyes sitting beside him.


    The seating arrangement was also probably intentional. In any case, although Gu Jia on Jiang Yin''s other side looked somewhat pale, she was brimming with pride.


    After all,pared to Liu Jianren, her fiance could be said to be heaven and earth apart. Such a disparity made one extremely annoyed.


    Gu Ying nced indifferently at Jiang Yin. He was naturally outstanding, otherwise she wouldn''t have noticed him with one look in the past.


    It was just that her younger self couldn''t see the raging ambition in his eyes. She wholeheartedly wanted his love, but it ended fruitlessly in the end, even costing her life.


    She smiled helplessly and pulled up the corners of her mouth. Lifting her skirt, she walked into the side room and bowed in greeting to everyone.


    Gu Old Madam didn''t let her get up immediately and just had her bent over, asking about her illness.


    Gu Ying stood for a while. Her waist felt sore but she still respectfully answered, "Replying Grandmother, Ying''s health is much better. Thank you for Grandmother''s concern."


    Gu Old Madam still didn''t look at her and just had her standing awkwardly to one side. She turned and talked to Liu Jianren''s mother, Lady Zhang.


    Teaching her granddaughter rules in front of outsiders.


    Lady Zhang smiled stiffly and asionally responded with a couple sentences, sizing up Gu Ying from time to time.


    Only Liu Jianren''s infatuated gaze remained fixed on Gu Ying.


    After receiving a letter from his aunt telling him to go to Bianjing, he had specifically sent people to investigate this Second Miss Gu of the Gu family beforehand. Her reputation and such weren''t important. The key was how she looked.


    He had heard early on that this Second Miss Gu was peerlessly beautiful, beautiful beyondpare!


    Although not yet 20 years old, she was already gracefully mature. Her figure was extremely good, with all the right curves in all the right ces, slim in some ces and voluptuous in others. Every ounce of flesh on her body was in the ce it should be!


    The only downside was she was a bit slow-witted and her reputation wasn''t great.


    But these were basically negligible to Liu Jianren!


    The woman he wanted had to be curvy and buxom, graceful and alluring, best if she was a charming little fox spirit who could satisfy him thoroughly in bed!


    So when he saw Gu Ying''s face as white as snow, he waspletely dumbfounded.


    This woman was simply the sexiest he had seen in his life!


    If he married her and took her home, he was afraid his body wouldn''t be able to handle her!


    Liu Jianren''s mind was filled with filth as he ogled Gu Ying. He said to Gu Old Madam, "Old Madam, Sister Ying''s health is weak. Don''t make her stand. Let her sit quickly!"


    Only then did Gu Old Madam nce sideways at Gu Ying. "Since Young Master Liu pleaded for you, you may sit. Be sure to thank Young Master Liu properly."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched. She obediently took this from Gu Old Madam. At least Gu Old Madam''s expression improved a lot.


    Gu Ying was already extremely disappointed with this tantly biased grandmother. She didn''t say anything, got up and walked to the only empty seat at the table and sat down.


    Liu Jianren sat to her right, his naked gaze clinging to her the entire time.


    As soon as she sat down, she smelled the stench of a man''s body odoring from beside her.


    She frowned in disgust, wanting to vomit.


    The men in her past life all had this kind of unbearable smell on them.


    Gu Ying felt awful. Her brows were tightly knitted and her face was stiff.

 Chapter 95: Something’s Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    The elders at the table started chatting animatedly.


    Mrs. Liu talked with Lady Zhang about many amusing anecdotes from when Gu Ying was little, and said that although she had little formal education, she was very sensible and would surely be a capable mistress of the inner quarters in the future.


    What''s more, her maternal grandparents were the Ye Family.


    Upon hearing of the Ye Family, Lady Zhang gasped, "Oh my, I didn''t expect that the second youngdy is actually the granddaughter of the esteemed Elder Ye!"


    Mrs. Liu smiled and said, "That''s right."


    Then she turned her head with a kindly expression towards Gu Ying and said, "Ying''er, why don''t you smile a little? Today is a good day. In just over a month, it will be New Year''s. In a few days, I''ll have your eldest sister take you and your sisters, as well as your male cousin, to the temple to burn incense."


    Gu Ying forced a smile and said, "Auntie, I have a frail constitution and am still recovering from illness. The weather is bitterly cold, so I''d rather not go out. Eldest Sister and Third and Fourth sisters can go. I''ll skip the hubbub."


    Having her face pped in front of outsiders,


    Mrs. Liu''s expression noticeably darkened, though only for a moment, before she quickly resumed her benign smile. "This child is like this, always aloof from the crowd."


    Lady Zhang didn''t pay any mind to Mrs. Liu''s veiled verbal attack on Gu Ying.


    One look at Gu Ying''s appearance and her bearing was enough to delight Lady Zhang. She spoke to Gu Ying gently, seeming quite satisfied. Although uneducated, her looks alone were pleasing to the eye.


    Besides, a woman''sck of talent is itself a virtue.


    If her son could marry the daughter of Elder Ye as his wife, who in their hometown would dare look down on them as a merchant family in the future?


    The hot dishes were quickly brought out.


    The elders chatted animatedly, leaving no opening for the children to interrupt, so each attended to their own meal.


    The adults talked on and on, doing nothing but trying to settle Gu Ying and Liu Jianren''s marriage on that very day.


    Gu Ying sat at the table, listening quietly to their discussion, suppressing her feelings as her patience wore thinner and thinner.


    Liu Jianren picked up a piece of hibiscus cake and put it in Gu Ying''s te, eyes smiling into slits. "Sister Gu Ying, eat up. I''ll feed you."


    Meeting his nauseating smile and vulgar manners, clearly picked up from some brothel, Gu Ying''s small face was cold as she silently rejected his enthusiasm with her attitude.


    "No need, I don''t care for hibiscus cake." She then picked up the cup of hot tea at her hand and took a sip to quench her irritation.


    Liu Jianren wasn''t angry either. He found this woman even more arousing the colder she was. Her chill was like the snow lilies on the Tianshan Mountains, provoking his will to conquer.


    He recalled his aunt''s earlier words to him.


    "This time, you must obtain Gu Ying no matter what. Once she bes your woman, won''t she be at your disposal in the future?"


    To make her his woman, wasn''t that implication clear?


    Liu Jianren''s gaze wasyered with meaning as it fell on the teacup in Gu Ying''s hand. Fortunately he hade prepared. Heeding Master Jiang''s advice, he had slipped something into the water beforehand.


    Just look at that fair and delicate little beauty. Even her fingernails were a pale pink. She was truly too alluring.


    He ogled Gu Ying''s exquisite little facesciviously, bing more and more lustful at the thought. He was determined to seize this chance to get a taste of her.


    ...


    After lunch,


    Gu Ying couldn''t sit still any longer. She really disliked the atmosphere at Yongshou Hall.


    It was nothing for Gu Wan and Gu Jia to make snide remarks to her from time to time.


    But Mrs. Liu deliberately invited a troupe of performers into the residence and said they would watch a y this afternoon in Huichun Pavilion to apany Grandmother and have the youngdies and gentlemen keep herpany.


    This was clearly meant to prevent Gu Ying from leaving and deliberately create an opportunity for her and Liu Jianren to be alone together.


    But Gu Ying not only felt no affection for Liu Jianren, being close to him even made her recoil in disgust. She truly, truly loathed Mrs. Liu and Liu Jianren.


    Besides, what proper aristocratic house would go so far as to personally y matchmaker for an unmarried man and woman?


    Gu Yingughed mockingly. To her right was Gu Shuang, and to her left was Liu Jianren.


    Mrs. Liu''s intentions were obvious to all.


    Gu Shuang watched her worriedly the whole time. Seizing the rare chance to whisper to her, she said, "Sister, you mustn''t marry that Liu fellow."


    Gu Yingughed. "Do I look like I want to marry him?"


    Gu Shuang shook her head, increasingly concerned. "Seeing Mrs. Liu''s manner, she''s determined to match you with Liu Jianren. That Master Liu always looks at you so oddly. Even I find it frightening..."


    She was still young and didn''t understand that look was a man''s lechery towards a woman.


    Gu Ying could feel Liu Jianren''s constant gaze on her face, staring at her till she felt dirty...


    What was most worrying was that despite the icy weather, with heavy snowfall that evening and biting winds, as the youngdies sat in the open pavilion, it was very drafty, yet she felt strangely hot.


    That heat gradually suffused her body from deep inside, soon making her cheeks flush and limbs weak.


    She didn''t know what was happening to her. She sensed a burning gaze on her back.


    ncing back discreetly, she glimpsed Jiang Yin''s deep, murky eyes and swiftly realized something was wrong. She hurriedly grabbed Gu Shuang''s little hand, heartbeat quickening anxiously. "Fourth Sister..."


    "Sister, what''s wrong?"


    Yin Lan also came over, bending down to sp her hand and asking quietly, "Miss, what''s the matter? Did you eat something bad?"


    Gu Ying closed her eyes ufortably. Her hands and feet were weak and barely listened to hermands. That inexplicable heat rushed straight to her core. She endured it, but the image of Jiang Yin''s lingering smile rose in her thoughts as they started to scatter.


    "I...don''t know. I just feel a little hot and weak all over." Her mouth was dry, cheeks flushing.


    She realized she might have been drugged.


    But how could it happen in the Marquis''s estate?


    Could it be Mrs. Liu was already so audacious?


    Or was it Jiang Yin?


    But how could he have had the chance?


    Was it the tea?


    She clenched her teeth, hands balling into fists, knuckles white with force.


    She had seen this trick before. She couldn''t let herself fall prey too!


    But to avoid Liu Jianren taking advantage of her state, she also couldn''t keep staying in front of everyone. After all, once the drug entered her body, the only antidotes were to couple with someone, or...take an antidote.


    If she stayed just to avoid giving anyone a chance, she was afraid she would end up doing something irreversible in front of all these people in the end.


    She urgently pulled Yin Lan and whispered, "Yin Lan, take me away..."


    As an experienced woman, Yin Lan immediately guessed seven or eight tenths of the situation upon seeing her young miss''s flushed face. She promptly went before Grandmother and said, "Grandmother, my young miss''s illness has not fully recovered. She has caught a chill again. Please permit this servant to take the young miss back to rest."

 Chapter 96: Is Jiang Yin

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    Gu Old Madam originally did not like the two maids Yin Lan and Yin Zhu.


    Her sharp old eyes swept over Yin Lan, thinking she was pretending to be delicate, did not give her face, and said indifferently, ¡°Since this is the case, help her to the nearby Cuiyu Pavilion to rest first, and I will have someone call a doctor to take a look at her. Li Mama, you go along too.¡±


    Yin Lan was a little anxious, ¡°Old Madam need not worry, Mingxue Studio has good ready-made cold medicine, no need to trouble the Old Madam again.¡±


    Gu Old Madam''s old face suddenly sank, ¡°What, I can''t even speak in this manor now?¡±


    Yin Lan bit her lip to calm herself and said, ¡°This servant did not mean that, it''s just that the youngdy suddenly developed a high fever... This servant is anxious in her heart...¡±


    ¡°That''s enough! Shut up!¡± Gu Old Madam had long disliked Qin Shi, so naturally she did not have a good expression towards the people she sent either. Today she finally found an opportunity to suppress her, and sternly said, ¡°You are just a maid sent by the Censorate, after all not someone from my Bo Mansion. I don''t need a maid like you to teach me what to do!¡±


    She turned her head to the side with an icy expression, and said to Li Mama behind her, ¡°Li Mama, outsiders are always outsiders. Ying is after all the legitimate daughter of the second room of my Bo Mansion. How can her health be left for an outsider to take care of? You personally take two maids to take Ying to Cuiyu Pavilion, and send two servants, one to call a doctor from outside, and one to grab some medicine to treat colds.¡±


    Li Mama, relying on her power, red fiercely at Yin Lan and said, "Yes, this old servant will go do it now."


    After speaking, she pointed to two maids serving in Yongshou Hall, "Go, support the second youngdy well."


    At this moment, Gu Ying''s mind was a little confused, and she did not know what kind of messy stuff she had drunk, but it was so powerful!


    She was almost scorching hot, her whole body was as hot as burning up, and she was powerless to struggle.


    Yin Lan knelt there, held down by two maids, her eyes red, "Old Madam! This servant has done nothing wrong, why does Old Madam treat this servant like this!"


    Gu Old Madam didn''t even bother to look at her and said, "Take her away, don''t disturb everyone here."


    Gu Ying shook her head silently, her eyes fixed on Yin Lan tightly, and mouthed to her, "Think of something, go find the eldest young master..."


    Yin Lan suddenly held back her tears and lowered her head, no longer confronting Gu Old Madam head-on.


    Gu Ying''s body leaned crookedly into Li Mama''s arms. She really couldn''t muster any strength, she could only let Li Mama take her to Cuiyu Pavilion.


    ...


    After sitting in Huichun Pavilion for a while, Liu Jianren happily got up to bid Gu Old Madam goodbye, ¡°Old Madam, I am feeling a little ufortable, I want to go back and rest for a while beforeing back to apany you.¡±


    Gu Old Madam naturally did not object.


    Liu Jianren curved his lips and waved his hands as he walked out of Huichun Pavilion.


    After Liu Jianren left Huichun Pavilion, Jiang Yin also silently left Huichun Pavilion from the corner.


    Liu Jianren looked around the corridor for a long time, but couldn''t find the direction of Cuiyu Pavilion.


    This Bo Mansion was magnificently built, not big but not small either, definitely several times bigger than his family''s manor.


    He stood on the corridor and scratched his head, impatient to find someone to ask.


    Unexpectedly, this person appeared at just the right time!


    "Brother Jiang! You came at just the right time!"


    "Brother Liu." Jiang Yin walked over with an indifferent expression, dressed in white, as handsome as the moon in the sky.


    Liu Jianren and Jiang Yin were just acquaintances. He had only heard that he was the son-inw of the Gu family, but was an excellent schr, very talented, so he naturally did not dare to underestimate him.


    He hurried up andughed, "Brother Jiang, your advice to me yesterday was very good. That second youngdy must be waiting for me now. I need to gofort her well."


    "Brother Jiang, did you see it today? That Gu second youngdy''s face turned so red after drinking your tea! What a beautiful lotus blossoming out of the water! So charming and alluring! Those lips, that little nose, that little face, it really makes one want to press her down hard under one''s body and torment her well!"


    Hearing this, Jiang Yin smiled slightly, hisughter was very low, almost inaudible in the wind and snow.


    His eyes were cold, and his heart was somewhat strangely ufortable. Although he also hated Gu Ying for treating him that way, he still didn''t like other men talking about her body in front of him like this.


    He looked at Liu Jianren in front of him, whose eyes were reduced to a narrow slit due to obesity, his expression very deep, "Brother Liu, if you go west, walk for one tea time, you will see Cuiyu Pavilion."


    Liu Jianren waspletely unsuspecting. He patted Jiang Yin on the shoulder with his big hand and said in brotherhood, "Thank you for pointing the way Brother Jiang. When I seed in this matter, I will certainly not forget Brother Jiang''s kindness!"


    Jiang Yin faintly curved his lips, his expression calm, only his eyes were deep and unfathomable.


    After watching Liu Jian leave the corridor, he coldly turned and walked straight to Cuiyu Pavilion.


    ...


    Inside Cuiyu Pavilion.


    Gu Ying was helped to lie on the couch. Li Mama looked down at her without saying anything, then turned and went out.


    Gu Ying''s mind was fuzzy. She could only first take off the thick cloak on her body with her small hands grasping her clothes.


    There was no one else in Cuiyu Pavilion. It was usually used for guests to rest.


    She hurriedly got off the bed and groped around. The two maids outside were gone too.


    She pursed her red lips, and her hoarse voice softly called out twice.


    But still no one outside responded.


    She staggered to the door, her small hands scratching at the door, only to find that she couldn''t open it at all.


    e!"


    Gu Ying''s hoarse voice patted the door.


    They had actually locked the door...


    She was almost desperate, and also realized that today''s y must have been deliberately designed to target her. Soon they would definitely arrange for Liu Jianren toe over...


    By then, after consummating with Liu Jianren, even if she didn''t want to marry him, she would have no choice...


    Her heart ached, and her fingertips sharply embedded into her palms. She then quickly found a sharp object and stabbed it hard into her thigh. Fresh blood flowed down her skirt.


    She finally regained some of her senses.


    Just as she opened the window, preparing to jump out in desperation, the room door was pushed open.


    A steady pace entered the room. The cold wind blew snowkes in from outside, cold to the bone.


    Gu Ying sobered up a little more. Her body was half leaning against the window. She looked back to the door.


    The person smiled and asked, "Second youngdy, how do you feel now?"


    Gu Ying''s face changed, her body almost unable to stand steady, "Jiang Yin?!"


    Jiang Yin was not in a hurry either. His smiling eyes watched her escape actions.


    "You...how did you get here?"


    He looked calmly at Gu Ying''s messy hair bun, her hair like silk flowing down her back.


    The more disheveled she was, the more beautiful he thought she was, beautiful enough to captivate one''s heart.


    Jiang Yin walked over and easily picked her up.

 Chapter 97: Stall for Time

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    When she got close, the familiar smell of the man drilled into her nose.


    She was extremely sensitive now.


    Especially that scent belonging to Jiang Yin, across two lifetimes could still make her tremble all over.


    It was really disgusting to the extreme!


    Gu Ying suddenly widened her eyes, desperately pushing against his chest, face red struggling.


    "Jiang Yin, get lost, don''te to disgust me! Let me go quickly!"


    Although it was an extremely fierce tone, it seemed particrly weak and tempting at this moment.


    Jiang Yin''s eyes darkened, his big hand tightened a bit, holding her whole body in his arms, a kind of indescribable familiar feeling rushed up.


    He exerted force with his five fingers, mping her slender waist.


    It was as if this had happened before, only she didn''t struggle painfully like this at that time.


    On the contrary, as in the time before the engagement was cancelled, she was affectionate to him, and even snuggled in his arms, actively offering her red lips.


    Jiang Yin was startled.


    The fragmented images in his mind always gave him a splitting headache. He let out a low sigh, his breath slightly chaotic.


    "Gu Ying..."


    Gu Ying struggled even more fiercely. She would rather die today than let Jiang Yin touch her!


    The more fiercely she writhed, the deeper Jiang Yin''s eyes became.


    This feeling was too familiar, but he couldn''t remember where the memory came from, and he couldn''t figure out what his feelings for Gu Ying were.


    But...so what?


    If he couldn''t figure it out, then don''t think about it. Jiang Yin only knew that he wanted to get her, now, immediately, regardless of everything!


    He expressionlessly threw her on the bed, his tone cold, "Did you think only you could trick me?"


    As soon as Gu Ying''s body fell to the ground, she couldn''t care about anything else, she could only exert all her strength to crawl to the corner of the bed.


    She was dragged back by the ankle again.


    She was no match for the man''s strength, and was soon pulled to the edge of the bed and turned over.


    Jiang Yin held her hands over her head, lowered his body, and looked at her flushed cheeks. The inexplicable restless throbbing in his heart became more and more uneasy.


    He clenched his five fingers, mping her slender waist.


    It was as if this had happened before, except that she didn''t struggle painfully like this at that time.


    On the contrary, as before the engagement was cancelled, she was affectionate to him, and even snuggled in his arms, actively offering her red lips.


    Jiang Yin was startled.


    The fragmented images in his mind always gave him a splitting headache. He let out a low sigh, his breath slightly chaotic.


    "Gu Ying..."


    Gu Ying struggled even more fiercely. She would rather die today than let Jiang Yin touch her!


    The more fiercely she writhed, the deeper Jiang Yin''s eyes became.


    This feeling was too familiar, but he couldn''t remember where the memory came from, and he couldn''t figure out what his feelings for Gu Ying were.


    But...so what?


    If he couldn''t figure it out, then don''t think about it. Jiang Yin only knew that he wanted to get her, now, immediately, regardless of everything!


    He expressionlessly threw her on the bed, his tone cold, "Did you think only you could trick me?"


    As soon as Gu Ying''s body fell to the ground, she couldn''t care about anything else, she could only exert all her strength to crawl to the corner of the bed.


    She was dragged back by the ankle again.


    She was no match for the man''s strength, and was soon pulled to the edge of the bed and turned over.


    Jiang Yin held her hands over her head, lowered his body, and looked at her flushed cheeks. The inexplicable restless throbbing in his heart became more and more uneasy.


    He clenched his five fingers, mping her slender waist.


    It was as if this had happened before, except that she didn''t struggle painfully like this at that time.


    On the contrary, as before the engagement was cancelled, she was affectionate to him, and even snuggled in his arms, actively offering her red lips.


    Seeing her like this, Jiang Yin hesitated a little, but the dark waves surged in his deep dark eyes, and he lowered himself aggressively.


    Gu Ying closed her eyes, despairingly thinking.


    If what happened in her previous life happened again, she would definitely take Jiang Yin with her to die, and not let him go even as a ghost!


    ......


    "Bang--"


    A loud kick at the door suddenly came.


    Gu Ying''s longshes trembled, feeling the man''s body stiffen above her, and was instantly grabbed by the neck from behind and kicked out.


    The piercing cold wind hit, Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, and opened her blurred eyes wide.


    A peerlessly handsome face quickly erged in front of her eyes.


    With a slight lift of her eyes, she could see the smooth chin revealed by the man in the dim daylight. He had profound eyes and a cold temperament. His sexy thin lips were slightly downturned, showing the unusual anger of the master at this moment.


    She hadn''t reacted to what was happening yet, and felt a pair of cold big hands brush past her.


    She looked at him miserably, her eyes brimming with pitiful tears.


    The man''s big hand stiffened slightly, and he quickly wrapped the messy clothes on the bed around her snow-white body.


    Warmth came, and Gu Ying woke up quickly from confusion, looking at the man in surprise and joy.


    "Prince..."


    She didn''t realize her voice was trembling, hooking people''s hearts and making them itch.


    Zhao Changdu''s deep eyes were filled with gloomy anger. He lowered his body to pick up Gu Ying, "Gu Ying, how are you?"


    Gu Ying shed tears and shook her head, "I''m fine..."


    Zhao Changdu "hmm"ed, his gaze sweeping over her flushed little face, his tone gloomy and terrible.


    "Master! I have knocked out Jiang Yin and threw him away! That dog dared to defile the prince''s wife, courting death!"


    Huai An rushed into Cuiyu Pavilion behind him, followed by a red-eyed Yin Lan.


    "Miss! Miss are you okay?" Yin Lan rushed forward, kneading Gu Ying''s hot little hands. She couldn''t restrain her fear and cried directly.


    "I''m fine..." Gu Ying said weakly. She wanted tofort Yin Lan a few words, but she didn''t have much strength now and couldn''t say too many words. She just licked her lips and smiled at her, "Don''t worry... I''m fine, the viin didn''t touch me."


    Seeing the two of them looking like weeping pear blossoms, Huai An didn''t know what to do. He scratched his head and said, "Master, let me first go to the front hall to have the bride price moved in, and help the young master hold back those messy people outside."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were gloomy: "Hmm."


    Huai An tactfully said, "I''ll try to dy it. Master, is one minute enough?"


    Zhao Changdu nced at him coldly, with chilling intent in his eyes.


    Huai An nced up and saw his master''s dangerous icy gaze. He shrank his neck and said maliciously, "Half an hour?"


    He took another look at the girl''s condition in his master''s arms, and immediately said, "One hour is the longest!"


    After saying that, he jumped out like a rabbit, not caring about his master''s murderous gaze chasing him.


    "Why haven''t you left yet? Waiting to be beaten?"


    He pulled Yin Lan away, feeling quite conscientious, after all, he had disturbed his master''s business. This girl still didn''t know how she would be punished by the master''s militaryw.


    The master''s means, tsk tsk tsk... Anyway, quite ecstatic!


    Gu Ying''s mind was groggy, her eyes chaotic. Seeing Yin Lan and Zhao Changdu, she waspletely relieved, and didn''t hear what Huai An had said. She just saw Huai An run out quickly, and took Yin Lan away together.


    Her heart rxed, and the boiling heat surged again.

 Chapter 98: Prince will not be interested in Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    "Um......Ufortable."


    Another uncontroble sound.


    "Young Master..." Her breath was unsteady, and when she panted, her lips and teeth opened slightly, allowing a glimpse of her charming little tongue, alluring yet unaware, "Shuangxi Pavilion has cold water..."


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome brows furrowed, "You--"


    The little girl''s face had already turned red beyond recognition, her lips even bitten and bleeding, bright red beads seeping out. He could imagine how potent the drug inside her was.


    Gu Ying lifted her chin, gazing at the man''s resolute, icy jaw, and reached out both arms, clinging tightly around his neck.


    She was already trying her best to keep her sanity, but as things progressed...the situation had be increasingly out of control.


    She even took the initiative to grab at Zhao Changdu''s clothes. After her small hands touched that hard, sturdy chest, a feeling offort spread from her fingertips all the way to her heart.


    She looked at the man''s handsome face like a child, increasingly thirsty as she burrowed into his embrace.


    She was clearly averse to this kind of thing, but facing him, there was no revolting odor she couldn''t stand, only a subtle, indescribable fragrance that weakly hooked her scattered mind...


    "It hurts... Ah... So ufortable."


    She felt extremely wronged and struggled in agony.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes sank, and he held the girl without further dy, striding out of Suiyu Pavilion inrge steps.


    Before leaving, he nced at Jiang Yin lying unconscious in the snow, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    Hearing the pitiful voice of the little girl in his arms, he thought, this time he should be taught a lesson.


    There was a panicked maid peeking in the corridor, who hadn''t had time to leave and report.


    Zhao Changdu just nced lightly in that direction, his gaze like a sword, killing intent evident, and the maid trembled in fright, kneeling down with a thud.


    "Go call your young miss over."


    "Yes! This ve will go do it now..."


    "Did you see anyone else in Suiyu Pavilion?"


    "No!" The maid didn''t even dare lift her head, her voice trembling, "This ve didn''t see anything! Second Miss only rested in Suiyu Pavilion for a while, then went straight back to Shuangxi Pavilion."


    Zhao Changdu let out a satisfied "Um", "Say one more word, and I''ll send you to see King Yama."


    The maid''s face turned deathly pale. She hurriedly lifted her skirt and ran towards the lively main hall.


    ...


    In the main hall.


    Stood five Qilin Army soldiers with solemn, cold, ruthless faces.


    Just these five people, the undisguised killing intent radiating from them, had already frightened the entire Gu family.


    Behind those Qilin Army soldiers were more than a dozen guards from the Duke Manor, and behind them were countless boxes of betrothal gifts that couldn''t be counted at a nce.


    The famous matchmaker Qian from Bianjing was elegantly dressed at the very front, her big red lips and red fur flowers, along with an enormous matchmaker''s mole.


    She was holding a kerchief in her hand and chatting with Gu Old Madam, "Old Madam, today is truly a joyous asion for the Duke Manor. The young master of Zhenguo Duke Manor personally came to our manor to propose marriage to one of your manor''s youngdies!"


    Gu Old Madam was surprised. "Propose marriage?"


    Without announcing it beforehand, everything was so sudden?


    "Yes! It wouldn''t be bringing so many betrothal gifts if it wasn''t a proposal. These gifts are extremely valuable, most of them prepared by the young master himself, which shows his sincerity in proposing to the youngdy of our manor!" Qian said joyfully.


    "The young master also came to me personally, which means he is determined to marry one of our manor''s youngdies. Old Madam, you should be happy!"


    Not only was Gu Old Madam bewildered, even the first wife''s family were extremely shocked.


    The eldest youngdy of Dongping Earl Manor was already engaged, leaving only Gu Ying, Gu Wan, and Gu Shuang.


    Gu Jia''s face was ck with displeasure.


    She was angry, hateful, envious and jealous. If not for Jiang Yin''s vition of her, such a tremendous opportunity would have been hers first!


    All those betrothal gifts in the courtyard should have been hers!


    She was furious, ring at Gu Wan and Gu Shuang standing beside her.


    Gu Shuang was still alright, with a hint of worry in her eyes, seeming reluctant about the marriage. But Gu Wan, a concubine''s daughter, actually dared to be shy and expectant?


    Did she think the young master of Zhenguo Duke Manor, personally appointed by His Majesty as Commander of the Imperial Guards, would look upon her?


    Don''t even think about it!


    Qian sized up the few youngdies in front of her, smiling meaningfully, "Old Madam, what are you still dazed for? The young master seems to be in a hurry about this matter. The young master is already twenty-five, the age to get married. Many families in the capital already have ideas, but the young master doesn''t like them and can''t do anything about it. Now the young master has chosen the youngdy of your manor. The young master also said that although it''s a bit rushed, propriety must not be neglected. All the proper betrothal gifts and procedures will bepleted without omission. Old Madam, you should be happy!"


    Gu Old Madam was moved on the inside but remained steady on the outside like an old dog.


    Naturally she was happy. After losing the marriage with Yong''an Marquis Manor, they had gained Zhenguo Duke Manor!


    If this marriage seeded, it would be a tremendous honor for Dongping Earl Manor!


    It was just that none of these youngdies, no matter who, were worthy of the status of the young master. She was afraid there might be some trickery involved.


    Liu couldn''t contain her excitement as she looked at the courtyard full of betrothal gifts, and asked Qian impatiently, "Madame Qian, which of my daughters does the young master want to propose to?"


    Qian deliberately sold them a clue, smiling, "The young master said the one he wants to propose to is the most gentle and virtuous youngdy of your manor."


    "Gentle and virtuous, isn''t that my Shuang''er?" Zhao said excitedly, hurriedly pulling Gu Shuang''s sleeve.


    Gu Shuang tensed up, frightened silly.


    "Ah? Mother, don''t speak nonsense!"


    How could the young master want to marry her... She didn''t even know the young master at all...


    The usually indifferent Wangughed, "Sister, what are you saying? Shuang is still young, and can''t really be associated with gentle and virtuous."


    Zhao let out a coldugh, "Sister rarely speaks to you. Now in front of the matchmaker, you say my Shuang is not gentle and virtuous. Could it be you think the young master would propose to your concubine''s daughter?"


    At the word concubine, everyone looked sharply at Qian, nerves taut.


    After all, Gu Shuang and Gu Wan were both concubine''s daughters... The only two legitimate daughters of the manor were Gu Jia, who was already engaged, and Gu Ying of the second wife''s family.


    Would the esteemed young master look upon Gu Ying?

 Chapter 99: The object of marriage is the second girl

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    So they had never thought from the beginning that such a pie falling from the sky wouldnd on Gu Ying''s head.


    The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it seriously.


    Gu Jia''s heart panicked, and suddenly looked up at Qian, it was impossible for Gu Ying...impossible!


    How could Gu Ying''s marriage be better than hers!


    What right did she have to ride on her head? She should have married someone like Liu Jianren, and lived a life of bowing and scraping, without seeing the light of day!


    Mrs. Liu smiled out two deep dimples, "The woman who the Prince saw must be the best woman under heaven. I just wonder why I don''t see that woman here?"


    Everyone suddenly held their breath.


    Gu Old Madam frowned, and Mrs. Liu also widened her eyes.


    Gu Jia had a bad premonition in her heart...


    When Qian saw no one answering her, she asked again, "Old Madam, where is your second granddaughter, Gu Ying?"


    As soon as her voice fell.


    The people in the hall had unbelievable looks on their faces.


    After the scandal with Gu Jia, Gu Ying''s engagement was cancelled in a high-profile manner by the Marquis of Yong''an. These days, her aunt had been everywhere to no avail. She had almost no reputation left in Bianjing. How could she possibly have been seen by the Heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor?


    Gu Old Madam was the first to disbelieve, suspecting that Qian had misheard, "Lady Qian, did the Prince really say my second daughter?"


    Qian said, "This old body certainly didn''t mishear. I have been in this business for so many years, this old body certainly wouldn''t make any mistakes."


    Gu Old Madam''s brows were still frowning. She was obviously not very happy with the choice being Gu Ying from the second house, after all, Liu Jianren was still at the manor, and it was only a matter of time before the two got engaged.


    She hurriedly pulled Qian aside.


    "Lady Qian, let me tell you, my second daughter just got engaged to a young master of the Liu family a few days ago. The young master and his mother from the Liu family are still in my manor. We were just discussing the marriage between the two children today, but Ying got a cold in the middle and went back to her yard first. Then Zhenguo Duke Manor''s people came, so we didn''t get to finish the discussion."


    Qian was taken aback when she heard this, "Old Madam, this is... already settled?"


    Gu Old Madam said, "It''s not settled yet, but it''s almost certain."


    Qian looked at Gu Old Madam in disbelief. This old madam of the manor was really strange. She was giving up such a good marriage from Zhenguo Duke Manor?


    Being seen by the Heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor, even if she was engaged, she could have just rejected it outright. Offending a Liu would be better than offending the Heir, wouldn''t it?


    Why did this old madam look so reluctant?


    "Lady Qian, can you please ask the Prince toe in person? This old body wants to discuss properly with him¡ª"


    Qian had a dilemma on her face. She had been a matchmaker for so many years and had never encountered such an entric family.


    She was about to refuse, when Huai An, who had not spoken, suddenly said, "Old Madam Gu is right, this matter does require my master toe and discuss in person!"


    Qian shut her mouth and said nothing.


    Huai An was a military man, tall and strong, with bronzed skin. At first nce he looked very imposing, but his eyebrows were still handsome. His eyes, however, were as sharp as knives.


    Of all the women in the room, only Gu Old Madam could still hold her ground before him.


    The old madam smiled. "Master Huai is right."


    Huai An looked around at the people in the hall, ready for a "battle of tongues against a group of women." Anyway, even if the sky fell down, his mouth would hold it up.


    No matter what, he had to keep all these women steady in the front hall until after the young master had finished his business.


    Huai An began to deliberately make things difficult for the Gu family.


    Gu Old Madam listened with her brows furrowed. Things were different today, so she secretly sent someone to the yamen to ask Gu Boyan toe back.


    But she also knew that even if Gu Boyan came back, it wouldn''t be of much use.


    If Gu Ying was really coveted by Zhenguo Duke Manor, they had no other way to resist the Duke Manor.


    It could only be said that with Gu Boyan back, she as an old woman from a prestigious family could negotiate with the Heir of the Duke Manor with more confidence.


    Gu Jia listened in trepidation to Huai An''s vivid ount. At this moment, a panicked young maid suddenly came in through the side door.


    The maid went to her side and lowered her voice, "Eldest youngdy..."


    Gu Jia was impatient, but didn''t dare to lose her temper at this moment. "What is it?"


    The maid said, "The young master is now in Suiyu Pavilion..."


    As soon as Gu Jia heard this, her heart red up in anger.


    Not only did this man go to Suiyu Pavilion behind her back, but he was also secretly plotting something with Gu Ying!


    Now, he actually dared to be half naked and thrown into the snow, obviously he had ill intentions but failed and was kicked out!


    She was so angry that she viciously kicked him twice.


    "You dog of a man! A dog can''t change eating shit! What''s so good about that Gu Ying? Where am Ickingpared to her? You took advantage of me but still want to touch her? You really are low!"


    She red fiercely at the maid, "You little slut, go see what''s inside the room!"


    The maid went in trembling, came out shaking her head, "Second youngdy is not inside..."


    Gu Jia didn''t believe it at all.


    She strode in three steps to personally find out the truth.


    The bedding on the bed was messy, the window half open, and there were strands of silk threads scraped off Gu Ying''s clothes above.


    The more she looked, the more certain she became that something had happened between Jiang Yin and Gu Ying.


    With a gloomy face, she walked out, only to see Jiang Ling''er, who didn''t know when she had run over, crying pitifully next to Jiang Yin, "Eldest youngdy, brother is about to freeze to death, hurry and save my brother!"


    Save his ass!


    Dark clouds shrouded Gu Jia''s brows and eyes. With her vicious nature, it would be best if Jiang Yin died here now.


    But Jiang Yin was someone she used to torment Gu Ying, and now he was also her only future reliance. She really had no choice. Gritting her teeth, she scolded the maid, "What are you still dawdling for! Hurry up and get him dressed and taken back to Cangwu Pavilion! Do you want to embarrass us even more?"


    The maid hurriedly agreed and went to find people.


    Soon, several trusted servants came in and carried Jiang Yin away.


    The thorn of Jiang Yin secretly meeting Gu Ying, although not big, stabbed Gu Jia''s heart sharply.


    ......


    And at this moment, the overlooked Twilight Snow Studio.

 Chapter 100: Prince is Still Busy

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    Zhao Changdu held Gu Ying and returned to her courtyard. As soon as he pushed open the door, that rouge powder girl Yanzhi rushed up.


    "Miss! Ah, ah, ah, you are..."


    "The prince?!"


    Zhao Changdu gave her a cold nce, and Yanzhi stopped in her tracks and shut her mouth.


    Her small face was embarrassed for a moment, and she pointed at the youngdy in the man''s arms and stammered, "Prince, our youngdy, what happened to her face?"


    Why is it so red?


    It wasn''t like this when she went out earlier. It''s just been the time it takes to eat a meal, how did she be like this?


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything else, just extremely coldly said, "Get out."


    Yanzhi wanted to speak but stopped. Since her youngdy was in the prince''s arms...


    The corners of her mouth curved up. Ah, then there''s nothing else!


    She quickly chose to disappear.


    Before disappearing, she very understandingly closed the door to the main room.


    Looking at the tightly shut door, Zhao Changdu smiled helplessly and ced the woman in his arms on her embroidered bed. He sat at the edge of the bed, letting the little girl clutch his big hand. "How are you feeling now?"


    "Everything else is fine..." She breathed with difficulty for a while, trying hard to maintain her senses, "Just feeling a little ufortable."


    Zhao Changdu''s deep gaze lowered, looking at the red stain on her skirt. "The wound on your leg..."


    Gu Ying smiled weakly, "Thank you for the prince''s concern. It doesn''t hurt..."


    She said it didn''t hurt, but the cold sweat on her forehead betrayed her.


    She was enduring the pain and difort. After a while, she was already muddleheaded.


    Herplexion was gradually flushed, making her peach-like little face even more exquisite.


    Really unable to endure it, Gu Ying grabbed his sturdy and powerful big hand with one hand, and her long curly eyshes quivered rapidly. With the other hand, she firmly pressed the wound on her thigh, only by pressing on the pain could she preserve her sanity.


    Zhao Changdu''s deep eyes seemed like a big, tightly ensnaring her within.


    At this time, Gu Ying seemed to have lost her mind, with wet glistening eyes blinking at him.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips tightened: "..."


    He saw himself as an honorable gentleman, and wanted to follow convention and wait until after marriage to consummate their rtionship.


    So at this moment, no matter how alluring she was, he was unwilling to touch her.


    But Gu Ying whimpered, "Water..."


    In her daze, she only felt a familiar figure swaying in front of her.


    Not knowing where the strength and courage came from, Gu Ying got up from the bed and randomly reached out.


    A soft fragrance hit her. Zhao Changdu''s eyes shed hotly, and his big hand grasped her slender waist. His Adam''s apple rolled up and down.


    "Gu Ying, do you know what you''re doing?"


    "Water..."


    Over and over just this one word.


    The people outside had all been dismissed by now. It was even more impossible to call someone to find water for her in this state.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was frighteningly deep. His five fingers exerted force.


    The woman''s eyes brimmed with tears, her red lips pouted, "It hurts."


    Zhao Changdu felt this was funny, "I didn''t even touch your wound."


    He clearly hadn''t done anything.


    She really...was beyond his control.


    Her soft fragrance and tender body were in his arms, and the scent of her sweetness was at his neck.


    If Zhao Changdu could still sit there unmoved, then he wouldn''t be a normal man.


    His face showed a look of forced restraint. Raising his hand, he stroked the woman''s sweaty hair. His big hand held her flushed crimson face, staring fixedly into her watery eyes. His voice was hoarse, "Gu Ying, will you regret this?"


    Gu Ying nkly had no idea what the beautiful person in front of her was saying.


    She only hazily saw a pair of sexy lips open and close.


    She swallowed and leaned in.


    "Prince..."


    At that moment, it was like something exploded in her head.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his jet ck eyes and restrained himself no longer.


    "Gu Ying, I will take responsibility for you."


    Husband and wife bing one flesh, this was only proper.


    Outside the window, heavy snow fluttered down into the yard, making a rustling sound...


    ...


    Huai An was almost talked dry in the front hall.


    Finally sitting in a chair, staring at Gu Old Madam and her group of female rtives. He couldn''t get half a word out.


    He drank arge mouthful of cow''s milk wine, lowered his eyes, and deliberately asked his subordinates behind him in a serious manner, "Has the prince finished with his official business?"


    "Replying to Lord Huai An, the prince is...still busy."


    Huai An''s mouth twitched, unable to help but gasp: "..."


    What was the prince doing?


    That Miss Gu was still an unmarried youngdy. Delicate and weak, could she...take it?


    Forget Old Madam Gu being impatient, even he couldn''t drag this on any longer!


    Don''t tell me the prince finally blossomed in his old age, was indulging himself, and forgot about today''s proper business!


    "Cough cough!" He had no way to keep stalling since Old Madam Gu looked about ready to explode. He could only stand up and say, "It seems I will have to go personally ask the prince how his official business ising along."


    After speaking, under Old Madam Gu''s suspicious gaze, just as he was about to slip away, he suddenly saw a familiar tall figure leisurely walking in through the door.


    Huai An immediately stopped, smiling from ear to ear, "Sir, you''re finally here!"


    Hearing that the prince hade, Old Madam Gu and the others busily stood up with the help of maidservants and looked out the door.


    Dusk hadpletely fallen, and the daylight had thoroughly darkened.


    Old Madam Gu hurriedly told Mrs. Liu to arrange for the servants to light themps.


    The front hall was soon as bright as day.


    Outside, heavy snow flew.


    Zhao Changdu walked in wearing a hood. He was dressed in a dark sable fur overcoat with understated gold thread embroidered unicorn patterns. It was covered by a thinyer of white snow.


    Seeing the snow on this young noble''s face, Old Madam Gu sternly scolded, "Foolish things, hurry and change the charcoal!"


    Mrs. Liu also didn''t know why, this prince was only twenty five years old, young in age but with an awe-inspiring aura.


    She couldn''t help nervously swallowing, "Mother, don''t get angry. Daughter-inw already sent someone."


    Gu Boyan was the sole pir of the household. At this time, he alsoughed and walked to the man at the door, fawning, "Prince, such a trivial matter, how could we trouble you toe personally?"


    "Marriage is a major event, not a trivial matter." Zhao Changdu strode into the hall, silently yet effortlessly drawing the attention of everyone present.


    He raised the corners of his lips. His every move, from raising his hands to stepping his feet, was elegant and refined, his temperament as brilliant as a blossom.


    "Madam, please rise."


    "Master Gu, please rise."


    The man spoke andughed gracefully, removing his overcoat and tossing it to his personal attendant behind him. Hezily and casually sat in the seat next to the head, under Old Madam Gu''s ttery.


    Looking at this handsome and unparalleled Buddha, the family had various expressions.


    Aunt Zhao viciously clutched Gu Shuang''s little hand, wild ambition shing in her eyes. Who didn''t want their daughter to have a good future?


    Although she knew it was almost impossible for a concubine''s daughter to marry into the prince''s household.


    But who was Zhao Changdu?


    He was the madman who had disregarded all opposition for Huo Qiyun''s sake, a madman with power, status, and looks.


    Propriety meant nothing before him.


    Wang obviously also thought of this point. She desperately signaled to Gu Wan.

 Chapter 101: Refuse the Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Gu Wan didn''t even dare to look up at the Prince. Her face was flushed red as she fiddled with the handkerchief in her hand. She could only think that among her sisters at home, she was the most likely one to be engaged...It all depended on whether Grandmother Gu was willing to fight for this for her or not.


    The etiquette in Eastern Li was strict, with clear divisions between nobility andmoners that could not be neglected.


    Lady Gu had originally wanted to yield the main seat to Zhao Changdu, but Zhao Changdu was in an extremely good mood and politely declined, letting her sit down.


    Gu Boyan was taken aback. He rubbed his icy big hands and curiously nced at this newly promoted nobleman. Although he had never been close to the Prince who was the subject of rumors, he had caught sight of him from afar, jumping down from his horse in full military gear and proceeding straight to the pce gates with his sword.


    Just that one glimpse was enough for Gu Boyan to feel that this Prince was no ordinary man.


    After spending ten years training in the border regions, the young man who was once obsessively in love had now be decisive and ruthless, with piercing eyes and brows.


    He exuded a bloody aura, giving off a feeling that kept others thousands of miles away and made people not dare to approach him.


    Yet the Prince today seemed much more amiable...Could it be that he would truly have the fortune to be inws with the Duke''s Residence in this lifetime?


    This left Gu Boyan somewhat at a loss. He had been tense and nervously swallowing his saliva the whole time, after all, as the father, he knew perfectly well what his daughters were worth.


    If they were to marry into the Duke''s Residence...with neither virtues nor status befitting such a match, who knew what kind of disaster coulde out of this.


    "Sorry to have kept Lady Gu waiting for so long." Zhao Changdu gave a faint smile. "I was busy with things in the afternoon and couldn''t get away. That''s why I made Lady Gu wait for me for so long."


    Lady Gu epted his attentions with pleasant surprise,ughing as she said, "The Prince is busy with state affairs, I understandpletely."


    Zhao Changdu was in a good mood. He thought of a certain person''s sweetness and unconsciously stroked the lingering softness on his fingers. Smiling, he said, "I''ve troubled Lady Gu by making you wait for me for so long. So now, let''s properly discuss the marriage between me and the youngdy from your household."


    Seeing Zhao Changdu''s expression, Lady Gu understood in her heart. It seemed the Duke''s Residence truly wanted to form a marriage alliance with her, the Countess of Dongping.


    At the very least, the Prince was sincere. She just didn''t know for what purpose the Prince insisted on marrying a daughter from the Gu family.


    Thinking of this, Lady Gu also smiled. "We''re honored by the Prince''s affections and that you would look kindly upon our insignificant household. But our girls are young and ignorant, so there are some things that we elders need to decide on their behalf. Today, since the Prince has brought Aunt Zhao and so many betrothal gifts, this old woman can see your sincerity and is naturally willing to agree to this happy event between you and our young miss. But everyone has been waiting for a long time, so let''s first let the girls return. I want to discuss the marriage between our two families carefully with you."


    Zhao Changdu raised his brow slightly. He had identally arrivedte today, so naturally he had noints. "I''ll defer to Lady Gu on everything."


    Lady Gu was still not used to seeing the Prince be so agreeable and gentle. She was startled for a moment, then waved her hand for everyone else to leave.


    Aunt Zhao and the others were reluctant, but there was nothing they could do.


    For important matters like these, only Lady Gu could make the decisions. Even Mrs. Liu didn''t have the qualifications to interfere in the Prince''s marriage.


    Thinking of this, both Aunt Zhao and Wang felt more bnced. They brought their daughters out of the front hall, but secretly left some people behind to eavesdrop for news.


    After dismissing the others, Lady Gu tentatively asked again, "The one the Prince wants to marry is my second branch''s daughter, Gu Ying?"


    Zhao Changdu gave an affirmative "Mm".


    Lady Gu''s expression changed slightly and she quickly said, "Prince, you must not."


    Zhao Changdu''s cold brows knitted together. "What does Lady Gu mean by this?"


    Lady Gu pulled at the corners of her mouth and her aged face sank slightly as she said, "I won''t hide it from the Prince, Ying is already engaged to my elder brother Liu Jianren from the main Gu branch. I''m afraid she can no longer marry you."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened slightly as he quietly listened to her speak without responding.


    Lady Gu could see the man''s eyes turn cold, but still steeled herself to continue, "I don''t know why the Prince is so fixated on Ying. That girl has always had a poor reputation. Also, she doesn''t know her letters well and has learned some crude martial arts skills from her father. Her conduct is unrefined. She truly cannot undertake the great responsibility of being the future main mistress of the Duke''s Residence."


    No matter what, she still refused to let her second branch daughter marry into the Duke''s Residence.


    Zhao Changduzily curved his lips. "What, is Lady Gu ndering her own granddaughter from the second branch in order to protect the youngdies from the main household?"


    Lady Gu pursed her lips, her aged face sinking slightly as she said, "I don''t mean to nder Ying. I''m considering this for the Prince''s reputation and Ying''s future. The Prince wouldn''t want to marry Ying and then getughed at by all the prestigious families in Bianjing afterwards, right?"


    Zhao Changdu found itughable that the old woman coulde up with so many tricks against such a good girl.


    "Lady Gu is toote. No matter what, I will marry Gu Ying."


    "Prince, you¡ª"


    "Reputation and such, I''ve never cared about those things. Once she marries me, I will properly protect her reputation myself. As for Lady Gu''s words about engagements and parental arrangements, I''ve already had people secretly investigate. There are no matchmakers nor gifts exchanged between Gu Ying and Liu Jianren. Lady Gu is not Ying''s parent either. Her mother passed away long ago and her father is still at the border. So it can''t be said that they are engaged."


    Lady Gu felt her entire body turn cold when she heard this. "The Prince investigated the Gu family?"


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, his tone dangerous. "What''s wrong, does Lady Gu feel guilty about something and believe the Gu family should not be investigated?"


    "Prince!" Lady Gu was also somewhat furious. She had suppressed the second branch for so many years, but recently things were not going as she wished time and time again. She couldn''t restrain herself any longer. Her aged face paled and she stood up. "No matter what, the marriage between you and Ying is improper and unsuitable. This old woman does not consent to it!"


    Zhao Changduzily lifted his gaze, his tone cold. "You have no choice but to consent."


    Lady Gu gnashed her teeth in anger. "Does the Prince intend to use force? Aren''t you afraid that such things, if spread, would make othersugh till their teeth fall out?"


    The instant her words fell, Lady Gu felt a terrible pressure weighing down on her, suffocating her until she couldn''t breathe.


    She stared fixedly at Zhao Changdu''s eyes, her aged hands trembling slightly within her sleeves.


    Zhao Changdu paused for a moment, then sneered disdainfully, though his smile did not reach his eyes. "What if I did take her by force? What could Lady Gu do to stop me?"

 Chapter 102: Rescuing a Woman in Distress

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    There were always people who liked to stab him with things from the past.


    Unfortunately for them, he was no longer that helpless fifteen-year-old who could do nothing.


    He would never make the same mistake twice when it came to the same thing.


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome face darkened like the clouds before a storm. "Don''t even mention it''s the old madam. Even if it was the current Emperor, no one can stop me from marrying Gu Ying."


    That mocking voice was distant and indifferent, yetced with a trace of cold arrogance. It sounded nonchnt, but every word was full of cold and imposing might.


    Gu Old Madam copsed into her chair as if her strings had been cut. "Prince..."


    The warmth in Zhao Changdu''s eyes disappeared as he looked down at her condescendingly. "The betrothal gifts have already been delivered to your residence. Gu Ying will be mine no matter what. I will personally go through the processes of proposing the union, asking her name, presenting betrothal gifts, presenting wedding gifts, and picking the wedding date with the Gu family."


    "If the old madam tries to obstruct me again, I won''t mind letting her experience some of my methods from the military."


    Gu Old Madam''s lips trembled slightly, her face alternating between green and white. "Prince, don''t think you can rely on the Duke''s manor''s power¡ª"


    "If the old madam doesn''t believe me, feel free to give it a try," Zhao Changdu said coldly, ncing at her sideways.


    Gu Old Madam''s entire body copsed as she sagged into the chair. She stared nkly at the expressionless, handsome face of the man before her, feeling chilled and afraid to the bone.


    Just as Zhao Changdu was about to leave, he paused and tilted his head slightly. "If I find out the old madam has been bullying Gu Ying, I won''t let the Gu family off either. It would be best for you to restrain yourself," he said lightly.


    After saying that, he strode away.


    Gu Old Madam was drenched in cold sweat, frightened to the core. It was at this moment that the piercing cold wind from outside blew in, bringing a prating chill into her heart.


    She was afraid... she wouldn''t be able to stop Gu Ying and the Prince''s wedding.


    Realizing this, she was filled with tremendous fear and fainted on the spot.


    Li Mama pushed open the door to see the figure copsed on the floor and cried out in rm, "Old Madam! Old Madam! Quick, find a doctor!"


    ...


    Zhao Changdu walked out of the East Pingbo Residence''s front gate and stood tall at the entrance.


    Outside, snow fluttered down steadily. The man stood under the eaves as the dim candlelight shone on his distinct, handsome features, making his inscrutable expression seem even more unfathomable.


    He knew the Gu family couldn''t tolerate Gu Ying, but he didn''t expect the old madam''s hatred of her to reach this extent.


    Perhaps it was sympathy at work, but he lingered for a while, unwilling to leave.


    Huai An dismissed the few brothers from the Qilin Army and sidled up ingratiatingly. "Master, I hope nothing...happened between you and Second Miss Gu today?"


    A whole two hours had passed... Even an ox would be tired by now, yet the Prince remainedposed as ever, giving no indication whatsoever.


    Huai An began to doubt his assumptions. Could it be that the Prince''s chastity, guarded for over twenty years, was still intact? Don''t tell him the Prince was still holding onto his feelings for Miss Huo?


    This would not bode well!


    Thinking of this, Huai An changed his approach and asked euphemistically, "Master, has the poison in Second Miss been resolved?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was inscrutable. "Mm."


    Huai An cracked a wicked grin to himself and remarked, "What a relief it''s resolved. Second Miss is truly pitiful¡ªMaster, don''t you think the old madam has lost her mind? As a grandmother, she clearly favors one granddaughter to an outrageous extent, it''s truly chilling!"


    "What¡ª!"


    "Master! Master!"


    "The Duke''s manor is that way, where are you going?"


    Huai An came to his senses and saw that his master had turned and headed in the direction of the Gu family''s back residence.


    Even someone as slow-witted as him understood now. He hurried to catch up and said with an obsequious smile, "Master, are you going to see Second Miss again?"


    Zhao Changdu said nothing, his exquisitely handsome face devoid of any emotion.


    It was often said that serving one''s lord was like serving a tiger. His master''s thoughts ran even deeper than the Emperor''s.


    Huai An had never been able to fully grasp the Prince''s thoughts. He rubbed his nose knowingly and kept quiet. A man visiting a woman at this hour could only be for one reason!


    It must be affection!


    The master and servant had just left by the front door, yet now they could only sneak in furtively over the back wall.


    Huai An felt life in Bianjing was quite interesting¡ªat the very least, it was giving his master who usually shunned women and had sworn off love for Miss Huo''s sake a bit of down-to-earth warmth.


    Now he saw Gu Ying as a female bodhisattva who saved the suffering.


    But when they leapt over the wall into Yu Xue Studio, they found its door shut tight.


    Huai An was about to step forward and knock when Zhao Changdu stopped him.


    Barging into a youngdy''s boudoirte at night would inevitably damage her reputation if it got out.


    Huai An quickly stepped back. Following his master''s lead, they arrived below Gu Second Miss''s bedchamber window. He didn''t dare peek inside, instead turning around to stand watch.


    Zhao Changdu concealed himself in the darkness and peered inside through a gap in the windowttice.


    The little miss who had beenining of difort earlier now had her brows locked in distress, ayer of sweat beading her forehead.


    He had to admit he''d gone too far today.


    She seemed to be having a terrible nightmare, her hands clutching the bedding tightly while the veins in the back of them bulged. Her pale lips moved soundlessly. "No... Don''t... Zhao Changdu... I... hate you... I hate you..."


    "I hate you."


    Zhao Changdu froze, his eyes darkening dangerously.


    The woman inside continued to repeat those words of hatred towards him.


    A cold wind gusted by, stinging his face like a de, painful right down to the skin and flesh.


    He couldn''t describe what he was feeling¡ªonly that it was like being stabbed in the heart by a sharp knife, making him feel strangely irritated.


    He didn''t expect Gu Ying to be so repulsed by him. If he had known, he would have found another way to cure her poison, not stooped to such underhanded means that led her to... hate him so deeply.


    The woman inside seemed to be in severe pain, tossing and turning as she was tormented by nightmares.


    Hearing the cries from within, Yin Lan and Yanzhi hurriedly pushed open the door in concern.


    Yin Lan''s anxious voice soon rang out from inside, "Miss, wake up!"


    "No¡ª!"


    The woman let out a miserable shriek as she abruptly bolted upright in bed.


    Gu Ying was awake.


    She breathed rapidly, her entire body sore and aching as if she''d been run over by a carriage. Her body felt like it had been battered all over.


    The recurring nightmare brought her back to that night in the abandoned vi from her previous life, when Zhao Changdu had... That night, no matter how she cried and begged for help, no one came to her rescue.


    She was tormented over and over, sinking into despair and terror.


    "Miss, are you alright? Is your body still ufortable? Should I prepare some hot water?"


    "There there, Yanzhi. Don''t bother the miss," said thoughtful Yin Lan, calming Yanzhi down and sending her to fetch hot water. She moved to Gu Ying''s bedside and said gently, "Miss, did you have a nightmare?"


    Gu Ying nodded numbly, her longshes trembling...


    She ached all over, especially¡ª


    She suddenly recalled the shameful scenes from before...

 Chapter 103: Shun Zi Tang

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    The strong and vigorous body of that man pressed down on her, his firm and sturdy muscles, hot skin sticking together, thin yet sexy lips, cold but unusually soft...


    She came to her senses, clutching the thick quilt in front of her, her eyes gradually focusing.


    Looking at Yin Lan in front of her, and ncing down at the faint and vivid purplish marks on her own hands and chest...


    She was suddenly fully awake from her dream, and panicked in her heart.


    "How did I... Where is Jiang Yin?"


    Seeing that she could speak, Yin Lan smiled and said, "Miss, don''t worry. Young Master Jiang was taken back by Eldest Miss. It was the Prince who sent Miss back to Twilight Snow Studio."


    Gu Ying clenched her hands tightly, clutching the quilt beneath her. That violent poison... How could she have recovered so quickly?


    Unless someone... helped her.


    The fastest way to help her was to be intimate with her...


    Her cheeks heated up uncontrobly. She looked at Yin Lan hazily and asked uncertainly, "Did I... did the Prince and I..."


    Yin Lan didn''t feel awkward to say it either. She was the oldest in this yard and a woman of experience. She knew women had to go through this.


    Moreover, the bride price from the Duke''s Residence had already been delivered ostentatiously to the Earl''s Residence. With such a grand procession, not only the Earl''s Residence, but probably the whole Bianjing would spread the news after tonight.


    The Prince wanting to marry Miss is set in stone.


    "Don''t be afraid, Miss." Yin Lan stroked the back of her hand gently and consoled her panic in a soft voice, "The Prince has proposed today with the bride price to the Old Madam. Miss is already the Prince''s fianc¨¦e. This matter is justified and there is nothing to worry or be afraid of."


    She thought Gu Ying was just a young girl, going through this for the first time... Of course she would be afraid.


    Afraid that she would be concerned about her chastity, thinking negatively, Yin Lanughed again, "Just a bit earlier, but still reasonable. After all, the situation was critical then. If the Prince didn''t detoxify Miss, I''m afraid Miss''s body would have been damaged... That medicine is extremely malicious to a woman''s body. Once damaged, she may not be able to conceive in the future... This is all for Miss''s wellbeing."


    Yin Lan thought she had said it very well, giving advice from experience to the young girl.


    But unexpectedly, as the girl on the bed listened, her eyes reddened and she cried silently.


    Yin Lan panicked for a moment, quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, "Don''t cry, Miss... The Prince is very good. Giving yourself to the Prince, you can enjoy blessings in the future."


    There were misty tears in Gu Ying''s eyes. Her mood wasplicated.


    She didn''t expect that in this life, through a twist of fate, she gave her first time to him.


    In two lifetimes, what happened between them was always in a muddled situation.


    In the previous life, it was because he took an aphrodisiac.


    In this life, it was because she took poison.


    Gu Ying sighed longly. For a moment, she didn''t know whether to be angry at him, hate him, or be grateful to him.


    Just as Yin Lan said, if it wasn''t for him, she was afraid she would have been humiliated by Jiang Yin today, which was even more unbearable than death.


    "Yin Lan, I¡ª" When she opened her mouth, she realized her voice was too hoarse.


    She vaguely remembered, when it reached the climax, he was like a mad beast attacking fiercely, truly unbearable.


    Although she... was not an inexperienced young girl in some ways, under his intense attack, she still cried out weakly.


    The more she cried, the more unrestrained he tormented her...


    In the end, she couldn''t even moan. She could only make whimpering cat sounds.


    Gu Ying felt somewhat ashamed and aggrieved, both angry and sad, but more than that was still a feeling she couldn''t describe herself, stifled, like a huge boulder pressing on her heart, suffocating her.


    She didn''t expect to entrust her feelings to any man in this life, only wanting revenge wholeheartedly.


    But now... she was full of chagrin.


    Thinking of the child Yin Lan mentioned, she panicked immediately. Grabbing Yin Lan''s hand tightly, misty-eyed, "Yin Lan, please help me do something now..."


    Yin Lan, gentle yet strong, could always give her the greatest support, "Miss, tell me."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and made up her mind. In a hoarse voice, she said, "Can you think of a way to make me a contraceptive decoction."


    Yin Lan was surprised. She didn''t expect such a young girl to already know so much.


    She didn''t miss the gaze of a mature woman in Gu Ying''s eyes and was even more puzzled in her heart.


    Could the young miss be possessed by an evil spirit?


    How could those world-weary and grieved eyes belong to a teenage girl...


    Feeling distressed for her, Yin Lan earnestly advised, "Miss, you can''t take this medicine recklessly."


    "It''s fine." Gu Ying smiled with tears rolling down her cheeks, very calm, "Yin Lan, I can''t conceive his child. I also...don''t like children."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t listen to what Gu Ying said after that.


    He had profound inner strength and extremely sharp ears, but when she said she couldn''t conceive his child, he suddenly felt dizzy and didn''t hear anything.


    By the time he regained his senses, Yin Lan had already walked out with a solemn expression.


    She must have gone to find a way to make the contraceptive decoction.


    He raised his eyes slightly and looked at the blushing woman leaning on the bed through the windowtticework.


    He stared at her rain-washed pitch-ck pupils. A sudden unknown chill rose in his heart, not exactly unhappy, just feeling uncontrobly irritated.


    He turned and left.


    Huai An looked at his master''s cold face in bewilderment and quickly caught up in a few steps. Together they jumped onto the roof and left Twilight Snow Studio.


    Walking on the deserted streets at night, Huai An still felt something was wrong with his master. His face changed ever since leaving Twilight Snow Studio, but when he entered, his eyes still held warmth.


    But now, the chilling aura around him was like an iceberg, making people feel uneasy.


    "Master? Is Second Miss alright?"


    Touching a raw nerve.


    Zhao Changdu''s face darkened as he red at him with phoenix eyes, "Don''t mention her."


    Huai An immediately shut his mouth and made a shushing gesture.


    The two returned to the Duke''s Residence. The two ferocious stone lions crouched at the door. The que of the Duke''s Residence hung high, and two carved floral redcquered columns stood in front of the gate with several ornate pcenterns hanging under the eaves.


    The nearly fifty-year-old steward Zhao Sheng was still respectfully waiting at the door in the heavy snow.


    Seeing Zhao Changdu return, Zhao Sheng bowed and came up, "Young Master, the Duke asked for you."


    Zhao Changdu strode in with his long legs, "No time."


    Zhao Sheng''s face was expressionless as he followed Zhao Changdu and conveyed stiffly, "The Duke said that even if he can''t make the decision for Young Master''s marriage, as his son, Young Master should at least inform the Old Duke."


    Zhao Changdu''s facepletely darkened.

 Chapter 104: Never Leave a Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    Zhao Sheng continued, "Duke Zhao must have heard that the Heir Apparent is getting married and will be rushing back to Bianjing without dy upon receiving the news."


    Zhao Changdu stopped in his tracks and nced sideways at Zhao Sheng coolly. "Uncle Zhao used to be Grandfather''s most capable man. Now that you''re old and have stayed in Bianjing for too long, how have you be muddled-headed?"


    What would the Emperor think if Duke Zhao returned to the capital without an edict, with soldiers under hismand?


    The military power held by the Zhao family had always been a thorn in the Emperor''s side. He hated that he couldn''t pluck it out and would be overjoyed to do so. How dare Zhao Hui threaten him with the lives of the entire Zhao n?


    Zhao Sheng paused before saying, "This servant is only conveying the message."


    After all, aside from him, no one else in the Duke''s residence could reason with this cold-blooded and sinister Heir Apparent.


    Zhao Changdu scoffed and didn''t continue to make things difficult for Zhao Sheng. "Very well, I shall go see what other tricks they''re trying to y."


    Zhao Sheng pursed his lips and furrowed his brows without responding.


    ...


    Zhengde Pavilion, the Duke''s Residence


    Duke Zhao and Madam Cheng waited anxiously.


    Madam Cheng said indignantly, "Sir, isn''t Changdu being far too disrespectful by not informing us about such an important matter? A marriage cannot be treated so trivially. He sent the bride price to the Gu family without so much as a word to us. This... this is simply inappropriate!"


    Hearing Madam Cheng''s goading, Duke Zhao became even more disgusted with his uncontroble heir.


    But when he thought of Changdu''ste mother, Madam Lin, he couldn''t help sighing. Perhaps if Madam Lin hadn''t died early, their father-son rtionship wouldn''t have deteriorated to this extent...


    "Enough! When he returns, I will ask what he is thinking!"


    "Sir~~~" Madam Cheng felt wronged by his scolding. "If he really fancies that lowly Gu girl, what about the Huo family?"


    She and Zhao Rou had made ns long ago.


    The two families would strengthen ties through the marriage. Then the Huo family would help get Zhao Changxing an honorable position at court. That was the idea.


    Madam Cheng sneered. "Besides, even if we don''t ally with the Huo family, we still have Princess Yueyan, born to Her Majesty the Empress. There''s no way the Gu''s undistinguished daughter should get priority."


    Duke Zhao furrowed his brows tightly.


    He had seen Gu Ying at the winter hunt and didn''t find her undistinguished at all. On the contrary, she had made quite an impression, with the grace of Madam Ye, once the greatest beauty in Bianjing.


    Although the Gu family had been shunned by all in recent days despite Madam Qin''s efforts on their behalf, from what he heard, Prince Duan and the Crown Prince seemed interested too. After all, bringing Madam Ye into one''s camp through a marriage would be the optimal path to power for the two princes with the best chance at the throne.


    "Who said¡ª" Zhao Changdu hooked his lips into a faint smile as he entered Zhengde Pavilion "¡ªshe is undistinguished?"


    Madam Cheng stood up in shock. She quickly hid the annoyance on her face and reced it with a loving smile. "Changdu, you''re finally back. Have you eaten yet, sote in the night?"


    Zhao Changdu sat down nonchntly. "Yes."


    Dinner had been quite delicious and he was rather full.


    Duke Zhao looked at his son''s cold face and couldn''t hold back his anger. "I heard you proposed to the Gu family today?"


    "Mm."


    "Without informing us beforehand?"


    "Why would I inform you?"


    "I''m your father!" Duke Zhao was furious now.


    "Oh?" Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up mockingly as he slowly drank from the teacup on the table. "I was raised by Grandfather. I don''t recall having a father like you."


    Duke Zhao was so angry that his hair bristled. He mmed the table forcefully. "Zhao Changdu! You unfilial child! I do not consent to your marriage with that Gu girl! Cancel the engagement at once!"


    Zhao Changdu raised a brow, a cold smile spreading on his lips. "I insist on marrying her. What can you do about it?"


    "Do you believe¡ª" Duke Zhao looked around wildly for a weapon "¡ªI will beat you to death, you unfilial wretch!"


    Sparks flew in the hall. Zhao Changdu calmly drank his tea, sitting firmly like a mountain, only watching Duke Zhao''s furious actions. The smile faded from the corners of his mouth and his eyes grew icy cold.


    This so-called father had always been a failure.


    Not only could he not protect his wife, now he dared interfere in Changdu''s marriage?


    Madam Cheng hurriedly held onto Duke Zhao''s arm, ncing cautiously at Zhao Changdu. She pleaded, "Husband, don''t be angry. Changdu must have his reasons for doing this. Listen to what he has to say... Changdu, you shouldn''t have kept such an important matter from me and your father and aunt. You know your aunt''s daughter has long had feelings for you and wishes to marry you. Mother won''t say anything else. Just exin yourself clearly to your father. From what I found out about that Gu girl, she really isn''t suitable for you. Marriage is no trivial matter. Don''t be stubborn over this. Listen to your father and call off the engagement."


    Duke Zhao rxed, ready to take the proffered olive branch.


    But Zhao Changdu had lost his patience. He stood up and gazed coldly at the hypocritical couple. "The engagement will not be called off. If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave."


    With that, he left without sparing an ounce of face for Zhao Hui and Madam Cheng.


    "Ungrateful child! This unfilial son! He should have died outside long ago!"


    Duke Zhao was furious. His chest heaved violently and he found it hard to breathe, clutching his chest as he nearly fainted from rage.


    "Husband, don''t get worked up." Madam Cheng gritted her teeth as she supported Duke Zhao, cursing Zhao Changdu in her heart.


    But she maintained her reasonableposure. "We have ways to control Changdu. Just leave it to me to discipline that Gu girl properly. I guarantee that within a month, she and Changdu will be obedient."


    Duke Zhao eyed her suspiciously, unconvinced.


    But it was true that she had kept Huo Qiyun under her thumb all these years.


    With her background, Gu Ying was even less than Huo Qiyun. Although she had Madam Ye''s powerful backing, Gu Ying had grown up in the Gu residence since childhood with little contact with Madam Ye. As the daughter of a military officer like Gu Boqing, she likely hadn''t been taught much. While her archery skills were dazzling,pared to other daughters of prestigious families in Bianjing, she probably didn''t even qualify as a polished youngdy.


    It would be easy to control such an unintelligent girl.

 Chapter 105: Huo Qi Yun

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    Cheng ced her fingers on Duke Zhao''s chest, biting her red lips coquettishly as she blinked her bewitching eyes, "Leave the matters of the inner residence to me, my lord can rest assured."


    When she was younger, she had been a charming vixen, otherwise she could not have be Duke Zhao''s concubine while Mrs. Lin was still in power.


    Now, though older, her charm remained undiminished, and she best knew how to seduce a man.


    Bewitched by her, the ferocity faded from Duke Zhao''s face as heughed. Hisrge hand grasped her fingers and took a whiff, "Alright, I''ll trust you this once, though it''ll be hard to exin to the Huo Family."


    "When the timees, make Yan''er an official wife to enter the residence, then we can think of a way to demote Second Miss Gu to a concubine."


    Duke Zhao pondered briefly and felt she made sense.


    No longer thinking of anything else, he narrowed his eyes to gaze at the alluring glimpse of spring bared by the woman before him pulling her cor to her shoulders. His eyes instantly grew hot.


    With augh, he embraced Cheng and headed to the rear courtyard.


    ...


    Zhao Changdu walked out of Zhengde Pavilion with a cold face, just about to return to his own Changfeng Pavilion.


    Unexpectedly, in the depths of night, he actually encountered Huo Qiyun draped in a cloak on the garden path.


    Underneath she wore only a light brown robe. Her figure was graceful and delicate, the hem of her skirt swaying in a slight arc but not revealing her feet. After so many years, she remained as gentle and charming as before, walking with proper manners.


    Time had left no mark on her face.


    Ten years had passed, the once delicate young girl had grown into a mature woman in the prime of her beauty. Her brows and eyes now contained the sediment of time''s passage.


    Her eyes were moist, the rims slightly red, seeming as if she had suffered an injustice.


    But that was none of his concern, she was now his elder brother''s wife, her matters had nothing to do with him.


    Just as the two were about to brush past each other.


    Huo Qiyun suddenly slipped, her body tilting to the side and falling straight towards the man by her side.


    A woman''s form was too weak, the stone path was covered by ayer of thick snow on thiste night of wind and snow. Why was she out here instead of sleeping warmly beside Zhao Changxing?


    Zhao Changdu''s brows knitted together as hisrge hand grasped the woman''s fragile shoulder, distancing himself appropriately by two steps to steady her.


    His stern eyes looked towards her maid Lv Zhi behind her, his low voice carrying a chill despite not raising it, "Why didn''t you bring antern?"


    Clearly reprimanding her, Lv Zhi shrunk back in fear, "Replying to Young Master, it was Eldest Young Master...he didn''t allow this ve to bring antern."


    Hearing it was Zhao Changxing''s doing, Zhao Changdu gave a coldugh. His heavy gaze fell on the top of Huo Qiyun''s head, containing ridicule and mockery.


    Was this the choice she had insisted on abandoning him for back then?


    After being Zhao Changxing''s wife for ten years, she still could not make Zhao Changxing cherish her in his heart. This was her own doing.


    Yet even so, he still felt a weak woman should not suffer such maltreatment.


    After all, when they grew up together in the past, Huo Qiyun had given him the most thoughtful care. During the period after he lost his mother, Huo Qiyun had apanied him tirelessly to get through the darkest times. He harbored resentment and hatred towards her, but also an unseverable kinship.


    "Huai An."


    Huai An stepped forward, not ncing at Huo Qiyun once, "Yes, sir."


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curled in cold mockery, but the chill in his eyes faded somewhat. "Give thentern to Lv Zhi."


    Huai An was unhappy, his lord had just gotten close with Second Miss and now treated the official wife so well. If Second Miss found out, she would definitely be jealous.


    Zhao Changdu looked at him displeased, "Oh?"


    Only then did Huai An reluctantly hand over hisntern to Lv Zhi, "Here."


    Lv Zhi received it apprehensively, knowing that despite the cold exterior, the Young Master still cared for her mistress. She looked at her mistress and quickly said, "Thank you, Young Master."


    Zhao Changdu''s attitude remained aloof, "No need."


    Having said that, he prepared to leave.


    However, the silent Huo Qiyun suddenly reached out to grab his arm.


    Lv Zhi and Huai An were both frightened, not even daring to breathe loudly.


    This was Duke Manor, with countless eyes watching these masters.


    How could Lady Huo suddenly do something so outrageous! She had always followed rules and propriety, what madness overcame her now!


    Zhao Changdu''s brow was severe, his piercing phoenix eyes looked at her darkly. With a cold flick of his sleeve, he pushed her away.


    "Please have some self-respect, sister-inw."


    Huo Qiyun endured the dull pain in her chest, raising her head. Her reddened eyes were as clear as obsidian as she stared fixedly at Zhao Changdu without blinking.


    Zhao Changdu''s brow wrinkled as he looked at the tender white hand still stubbornly grabbing his arm. His voice was detached, carrying a trace of mockery, "Does sister-inw have some matter?"


    Hearing this address of sister-inw, Huo Qiyun came to her senses and released him. She gave a self-deprecatingugh, "I heard you went to propose marriage to the Gu Family today."


    The woman''s voice remained gentle and soothing, just like in the past, able tofort one''s heart.


    She was the one with the least right to ask him this, but she couldn''t restrain herself. After waiting anxiously at home all day, her mind in a daze ever since hearing he fancied someone. Her heart had pricked painfully like being jabbed with needles.


    She desperately wanted an answer, one that could make her give up and let go.


    Looking again at this person she had once cherished like family across the span of ten years, Zhao Changdu''s heart turned over countless times. In the end, he could not bear to me her for anything. He could onlyment that fate was as such, everything was his own fault, foolishly believing there could be someone in this world who would wholeheartedly be good to him.


    "Yes."


    "Does Changdu like her?"


    "Can''t say that I do."


    Huo Qiyun was startled, seeming not to expect such a response. It left the mouthful of fear and worry she had been about to spill stuck in her throat. "Then...you..."


    She had thought he fell in love with someone else, so hearing this news had left her spirit chaotic and uneasy the entire time.


    Zhao Changdu spoke indifferently, looking at her mockingly, "Huo Qiyun, I also need a wife."


    He didn''t address her as sister-inw.


    Huo Qiyun only felt as if her heart was being gripped tightly by arge hand and ripped open, the pain as raw as gushing blood.


    She froze again, knowing he was mocking her for abandoning him back then, but she had been helpless... The one she loved most had always been him, would forever be him.


    Thinking of her ownughable yet pitiful life, she gave a self-deprecatingugh.


    "Changdu, I have no other skills, this is a sachet I personally embroidered for you." She fumbled anxiously in her embrace to carefully take out an exquisitely embroidered sachet and hold it out before him. Her tone was so weak and submissive, "I wanted to give this to you as a wedding gift..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his gaze to look at the sachet embroidered with pomegranate flowers. His eyes akin to the gxy seemed to contain dangerous undercurrents swirling within their depths.


    His brow wrinkled, "No need. Pomegranates have many seeds, sister-inw should keep it for yourself and Zhao Changxing instead."


    Having said that, there were no more words between them. He directly and mercilessly left this ce.


    Huo Qiyun''s small hand stiffened in midair, onlying back to her senses after some time had passed.

 Chapter 106: Help Her

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    His icy cold expression was a hundred times more frigid and deste than when she first saw that stone-faced little boy all those years ago.


    After so many years, even if there were thousands of words to say, there was no possibility of reconciliation between them.


    Lv Zhi anxiously called out to her, "Mistress...the Prince has already walked far away."


    Huo Qiyun took a deep breath. Her chest was filled with the chill of frost and snow, but the tears in her eyes were scalding hot.


    "A Du, I did love you..."


    But what good would loving him do?


    In front of so many people, she had abandoned him, leaving him to be ridiculed for a lifetime...


    The more Huo Qiyun thought about it, the more heartache she felt. It was like thousands of insects gnawing at her, painfully unbearable.


    She crouched down, burying her head between her knees, and wept unrestrainedly for a time.


    ...


    Zhao Changdu had not actually gone far. He was standing behind an artificial hill, listening to her muffled sobs.


    Huai An feltplicated. Seeing Huo Qiyun''s pitiful state, he also felt somewhat sympathetic. They had grown up together, and no matter how much resentment he held against her, he couldn''t bear to see her suffer so.


    "Master, should we secretly help the Madam?"


    The servants in the household were ustomed to watching out for their masters.


    When Huo Qiyun had first married in, things were fine, but now that she had no children by her side and her husband did not dote on her while her mother-inw mistreated her, the maids and servants of each wing all treated Huo Qiyun very poorly.


    It was said that Zhao Changxing had not visited her chambers for several years.


    He had taken quite a few concubines into his inner chambers over the years, and Zhao Changxing had so many bedroom maids that one hand could not even count them all.


    As a result, Huo Qiyun''s position as thedy of the house grew ever weaker.


    Aside from her personal maid Lv Zhi who hade with her dowry, the other maids all looked down on her. Usually, not only did Cheng mistreat her clothing, food, and monthly allowance, but in winter some even stinted on the coal for her chambers.


    It was said that she had been ill these past few days and did not even have money for medicine.


    Zhao Changdu did not speak. His deep, brooding phoenix eyes were even darker than the endless night. "Hmph. Her current fate is simply what she brought upon herself."


    Back then, his only thought was to pull her out from the tigers'' den that was the Huo family and make her his wife, giving her freedom.


    Even if they just respected each other until old age, he could have protected her from bullying for a lifetime.


    Yet she herself chose so-called glory and riches, abandoning him to fire and water.


    Now that she belonged to Zhao Changxing, was it his ce to extend a hand to protect her?


    "Let''s go."


    Huai An also felt that the Prince was in the right. Now that he had Second Miss, the Prince should have long put Madam Huo aside.


    He arrogantly agreed, "Yes!"


    ...


    The night grew even colder.


    Lying in bed, Gu Ying fell into a dazed sleep. Her whole body ached terribly, and she slept uneasily, burning hot all over.


    One moment she dreamt of Jiang Yin who had tormented her to death, the next moment the uncaring Zhao Changdu.


    After some time, she finally heard a sound at the door.


    Yin Lan quietly pushed the door open and tiptoed in.


    Gu Ying suddenly opened her eyes. The tears had long dried, leaving only tranquil peace.


    She had epted the fact that she was now Zhao Changdu''s wife. Gritting through the soreness of her body, she sat up, leaning against the golden embroidery aloes pillow. When the movement pulled at her wounds, she still couldn''t help a pained hiss.


    That bastard, just what was he...


    Thinking of those scenes, even Gu Ying who had died and lived again felt her earlobes flush crimson, the blush spreading faintly down her neck.


    In the dim candlelight, the girl on the bed had an alluringly beautiful visage.


    Yin Lan hurried forward to help support her, handing her the medicine bowl with a smile. "Miss, don''t worry. No one will know this is contraceptive medicine. I''ve buried the dregs too."


    Gu Ying gave a hoarse "Mm", smiling gratefully. She took the bowl of pitch-ck medicine and drank it down in one go without another word.


    Faint red still lingered on her cheeks.


    Seeing this, Yin Lan regarded her as a child, feeling both distressed and shy. "Miss, slowly."


    Gu Ying wiped the medicinal liquid from the corners of her mouth. The bitter taste spread through her mouth and she paused before handing the bowl back. "I''m fine."


    Yin Lan went on, "After the Prince proposed to Miss, Old Madam was furious in the front hall this evening and fainted. The doctor has only just entered the manor and gone to the Evesting Life Hall. Master, Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Wang, and Aunt Zhao are all at Old Madam''s bedside."


    "Hmph..." Gu Ying gave a self-mockingugh. "Though we''re of the same blood, Grandmother still cannot bear to see me well."


    After today''s events, Yin Lan also felt chilled. "Why does Old Madam dislike the second wife so?"


    Gu Ying shook her head with a frown. "I don''t know."


    Even after living again, she still did not understand why Grandmother oppressed the second wife and loathed her mother and herself so.


    Even her father, Grandmother''s own son, had some inexplicable estrangement from her.


    That was why over the years her father was almost always stationed at the border garrisons, seldom returning to Bianjing.


    She had thought that after being reborn, letting Grandmother see the true faces of Gu Jia and the first wife would make Grandmother treat her a little better, but even after so long, Grandmother''s favoritism towards Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu had not lessened one bit.


    If not for Gu Jia having already lost her chastity to Jiang Yin, heh, Grandmother would likely try every means to marry Gu Jia into the Duke''s manor.


    Seeing Gu Ying lost in thought, Yin Lan smiled and changed the subject. "And Fourth Miss is the one who cares most for Second Miss. She said she wanted to see you after supper, but I didn''t let her in thinking of Miss''s state right now."


    Gu Ying nodded. The corners of her lips curved up slightly. "With how sudden today''s events were, no one could have expected this result. But looking at it now, this is already the best oue."


    "Yin Lan, you did right."


    Compared to losing her chastity to Jiang Yin, to Zhao Changdu...she could ept it a little more.


    They had both died once already. She did not cling to a woman''s so-called chastity and purity as much... She only hoped that in the future, after marrying Zhao Changdu, they could maintain a cooperative, mutually respectful rtionship...


    Seeing Gu Ying lost in contemtion, Yin Lan tucked the nkets up to cover the marks on her chest. She sighed, "I don''t know if I should say some things."


    Gu Ying nced up. "Speak."


    Yin Lan smiled. "The Prince doesn''t seem the doting sort. Miss will have to endure in the future. A man''s thoughts are all the same - if Miss can be softer, take the initiative more, the Prince will also learn to cherish you."


    She thought of how Gu Ying had no grandmother''s love or mother''s care at home, and that there were some things the girl needed teaching before marriage.


    She sincerely regarded Gu Ying as a child, earnestly consoling, "This is perfectly normal between man and wife. But since the Prince seems cold and stern, Miss must be even more gentle... Men don''t understand a woman''s troubles, so sometimes Miss will need to take the initiative to tell the Prince...


    "Then Miss may alsoe to feel the affections between husband and wife."

 Chapter 107: A Strange Spirit

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her eyes without speaking.


    Although Zhao Changdu was quite old, he was actually still a mere boy...


    "Yin Lan, don''t say anymore. I know what to do..."


    Yin Lan thought Gu Ying was shy because of her young age, so she didn''t continue probing further. "Miss knows best. Yanzhi has heated up the water, so miss should go bathe now?"


    "Mm..."


    Gu Ying nodded. When she got up, her whole body still felt weak, especially her legs which had wounds she had ruthlessly stabbed herself the night before.


    Yin Lan called for Yanzhi toe over, and the two helped bring Gu Ying to the bathing chamber.


    ...


    The next morning.


    The news that Gu Ying was proposed to spread all over Bianjing city.


    Everyone found it unbelievable that even though Gu Ying''s reputation was in tatters now, there was still someone willing toe propose marriage to bring such misfortune upon themselves?


    But when they found out the proposer was none other than the heir apparent of the prestigious Zhao manor, Zhao Changdu, everyone wisely kept their mouths shut.


    It was heard that early in the morning, the heir apparent had gone into the pce to ask for an imperial decree of marriage from Emperor Tianqi, giving Gu Ying tremendous face.


    Princess Yueyan smashed a floor full of teacups in anger in the rear pce, and immediately went to the Empress''s pce.


    The Empress quickly sent people to find out at the Emperor''s pce.


    Only then did she find out that originally, His Majesty did not approve of the marriage alliance between the Zhao and Gu families. But no one knew what the heir apparent had said to persuade the Emperor, and in the end, His Majesty relented and issued an imperial decree.


    With the imperial decree, Princess Yueyan was heartbroken.


    And Huo Qiyan, who had been harbouring hopes of marrying Zhao Changdu, flew into a rage when she heard of the engagement, and threw a tantrum in front of her mother.


    Seeing her beloved daughter cry like this, Zhao Rou coldlyughed and had no choice but to pay a visit to the Zhao manor.


    A sudden marriage alliance caused huge ripples through the intricate web of prominent families in Bianjing.


    Meanwhile, Gu Ying, who had just woken up in Twilight Snow Studio, still had absolutely no idea what she would be facing from today onwards.


    As usual, she simply woke up and nced outside at the light snow.


    It seemed even colder today.


    Located in the northernmost part of Dong Li, Bianjing experienced ice and snow every winter.


    Gu Ying was used to such cold. Cupping her cheeks with both hands, she exhaled a puff of warm air, and adeptly ced the medicinal pills Yin Lan had fetched from the Gu pharmacy into a small sandalwood box.


    "Yanzhi, bring this to Yin Zhu."


    "Okay, miss!"


    Yanzhi hopped away cheerfully.


    Watching Yanzhi''s innocent, carefree back, Gu Ying smiled faintly. She suddenly felt a heat in her lower abdomen, and a stream of warmth flowed out from between her legs.


    She knitted her brows, and looked at Yin Lan embarrassedly. "Yin Lan, it seems my monthly bleeding hase again."


    Yin Lan smiled slightly. "This servant will fetch miss her monthly rags."


    With the onset of her monthly bleeding, Gu Ying felt relieved. At least there wouldn''t suddenly be an extra child to worry about.


    Ever since she stopped taking those youth retaining pills arranged by Mrs. Liu, she felt her body undergo some changes.


    Her skin was fair and lustrous,parable to the finest powders and snow.


    What made her even more delighted was that her chest had developed much more normally too. As for her monthly bleeding... she didn''t know if it was due to the medicine, or due to Zhao Changdust night... but it came much more smoothly this time.


    In her previous life, because of her difficult pregnancies and irregr periods, her stomach would often cramp painfully, and she suffered terribly.


    Now, after being reborn, she was very attentive in nourishing her health, and her stomach didn''t hurt anymore when she got her period.


    She was very careful to keep herself warm. After washing up, she hugged her hot water bottle and wrapped herself in a thick fox fur coat before going to Yongshou Hall to pay her respects.


    Yongshou Hall was still quite lively today, with everyone arriving neatly on time.


    The moment she stepped through the entrance of Yongshou Hall, she bumped right into Liu Jianren.


    Behind Liu Jianren were Jiang Yin and Gu Jia.


    Gu Ying halted in her tracks. Through the cold wind, she looked into Jiang Yin''s deep, unfathomable eyes, and a nameless joy welled up in her heart.


    Naturally, Jiang Yin also raised his head, his icy gaze fixed on the faint marks peeking out from Gu Ying''s neck.


    He was a man. He knew full well what those were!


    She and Zhao Changdu... could it be... they were already husband and wife in substance?


    His eyes narrowed dangerously in an instant, emanating a malicious, murderous aura, as though wanting to hack her into pieces.


    Their gazes met in midair, speaking a thousand words that couldn''t be verbalized.


    In the past, Gu Ying had craved so much for Jiang Yin to cherish her more. But now, seeing Jiang Yin''s angry and frustrated appearance at being unable to obtain her, she felt strangely exhrated.


    She was suddenly somewhat grateful to Zhao Changdu.


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips hooked up into a faint smile. "Morning."


    Gu Jia gave a coldugh. "Second sister, good morning."


    Jiang Yin''s lips were pursed tightly, not speaking a word.


    Liu Jianren looked at her with a mocking smile. "Gu Ying, you''re so fortunate to be able to marry into such a prestigious household like the Zhao manor. It really makes me, your brother, look at you in a whole new light."


    Gu Ying grinned, and mercilessly retorted, "There is only one younger brother in Gu Ying''s family, the young master of Dongping Earl manor. Where did this so-called brothere from? Master Liu is merely a distant cousin on my eldest aunt''s side of the family. How can he call himself my brother? I hope that master will learn to know his ce."


    She was the one marrying up. Was he any better?


    Merely amoner engaged in business, already an enormous charity to be allowed into an Earl''s manor. Yet he actually still dared to dream of a frog eating swan meat.


    Who gave him the gall?


    Liu Jianren''s mouth twitched as he stared at Gu Ying''s breathtakingly beautiful face. He was so furious he gnashed his teeth.


    If only he hadn''t taken a wrong turnst night and missed the chance to thoroughly ravish such a peerless beauty! If he got the opportunity in future, he would definitely get a taste of this woman, and make her cry and beg beneath him!


    Gu Ying couldn''t be bothered to cross words with an idiot like him. She turned and walked into Yongshou Hall with Yin Lan.


    Inside Yongshou Hall, all the madams and youngdies looked towards her as one.


    Gu Shuang had a face full of delight and joy, while Gu Wan was sarcastic and disdainful.


    Mrs. Liu was expressionless. Aunt Zhao looked puzzled. Wang was aloof and tranquil.


    Sitting on the luohan couch brewing tea, Gu Old Madam didn''t even raise her head. Hearing Gu Ying''s greeting, she also didn''t permit her to rise.


    But the Gu Ying today was no longer the Gu Ying of yesterday.


    She directly stood up and sat in the chair beside Gu Shuang, smiling at Gu Old Madam. "Grandmother, your granddaughter''s health has recovered tremendously. If not for grandmother''s care yesterday, I''m afraid your granddaughter would still be sick abed today."


    Gu Old Madam could clearly hear the sarcasm in this youngdy''s words.


    She raised her head to look at Gu Ying, standing tall and graceful below the hall. Her exquisite beautiful face was bing more and more simr to Ye''s all those years ago.


    She detested Ye, and thus hated even more the daughter Ye had birthed.


    But recalling the parting words the heir apparent had left her yesterday, she calmly replied, "Since you and the heir apparent have an affinity, we shall follow convention and settle this marriage alliance. You have been unlucky since young, losing your mother so early. From today onwards, your trousseau and wedding arrangements will be handled by your eldest aunt."

 Chapter 108: Marriage by Decree

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    Mrs. Liu''s eyes lit up, and she quicklyughed, "Mother, rest assured, your daughter-inw will definitely arrange Young Miss Ying''s marriage properly."


    Madam Ye left behind a very generous dowry, which she had coveted for many years. Now she finally had a chance to embezzle it openly and legally.


    She also needed to n well for her beloved daughter Jia''s future.


    Gu Ying smiled ambiguously. "Thank you, Grandmother. Thank you, Auntie."


    Gu Jia scoffed. "Congrattions, Second Sister. Congrattions, Second Sister. Second Sister is really lucky to have gained the favor of the Prince. You''re about to fly up to be a phoenix. In the future when Second Sister bes the Prince''s Consort, you must not forget to give your sisters a hand up too."


    Deliberately stirring up trouble was Gu Jia''s specialty.


    Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, Gu Wan was unhappy.


    "Big sister is speaking too soon."


    Gu Jia pretended to be confused. "Oh? What do you mean, Third Sister?"


    Gu Wan said with a coldugh, "Does Eldest Sister not know? The daughter-inws of prestigious families have it the hardest. It looks morous, but who knows how bitter their life is behind the scenes. Take the Prince''s Consort, Miss Huo for example. When she first married into the Duke''s Residence gloriously, what is said of her now? Not only is she despised by the Prince, but she is also ordered around like a servant by her mother-inw every day. When our Second Sister marries in, who''s to say, in a few days after the Prince''s passion fades, she won''t be discarded as well?"


    Gu Jia said, "Ah, such unlucky words, Third Sister. Don''t say any more. It will make Second Sister upset. She hasn''t even married in yet and you''re already saying she''ll be discarded."


    "It''s only because the Prince has someone else in his heart. With Second Sister marrying in and upying that position, how could things go well?"


    When she heard the words "someone else in his heart", Gu Ying''s expression remained calm, with a politely awkward smile still on her lips.


    Gu Wan turned her head and blinked. "Second Sister, my words may have been harsh, but good medicine tastes bitter. I''m just worried that you''ll have a difficult time at Zhenguo Duke Manor in the future."


    Gu Shuang said impatiently, "What''s it to you? If you''re really worried, you shouldn''t say things to embarrass Second Sister."


    Gu Wan sneered coldly, "What''s it to you? Don''t think you can put on airs just because she got lucky marrying into a prestigious family. Don''t forget, they have a real brother. You''re not his real sister."


    Gu Shuang closed her mouth, looking wronged. She nced at Gu Ying, who was sitting silently in her chair. She was anxious for her, it was obvious Gu Wan was jealous.


    Grandmother didn''t manage things, just letting Gu Wan and Gu Jia make snide remarks. She couldn''t bear to hear it.


    Gu Ying gave her a reassuring look, poured a cup of hot tea, and looked at the steaming water in the teacup. After thinking for a bit, she still didn''t drink it.


    Gu Jia had thought that ridiculing Gu Ying a bit would make Gu Ying furious with shame.


    But she didn''t expect Gu Ying to be unmoved, like punching cotton. It wasn''t satisfying at all.


    "Second Sister, don''t worry. If the Prince abandons you, juste back to our manor. Eldest Sister will support you for life."


    Such an explicit curse that she wouldn''t gain happiness, Gu Ying''s smile grew wider, but her eyes grew colder.


    "In my opinion, if Second Sister really gets discarded and driven out of Zhenguo Duke Manor, she might as well be a nun¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Wan didn''t get to finish her sentence.


    Just then, a servant rushed in from the front yard, nervously swallowing his saliva. "Old Madam! An imperial decree has arrived from the pce!"


    Gu Old Madam was startled. Her old eyes became sharp. She hurriedly stood up, supported by Granny Li, and angrily said, "What are you still dawdling for? Quickly go to the front hall and prepare the incense table to receive the decree!"


    The servants scrambled around busily.


    Soon, the incense table was set up, and the eunuch delivering the decree arrived at the front hall too.


    The Gu family quickly went to the front hall. Seeing the visitor was actually Tianqi Emperor''s most trusted Eunuch Guo, they were all shocked.


    Gu Old Madam quickly led everyone to kneel down in trepidation. Ever since Gu Boqing went to the border, and Gu Boyan idled away his time pointlessly striking the bell at the Ministry of Ceremonies, the manor hadn''t received an imperial decree in a long time.


    She didn''t know why the Emperor had suddenly issued a decree today...


    Eunuch Guo announced the marriage decree, smiling meaningfully as he helped the stunned Gu Old Madam and Gu Ying to their feet. "Congrattions Old Madam, congrattions Young Lady. This decree was personally requested by the Prince from the pce."


    Gu Ying was surprised. He personally went to request it?


    The Gu family members all had different reactions.


    Gu Ying suddenly felt an indescribable emotion well up in her heart... It was just a political marriage alliance, yet he had made it so ceremonious. What exactly was he trying to do...


    Gu Old Madam gave thanks for the imperial grace, took out a money pouch, and stuffed it into Eunuch Guo''s hand, smiling. "Thanks for taking the trouble toe, Eunuch Guo."


    Eunuch Guo weighed the bag and gave a smallugh. To Gu Ying, he said, "Young Lady is so fortunate."


    It was hard to say if it was genuine blessing or meaningful implication.


    Gu Ying smiled and returned the courtesy fully, thinking this Eunuch Guo was not a good person in his past life, so she politely wished him well and upheld etiquette.


    Eunuch Guo smiled satisfactorily and left with several young eunuchs.


    Gu Old Madam held the decree with both hands. Only now did she truly realize the Prince was serious.


    She looked heavily at Gu Ying. Though reluctant to admit it, the facts wereid bare - the daughter of the second wife was indeed superior to those of the first wife.


    She sighed, took off the jade bangle on her wrist, and ced it in Gu Ying''s palm. "Ying''er, this bangle has been passed down in our Gu family. Now Grandmother is giving it to you. You must serve the Prince well and bring honor to our Gu family."


    For a moment, Gu Ying felt like Grandmother had ced great expectations on her.


    That jade bangley quietly in her palm, as if Grandmother''s lifelong bias had finallye to an end.


    She didn''t know what to say. Closing her fingers, she put away the bangle carefully. "Grandmother..."


    "I''m tired." Gu Old Madam seemed to suddenly age a few years. She leaned on Granny Li''s hand wearily. "I''ll go rest first. You should all go back too. Liu Shi, don''t be negligent about Ying''er''s wedding. You must personally oversee it yourself. I''m too old to handle these things anymore. From now on, leave all these matters to you."


    Mrs. Liu said, "Mother, don''t worry."


    Gu Old Madam left. Gu Ying watched her hunched figure disappear, her eyes sinking.


    She tucked the bangle into her sleeve, unwilling to stay any longer. After exchanging brief pleasantries with Gu Shuang and Auntie Zhao, she went straight to Breeze Pavilion to see her brother.


    ...


    Gu Wan was already unhappy to begin with. Hearing that the Prince had personally requested a marriage decree for Gu Ying made her even more furious.


    No matter how she thought about it, she couldn''t understand why Prince was so taken with Gu Ying!


    Other than her looks, what did she have?


    She was inferior to Gu Wan in every aspect like zither, chess, calligraphy and painting. Just because she had the status of legitimate daughter, did that make her a cut above?


    The more Gu Wan thought about it, the more upset she felt. She was so aggrieved that her eyes turned red.


    Wang Shi nced at her daughter. "Why are you crying?"

 Chapter 109: Shagong

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    ¡°Mother, aren¡¯t you angry?¡± She looked after Gu Ying to be able to marry into a distinguished family, but what about me! Because of elder sister¡¯s matter, I don¡¯t even know what kind of family I will marry in the future! Now basically no family is willing to look at the youngdies of the Gu family! Gu Shuang will soon reach the age to get engaged... Now there is no one whoes to the door to take a look!¡±


    ¡°What is there to be angry about.¡± Lady Wang''s tone was light as she took her daughter''s little hand and said lightly, "You see that Zhao is pregnant, and mother is not in a hurry, so why are you in such a hurry?"


    Gu Wan was shocked for a moment, "What? Zhao is pregnant? How did mother know?"


    Lady Wang smiled gently, walking with Gu Wan in the snow, "Zhao thought she could fool everyone, these days she faked illness to drive Master out of Reed Catkin Courtyard, making Liu happy for several days. Master is busy with ten thousand things every day, Liu is dumb, naturally can¡¯t see through Zhao¡¯s n, but I saw at a nce that she has been pregnant for at least two months."


    Gu Wan frowned, "Then Zhao is also a fool. How did she suddenly be smart¡ª"


    "No matter who is behind plotting, this child cannot stay." Lady Wang''s voice was gentle, but she said the cruelest words in the gentlest voice, "The male heir of Dongping Earl Manor can only be my son."


    Gu Wan took a deep breath, but still felt ufortable in her heart, "Then what about Gu Ying... She stepped on elder sister, which was fine, but I...feel ufortable."


    Although she was a concubine''s daughter, she had always been proud. She believed she was no worse than the legitimate daughter, and she had learned everything the eldest daughter learned ten times, a hundred times more diligently.


    Why, just because she was born from the wrong womb, crawling out of auntie''s belly, did she deserve to be oppressed by the legitimate daughters forever?


    "You child, really have not inherited any of my patience." Lady Wang''s eyebrows were smiling, looking very gentle, "Haven''t you noticed that the chastity powder on Gu Ying''s arm...is gone?"


    Gu Wan suddenly widened her eyes, "Mother didn''t see wrong?"


    Lady Wang smiled, "When have your mother''s eyes ever been wrong?"


    She was known for being aloof and low-key in the manor¡¯s inner court, with little sense of existence, status not as high as Liu, and less favored than Zhao. But she had amazing observational skills. Being able to live safely in the manor and give birth to a son and daughter all these years was enough to show her prudence and care.


    On the way to Yongshou Hall today, she just happened to see Gu Ying slip and fall in the snow.


    The exposed section of her fair arm was bare, empty without the chastity powder, and there were some ambiguous traces, which really aroused one''s imagination.


    Gu Wan couldn¡¯t help feeling excited. No wonder she always felt Gu Ying was very strange after falling into the water and returning from the pce!


    That day she went into the pce together with elder sister, but elder sister had returned while she was dyed for a long time, and in the end it was just her and Yanzhi returning in a sorry state!


    Turns out she had already lost her chastity long ago!


    And still don''t know which wild man she lost it to!


    Gu Wan was agitated, "Mother, then why didn''t we expose her in front of Prefect Guo just now! Make her unable to show her face!"


    "Foolish child." Lady Wang said firmly, "After all, Prefect Guo is from the imperial family, no need to make such a big fuss. We only need to let the Prince see Gu Ying''s true colors in front of the Prince. That¡¯s enough."


    "Oh... Then when do we have to wait until?" Gu Wan was somewhat impatient.


    Lady Wang''s mouth turned up in an inscrutable smile, "Wan''er, do you know that to kill a man you must cut his heart, now that we¡¯ve grasped Gu Ying¡¯s weakness, we have to lie low, don¡¯t let her get away with it easily, it¡¯s best to find a good opportunity to make her unable to show her face for her whole life at an extremely grand asion."


    "And we must also make the Prince disgusted with her forever."


    Gu Wan became more and more excited as she thought about it, "Okay, Wan¡¯er will listen to Mother!"


    ...


    When she arrived at Muffeng Studio, Gu Ying looked at her younger brother''s legs, her eyebrows furrowed, "Why did this illness suddenly be so violent? Ning, does your leg...still hurt?"


    Gu Ningy t on the bed, looking emaciated. Although Yin Zhu took care of him in secret, he still became thinner and thinner day by day.


    In recent days, he had even be somewhat unable to eat.


    "It doesn''t hurt."


    "Do you want to eat something?"


    "I won¡¯t eat."


    Gu Ning said expressionlessly, staring straight at the ceiling, refusing to look at Gu Ying no matter what.


    Yin Zhu had poured out all his medicines. His legs were getting weaker and weaker, and now he couldn¡¯t get out of bed, he could only bear Cui Ling¡¯s insults on this bed. He only hated that he was too young to kill Cui Ling to vent his hatred.


    It was not once or twice that Cui Ling and Steward Wu had illicit affairs in this room. Now that she also obtained Gu Ying¡¯s jewelry, she became more arrogant andcent, and her care for Gu Ning became more and more perfunctory.


    In recent days, Cui Ling felt difort in her body and had no appetite, always vomiting, often lying in her own room, and didn¡¯t even go out the door.


    Gu Ying stroked the atrophied muscles on Gu Ning''s legs. Thinking that she had read so many medical books but couldn¡¯t help at all, she felt very frustrated, "Yin Zhu, have you noticed anything unusual?"


    Yin Zhu said coldly, "Other than Cui Ling and Steward Wu often having illicit meetings in Muffeng Studio, nothing else. Imperial physician Liues every day to see young master and medicate young master."


    Gu Ying frowned, "Medicate?"


    Yin Zhu said, "Yes, normal moxibustion."


    The moxa sticks were in Gu Ning''s room. Gu Ying had checked them and found nothing unusual.


    She couldn¡¯t figure out what exactly the problem was for the moment. If there was no problem with Gu Ning¡¯s medication or moxibustion, could it really be a problem with Gu Ning¡¯s own body?


    She really couldn''t figure it out, "No, I still need Imperial physician Wang."


    Before entering the Imperial Medical Academy, Imperial physician Wang was already the most prestigious orthopedic doctor in Jiangnan. It could be said that in the whole Dong Li, no one was more proficient in orthopedics than Imperial physician Wang.


    Yanzhi wondered, "But why hasn''t Imperial physician Wang responded until now?"


    Gu Ying thought about it and guessed that someone must be interfering behind the scenes, but who would have such great ability to interfere with the matters of the Imperial Medical Academy?


    She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again, clear-minded, "Has Liue around recently?"


    Yin Zhu shook her head, "No."


    Yin Lan hurriedly said, "Miss, during this time, Lady Zhao faked ill health and has not been able to serve Master. When Master does not stay at Lady Wang¡¯s ce, he is at Liu¡¯s ce. Liu has been busypeting favor with Lady Wang these days, so she has neglected Dr. Liu."


    Gu Ying also guessed thisyer, and the corners of her mouth hooked coldly.


    Now that the day of Gu Jia''s wedding was approaching, it was time for her to start closing the slowly.


    ...


    After leaving Muffeng Studio, Gu Ying was thinking about how to leave the manor herself and go to Imperial physician Wang¡¯s home.


    "Ying!"


    Gu Ying looked up and saw Gu Boyaning with his aunt and cousin Ye Qingchi.

 Chapter 110: Don’t mind His Past.

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    Qin? Cousin?" She hurriedly went up to greet Gu Boyan and was pleasantly surprised to pull Qin''s hand, "How did you get here?"


    Qin was an upbeat person. She said directly in front of Gu Boyan, "Naturally, I heard that the Crown Prince went into the pce to ask for marriage. This is really--"


    "Auntie," Gu Ying bent her eyes and smiled, interrupting Qin, "Why don''t you go sit in my yard? I have the finest Bi Luo Chun tea left by my mother there. Let me make a pot with my own hands for my auntie and cousin, okay?"


    Gu Boyan reacted and smiled embarrassedly at Ye Qingchi, "Thank you for showing me the way, sir. Now my niece and I have a few personal words to say, so I won''t keep you here."


    Ye Qingchi smiled awkwardly. He had wanted to get along well with Ye Qingfei and Qin to pave the way for his official career, but thinking of what the Gu family had done to the Ye family back then, he really had no face to stay any longer. So he could only put on the appearance of an elder and exhorted, "Ying, you must take good care of Madam Qin and Master Ye, don''t lose face for the Gu family."


    Gu Ying chuckled and nodded, "Don''t worry, uncle."


    After all, they were her rtives. How could she not treat them well?


    This uncle was too self-important.


    Seeing Gu Boyan leave, Gu Ying happily pulled Qin back to Musui Studio.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi went to make tea.


    Ye Qingchi looked around Gu Ying''s boudoir and twitched his lips. "Does Ying live in such a small courtyard?"


    The courtyard Ye had left for Gu Ying in Qinghe Garden was three times the size of Musui Studio, and was specially located closest to Qin for her convenience. It was a pity that Gu Ying hadn''t been to the Ye house these past few years, so the yard was just left empty.


    Gu Ying said with a smile, "Cousin, it''s okay. I''m used to it. It''s secluded here and I really like it. Being able to be alone withoutpeting with others is an extremely good ce."


    "You have a lot of thoughts at such a young age."


    Ye Qingchi stroked his nose. Dressed in blue today, with ayer of gray fur on his cor, his features looked even more elegant.


    The child of an aristocratic family over hundreds of years naturally had an elegant demeanor.


    As he looked at his little cousin, he vaguely saw a few red marks on her neck and frowned.


    But the candid Qin didn''t notice it. She continued what she had not finished saying, her face full of surprise, "Is it true that the Crown Prince wants to marry you?"


    "Yes." Gu Ying chuckled. She had already given herself to Zhao Changdu, so of course she could only marry him first now...


    Qin was also emotional for a moment, thinking back and forth, still feeling inappropriate, "The Crown Prince looks difficult to get close to, fierce and cold. You may not be able to have a good life after marrying him. Ying, you might as well just marry into my Ye family directly. I''ll be your mother-inw and take good care of you when you get pregnant and have children. I''ll bring up the children well for you without you lifting a finger. I''ll treat you like my own daughter and dote on you. That would be better."


    Qin''s words were too bold.


    "Auntie!" Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry when she heard this.


    Ye Qingchi''s face also turned red with anger. "What is Mother talking about? Ying is Auntie''s daughter. I am her brother! How could I take her as my wife...? If Grandfather hears of this, Father will definitely not get away with it!"


    "What''s wrong with cousin marrying cousin when you two don''t have the same surname? My Achi is also handsome and good-looking, eight feet tall, broad shoulders and a narrow waist, just pleasing to you girls'' eyes." Qin made great efforts to rmend her son, looking very serious, "Ying, I really don''t feel assured handing you over to that little fox Zhao Changdu."


    The Zhao family''s generations of male foxes were famously licentious in Bianjing and even Dong Li. The Zhao family ancestors had spared no effort indulging in beauty. After generations of hard work by their descendants, the Zhao children grew more and more good-looking.


    When the Duke Zhao was young, he attracted bees and butterflies wherever he went. Two years into his marriage, his principal wife still hadn''t given birth to his eldest son, while a concubine brought from outside had given birth to a son ahead of her.


    This matter had been criticised by others.


    However, considering that the Zhao men were quite good-looking, and fearing the power of the Duke''s mansion, no one said much about it.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t speak, just looked at Gu Ying.


    Although his mother''s words were absurd, if Ying really couldn''t marry into a good family, he would be willing to marry her.


    For him, once he had decided on someone, it was for life.


    She was originally his auntie''s daughter. Adding an inw rtionship between their two families was a good thing. If he was determined to marry her, he would definitely cherish, love and pamper her all his life, just as his father treated his mother.


    Gu Ying chuckled and looked at Qin, then at Ye Qingchi. She said seriously, "Auntie, don''t get me wrong. He... he''s been really good to me. You and cousin know about him petitioning to marry me, right? Although I don''t have a good reputation, he didn''t think to wrong me."


    This was a rejection.


    Qin pursed her lips. Hearing about Zhao Changdu''s petition, she was also very shocked. Otherwise she wouldn''t have rushed over to the Gu residence.


    "Ying, have you really decided?"


    Gu Ying nodded, "I''ve decided."


    Qin was silent for a while, quickly sorting out the rtionships between the families in her mind.


    She struggled for a long time. These powers were secondary. "His love is right under his nose. Do you not mind?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "I don''t mind. I believe he has let go of the past."


    With nothing more to say, Qin''s character was like this. Once she figured it out, she would only move forward, never hesitating.


    Sheughed, "Since you''ve decided, Auntie will fully support you! Just marry into the Zhao family. In the future, if that Zhao Changdu dares to betray you, your uncle can make him suffer with just a few words. Even if I have to risk my old life, I won''t let him get away with it. Oh yes, Auntie will prepare your dowry over the next few days, and your wedding dress, you have to embroider it yourself, right? Your grandmother and aunt definitely won''t put their heart into it, so it''s better to leave this to Auntie."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, seemingly lost in thought.


    "Ying, don''t be scared by my mother. She is just enthusiastic and eager to participate in your wedding." Ye Qingchi was worried Gu Ying would be repulsed by his mother meddling too much. He said with a smile, "You know our Ye family doesn''t have any girls. You''re the only one, of course you''ll be doted on to heaven."


    Qin also realised her mistake and said awkwardly, "That''s right, I''ve always wanted a daughter, but your uncle wouldn''t allow it. You''re the only girl in our Ye family. I got too excited about your wedding. Don''t reject your auntie, okay? Your auntie has no other way to help you."


    Gu Ying held Qin''s hand, her mouth curving up slightly, "Auntie, you misunderstood. I... I was just thinking, on my wedding day, I want to wear the bridal costume my mother wore when she got married..."

 Chapter 111: Out of House

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Qin was shocked for a moment, her eyes instantly reddening, and after a long time, she sobbed, ¡°Alright...alright, if Zhuo was still alive, she would definitely be very happy.¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyes were slightly moist.


    Thinking of how much she had loved Jiang Yin in her previous life, when she married him, she was full of expectations to personally sew the bridal clothes.


    Her needlework was not good, so she found someone to hastily make up for it, spending a long time pricking countless holes in her fingers before finally making the bridal clothes she was most satisfied with.


    But so what?


    After marrying into the Jiang family, she did not live well at all.


    Jiang Yin would not love her more because of the effort she put into the bridal clothes.


    Since this was the case, why bother wasting effort on the matter of marriage?


    She didn''t want to please men anymore, nor did she want to trample her own dignity to please men. She just wanted to let her mother see her wearing the bridal clothes she had once worn before she died, so that her mother could feel gratified for her from beneath the ground.


    When Ye Zhuoning was mentioned, everyone fell silent for a good while.


    Gu Ying didn''t actually want everyone to feel sad for her mother again. She smiled and said, "Auntie, cousin, I have a favor to ask of you."


    Qin was afraid Gu Ying wouldn''t trouble her, so she wiped away her tears andughed. "Go ahead, just say it, say it now."


    ...


    After leaving the Gu manor,


    Gu Ying, dressed as a maid of the Ye family, supported Qin and got on the carriage.


    After the carriage had traveled a stretch, Qin said, "Ying, where else do you need to go? I''ll have Qingchi take you there."


    Gu Ying jumped down from the carriage. "To Royal Physician Wang''s residence."


    Qin quickly red at her son. "Why aren''t you going down yet? What are you waiting for?"


    Ye Qingchi raised his eyebrows andined, "Mother, I''m your own son."


    Qin pressed her lips in a smile, then sternly kicked him. "Ying is your sister. For her matters, you must aplish them even if it means jumping into boiling water or fire. Get going!"


    Ye Qingchi silently rolled his eyes, lifted his robes and got down from the carriage.


    Gu Ying covered her mouth andughed. "Thank you, cousin."


    Ye Qingchi slightly raised his chin andmented, "Cousin is not tired, cousin''s fate is tired, stuck with a mother like this."


    Gu Ying smiled with crescent eyes as she watched Qin''s carriage disappear into the distance. With her family by her side in this life, all alive and well, her heart felt warm.


    Ye Qingchi turned his head and looked at the maid with eyes like crescent moons in the beautiful snowy scenery. Something moved in his heart, and the corner of his mouth curved up, revealing a shallow, gentle smile.


    He couldn''t help reaching out and ruffling the maid''s ck hair. "Let''s go, I''ll take you there."


    Gu Ying looked up at Ye Qingchi, who was much taller than her. "Okay."


    The two headed towards Royal Physician Wang''s residence in the capital together.


    "Cousin."


    "Yes?"


    Gu Ying wanted to say something but hesitated. "Has His Majesty appointed officials for the new jinshi graduates this year?"


    Ye Qingchi raised his brows. "Before New Year''s Eve, His Majesty will meet with the top three graduates."


    Gu Ying lowered her gaze. "Jiang Yin is among them, right?"


    She could not intervene in court affairs, but she also understood theplex web of power and influence at court.


    It was reliance on her status as the legitimate daughter of the Earl of Dongping and the Ye family''s help that allowed Jiang Yin to directly obtain the fine position of Assistant Imperial Secretary of the Ministry of Secretaries when he was appointed as an official in their previous life.


    At first nce, this position did not seem very high, but for schrs, it was an excellent stepping stone for promotion.


    Many prime ministers in Dong Li had started out as Assistant Imperial Secretaries of the Ministry of Secretaries.


    Jiang Yin did not love her and loathed her, but still had to lower himself to marry her, the so-called useless person, in order to gain power.


    It was no wonder that every time he faced her after their marriage, he would frown and look at her with vicious eyes, wishing she would just die.


    Why did he hate her and the Ye family so much? Now everything seemed to make sense.


    It was because when he was at his most pathetic and weak, he had climbed up relying on her skirt and the Ye family.


    As someone whoter rose to the highest level of ministers, he would not allow others to know about his inglorious past.


    Therefore, he wanted to kill his wife to erase that history.


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the more she hated him, and her eyes kept shing with crimson.


    Ye Qingchi smiled elegantly, looking every inch the refined gentleman. "Don''t worry, he''s an unscrupulous schr who wants a good official position, that has to depend on whether our Censorate agrees or not."


    Gu Ying looked up, a smile on her lips. "So cousin still remembers what I said."


    Ye Qingchi bent his fingers and gently tapped her brow indulgently. "Cousin never dares to forget Ah Ying''s words."


    Gu Ying blinked. By Ye Qingchi''s side, she felt an unprecedented sense of rxation, and could feel that he sincerely treated her well.


    How blind she had been in her previous life, unable to see people''s true nature!


    Her aunt, cousin and uncle had all been good to her, yet because of one wrong thought, she had delivered the entire Ye family onto Jiang Yin''s web of intrigues...


    Seeing Gu Ying looking up with her gaze distant and not speaking, Ye Qingchi asked in puzzlement, "Does Ah Ying have a grudge against Jiang Yin?"


    Otherwise, why would a youngdy from a prominent family pay such close attention to court affairs?


    Gu Ying neither shook her head nor nodded, but her eyes still couldn''t help revealing sadness.


    Ye Qingchi stopped and stared at the maid''s reddened eyes. "Ah Ying, did Jiang Yin bully you?" he asked tenderly.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath, her mind filled with images of the Ye family''s tragic fate.


    The innocent Ye family, did they have to pay such a price for her foolishness?


    She raised her long curly ckshes and looked seriously into Ye Qingchi''s eyes. Clenching her teeth, she said, "Cousin, do everything you can to make sure Jiang Yin suffers utter defeat in his official career."


    Ye Qingchi''s expression became solemn. "Can cousin know the reason?"


    Gu Ying reached out and tightly grasped hisrge hand, her eyes full of suppressed, restrained hatred.


    Ye Qingchi seemed to understand something. He pulled the maid into his arms. "Alright, cousin promises you, I definitely won''t let him have it easy."


    Gu Ying leaned her chin on Ye Qingchi''s shoulder, finally unable to hold back her tears anymore as they slid down her face.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t ask further.


    With utmost tenderness, he held the maid''s soft little hand and turned into a small alley, pointing to a secluded courtyard not far away. "That is Royal Physician Wang''s residence."


    Gu Ying wiped away her tears and smiled again. She walked to Wang''s door and said, "Cousin, I must save Ning. I want him to stand up again like Father, learn martial arts and join the army, to be an outstanding son."


    Ye Qingchi chuckled softly. "Ning is also my brother. Since Mother asked me toe, it''s to lend you a hand."


    Gu Ying felt a warm current flow through her heart and nodded. "Mm."


    The two knocked on the door and entered Wang''s residence.


    ...


    At the entrance to the alley, a tall figure slowly walked out, a gloomy look on his elegant, peerlessly beautiful face.


    Su He slipped out from behind Zhao Changdu, leisurely watching the intimate man and woman ahead, and concluded, "This Miss Gu is not simple."

 Chapter 112: I Believe Him

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    Zhao Changdu was silent and taciturn, he did not reply, only his brow was tightly furrowed.


    Gu Ying and Ye Qingchi have a cousin rtionship, but seeing the two embrace each other, he still felt very annoyed, and even had the urge to strangle Ye Qingchi.


    Su He was schadenfreude, "Ever since she fell into the water in the pce, she has been quite extraordinary, especially towards Jiang Yin."


    Su He was not Su Huanfeng, that guy was silly, he did not notice Gu Ying''s changes, but he had already sent someone to investigate the rumors between Gu Ying and Jiang Yin back then.


    It could only be said that there was something going on between them.


    What he could investigate, how could Zhao Changdu not investigate it?


    It was just that he probably investigated it even more clearly.


    Su He: "So, Changdu, are you still going to marry her?"


    Zhao Changdu did not hesitate for a moment, "Yes."


    Su He did not know what spell Gu Ying had cast on Zhao Changdu, which made a man who looked so ascetic and indifferent insist on marrying no one but her.


    He wrinkled his brows, "Changdu, it''s obvious she feels hatred, not love for Jiang Yin."


    Having a woman who does not love him by his side, wasn''t that asking for trouble?


    But for him, whether there was love or not did not matter anymore. After all, having been hurt like that before, no one would easily give their heart again.


    He had always felt that Zhao Changdu wanting to marry Gu Ying had other motives.


    Zhao Changdu''s sword-like brows did not rx, his face was cold and solemn, he only said, "I need to take responsibility for her."


    Su He was shocked, "Responsibility?"


    Zhao Changdu gave him a meaningful look.


    He had a pair of standard phoenix eyes, profound and intoxicating, undercurrents surging, that would not easily let people see what he was thinking.


    But this time, Su He clearly and distinctly saw his obvious possessiveness towards Gu Ying in his eyes.


    Su He stared with disbelief, "You, you, you..."


    Was it the responsibility he was thinking of?


    Zhao Changdu lightly hooked the corners of his mouth, said no more, and left with an expressionless face.


    Su He still hadn''t recovered from the shock. The heir of the Duke''s mansion was famously aloof and abstinent, except for Huo Qiyun whom he was close to when he was young, he never went near women. But this time, he actually fell for this little girl Gu Ying!


    Because he did not hesitate to use the power of the Qilin Army to travel a thousand miles to bring back Imperial Physician Wang from his hometown.


    No matter who was behind interfering with the Imperial Hospital, Changdu''s move was no different from pping that person in the face.


    Just for a Gu Ying, he had actually gone to such an extent.


    For her, was he really only taking responsibility?


    Su He chased up with a confused look on his face, "Changdu, don''t forget that Huo Qiyan has an appointment with you at the Liyue Building!"


    ...


    After leaving Imperial Physician Wang''s residence.


    Gu Ying''s face was solemn. Imperial Physician Wang''s whereabouts were unknown. He had previously returned to his hometown, but now people from his hometown also sent letters saying that Imperial Physician Wang was taken away halfway through the journey, and there was still no news of him.


    Ye Qingchi patted her shoulder tofort her, "Don''t worry Ying, I will secretly send someone to investigate where Imperial Physician Wang is now. As soon as I get news of him, I will let you know first thing."


    Gu Ying sighed, "Okay."


    Ye Qingchi raised his hand and stroked her furrowed brows, smiling, "Furrowing your brows at such a young age, what''s the point?"


    Gu Ying pulled the corners of her mouth, it wasn''t that she wanted to furrow her brows, it was just that her brother''s condition was urgent, and could not wait much longer. She felt that no matter how many medical books she read, it was useless, because she had no experience in treating illnesses and saving lives. If she rashly used her brother''s leg as an experiment, it might aggravate his condition instead.


    "Cousin, let''s go back first."


    "Okay."


    Ye Qingchi personally sent Gu Ying back. As the two passed by the Liyue Building on Changning Avenue,


    Ye Qingchi nced up slightly amidst the bustling crowds on the lively avenue, and vaguely saw the figures of Zhao Changdu and Huo Qiyan sitting face to face by the window of a second-floor private room.


    He frowned unpleasantly, "Is that Prince Zhao?"


    Gu Ying looked up. The thick snowy fog had darkened as dusk approached.


    She squinted, before she could make out Zhao Changdu''s distinctive profile, which was too eye-catching under the hazy glow of the lights.


    Ye Qingchi''s face looked ugly. "He''s with Huo Qiyan?"


    Wasn''t Huo Qiyun enough, he had to get entangled with Huo Qiyan too?


    Did he really want to keep entangling himself with the Huo family?


    He was just about to go up and ask clearly, when Gu Ying grabbed him and smiled, "Cousin, it''s nothing. Let''s go back first, or else Grandma will find out."


    Ye Qingchi''s brows were still tightly furrowed. "Ying, he is your fianc¨¦. This kind of behavior is called ''undeserving of a man'' in our Ye family."


    Gu Yingughed, "I trust him."


    Although she said trust, she actually just didn''t care.


    After all, it was just a sham engagement. Who he was with didn''t matter to her.


    Although she would feel a little unhappy in her heart,pared to her goal of revenge, it was nothing.


    Ye Qingchi pursed his lips and did not insist anymore. His expression was nk, but in his heart he secretly marked down Zhao Changdu. Good, getting entangled with women even before getting married.


    Sure enough, just a cunning male fox spirit. Very good!


    Just as the two were about to leave, a carriage slowly approached.


    The unmarked ck carriage stopped in front of Gu Ying and Ye Qingchi. An old steward-like attendant got off the carriage and smiled at Gu Ying, "My master wants to say a few words to Miss and Master Ye."


    Being able to easily recognize her and Ye Qingchi''s identities, this person must not be simple.


    Gu Ying and Ye Qingchi looked at each other warily about this old man in fancy clothes who had appeared out of nowhere, "May I ask who your master is?"


    The old steward smiled evilly, "Miss, please get on the carriage."


    From this person''s expression, he seemed intent on forcing her if she did not get on the carriage.


    Gu Ying turned her head and looked at Ye Qingchi hesitantly.


    "Don''t worry, I''m here," Ye Qingchi said with a smile, giving her a reassuring look. With him here, even if the King of Hell came, he could still protect her properly.


    Gu Ying hesitated no more, lifted her skirt and got on the carriage.


    The heavy carriage curtain fell, Gu Ying bent down to sit, and looked up to meet a pair of flirtatious peach blossom eyes.


    The not too big or small carriage was filled with a faint scent of dragon saliva incense.


    This kind of incense was extremely precious in Dongli, and could only be used by people from the royal family.


    Looking at the young man sitting upright against the carriage wall, Gu Ying smiled helplessly, "Your subject, pays respects to Prince Shu..."


    Prince Shu Li Yang was the son of Concubine Wan, and also the illegitimate eldest son of the Emperor.


    In Bianjing, he was famously virtuous, cultured and talented. He often spoke up for the people, and was deeply loved by themon folk. This was also why the Emperor had not established a crown prince all these years.


    Back when the Emperor was still Prince Rui, he travelled to Jiangnan and fell in love at first sight with Concubine Wan Nn Xing in Changzhou, and stayed in Changzhou for over three months, cohabiting with Nn Xing, harboring deep feelings for each other.


    Three monthster, there was a big change in court. Prince Rui was escorted back to the capital, and fortunately seeded to the throne.


    The newly enthroned Tianqi Emperor''s position was unstable then, and he had no choice but to form a marriage alliance with the Su family who supported his ascension, marrying the Su family''s daughter as Empress.


    At the same time, the Emperor secretly sent people to Changzhou to look for Nn Xing''s whereabouts.


    When Nn Xing was found, she had already given birth to the Tianqi Emperor''s eldest son, whoter became Prince Shu Li Yang.

 Chapter 113: What’s he up to

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    The illegitimate child has been found, despite the disapproval of the Su family and the ministers in the court.


    However, Emperor Tianqi defied the opposition and took in his beloved woman, Concubine Wan, as his consort. He weed her into the pce and even bestowed upon their son, Li Yang, the title of prince when he turned one year old. It is evident that the Emperor''s favor for Concubine Wan is extraordinary.


    It was around that time that Empress Su fell ill.


    Shortly after the Emperor brought back Concubine Wan and their child, the Empress discovered that she was pregnant. Exhausted both physically and mentally, she struggled to cope with the pressure from her own family and the ministers who urged her to produce an heir.


    Just when she finally conceived a child, her husband brought back his true love and their son from the outside world.


    Empress Su''s health deteriorated, and on the day she gave birth, the Emperor was still at the pce, enjoying a hot spring with Concubine Wan and their child. The Empress experienced a difficultbor, losing a significant amount of blood and risking her life to give birth to the legitimate heir of the Dongli Imperial n.


    The Crown Prince, Li Hao, was born frail and sickly, requiring constant medication and medical attention. People in the pce often joked that he was the "Prince Medicine Jar," but he never got upset. asionally, when he heard those remarks, he would even join in theughter.


    He was a humble and loyal person, handsome in appearance but not as academically gifted or intelligent as Li Yang. Naturally, he did not receive the Emperor''s favor.


    As a result, the position of the Crown Prince remained undecided.


    All these thoughts raced through Gu Ying''s mind, and when she looked up, Prince Shu gave her a meaningful nce and smirked. "Lai Fu, let''s go," he said.


    Lai Fu was the old steward.


    The carriage traveled leisurely along the road, passing through the bustling crowd on Changning Avenue, heading toward an unknown destination.


    In her past life, the two princes fought fiercely for the position of Crown Prince, almost leading to a river of blood. But in the end, they ended up serving as pawns for the Zhao family...


    Gu Ying''s mind drifted away. Royal affairs were intricate andplex, and she believed that bloodshed was an inevitable part of it.


    She couldn''t fathom what Prince Shu was thinking, so she chose to remain silent and wait for him to speak.


    Li Yang stared at Gu Ying for a while before speaking, "Miss Gu, are you and Master Ye here to find King Physician?"


    Since he brought it up himself, Gu Ying couldn''t hide it and smiled, "Yes."


    Li Yang was handsome, resembling Concubine Wan''s exquisite beauty. When he spoke, his voice was clear and devoid of any oppressive air, making him approachable.


    He continued to gaze at Gu Ying, whose cheeks had turned rosy from the cold wind. "I happen to have some information about King Physician. I wonder if Miss Gu would be interested?"


    Gu Ying was about to respond when Ye Qingchi stepped in front of her and smiled, "Prince Shu, Miss Gu is just an ignorant youngdy. If you have any business, you can discuss it with me first."


    Li Yang became displeased. He hade here for Gu Ying, but he hadn''t expected her to be apanied by this upromising troublemaker.


    "Hahaha, I merely wanted to help Miss Gu. There''s no need for such guardedness, Master Ye," he said with augh.


    Ye Qingchi remainedposed, neither humble nor arrogant. "Miss Gu has just recently be engaged to the Young Master of the Duke''s Mansion. It wouldn''t look good if news of her meeting with you, Prince Shu, in private were to spread. Wouldn''t you want to avoid tarnishing both your and Miss Gu''s reputation with the Emperor?"


    The Tianqi Emperor continues to favor Li Yang, but he also detests the princes for forming factions and pursuing personal interests behind his back.


    Li Yang has long wanted to win over the Ye and Huo families, but he has alwayscked the opportunity. Now that he has obtained the support of the Royal Physician, Wang, he cannot let it slip away.


    His gaze turned slightly cold as he cleared his throat and stared at Ye Qingchi, whose rigid expression resembled that of his father, Ye Imperial Censor. With an almost imperceptible smirk, Li Yang said, "Perhaps it was my oversight, or maybe Young Master Ye has considered it carefully."


    "However," he changed the subject, "Wang is an incredibly skilled physician, and many people seek his medical expertise. In the past, I had the fortune of saving his life, so he owes me a favor."


    A smile yed at the corners of his mouth, and his enchanting peach blossom eyes sparkled. "If Miss Er wishes for Wang to enter the mansion and treat your younger brother, I will be waiting for you at the Wangjiang Pavilion in three days."


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched.


    After getting off the carriage, she was still dazed. The Royal Physician Wang was involved with Prince Shu?


    Ye Qingchi gently tapped her forehead and asked, "What are you thinking? Are you really going to attend the appointment? Just remember to shake your brain before you go."


    Gu Ying could onlyugh and cry, shaking her head. "I haven''t made up my mind yet."


    She was well aware of theplex power dynamics within the court. If Prince Shu suddenly came looking for her, he must have ulterior motives. But her brother''s condition... she had to find a solution.


    How could Ye Qingchi not see her thoughts? His eyes shimmered as he spoke softly, "Ah Ying, don''t act impulsively. Prince Shu is an unpredictable individual. Compared to his brother, the Crown Prince, who is like a medicine jar, Prince Shu is like a venomous snake lurking in the dark. Regarding the matter with the Royal Physician Wang, I''ll have my cousin secretly investigate. If we find out that Wang is in Prince Shu''s hands, I''ll personally deal with him."


    Gu Ying was puzzled. "What does he want?"


    The Ye family and Prince Shu''s faction had always been at odds. Her father was still just a minor border general, without significant military achievements or authority.


    Ye Qingchi looked at the retreating carriage and said, "Do you know that you''re Zhao Changdu''s future bride?"


    Gu Ying blushed slightly. "He should just curry favor with the Crown Prince. Why bother with me..."


    Ye Qingchi chuckled softly. "Perhaps he''s also attracted to the beauty of our Ah Ying."


    Gu Ying was taken aback. She hadn''t considered that possibility.


    But Ye Qingchi continued, "Ah Ying probably doesn''t know this, but Prince Shu has a penchant for collecting beauties. Although he has yet to marry, he maintains a virtuous and beloved image in public. In reality... he often keeps concubines in secret."


    Gu Ying remained silent.


    No wonder Prince Shu couldn''t ascend to the position of Crown Prince after the downfall of Prince Duan in her previous life.


    "A person like him, Ah Ying, is better admired from afar," Ye Qingchi said seriously. "Even if you have no power or influence to offer him, just with your beautiful face, Prince Shu will be intrigued by you."


    "But I''m not really..." After all, Jiang Yin had never shown any romantic interest in her in her previous life.


    Ye Qingchi looked indulgently at her and said, "Ah Ying, you used to have a gentle and weak disposition, which made people overlook your beauty. However, after the Winter Hunting Competition, when you drew your bow and won first ce, disying your extraordinary elegance and charisma, you caught the attention of many. It''s every man''s dream to be intoxicated by a beautiful woman and hold the power of the world. Prince Shu, who possesses such power and is just one step away from the throne, would never let go of a beauty like you."


    Gu Ying fell into silence once again, recalling the scene from a previous lifetime when Prince Shu led his troops into the Forbidden Pce, only to meet his demise at the critical moment.


    It seemed as if he had truly done it all for a woman... His face covered in blood, defeated and crushed.


    But who was that woman?


    She couldn''t remember anymore.


    ...


    By the time Ye Qingchi secretly brought Gu Ying back to the Mu Xue Chamber, the sky had already darkened.


    She wandered through the mansion wearing the attire of a maid.


    The mansion was far from quiet.


    As the end of the month approached, it marked the wedding date of Gu Jia and Jiang Yin. Liu Shi was busy preparing the bride''s dowry for Gu Jia, and Zhe Yuju was often brightly lit throughout the night.


    Liu Shi had rummaged through almost all the hidden treasures and jewelry, but Gu Jia''s dowry still couldn''tpare to half of Gu Ying''s.


    Naturally, her thoughts turned to the dowry left behind by the Ye family back then.

 Chapter 114: Yesterday I was in Your Bed

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    Gu Ying was well aware of her thoughts and ns. Therefore, when she returned to Twilight Snow Studio and heard Yin Lan say that Mrs. Liu had sent Zhou Mama to ask for the key to her mother''s private treasury, she calmly took a sip of hot tea and responded, "Hmm, I understand."


    Yanzhi and Yin Lan came forward to serve her in bathing and changing clothes.


    Yanzhi was infuriated and couldn''t hold back her temper. "Miss, Madam used the excuse of inventorying Miss''s dowry, but in reality, she just covets ourdy''s money. Why should ourdy pay for her daughter''s marriage? It''s ridiculous! Who ever heard of the bride''s family providing the dowry money? It''s only because Master is not currently in the residence... but, doesn''t Master fear losing face in the court?"


    Yin Lan added, "Yanzhi is right. Mrs. Liu is too impatient. It was only today that the Old Madam entrusted her with the matter of managing the marriage, and she''s already taking such actions. Isn''t she afraid of the Old Madam''s reprimand?"


    Gu Ying sat in the bathtub, enjoying the warm water that covered her body. She leaned against the edge of the tub and pondered for a moment. "Grandmother will probably turn a blind eye to it."


    Yin Lan was puzzled. "Does the Old Madam really favor Mrs. Liu?"


    Gu Ying replied, "Mrs. Liu may be foolish, but she is an obedient and useful tool."


    Over the years, every action Mrs. Liu took in the residence was with the Old Madam''s consent.


    Yanzhi pursed her lips and added, "Yin Lan, you''re still new here and don''t know the whole story. The Old Madam used to treat the eldest miss like her own granddaughter, showering her with all kinds of treasures. Our miss was treated as if she were a foundling. The Old Madam arranged for the Feng Zhenren to read the fortunes of the eldest miss and the young marquis, iming that they were a match made in heaven. She always wanted the eldest miss to marry into the marquis''s family! Fortunately, the Crown Prince''s marriage prevented the Old Madam from making the final decision. Otherwise, ording to the Old Madam''s intent, the eldest miss would have been given away. Our miss is truly pitiable!"


    Yin Lan''s forehead twitched fiercely. She had seen favoritism before, but never to this extent.


    There should be fairness in all things. If not equally, at least leave some benefit for the second household.


    It was truly pitiful to see how their miss had grown up in such an environment.


    Yanzhi became more and more aggrieved as she thought about it. "Miss, today we managed to find an excuse to refuse, but what about a few dayster when Mrs. Liu wants to divert some of our second household''s dowry?"


    Yin Lan smiled and said, "Miss, I''m sure you have a n in mind."


    "Hmm," Gu Ying responded calmly, "I doubt she''ll have the opportunity to do so."


    Yanzhi''s face lit up with joy. She knew that her miss had a n.


    Gu Ying closed her eyes and enjoyed soaking in the hot water for a while. In this lifetime, as long as her legs were healthy and she had no stomach pain, coupled with the martial arts skills left by her father, her body grew stronger day by day.


    She wouldn''t let herself suffer the same miserable fate as in her previous life. She would make sure that the people around her lived better and better.


    The only thing that constantly troubled her was her younger brother''s legs. Aunt Zhao had secretly consulted a renowned physician, and Dr. Liu''s medicine was fine. There didn''t seem to be any obvious reason for his legs, except that it was an old illness that needed medication to nurture.


    It had been a long time, and her younger brother''s legs were not improving despite all the care. She didn''t know what the problem was.


    The medicine residue had been examined several times, but there was nothing wrong with it.


    No matter how many doctors they consulted, the result was always the same. She thought that they would need to consult Imperial Physician Wang, who specialized in orthopedics...


    Yin Lan spoke softly, "Miss? Are you asleep?"


    She had been bathing for a while.


    Gu Ying, feeling mentally exhausted, unexpectedly dozed off at the edge of the bathtub.


    She groggily opened her eyes and felt a chill on her back. Yin Lan had already thoughtfully brought her nightclothes and helped her put them on.


    "Miss, you should go back to bed and be careful not to catch a cold."


    Gu Ying watched Yin Lan attentively tending to her inner garments and grew more satisfied with her. "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    Yin Lan smiled and said, "Yin Zhu still needs to go to Cangwu Pavilion tonight to continue scaring the youngdy."


    Gu Ying replied, "Yes, I noticed that Gu Jia''splexion has been getting worse. The darkening of her forehead indicates her current state."


    "Who made her have a guilty conscience and plot against her own elder sister?" Yin Lan fastened her belt for her. "When are you nning to deal with the youngdy?"


    Gu Ying''s gaze deepened. "Soon."


    Yin Lan nodded approvingly.


    The three of them returned to the main house.


    Yanzhi prepared the bed and lit the charcoal fire before retreating with Yin Lan.


    Gu Ying was not sleepy at the moment, so she put on a fox fur coat and sat in a daze at the writing desk.


    After some thought, she decided that she should inform her father about her marriage to Zhao Changdu. Due to his military duties outside, her father rarely returned to Bianjing. But she knew that he loved her and her younger brother, so he should be happy to hear the news of his daughter''s marriage, right?


    Having made up her mind, she wrote a letter to her father on paper.


    Just as she finished writing, she suddenly felt a chilling breeze behind her, and the window quickly opened and closed.


    "Who''s there!"


    She turned around abruptly but saw no one. However, she felt the paper in her hand being snatched away.


    In a panic, she stood up and turned around again, only to see Zhao Changdu standing tall in front of her writing desk, dressed in a ck robe.


    His features were exquisite, and his gaze fell on the letter in his hand.


    "Prince, why have youe sote?" Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief. A man in her chamber in the middle of the night could cause rumors...


    Zhao Changdu lifted his eyelids and casually said, "Yesterday, I was on your embroidered bed in your chamber."


    He spoke without a trace of shame.


    Gu Ying''s face turned red. "You..."


    Zhao Changdu quickly nced at the letter addressed to Gu Boqing and his heart was inexplicably delighted.


    Seeing him smile, Gu Ying couldn''t help but rush forward.


    However, she was petite, andpared to his tall figure, she was like a delicate bird.


    She practically threw herself into his arms, her small hand grabbing his sleeve, and with the other hand raised high, her sleeve slipped, revealing a smooth and delicate porcin-like arm.


    As Zhao Changdu noticed the absence of the Pce Sand on her snow-white arm, his gaze deepened. With just a slight raise of hisrge hand, she couldn''t reach the letter even if she jumped.


    Her tender body collided with his sturdy embrace, and an indescribable warmth permeated through the fabric of their clothes. He had a mysterious expression on his face, teasing her like... a mischievous cat, denying her.


    "Give me the letter..."


    Zhao Changdu handed her the letter, his lowered eyes fixed on the young girl before him. He grasped her waist with his big hand, pulling her into his embrace.


    The scent of sinking incense wafted in the air, and Gu Ying held the crumpled letter in her hand. Her cheeks burned like fire, and her nose bumped into his firm chest, causing tears to well up in her eyes from the pain. She pressed her hands against his chest, struggling, "Prince, let go of me..."


    Her voice was soft and tender, perhaps due to his overbearing behavior the previous day. She didn''t dare to provoke him too much. After all, there was a great disparity in strength between men and women. If she identally angered him and he forced himself on her... she wouldn''t be able to resist.


    But they weren''t married yet. Yesterday''s incident could be considered an ident, but if it happened again tonight, it would be inappropriate.

 Chapter 115: Want a Hug

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    Gu Ying did not feel he was a person who disrespected her, so she wanted to talk with him properly, "Prince, let''s have a good talk ..."


    "Mm." Zhao Changdu responded in a low voice, did not let go, but used some strength to hug her tighter.


    He just hugged her, with no other intimate actions.


    Gu Ying tiptoed, with her chin resting on his shoulder. The man''s cold and indifferent aura enveloped her, and the warm body temperature transferred to her, slowly calming her turbulent and panicked mood.


    Outside, the grim cold wind pped the windowttices, making a sound that made people''s hearts tremble.


    Gu Ying stood stiffly as he hugged her.


    He just hugged her for a while, with his chin resting on the back of her head, the tip of his nose full of his refreshing scent. She didn''t know ... what exactly he wanted to do.


    After a long time, Gu Ying finally heard the man''s low, gloomy voice, "The rumors said that Miss Gu who doesn''t recognize big characters, when did she learn to write such fluent and beautiful regr script?"


    Gu Ying''s face was hot and misty, "I... taught myself in secret."


    She didn''t mean to tell the truth. This man was extremely wise and decisive. If she said she had died once, let alone getting married, she was afraid he would regard her as a monster and burn her to ashes.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t doubt her words. He patted her back with his big hand, and when she was confused, he bent down and picked her up horizontally.


    Gu Ying''s body suddenly became light, and she hurriedly hugged his neck, lowered her voice and used, "Prince, what are you doing! It is a big taboo for you to enter a woman''s bedroom at night. How can you¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression remained unchanged. He asked matter-of-factly, "Let me see if you are better."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and covered her clothes. Her ears and cheeks flushed red, "It''s already fine, no need to see..."


    The man''s tone was puzzled, "So soon it''s better?"


    He couldn''t control his strength, it was so fierce, and her body was delicate, how could she withstand it.


    Gu Ying turned her face away, unwilling to talk to him about such things. She muttered in a muffled voice, "Mm..."


    Anyway, no matter what, he couldn''t let him see.


    Zhao Changdu carried her to the embroidered bed. Gu Ying moved inward like a cat, and pulled the quilt over to cover her spring scenery.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was as deep as the boundless night.


    He looked at her guarded eyes leisurely. He smiled and said, "Does it still hurt?"


    If it weren''t for his unique handsome face, this would sound like those old rogues outside.


    Gu Ying was ashamed with anger. Her neck revealed a faint pink color, and the tip of her nose also turned red. "Zhao Changdu, can you please shut up and stop talking?"


    Such a thing happened once and it was embarrassing enough. But in her previous and present lives, she had stumbled because of him twice... It could no longer be described as just embarrassing.


    What¡¯s more, although she fainted from exhaustionst night, she had no time to think about anything else. But tonight he came to disturb her again, making her so ashamed that she wished she could dig a hole and bury herself.


    Zhao Changdu spread his long legs apart, his ck long robe falling to the ground. He rested his elbows on his knees, with an aura of majesty and oppression.


    He looked at her hibiscus-like cheeks, "Hmm, you''re bolder now, daring to call me by my name directly."


    Judging from his tone, he seemed quite pleased.


    Gu Ying didn''t know that originally only Huo Qiyan could call him directly by his name. If she had known, she would not have called him that tonight no matter how angry she was.


    Gu Ying bit her lip, "Prince, isn''t itte now, shouldn''t you leave?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t move. He nted his long eyes and nced at her, "Didn''t you want to find Imperial Physician Wang?"


    Gu Ying suddenly raised her head, looking at him eagerly, "Prince, do you know where Imperial Physician Wang is?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled softly, "As long as you want, I can arrange for him toe to the mansion as soon as possible to treat your brother."


    Gu Ying was both surprised and delighted. But after the surprise and joy, her face becameplicated again as she twisted her clothes and said solemnly, "I have nothing to give the prince. If the prince helps me this time, after I marry the prince in the future, I will definitely help the prince provoke Cheng several times ..."


    The implication was that besides this, he shouldn''t expect anything else.


    Zhao Changdu smiled helplessly, "In your eyes, am I just a beast who can''t control his lower body?"


    Gu Ying: "No..."


    Zhao Changdu: "At least I have been celibate for more than twenty years, never indulging in affairs between men and women. You don''t have to be so nervous."


    Gu Ying was taken aback. This was his first time too?


    She didn''t think more about it, and pretended to chuckle lightly, "I''m not nervous."


    Although she said she wasn''t nervous, those pitch ck eyes like ck jade still contained 120,000 points of vignce. She didn''t know what she had experienced that made her look at men always with an extrayer of unspeakable estrangement and fear.


    Zhao Changdu sighed, "What happened yesterday¡ª"


    In the middle of the night, in the room by the bed, Gu Ying was afraid he would make some strange requests, and quickly interrupted him, "What happened yesterday, thank you prince. In the future, I will be careful and not be fooled by others."


    Zhao Changdu nced at her indifferently, "I wanted to say, what happened yesterday was unavoidable. In the future, I will respect your opinion. If you don''t let me touch you, I will never touch you."


    Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, and tears rolled down her eyes.


    Zhao Changdu stretched out his big hand and wiped away the tears on her face, "Why are you crying?"


    Gu Ying smiled and sniffed, "It''s okay, I just suddenly thought that with my reputation, I can still marry the prince like you. I don''t know in my previous life..."


    When she got here, she couldn''t speak again.


    If she said she did good deeds and umted virtues in her previous life, so in this life she could meet someone like Zhao Changdu, it would be fine. But in her previous life, she was silly and obsessed all her life for a man, and gave up everything, love, hate, and obsession. She fought with Gu Jia and Jiang Ling''er for a few years, and lost in the end, dying in the deserted temple.


    She didn''t do anything great, she just treated everyone she met with a sincere heart.


    But in the end, how was it? Still desperate and helpless when she died.


    Zhao Changdu silently looked at her for a while, "Do you want a hug?"


    Gu Ying looked at his embrace with red eyes.


    Zhao Changdu put his long arm around her and let her lean against him. Gu Ying''s body stiffened, and seeing that he only hugged her without doing anything else, she slowly rxed.

 Chapter 116: Shu Wang is in a Hurry

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s chin was resting on her hair crown, and the body in his arms was soft and supple, just like holding a cloth doll, full and plump, bringing up a surge of inexplicable satisfaction in his heart.


    He recalled when he lost his mother in childhood, his father Zhao Changxing indulged Zhao Changxing''s bullying of him, Cheng was hypocritical, acting nice to him in front of his father but torturing him viciously behind his father''s back.


    He stood in front of his father full of wounds.


    Cheng panicked, but his father instead scolded him, questioning why he went out to cause trouble and fight with others.


    Since then, he understood what was meant by being indulged without fear.


    His mother went mad, jumped off a cliff and died, his father didn''t like his mother, and by extension also didn''t like him. No matter how injured he was, his father would not give him a shred of care.


    He thoroughly chilled his heart, knowing his father liked Cheng and didn''t love his mother, so he could only grit his teeth and endure.


    At that time he was only six or seven years old. It was already extremely difficult to survive in the Duke''s manor.


    But during those arduous and difficult years, Huo Qiyun appeared by his side like a small sun. She had also lost her mother and went from a favored legitimate daughter to an unfavored little pity.


    She understood his pain and knew his helplessness.


    She often went hungry herself, but still tried to steal food to give to him. She smiled at him, eyes curved, and said "Zhao Changdu, we have to live on together, live on beautifully together."


    At that time he always felt Huo Qiyun was the hope for him to live on. He swore to try his best to give Huo Qiyun good days.


    Butter Huo Qiyun abandoned him and instead married the person he hated most.


    On a June day, he suddenly felt bone-chilling cold, almost unable to continue living.


    But now, he was like a restless and lost person who had finally found someone he could hold and feel satisfied.


    He didn''t dare pin too many feelings on her. Although they had an arranged marriage, this cooperative arrangement mightst longer than love.


    At least in front of theirmon interests, she wouldn''t casually abandon him.


    "It''ste, sleep." After being lost in memories for a long time, Zhao Changdu finally came to his senses. He patted Gu Ying''s back and the corners of his lips curled up slightly. "I brought medicinal ointment for you that can vitalize the blood and disperse bruises. Remember to have Yin Lan apply it for you. And this pill is a lifesaving medicine gifted to me by a shaman from the bordends. It fortifies the foundation and nourishes vital energy, and can help preserve your brother''s vitality first."


    Gu Ying had started to doze off. Hearing this low, sexy voice, she suddenly opened her eyes and sat up from his embrace.


    Seeing the lingering blurriness in her eyes and the faint red mark on her cheek from being pressed against him, Zhao Changdu ced his palm over her brow. "Still dazed from sleep?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips without speaking, also wondering why she would rx her vignce in his arms.


    Since her rebirth, she had maintained awareness at all times, even when sleeping she still tried her best to stay alert.


    But Zhao Changdu easily broke through her boundaries, making her feel a thread of insecurity in her heart.


    "Go back to sleep." Zhao Changdu got up and ced the two bottles of medicine on the table in the room, ncing at her. "I''ll deal with Prince Shu. Don''t worry too much."


    Gu Ying raised her eyes to look at him. In the dimmp light, the man''s handsome features were wlessly beautiful. His tall, upright figure was like an orchid or jade tree, mesmerizing.


    She didn''t speak, and neither did he. Their eyes met, with thousands of indescribable emotions.


    After Zhao Changdu left through the window, Gu Ying gradually pulled back her thoughts. Her gaze slowly fell upon the two bottles of medicine.


    Themps in Twilight Studio stayed lit through the night.


    She was heavily preupied and did not sleep the entire night.


    ...


    Three dayster, at Riverside Pavilion.


    Li Yang had arrived early in the morning and waited in the pavilion. This pavilion was enclosed on four sides against the wind. It had incense burners, screens, and heated couches inside, for nobles to rx and enjoy themselves.


    The third floor elegant room overlooked a panoramic snowscape of the river through therge carvedttice divider.


    He was determined to obtain Gu Ying, and had also seen the ample ambition in this little girl''s eyes.


    Ever since the winter hunt, he had been unable to forget her. Even though she was about to be Zhao Changdu''s wife, he still couldn''t restrain the desire in his heart, thinking...no matter what, he had to make this little girl owe him a favor first.


    Thinking of Gu Ying''s bewitching little face that was oblivious to its own charm, Li Yang couldn''t help lifting the curtain by the window with his folding fan, his gaze sweeping over the heated couch again. A heat rose in his heart.


    He expected that Gu Ying would have difficulty leaving home, and mighte in disguise.


    But he never imagined that as the sun set, instead of Gu Ying, a grim reaper dressed in ck robes came.


    Li Yang''s body stiffened slightly and he lowered his voice. "Commander Zhao, why are you¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu walked in carrying the chill air with him. Right in front of Li Yang, he shook the snowkes off his greatcoat, and smelling the faint fragrance in the room, his clear, cold eyes lifted. "I heard Prince Shu wanted to meet my fianc¨¦e. She is unwell, so I''vee in her ce."


    Li Yang''s expression was ugly. He clenched his fists.


    Zhao Changdu sat down calmly across from Li Yang, his dark pupils profound. "My wife and I are one body. If Prince Shu has anything, speak with me directly. She is a youngdy, it''s improper to casually meet other men."


    Li Yang was caught off guard for a moment, not knowing how to respond. "What does Commander Zhao mean by this?"


    "I don''t mean anything else." Zhao Changdu smiled faintly, his gaze indifferent yet carrying a chilling aura. "Just kindly advising Prince Shu, don''t get ideas about Gu Ying."


    Li Yang flushed with shame and anger. "This prince has always been upright and stayed away from women. Don''t use a viin''s mindset to assess a gentleman!"


    Zhao Changdu spoke lightly, turning the situation with a few words. "Prince Shu, you''ve lost yourposure."


    "This prince has not!"


    "Hmph." Zhao Changdu let out a coldugh, looking at him with deep, indifferent eyes. "Do I need to clearly borate to you about your indecent affairs?"


    Being able to press down and arbitrarily handle a prince, in all of Bianjing only he aside from that person in the pce could do so.


    Li Yang was furious but hadn''tpletely lost his reason.


    He paused for a while, then smiled, his peach flower eyes curving. "Commander Zhao really misunderstood...This prince has no intentions towards Miss Gu at all..."

 Chapter 117: This is the mentality of a father.

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    Zhao Changdu stood up, his gaze cold, "Best it be so."


    Li Yang smiled, rxed and carefree, "Is themander leaving already? Why not stay for a drink?"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was cool as he nced at him, the impatience in his eyes already somewhat unrestrained, "No need."


    Before leaving, he nced skeptically at the twin-eared, gold-ted incense burner in the room. His brows furrowed slightly.


    Coming out from the attic, Huai An and Su He both came up.


    Su He smiled and asked, "How was it? It seems the one behind the scenes meddling with Wang Taiyi''s affairs is indeed Prince Shu."


    Huai An looked expectantly, "Master, this Prince Shu even dared to covet our mistress, we have to teach him a lesson."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold, a trace of sinister darkness lurking in his indifferent eyes, "He lit incense in the room, if Gu Ying hade today, the consequences would be unimaginable."


    Huai An couldn''t hold it in anymore, "This son of a bitch!"


    Su He silently reminded, "Huai An, watch your words. His mother is the current Emperor''s favored concubine, Concubine Xuan."


    Huai An''s mouth twitched as he red viciously towards the attic, "Damn, relying on a favored concubine mother, he can act unscrupulously?"


    Su He nced at Zhao Changdu with an amused smile, "When ites to unscrupulousness, who canpare to your master?"


    Huai An raised his brows arrogantly, "Of course."


    Zhao Changdu leaped onto his horse, hisrge hand pulling the reins, his expression calm as he said to Huai An, "Arrange some people toe over."


    Huai An scratched his head, mouth hooked in a grin, "Then this subordinate will go block the door first!"


    Zhao Changdu lightly hmmed, and leaped onto his horse with Su He.


    The cold wind rustled, the heavy snow drifted down.


    Su He said yfully, "Be careful, don''t offend him too badly and cause him to resent your second miss instead."


    Zhao Changdu nced at him, "If offended, I will protect her."


    The two rode their horses leisurely along the riverbank, snow fluttering about, making for a unique scenery.


    Su He mocked, "You''re protecting her already before even marrying her home?


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a long time, boundless snow, icy winds cutting at his face. His heart seemed to be sliced open, empty and cold.


    He knitted his brows, then smiled again, lightly saying, "Gu Ying is different from Huo Qiyun."


    How they were different, even he couldn''t say. Some people left him, betrayed him, he was hurt, licking his wounds alone, and after recovering he would gradually get used to life without that person.


    But some people made him obsessed after just a few meetings, possessing some kind of trustworthy magic.


    He believed that since Gu Ying had agreed to be his wife, she would not abandon him without reason.


    Su He didn''t know what to say.


    He and Zhao Changdu could be considered bonding through battle. But at that time, Su He was only seven or eight, pitiful and wretched. When his temper red, he was like a little lion.


    He couldn''t beat Zhao Changdu, who snatched his pastries.


    He never could have imagined the young master of the prestigious Duke''s estate would not even get a full meal when his father was away.


    If not for Huo Qiyun''s caring and nurturing, there would be no present day Zhao Changdu.


    But Huo Qiyun...


    "Let''s go."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was nk as he pulled the reins.


    He always spoke simply and coldly. Everyone thought he was a heartless killing god.


    But who knew about his unbearable past?


    Su He came out of his reminiscing, helplessly knocking his own head, "Oh well, what''s the use of always mentioning Huo Qiyun. Time moves forward, he should look forward too."


    ...


    Gu Ying was still trembling with fear in the estate, thinking about Prince Shu''s matter, when Ye Qingchi soon came with news.


    "Prince Shu''s debauchery in the attic of Wangjiang Pavilion was discovered by the Censorate, and he was caught in the act again, so, he probably needs to deal with the Censorate and the Emperor for a while, and won''t have time to bother you."


    Gu Ying let out a breath, but on second thought it seemed strange. Prince Shu was always discreet, how could he suddenly drop his defenses?


    Ye Qingchi smiled and said, "Probably because of your fianc¨¦?"


    Gu Ying was surprised, this was the first time someone had supported her like this, "He...did what?"


    Ye Qingchi said, "When I went to Wangjiang Pavilion, Zhao Changdu was already gone. But my colleagues and I checked out the attic Prince Shu had been in, and found burning passion-inducing incense inside."


    Gu Ying''s forehead broke out in ck lines when she heard this. She actually encountered this kind of thing after rebirth...


    This Prince Shu looked like a proper gentleman, and was a handsome talent. How could he alsomit such a lowly deed?


    Could it be all men only had that kind of urge towards women?


    She was d she didn''t go to the meeting today, and was grateful Zhao Changdu hade early that night to warn her.


    To think she had assumed he had dishonorable intentions...turns out he really was looking out for her...


    Gu Ying felt somewhat guilty, and gave an embarrassedugh, "I see. Don''t worry brother, although I don''t love Zhao Changdu, after marrying I will strive to be a perfect wife."


    She had no other way to repay him, so she would fight hard against Cheng for him.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t really like his cousin-inw at first, but seeing today, Zhao Changdu really lived up to his reputation. In all of Bianjing City, only he would dare oppose a favored prince for his fianc¨¦e.


    That naive, carefree young master Su Huanfeng could not aplish what Zhao Changdu had at just over twenty years old. Breaking off the engagement was the right decision.


    Ye Qingchi was satisfied, lifting the hot tea his sister had brewed herself, "It seems Zhao Changdu really is quite capable."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed, recalling a certain person''s...virile prowess in bed.


    "He is quite capable..."


    She didn''t know why she would suddenly think of this, she must be bewitched!


    She quickly shook her head, and pped her burning cheeks, "Alright brother, you should go. I...I need to medicate A Ning!"


    Ye Qingchi was pushed out in confusion.


    A woman''s heart is like the dark side of the sea!


    This girl''s mood changed so quickly!


    ...


    After that, Zhao Changdu no longer came climbing through her window at night. But in less than two days, he personally came to visit Grandmother.


    To deliver the betrothal gift, go through the formal steps, find someone to match their eight characters, and pick an auspicious date.


    There was only one good date in theing year that Gu Jia and Jiang Yin had already divined. So the two couples could only arrange their wedding on the same day.


    After setting the wedding date, Gu Jia''s already ugly expression became even darker.


    Jiang Yin sitting to the side also had extremely low air pressure.

 Chapter 118: Eight Characters for a Match Made in Heaven

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    Only Prince had a hint of joy on his handsome face, and let someone take Gu Ying and his eight characters to present to Gu Old Madam.


    When Gu Old Madam took a look, she was stunned for a moment.


    It was also the first time in this life that Gu Ying sat in the hall and watched her own eight characters with her future husband with her own eyes.


    What a coincidence, the eight characters said that the two of them were made for each other, and it was a golden jade good marriage tie between their previous and present lives. If they could get married, they would definitely be able to spend their whole lives together until their hair turned white.


    It would be even more auspicious if the woman could enter the man''s home at the yellow dusk hour.


    The time of Gu Jiacheng''s marriage was also simr, but how could the prince of a noble''s house bepared to a schr from a humble background marrying into the family?


    One was in the sky, the other underground. Having two weddings on the same day, before even getting married, some people had already lost.


    Gu Jia didn''t have even a hint of a smile on her face.


    Matchmaker Madam Qian smiled amiably, praising Gu Ying and Prince''s eight characters to the sky in front of Gu Old Madam.


    Even if Gu Old Madam didn''t like Gu Ying, at this point, she didn''t have much to say either, and was also happy.


    After all, it was her own granddaughter. Being able to marry into the Prince''s manor as the Prince''s wife, who knows, maybe in the future she would be the main madam of the Prince''s manor. This glory was not something Gu Jia could bring.


    It was a pity the eldest daughter was so useless.


    Today the wedding date was set, some were happy and some were worried.


    Jiang Yin''s cold gaze kept falling on Gu Ying. Ever since the medicine incidentst time, every time he saw Gu Ying, he felt she had a charm and gentleness that she didn''t have before.


    That feeling unique to women after intimacy drove him crazy deep down.


    He kept suppressing this feeling, even if Gu Jia scolded and insulted him every day, he couldn''t get Gu Ying''s shy little face and charming eyes out of his mind.


    But Gu Ying sitting opposite didn''t notice him at all. She turned her head slightly, and looked at the man sitting beside her out of the corner of her eye, her gaze full of questions.


    Such good auspicious words, she didn''t believe the fortune teller came up with them...


    How could there be such matching eight characters?


    When noble families did matchmaking with eight characters, even if they were determined to arrange a marriage, checking the eight characters was just going through the motions. Even bad matches could be talked up.


    Did the Prince secretly arrange this?


    Zhao Changdu happened to turn his head, their gazes met, the man''s dark phoenix eyes were unfathomable.


    Gu Ying quickly avoided his gaze, solemnly stroked her sleeve cuffs, but her earlobes inexplicably felt hot.


    Gu Old Madam was speaking with Madam Qian.


    Zhao Changdu''s body leaned slightly over, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, "Our eight characters, did the Prince find someone to calcte them?"


    Zhao Changdu understood, so the little girl suspected he had arranged this.


    He let out a softugh, lowered his voice and leaned in closer to her ear, "Don''t worry, I didn''t arrange anything. The abbot of Jinlong Temple calcted them himself."


    He was also stunned for a good while when he got the matching eight characters.


    Back in the day when he wanted to marry Huo Qiyun, he had gotten Huo Qiyun''s eight characters and specifically asked the abbot of Jinlong Temple to calcte them.


    But after the abbot calcted them, he shook his head and said he and Huo Qiyun were not a good match.


    Back then he was young and impetuous, and didn''t believe in gods and Buddha at all.


    Who knew what happened afterwards. After that, he became dispirited, and never set foot in a temple again.


    Gu Ying blinked, the warm breath on her ear made her look dazed for a moment. So it was true...


    Were she and Zhao Changdu really fated in their previous and present lives?


    If so, they didn''t have much connection in their previous lives. If not, by ident in their previous lives, her first time still went to him...


    And in this life, somehow... also went to him.


    If this wasn''t fate, there was no way to exin it.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying also smiled.


    Zhao Changdu nced at her smiling appearance, long brows slightly raised, and his heart softened a little.


    Soon, the little girl would enter his household.


    ...


    After the wedding date was set, Gu Ying''s days at the Gu manor were a little better.


    Although Gu Old Madam didn''t say it explicitly, the arrangements at Murakumo Studio had improved somewhat, and she would also personally check on Murakumo Studio''s food, clothing, and necessities, and it was rare to not be able to get good charcoal.


    After all, she was going to marry into the Prince''s manor, so the manor didn''t dare to neglect her.


    Gu Jia''s side was unhappy, but her fianc¨¦ was at least a new top scorer in the imperial exam, and was about to be assigned an official position. If he got a good position, it could also liven things up a bit.


    Gu Old Madam had always doted on Gu Jia. Her focus was all on making arrangements for Jiang Yin, while Mrs. Liu was even more ted.


    Because she hade up with a way to use Gu Old Madam''s prestige in the household to get the key to Madam Ye''s private treasury from Gu Ying.


    With so much gold, silver, jewels, calligraphy, paintings, as well as countless shops and manors, it was a dazzling sight.


    Her eyes were blooming just looking at it all.


    She also discovered a rare and precious golden silk kingfisher brocade in Madam Ye''s private treasury!


    She couldn''t help but caress the golden silk kingfisher brocade lovingly, "Such good fabric must be used to make wedding clothes for my Jia''er!"


    Zhou Mama''s eyes also lit up, "Madam''s ns are so thoughtful!"


    Mrs. Liu strutted around smugly as she left the courtyard where the private treasury was located.


    Gu Ying and Yin Lan slowly walked out from the corner.


    Yin Lanughed, "Miss, I''m afraid Mrs. Liu still doesn''t know this golden silk kingfisher brocade isn''t something she can use."


    Gu Ying''s lips curved up slightly, "With her wits, it would be strange if she could think of it."


    Yin Lan pressed her lips together and smiled lightly, "Then let''s wait and see the show."


    Gu Ying lightly coughed and gathered her fox fur coat to return to Murakumo Studio. Looking at the jade bracelet Gu Old Madam had given her, she thought for a moment, gave a self-deprecatingugh, and put it into a wooden box which she sealed away in a chest.


    ...


    This morning, the snow had gotten a little bigger.


    The sky wasn''t bright yet when Gu Ying woke up. Yin Lan and Rouge stood behind her with grave expressions.


    Gu Ying hadn''t done her hair yet, and was just casually wearing a lined jacket with a folded cherry blossom cor inside. She put on the fox fur coat and calmly asked, "Did Jiang Yin go out?"

 Chapter 119: Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    Yanzhi had always been skilled at gathering news. "Yes, he left at the hour of mao. The young mistress and old madam personally saw him off at the door. This servant heard that Yujia took quite a lot of silver to arrange things for Young Master Jiang, so this time Young Master Jiang will certainly obtain a good official post when he returns."


    Today was an auspicious day. The whole Bo Mansion was waiting for the results of Jiang Yin''s appointment.


    Gu Ying scoffed.


    One cannot enter the Hanlin Academy if not a jinshi degree holder, and one cannot enter the Inner Cab if not of the Hanlin Academy.


    Since ancient times, schr-officials have tried their hardest to get into the Hanlin Academy. Jiang Yin also walked a beautiful shortcut in his past life, starting out as a clerk andter obtaining the rmendation of veteran officials to directly enter the Inner Cab, bing the youngest Inner Cab consultant in Dongli.


    But it may not be so easy in this life.


    Rmending and appointing officials requires the sponsor to submit a memorial to His Majesty, with five officials rmending the candidate. One of them is the supervising official, and the memorial is also called the "Jingxie". The five memorials can also be called "five xie", "five papers".


    When all five memorials areplete, it is called "hejian".


    For a nobleman from a poor family with low status and no connections at court, obtaining consent from five rmending officials is no easy feat.


    With her uncle and cousin present, Jiang Yin certainly won''t be able to return to the center of power in Bianjing.


    Gu Ying was actually not worried that Jiang Yin would fail to impress in the Imperial Court today. She had something even more important to do at the moment.


    Yin Lan had painted two patches of dark circles under her eyes, looking very realistic.


    Gu Ying had been frail and sickly all her life, so she was naturally adept at this kind of acting.


    She didn''t bring any maids with her, just carried antern and hurried to Yongshou Hall alone. She identally stepped on her skirt and fell into the snow, bing aplete mess.


    Li Mama was bringing hot water into the old madam''s room when she heard faint sobbing sounds outside. She cried out in rm, opened the door, and lifted the curtain toe out.


    Seeing a figure huddled in the pitch-ck courtyard, she was immediately frightened. When she took a closer look and recognized the person, she hurried over. "Second young mistress? What are you doing here? Ah, why are you crying here so early in the morning?"


    Gu Ying looked as if she had been too anxious when rushing over and fell prostrate in the snow. She sloppily wiped her tears with her sleeve. Her eyes were red and swollen as she said to Li Mama, "Li Mama, is Grandmother awake?"


    Li Mama quickly helped Gu Ying up from the snow. "She''s awake. Second young mistress, what''s happened to you? Why have you made such a mess of yourself?"


    Her hair was ubed, her face unadorned, and it seemed she hadn''t even changed her clothes. It looked like she had leaped out of bed and rushed over in a panic.


    "Where are the maids attending to the young mistress of the household? Those wretched girls, how dare they be so negligent towards the young mistress!"


    Gu Ying pressed her lips tightly together, with the appearance of lingering fear. She silently shook her head, only crying as she said, "Li Mama, I must see Grandmother, I have something to tell Grandmother!"


    Li Mama was shocked by Gu Ying''s appearance. Her heart thumped uneasily, filled with a sense of foreboding.


    She hurriedly supported Gu Ying inside.


    The icy wind swirled snowkes indoors. A bone-chilling cold rushed forth.


    Inside the room, the candle mes flickered. Gu Old Madam sat cross-legged on the bed, speaking with Mrs. Liu.


    Today was Jiang Yin''s big day. Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia hade early to chat andugh with Gu Old Madam, discussing whether they should prepare several celebratory feasts if Jiang Yin obtained a good official post.


    Seeing Gu Ying, mother and daughter Liu looked at each other in confusion.


    It wasn''t time for paying respects yet, so why was Gu Ying here?


    Could it be for Ye''s private treasury?


    Impossible. Gu Ying didn''t have the brains for that. The dowry waspletely in her hands right now. A young girl like Gu Ying wouldn''t dare tattle to Old Madam.


    Seeing Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia, Gu Ying concealed the coldness in her eyes and pretended to be fearful. Her thin body recoiled slightly.


    "Aunt, sister...so early, why are you here..."


    Her act left Mrs. Liu confused.


    Of course, Gu Old Madam had not missed Gu Ying''s careful, recoiling movement. Her gaze grew cold as she said, "So early, why have youe? And in this state, what propriety is this?"


    Gu Ying hurried to Gu Old Madam''s side, kneeling by the old madam''s knees. She tightly grasped the old madam''s sleeves, looking up with tearful eyes. "Grandmother, Ying had a terrible nightmare..."


    Gu Old Madam''s brows furrowed severely, clearly displeased. "Just a dream, why the panic?"


    Gu Ying said fearfully, "I dreamed...the dead camellia tree at our backyard gate suddenly blossomed...and then Gu Min''s figure walked down from the tree...pulling my hand...saying she wanted to take me somewhere..."


    Gu Jia was shocked. She suddenly stood up and yelled, "What nonsense are you saying! Grandmother, hurry and drive her out!"


    Gu Old Madam red at Gu Jia, seeming to reproach her rashness.


    Gu Jia pressed her pale lips tightly, ncing at her mother from the corner of her eye before stiffly sitting down again.


    Gu Ying shrank back. Tears spilled from her eyes. "Grandmother, a blooming dead tree is normally an auspicious sign, but in the dream Gu Min kept pulling me towards the pond...I was so frightened I struggled violently. When I looked back, I saw Gu Min''s swollen, deathly pale face staring nkly at me...She said to tell Grandmother that you must find a priest to perform rites for her, that she is suffering greatly down below...She also said...also said that those who caused her death must not die a good death..."


    Gu Jia''s chest heaved violently. Her face was pale from anger, yet she was too furious to speak.


    "You--"


    Such preposterous things...How could they happen!


    Yet she knew the other two women in the room had also changed expressions.


    When Mrs. Liu heard that Gu Min was suffering down below, her eyes instantly reddened. She pressed down the about-to-refute Gu Jia and asked Gu Ying, "She really said that?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were bloodshot. She said viciously, "If Ying dares speak a single false word, may she die without burial!"


    Mrs. Liu froze, tears swirling in her eyes. She turned to look at Gu Old Madam. "Mother, Min''er, she..."


    The living who feel guilty towards the dead will always have restless hearts.


    Over all these years in the Gu household, Mrs. Liu had done all kinds of evil, yet the one she loved, regretted, and felt most guilty for was always her deceased daughter, Gu Min. She wished she could trade her life to have Gu Min live again.


    In the small Yongshou Hall, the atmosphere instantly solidified.


    By now, Gu Old Madam''s brows were tightly knitted. She was the most superstitious out of all of them. Hearing Gu Ying''s words was like a sledgehammer forcefully pounding her chest, inexplicably panicked, as if sensing some inauspicious omen.


    "What else did your sister Min say?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "Nothing else...Just that the rites must be held, and that if we don''t do as she said, she will curse misfortune upon the Gu family..."


    The weddings of Gu''s two young mistresses wereing right up. For something like this to happen, such an ill-omened dream, would indeed leave one uneasy.

 Chapter 120: The Writing on the Wall

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Mrs. Liu wept as she said, "How could Min''er say that? She fell into the pond by ident that year. Who would harm her?"


    At that time, there were not many children in the mansion who could run and jump except Gu Jia and Gu Ying. The other children were still young. How could they harm anyone?


    The cold wind howled outside, as if evil spirits were wailing. The cold breeze blew in through the windowttices, increasing the flickering frequency of the candle mes in the room, adding a lot of sinister and terrifying atmosphere.


    Mrs. Liu suddenly gritted her teeth and said, "Mother, it seems there must be something going on about Min''er''s drowning back then! Someone in the mansion must have harmed my Min''er. Mother, you must do justice for my Min''er!"


    Gu Jia''s face grew paler, and her body swayed as she saw her mother''s hateful look towards the murderer.


    Gu Old Madam was an experienced olddy who had seen a lot in her life. She pursed her old lips and said in a deep voice, "Don''t spread this matter for now. It''s just a dream and can''t prove anything yet. As for the memorial service, it happens to coincide with the eve of the new year to get rid of bad luck, so let''s do it well. Follow the old rules and ask Steward Wu to invite Master QingFeng over."


    Gu Ying happily said, "Grandma is wise. Master QingFeng has great magical powers and can alwaysmunicate with gods and ghosts. If hees, he can definitely talk to deceased sister Min and find out who killed her!"


    Gu Old Madam''s face was solemn as she said, "Um, let''s see what Master QingFeng can find outter."


    Mrs. Liu wiped away her tears, feeling her heart was about to break.


    Her Min''er was only ten years old at that time... Such a beautiful little girl had not even grown up yet. She always called her mother dearly. She was sensible and kind. Who...who harmed her? If she found out, she would y that murderer herself!


    Gu Jia''s lips quivered, and she felt weak all over.


    She wanted to say something tofort her mother, but when she opened her mouth, she couldn''t get the words out.


    She red angrily at Gu Ying and saw her leaving Yongshou Hall. She hurried to follow her out.


    In the main room, Mrs. Liu was still sobbing in grief.


    Gu Old Madam beckoned Li Mama over and said, "Go take a look."


    Li Mama nodded and hurried out.


    Soon, she ran back in a panic and said, "Reporting to Old Madam, what Second Miss said is true. That old winter plum tree has bloomed with flowers!"


    Mrs. Liu was also in a panic, "How...could this be? Is what that Gu Ying said in her dream true?"


    Gu Old Madam''s eyebrows were tightly furrowed as she squeezed the beaded ne she had worn for many years.


    This was an ill omen...


    Li Mama added, "Usually no one pays attention to it... How could it suddenly bloom fully with such vibrant flowers covering all the branches? It looks very strange!"


    Gu Old Madam felt a thud in her chest. She had lived to her old age... It had been a long time since she felt such panic. But today, seeing Gu Ying with tears streaming down her face, thinking of that tree, and everything that had happened these past few months, she felt something was wrong. That unknown factor and loss of control made her afraid.


    Her fingers trembled as she was about to speak. Just then, it was time for the Gu sisters toe pay their respects.


    As Gu Shuang entered, she shook the snowkes off her cloak andughed crisply, "Grandmother, what a good omen! The dead tree not far from the pond in our backyard has blossomed!"


    Gu Old Madam''s heart lurched and herplexionpletely changed.


    ...


    Outside Yongshou Hall, on the corridor leading to Cangwu Pavilion.


    Gu Jia grabbed Gu Ying and her face was ashen. "Stop right there, exin clearly, what nonsense are you up to!"


    Gu Ying frowned, "Eldest sister, what are you talking about? I just had a nightmare. Why are you so fierce? Eldest sister, don''t tell me you have a guilty conscience?"


    Gu Jia was rendered speechless by Gu Ying.


    These past few months, she had been tormented by Gu Min''s ghost, especially at night. The sound of blood dripping on the beams, drip drop, made her unable to sleep.


    And thoserge words written in blood demanding her life back then...they all made her afraid.


    She suspected that Gu Min''s resentful ghost had reallye back...


    To settle ounts with her.


    But she had only done it to gain her mother''s exclusive love. What was wrong with that!


    Gu Jia''s lips were pale white as she tightly grasped Gu Ying''s sleeve, not letting her leave. "Don''t go! Tell me everything clearly. What else did you dream about!"


    She was already bing mentally abnormal, acting as if insane.


    Seeing Gu Jia''s abnormal behavior, Yin Lan quickly shielded Gu Ying behind herself and her face turned cold. "Our young miss just had a nightmare. We are sisters of one family. What does dreaming of a deceased sister prove?"


    Her eyes shifted as she continued, "However, there is a saying in my hometown. If the soul of a deceased rtive cannot rest in peace, they will appear in the dreams of someone who wronged them in life. At times like this, setting up an offering table, burning some paper money before the spirit tablet of the deceased, confessing one''s wrongdoings against them, and asking for their forgiveness, then the resentful spirit will leave on its own."


    She deliberately avoided looking at Gu Jia''s changed expression and turned to her own young miss, earnestly advising, "Young miss, since sister Min sought you out, you must have unintentionally offended her sometime in the past. Tonight I will calcte an auspicious time for you. Go to the ancestral hall, burn some paper money for sister Min, atone for your wrongs, and sister Min will stop visiting you in your dreams."


    She nced at Gu Jia, hooking the corner of her mouth in feigned grievance as she nodded meekly, "Alright, I remember one year I identally tore sister Min''s dress, which made her cry. That must be why sister Min resents me. Yin Lan... you have to calcte a good time for me. I absolutely can''t let sister Mine find me again."


    Having said that, she pulled Yin Lan to leave, "Yin Lan, hurry and prepare three incense sticks and paper money for me. I need to ask sister Min for forgiveness."


    Yin Lan readily agreed, "Don''t worry, young miss. This servant has seen vige shamans do fortune telling before. Theherworld runs on an opposite timeline to the living. I learned some skills from those shamans and will calcte for the young miss when I get back."


    She intentionally spoke loudly for a certain someone to hear.


    "It''s tiring work for you, Yin Lan."


    "It''s my duty, young miss. As long as it lets you sleep well, I''m willing to do anything."


    "With you here, Yin Lan...things like this are not an issue."


    The conversation between mistress and servant gradually faded until it could no longer be heard.


    Gu Jia stood alone in the snow, unable to feel the physical cold, yet her heart had gonepletely cold.

 Chapter 121: Kang Yin is Back

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    How long has it been, she always dreamed of Gu Min standing in front of her soaked, trying to choke her and make her pay for her life.


    She couldn''t eat or sleep well, and still had to deal with Gu Ying.


    Now, she just hoped to be able to sleep soundly.


    Mrs. Liu stayed at Yongshou Hall for a while beforeing out. From afar she saw her daughter standing nkly on the aisle blowing cold wind.


    She frowned and walked over, helping her tie up her cloak, "You girl, what are you doing standing here?"


    Gu Jia came back to her senses, her mind chaotic, "Mother, how did you... how did you get here?"


    Mrs. Liu stroked her messy hair strangely, "Mother saw you standing here in a daze so I came to take a look. What''s wrong with you, child? Were you scared by Gu Ying''s dream?"


    Gu Jia panicked, and quickly shook her head, "No! I...I just missed my sister."


    Mrs. Liu sighed, "Don''t stand in the wind, be careful of catching a cold."


    She was originally sad, but when she thought that her daughter was about to get married, she cheered up again, "You''re about to get married, what''s with the long face? Come, let mother show you something good. That thing, mother ns to use it to make your wedding dress. Even Gu Ying doesn''t have one. When you wear the dress made of this once in a hundred years golden phoenix brocade, you can surely overwhelm Gu Ying."


    Gu Jia was absent-minded, and let Mrs. Liu pull her back to the residence.


    It wasn''t until she saw the dazzling golden phoenix brocade that the lifelessness in her eyes gradually gathered. "Mother, this...this is really going to be used to make my wedding dress?"


    Mrs. Liu proudly said, "Of course, who else is worthy of such good material?"


    Gu Jia couldn''t stop stroking the exquisitely patterned fabric. Such a good thing was probably a pce tribute. Even if the Earl''s residence worked hard for a lifetime, they wouldn''t be able to see or touch it. Even the Imperial Concubine in the pce might not be able to wear this golden phoenix brocade that was hard toe by once in a hundred years.


    "Mother, there''s been no movement about Gu Ying''s wedding dress until now?"


    Mrs. Liu sneered, "I don''t know what she''s busy with every day, and I haven''t seen her embroidering. If her wedding dress doesn''t look good, it will be her loss, and has nothing to do with us."


    Gu Jia wrapped the golden phoenix brocade around herself, and sneered, "She thinks she can be above me by marrying the Heir Apparent. After all, Grandmother never cultivated her. With her kind of woman who can''t even recognize words, there will be bitter days waiting for her when she enters the Duke''s Residence."


    Mrs. Liu smiled and said lovingly, "Jia''er is right. Mother doesn''t want to think of anything else now, just wants you to live your days well. When Jiang Yin''s official postes, Mother will help support him more, and when he gets promoted and gains fame, Mother will be satisfied when you get a title of Lady."


    Hearing this, Gu Jia rushed into Mrs. Liu''s arms, and after a long while, said sullenly, "Mother, if...if sister Min were still alive...would you treat her as well as me?"


    Mrs. Liu stroked her daughter''s hair as a matter of course, "Of course, you and Min''er are twin sisters, both borne by your mother after hard work. Mother will of course love her well and treat her well. You two are flesh fallen off mother''s body."


    Gu Jia leaned against Mrs. Liu, silently clenching her fists, while her heart ached.


    Mother lied, sister Min''s body was weaker than hers, mother clearly favored sister Min more. It was so even when they were young, whenever there was anything good to eat or fun, mother always thought of sister Min first.


    If she were still alive, she would surely rob her affection.


    Her eyes turned sour, and she felt more and more that she had done the right thing back then...


    "Mother, I''m about to get married..."


    Although the one she was marrying was not ideal, she was still somewhat delighted, after all Jiang Yin was talented and handsome, and could satisfy her in that aspect.


    Mrs. Liu also patted Gu Jia on the back, gratified, "Good, mother''s Jia''er is getting married. Mother will have to bring kids for Jia''er in the future..."


    "Remember what you promised, mother, treat me well, cherish me, pamper me for a lifetime."


    "Mm, mother promises you."


    ...


    At noon, Jiang Yin came back.


    Mrs. Liu specially sent someone to use the Gu family carriage to pick up the future master back to the residence.


    Today, Gu Ying specially went to Yongshou Hall to wait for lunch, and also to see Jiang Yin''s miserable defeated state.


    As expected, she didn''t get to eat lunch after all.


    When Gu Boyan heard that Jiang Yin only got the position of Minister of Rites and came back, he smashed a good inkstone worth a lot of money in the study in anger.


    "A sixth-rank Minister of Rites! Just a false title without any real job! Nothing but an idle officer! What use is he? How do you still have the nerve toe back to my Gu family?!"


    "Hm? Why aren''t you talking? How exactly did you meet the Emperor? Among the five rmending officials, four wanted to impeach you!"


    "Jiang Yin oh Jiang Yin, I didn''t ask you to be admitted to the Hanlin Academy, even a proofreading official or idle official would be good, but you just had to get the most useless official post¡ªyou really disappoint me too much!"


    Jiang Yin retorted, "Father-inw, please calm down. Son-inw...although only a Minister of Rites, this position is not low. It is generally used to transfer military officers...With son-inw''s abilities, I will surely be promoted again in the future."


    "Bullshit! Do you know who the Minister of Rites is subordinate to?"


    Jiang Yin hesitated, "Son-inw¡ª"


    Gu Boyan was furious beyond control, and mmed the table, "Your direct superior is the Pce Front Chief Commander Zhao Changdu!"


    Jiang Yin didn''t speak anymore. He couldn''t bring himself to ask the fianc¨¦ of Gu Ying.


    Gu Boyan sneered coldly, "What, not speaking anymore? That Zhao Heir Apparent is his second room''s son-inw. What now, do you still want me, the esteemed Dongping Earl, to seek favors from the second room in the future?!"


    "Son-inw doesn''t dare..."


    "I don''t have a son-inw like you! Get lost!"


    Gu Boyan''s fiery anger could be heard loud and clear even through two doors by the women sitting in the side hall.


    Gu Jia''s expression was gloomy, like the calm before a storm.


    "Oh, poor Eldest Young Master. But it''s fine, we''ll be inws with the Duke''s Residence soon. The Heir Apparent can still promote his own people. Big sister, don''t be upset."


    Gu Wan enjoyed watching the lively scene, and her gaze kept falling on Gu Ying''s arms. Wearing such thick clothes, it was a pity she couldn''t see the sand she put on her arms.


    But she believed her mother didn''t make a mistake, feeling proud inside.


    Gu Jia''s face was ashen, and red fiercely at Gu Wan. "Third younger sister, be quiet if you can''t speak properly!"


    "Wan''er, don''t talk nonsense. Your big sister is annoyed now. Don''t upset your big sister." Wang pulled Gu Wan''s sleeve, stopping her from saying more.


    Gu Wan pouted and kept silent.

 Chapter 122: Sneaky

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    Both Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu were unhappy, it was obvious to anyone.


    Right now Grandma Gu was receiving Master QingFeng in the back courtyard, still unaware of what had happened in the study. It would be better if she remained unaware, otherwise who knows how angry she would be.


    Gu Ying calmly lifted her teacup and took a sip, the corners of her mouth curving into a faint smile where no one could see.


    The show was over. She stood up and bowed to her aunts and sisters, "Gu Ying suddenly remembers she has something to attend to, so she''ll take her leave first."


    As the Crown Prince''s favored one these days, no one in the household dared provoke her too much.


    Gu Shuang also immediately stood up, "I made ns with second sister to look over Master Zhang''sndscape paintings together. Second sister...wait for me!"


    Gu Jia stared fixedly at the backs of Gu Ying and Gu Shuang as they left hand in hand, her crimson eyes seeming to shoot sparks.


    Once out of Yongshou Hall, Gu Shuang covered her mouth andughed, "Second sister, did you see it? Eldest sister looked about to turn green with anger."


    Gu Ying smiled amusedly, "That was nothing. She''s only lost a good husband for now, but soon - she''ll lose someone even more important."


    Gu Shuang was puzzled, "Second sister has something even more amazing nned?"


    Gu Ying mysteriously curved her lips, "Just wait, there''s still a good show to see today."


    ...


    Not long after, Grandma Gu personally escorted Master QingFeng to the front gate. When she returned to the study in the main building leaning on her cane, Jiang Yin had already been punished by Gu Boyan to kneel outside the study.


    It was snowing heavily outside, and the wind was cold, but no one dared plead for Jiang Yin.


    Only Jiang Yin''s delicate younger sister Jiang Ling''er, upon hearing her brother was punished to kneel, cried as she ran over wanting to kneel together with her brother, putting on a show of living and dying together.


    "Brother, how are you? Are you cold?"


    Jiang Ling''er tightly grasped Jiang Yin''s hand, continuously trying to warm him.


    Jiang Yin didn''t say a word, his eyes as deep as a secluded winter spring.


    "Brother, how could they do this to you...I''m so heartbroken..." Jiang Ling''er feebly cried in an annoying manner.


    Gu Jia stared fixedly at Jiang Yin''s indifferent handsome face, her expression already beyond simply ugly.


    Clearly justst night this man had held her tenderly,forting her well into the night...she had shuddered in his embrace, sping his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, fantasizing about her future days as his honored wife lording over Gu Ying.


    Yet today, Jiang Yin had brutally pped her in the face.


    Grandma Gu walked heavily past Jiang Yin, her expression solemn, and entered the study.


    With the door shut, Gu Boyan and his wife stared apprehensively at the old madam, "Mother, what did Master QingFeng say?"


    Grandma Gu sat in her chair, her aged face ashen white.


    "He said, our household...is haunted by evil spirits."


    Gu Boyan eximed in shock, "Evil spirits?!"


    Grandma Gu no longer had the leisure to deal with Jiang Yin''s matters. Hearing Master QingFeng say this, her whole body tensed up as she suddenly thought of Madam Ye who had passed away many years ago.


    "Mother, just who is this evil spirit? Isn''t it that wretched Gu Ying?" Mrs. Liu gnashed her teeth and said, "That girl is acting stranger and stranger. She had such a bizarre dream early this morning too."


    Grandma Gu shook her head, "Master QingFeng said, Min''er''s death...was indeed someone intentionally harming her. Min''er''s resentful spirit is now possessing that wax plum tree, intentionally blooming it to warn us. If we cannot promptly find the murderer...Jiang Yin''s demotion is merely the prelude to household chaos, with even greater disaster waiting for my Gu family!"


    Mrs. Liu was shocked into silence, her lips trembling, "Just who killed Min''er..."


    Grandma Gu''s aged face was grave, "Master QingFeng will perform a ritual before that wax plum tree in a few days. We''ll know the truth then."


    Gu Jia didn''t stay to hear the rest.


    Her mind was filled only with her mother''s intermittent sobs and her father''s cold, heartless scolding.


    She covered her mouth and ran outside. Halfway she anxiously grabbed Dou Kou, "Dou Kou...you, you...quick find a way to call Yin Lan over to me, I have something to ask her!"


    Dou Kou was startled by her young mistress''s zing eyes. Assuming her mistress was angered by her future husband, she didn''t think too much and immediately nodded before dashing off towards Twilight Snow Studio.


    ...


    Gu Ying and Gu Shuang were drinking and appreciating the snow in the courtyard.


    "Green ant dark wine, red y mini stove. Second sister, after you marry I fear we won''t be able to sit like this and leisurely drink anymore."


    Gu Yingughed, "I''ll personally deliver next year''s Peach Blossom Wine to you."


    Gu Shuang happily sipped her flower wine, "Alright, I''ll respectfully obey then."


    As the two were chatting merrily, Yin Lan walked over with a smile, "Miss, Dou Kou came looking for me saying the eldest miss is embroidering pillows to use at her engagement and asks me to go over to help pick patterns."


    Gu Ying brightly smiled, "Mhm, right on time then."


    Yin Lan meaningfully smiled, "Miss''s ns are truly ingenious."


    Gu Ying was unruffled, everything was within her calctions, "Go on, pick some auspicious times for eldest sister."


    Yin Lan''s eyes shed excitedly, "Miss be assured, I will certainly not fail in my mission."


    Having said that, Yin Lan turned and left.


    Gu Shuang curiously leaned in, "Second sister, can you really get the murderer who killed eldest sister to confess on their own?"


    "Much injustice has its own retribution." Gu Ying''s lips quirked up as she looked at the young girl''s face, and was suddenly reminded of something, "Fourth sister, I heard Wang went to your mother''s courtyard some days ago?"


    Gu Shuang nodded, "Mhm, Wang was very enthusiastic. She heard mother''s health is poor and specifically sent over a pile of things to nourish mother''s health."


    Gu Ying faintly felt something was off, "What were the things?"


    Ever since her rebirth, she didn''t dare underestimate anyone in the household. Naturally she also hadn''t forgotten the inconspicuous Wang.


    Someone like Wang, who appearedpletely harmless, was often the most unexpected.


    Gu Shuang didn''t understand and exined, "Some health tonics. I took a look and they weren''t poisonous, they really were just health and blood tonics."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying immediately understood. Sheughed coldly, "Quickly have your mother hide those tonics away."


    "Ah, this..." Gu Shuang was even more confused. She was young and didn''t understand such crooked schemes.


    After Wang sent those tonics over, she had been very careful. She even specifically had the doctor examine them for any medicines that could induce miscarriage, and cautiously checked for any ipatible medicinal interactions before daring to let her mother use them. She hadpletely confirmed there were no poisons.


    One look and Gu Ying knew Gu Shuang didn''t understand. She earnestly advised, "Don''t worry, it''s still early. The child in your mother''s belly is fine. Wang doesn''t intend to make your mother miscarry either."

 Chapter 123: You Like Him

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    ¡°What is she trying to do?¡±


    ¡°She is trying to make it so your mother cannot give birth to the child when she is inbor, so that in the end both mother and child will die.¡±


    Gu Shuang''s heart tightened, her pupils contracting rapidly. Helplessly grabbing Gu Ying''s hand, she said, ¡°Sister, how can she be so vicious! But how...how can this be done?¡±


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, her aura gloomy and terrifying. ¡°This kind of evil trick to harm others...¡±


    It''s not something ordinary people can even think of.


    She had also discovered it in the past at Jiang Manor when a concubine of Jiang Yin was pregnant.


    At that time, Jiang Ling¡¯er had already be Jiang Yin¡¯s concubine. She was not favored, so Jiang Ling¡¯er took care of the daily life and food and clothing of the dozens of women in the rear courtyard on Jiang Yin¡¯s behalf. Although she was not the main wife, her status had long surpassed her, the properly matched main wife.


    When Jiang Yin¡¯s concubines became pregnant, Jiang Ling¡¯er was always magnanimous towards them, never jealous. She gave them the best food and supplements, sending delicacies from the mountains and seas flowing into the yard like water.


    After a few months, the woman¡¯s belly swelled high.


    Eight monthster, the womany in bed about to give birth. The baby was too big and would note out no matter how hard she tried. In the end, the child was suffocated in the womb and the woman bled profusely.


    At this time, even the midwife and doctors were powerless to save them...


    The two living lives vanished without a trace.


    The key was that Jiang Yin never cared about these little things in the rear courtyard. He had few children, and though he favored many women, he never had any luck with children. By the time she died, it seemed he did not have a single son or daughter.


    She also didn''t know if Jiang Ling¡¯er ever gave birth to a child for him afterwards...


    She said she would bring his and Jiang Yin¡¯s son to unt in front of her at the dpidated temple, but she had hated for ten years in that temple, grieved for ten years, and never saw that child.


    ¡°Sister?¡± Gu Shuang saw Gu Ying''s thoughts drift off somewhere, and waved her little hand in front of her. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Gu Ying¡¯s thoughts returned from her memories, her chest filled with sourness. She smiled helplessly and said, ¡°You must be careful to remind your mother about this kind of insidious scheme of boiling a frog in warm water. Never eat anything sent by others. Listen carefully to the doctor''s advice, control your diet, and remember not to let the child in your belly grow too big. When ites time to give birth, it will be very dangerous for both mother and child."


    Gu Shuang made a note of everything.


    But in her heart there was still doubt. ¡°Sister, you...are not much older than me. How do you know all this?¡±


    Gu Ying pulled up the corners of her mouth and casually found an excuse to gloss over it. ¡°Did you forget that I''ve been reading medical books recently?¡±


    With that, Gu Shuang¡¯s doubts were resolved. But she could still feel that the sister before her was no longer the timid, cowardly little girl of a few months ago.


    Her features were perfectly exquisite, carved as if by the gods.


    Now, dressed inke green crepe battle armor, cyan middle garment, snowy white silk cape with apricot peony pattern, and ake blue pleated skirt underneath, her whole being was like a beautiful lotus blossom standing proudly on its stem, waiting to bloom, with a temperament as clear and transcendent as a lotus. She waspletelycking the silly awkwardness from before.


    Gu Shuang looked closely again, the woman before her had gentle brows and eyes, delicate lip shape, and moist, warm lips.


    Especially those eyes, as clear as hot springs, yet seeming to see through the splendor of the mortal world with breezy indifference. She did not seem like a young unmarried girl about toe of age, but more like a world-weary, experienced woman.


    ¡°Will the Prince treat sister well after you are married?¡±


    Gu Ying was surprised by her sudden question. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing...I just feel that sister and the Prince met in an arranged marriage without love. No one knows what the future will be like. It will probably be like father and mother...respectful as guests, with no talk of love or fondness. As the main wife, she must find concubines for her husband and bear children to continue the family line." Gu Shuang smiled wryly and sighed with premature wisdom, "Recently I have been thinking that we youngdies can only enter political marriages for the benefit of the family. Is there no chance for us to marry someone we like?"


    Gu Ying smiled with a puff, staring at Gu Shuang''s flushed little face, "Now I see why little sister asks this. Little sister is also of marriageable age."


    The honest, silly face of Fu Xun unconsciously surfaced in her mind. Gu Shuang''s cheeks grew hot. "Sister, don''t say anymore. I...I haven''t thought about those things yet. I''m just worried sister will have a bad life after getting married."


    The mocking and ridicule from Gu Jia and Gu Wan, she had taken it all to heart.


    She wouldn''t say anything on the surface, but deep down she was very worried about sister''s days after marrying into a prominent family.


    Gu Ying blinked and held out her hand.


    Gu Shuang looked up, confused, and ced her hand in hers.


    Gu Ying closed her five fingers, grasping the girl''s hand, and said with meaningful implications, "I''m different from the Prince. I don''t expect him to love me, dote on me, pamper me for life, nor have I imagined such a marriage. I just know that since he doesn''t love me and I don''t love him, I can face him with equanimity. I see my rtionship with the Prince as one of cooperation. His family background is my reliance, and perhaps what I bring him is a proper main wife who can manage the inner household. We have a rtionship based on mutual benefit. Our cooperation will lead to mutual sess. When a woman has no expectations of love from a man, she will never be disappointed, let alone heartbroken or in despair."


    Gu Shuang listened in a daze.


    She was hearing this kind of sober yet strange sentiment for the first time.


    Even mother, who was so strong-willed, would often be hurt and anguished when father didn''te home at night, or angry and resentful when father gave the main wife or Aunt Wang more jewelry.


    She was already weary of waiting for a man''s favor like this. She had always greatly feared getting married and having children.


    Moreover, she was only an insignificant bastard daughter to begin with. She would have no chance of bing someone''s main wife in the future... Most likely the main wife would arrange for her to marry someone''s son as a concubine or to fill the beds...


    When she thought this way, her brows and eyes instantly drooped.


    Seeing her crestfallen appearance, Gu Ying lifted her chin with a finger, implying meaningfully, "But little sister is different. You have big sister, and you have Fu Gongzi."


    Gu Shuang cried out, her cheeks zing like fire. "Sister, stop talking. I...I have nothing with Fu Gongzi."


    "Nothing yet you speak of him day and night?"


    "I don''t... I just feel he is a good person. He risked himself to save me at the ck Water Pond. Although he looks silly and cute, without him, I''m afraid I would be dead now."


    "It would be fine if you just thought he was good looking, but when you sincerely feel a man is cute, you''re done for. It means you like him."

 Chapter 124: She’s My Sister

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    Gu Shuang panicked suddenly, her earlobes flushed red, ¡°Oh, second sister, please don¡¯t tell anyone, also don¡¯t tell mother...¡±


    She lowered her eyes shyly, ¡°I don¡¯t know why either, His Highness the Crown Prince has a peerless appearance, Young Master Fu''s looks are ordinary, but I don''t know why, I just feel he is more handsome than His Highness the Crown Prince.¡±


    Gu Ying knew the score, Gu Shuang liked Fu Xunzhi, and Fu Xunzhi was also interested in Gu Shuang. The two were a perfect match.


    In her previous life, the little girl died pitifully. This life, she would definitely not let her fourth younger sister marry into that den of thieves again.


    She smiled gently, ¡°Then leave this matter to your sister. You just wait obediently. When youe of age, your sister will think of a way.¡±


    Gu Shuang bit her lip and said nothing, her face flushed red, as if acquiescing.


    Mother couldn¡¯t be relied on, but second sister could definitely be relied on.


    Gu Ying looked at Gu Shuang''s shy appearance, and could imagine the intimate and loving appearance of the two after getting married. She felt even more delighted and sweet than when she herself got married.


    After chatting for a while, Yin Lan came back from outside.


    As soon as she came back, she brushed the snow off her shoulders, the corners of her eyes curled up in a smile, ¡°Miss, it¡¯s done, the day after tomorrow, during the hour of the ox.¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyes shone gently as she smiled, ¡°Good.¡±


    Yin Lan added, ¡°On Clear Wind''s side, Minister Hu has also made the arrangements for us.¡±


    Gu Ying had a faint smile at the corner of her mouth. She let Gu Shuang stay for dinner.


    Gu Shuang didn''t decline and stayed to eat dinner before leaving.


    Nowadays, the busiest person in the manor was Madam Liu of the main room. Madam Wang and Madam Zhao had both returned to their own yards to enjoy the peace and quiet. If they could avoid trouble, they avoided it.


    Gu Ying sent Yanzhi to scout for news outside Gu Jia''s study.


    She heard that Jiang Yin was still kneeling at the door of the study. Jiang Ling''er had frozen into a snowman, and Gu Jia still didn''t allow her to get up. Right in front of Jiang Yin, he scolded Jiang Yin and Jiang Ling''er until their faces were covered in spit.


    Jiang''s mother''s health was already poor. She was so frightened by the cold weather that she couldn''t get out of bed all day and finally fainted from coughing.


    The main room had be aplete mess.


    "Doesn''t Miss find it strange?" Yanzhi still held a handful of melon seeds she had picked up while eavesdropping. "The way Miss Jiang knelt next to Young Master Jiang looked exactly like a pair of star-crossed lovers ready to live and die together. No matter how you look at it, it''s so strange. Are these really blood siblings?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly. "My elder sister has be a little silly recently. Yanzhi, think of a way to give her a reminder."


    Yanzhi clenched the melon seeds in her hand, full of vigor and vitality. "Miss, I''ll go right away!"


    As night fell, Gu Jia had finished scolding them and returned to Cangwu Pavilion early.


    Except for the study, the Marquis Manor gradually became quiet, and thenterns were also gradually extinguished, leaving only the patrolling guards with no one else.


    But Gu Ying was not sleepy at all. She had been waiting for this moment for many years. In her previous life, alone and destitute in the dpidated temple, she never thought she would have a chance for revenge. She only hated herself for misjudging others and loving the wrong person, always feeling sorry for herself and thinking that after she died, she and Jiang Yin would never meet again.


    But now, Heaven had given her a rebirth.


    How could she not mercilessly beat the fallen dog?


    She had to go, she must go. The churning hatred and thrill in her heart made her eager to tear apart Jiang Yin''s pretense of being a gentleman immediately.


    She hated him to the extreme!


    After Yanzhi came back, she was already fast asleep.


    Yin Lan didn''t say much else. She understood people best. She had long seen that herdy harbored undisguised hatred towards Jiang Yin. Naturally, whatever herdy wanted to do, she would only support her.


    She took off the fox fur coat and draped it over Gu Ying, then took a bamboo umbre and said gently, "Let''s go, Miss."


    "Mm," Gu Ying''s eyes grew slightly hot. It was the little bits of warmth from the people around her in this life that kept her heart from growing cold.


    Late at night, Gu Ying came to the front of the study.


    From afar, she saw Jiang Yin kneeling upright at the door of the study. The washed-out moon-white cotton robe couldn''t conceal his handsome appearance.


    Ten years of poverty, then suddenly bing a sessful candidate in the imperial exam, a proud and aplished young master.


    Jiang Ling''er shivered in his arms, looking weak and listless as she clutched Jiang Yin''s thumb.


    In her previous life, aside from Gu Jia, Jiang Ling''er also often came to the dpidated temple to mock her.


    Most of the time, she would squat next to her and tell her what Jiang Yin did that day, how many times he doted on her, and how Jiang Yin performed in bed, making her intoxicated with passion... She also said she would give Jiang Yin a son to inherit Jiang Yin''s family business in the future.


    Jiang Ling''er''s viciousness was different from Gu Jia''s. She was good at killing people mentally. Knowing fully well she didn''t want to hear any of it, she insisted on telling her, watching her in pain and in despair, which made Jiang Ling''erugh happily.


    Gu Ying stood at a distance and watched them for a while. Her face didn''t show too much emotion either. She walked slowly towards them.


    Snow had umted on the stone steps, swallowing a few steps.


    Her footsteps stepped on it, very slowly, making rustling sounds.


    Jiang Yin seemed to sense something. He slowly turned around and saw the beautifully dressed Gu Ying. His eyes quivered, "Why...did youe?"


    As soon as his hoarse voice sounded, Jiang Ling''er shuddered and woke up, cowering into Jiang Yin''s arms in panic.


    Gu Ying looked condescendingly at the hypocritical siblings, with a hint of disgust in her eyes.


    "Second sister?" When she saw who it was, Jiang Ling''er''s face was filled with pleasant surprise. She crawled to the side of the stone steps, clutching at her sleeve, "Second sister, please, please save my brother, okay? As long as second sister is willing to save my brother, Ling''er is willing to repay second sister''s kindness even if I have to be an ox or a horse!"


    She clutched tightly at her sleeve, kneeling on the ground, abasing herself as she kept kowtowing. Soon, blood appeared on her forehead.


    Jiang Yin''s eyes shed with distress. He grasped Jiang Ling''er''s icy cold little hand and said in a deep voice, "Ling''er, get up!"


    "No...don''t. Brother, I don''t want you to suffer from hunger and cold... For your sake, Ling''er is willing to do anything!"


    What a moving portrait of deep affection between lovers. It made Gu Ying want to apud.


    Jiang Ling''er stared at Gu Ying in terror and resentment, "Brother, save me..."


    Jiang Yin shouted angrily and swept Jiang Ling''er into his arms, sneering coldly, "Second sister, are you trying to kill someone?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly. "It''s not as serious as you make it sound. She is but amoner, yet dared to touch me. I was merely having Yin Lan discipline her a little. Brother-inw, is this anger? Does big sister know that brother-inw is so protective of his sister?"


    Jiang Yin was furious. "What nonsense are you spewing... She is my sister!"

 Chapter 125: Then Never Die

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    Gu Ying chuckled, "Two younger sisters with different fathers?"


    Jiang Yin''s face was as still as water, staring fixedly at Gu Ying''s fair and beautiful little face, only feeling that smile was extremely ring, "Gu Ying, what on earth...what exactly do you want to do?!"


    Gu Ying also looked at his fierce, angry eyebrows, and bent over slightly with a sweet smile at the corner of her mouth.


    With such a close face-to-face.


    Jiang Yin could even see the soft fluff on her cheeks that belonged to a young girl, her porcin-white skin so fine that it was almost poreless, smooth and slippery...making his lower abdomen a burst of heat.


    He raised his eyelids, and the familiar feminine scent lingered around his nostrils, and her nose, turned white and red from the cold, was right in front of him.


    Countless tangled, intertwined threads in his mind tightened instantly, painfully nking his temples, and after a moment, those fragmented memories came flooding back.


    His heart felt as if it was being gnawed at by thousands of insects...and hurt unbearably.


    Gu Ying stared at his pained expression and lowered her voice almost to his ear, "Brother-inw, are you satisfied with your official position today?"


    In the pitch-ck night, all he could hear was the howling wind.


    Jiang Yin''s pupils contracted slightly, a twinge of pain in his heart, "Gu Ying...did you have a hand in this?"


    Gu Ying stood up with a shallow smile, "Yin Lan, let''s go."


    Yin Lan had a brisk smile at the corner of her mouth, "Yes, miss."


    Such an understated attitude made Jiang Yin''s eyes bulge in anger, the rims turning red.


    He stretched out his big hand, wanting to grab Gu Ying.


    How could Gu Ying let him have his way? A sharp dagger slid out of her sleeve and shed white. Blood trickled down Jiang Yin''s arm.


    "What makes you think I''d let you get near me again?" Gu Ying''s eyes were icy cold, her voice extremely cold, carrying a chilling, bloodthirsty sharpness, "Next time, if you dare touch a single hair of mine again, I will take your dog life."


    Jiang Ling''er was already dumbfounded.


    Coming to her senses, she covered Jiang Yin''s bleeding wound with one hand, and angrily yelled, "Second sister, you are so cruel!"


    Gu Ying looked down on them from above, her tone breezy and light, "Just wait, there''s more cruelty toe."


    With that said, she left without waiting for Jiang Yin and Jiang Ling''er''s reactions.


    "Brother..."


    Jiang Ling''er didn''t know why Gu Ying went against her and her brother over and over again.


    She was extremely frightened, and after the fear came hatred, hatred that Gu Ying was better than her in every way, hatred that Gu Ying could provoke emotional fluctuations in her brother.


    She shakily turned her face and saw that her brother''s eyes were surging with undercurrents, all shadows of Gu Ying''s back, her heart almost shattered.


    "Bro..."


    Jiang Yin''s gaze was gloomy...the pain in his arm sobered him up.


    "Alright, Gu Ying." His lips curled up faintly, his pitch-ck pupils profound and sinister, "I insist on fighting you to the death."


    ...


    Gu Ying felt extremely refreshed. Braving the wind and snow, sheughed and chatted with Yin Lan all the way back to Dusk Snow Lodge.


    "Yin Lan, guess if big sister will get the message I gave her tomorrow?"


    "If she still doesn''t, this servant will go knock on her head with Rouge again."


    "I deliberately injured Jiang Ling''er like this. With Jiang Yin''s affection for Jiang Ling''er, he will certainly be estranged from big sister. No matter how silly big sister is, she can''t be so dumb that she can''t even see through such a petty trick."


    "Should this servant go out with Dou Kou now to let Laurel Pavilion people see the truth?"


    "No need. Let Rouge handle this, don''t let her always silly appearance fool you, she is very capable at getting things done."


    "Hahaha, miss is right."


    Pushing open the door, a wave of warmth hit them.


    Gu Ying was justughing and telling Yin Lan to fetch a pot of plum blossom brew to drink a little, when she looked up and saw a upright, cold figure sitting in the room.


    Her smile froze, and she stood still for quite a while before realizing she wasn''t seeing things. "Prince, what are you doing here?"


    How much did he hear of what they were saying just now?


    What would he think of her?


    It was sote, this was still her boudoir.


    He was from a prestigious family after all, the Zhao Family was once one of the great families of Jianbei, how could he not follow any rules?


    They weren''t even married yet, but he was already treating her room as his own home. If they really got married...he wouldn''t go back on the gentleman''s agreement they made earlier, would he?


    Yin Lan smiled and understandingly closed the door to give them privacy.


    Zhao Changdu turned and looked up at her cheerful appearance. He beckoned to her, "Gu Ying,e here."


    Feeling his burning gaze look her up and down, Gu Ying felt uneasy.


    His way of talking to her like she was a child made her feel a little ufortable. Looking at the man''s coldly elegant, deep and profound eyebrows, she couldn''t guess what he was thinking either.


    She sighed softly andpromised, walking over to stand in front of him.


    Just as she awkwardly prepared to sit down on the stool next to him, the man firmly grabbed her wrist.


    Gu Ying''s longshes fluttered, her small hand stiffened, "Your Highness, what are you doing..."


    Zhao Changdu expressionlessly said, "Nothing,e, let me see the wound on your hand."


    As he spoke, he reached out his long arm and hooked the youngdy''s slender waist into his embrace.


    Feeling the stiffness of the person in his arms, he smiled and said, "Why are you so nervous? I just saw youe back with a cold body from outside and wanted to warm you up."


    His warm big hand turned over her fair, white wrist. There was a thin cut there, identally made when she dealt with Jiang Yin earlier.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze deepened slightly, his tone a little cold, "Although this wound is not serious, it''s best not to leave a scar."


    The pad of his finger fell on the wound, tingling.


    How could Gu Ying not feel nervous?


    She was inherently afraid of a man''s touch. Now sitting in his arms with her face chalk white, even through the thick clothes, she could feel the scorching heat of his body. And she just happened to be sitting in an extremely awkward spot...


    Her ears instantly turned crimson, and she frowned lightly, "I''m not cold. Why are you in my room sote at night, Your Highness?"


    "I came to see."


    He couldn''t say what he came to see. He just thought of Gu Ying on his way back from the court when he saw the empty Changfeng Lodge.


    Although her courtyard wasn''t big, it had a vague warmth.


    He remembered the scent of incense on the curtains in her room was light plum blossom, and he remembered everyyout in the room, simple colors, tidy and clean.


    It made him crave that indistinct warm fragrance.


    It was just that when he came, he saw she had gone out. He also happened to see a good show in front of the study.


    Gu Ying still had that unicorn dagger he gave her in her sleeve. Hearing this, she also guessed he probably saw everything, and was momentarily tongue-tied. "I...I''m fine."


    It was Jiang Yin who wasn''t fine.


    Seeing her tense all over, Zhao Changdu knew the youngdy still didn''t ept him, so he let her go a little.


    Gu Ying seized this chance and escaped from his embrace like a cat to sit on the stool.


    Zhao Changdu nced at her lightly, then took out a small porcin bottle from his arms, "Give me your hand."

 Chapter 126: Just Hold for a Moment

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    Gu Ying finally felt a bit more rxed, and let out a dryugh as she held out her hand. ¡°Did His Highness see it all?¡±


    Zhao Changdu took her slender, tender, fair hand in his own. His gaze lingered on her pinkish-white fingers for a moment before he took out the medicinal cream and applied it to her wound. ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Gu Ying was at a loss for words for a time.


    This was not the first time that Zhao Changdu had seen her more ¡°vicious¡± side.


    She did not care what others thought of her, but at this moment, watching him lower his head to carefully tend to her wounds, her heart inexplicably felt stifled, as if a light mist had gathered over it.


    On such ate night, the only sound was that of the falling snow.


    Yet her heart was far from tranquil.


    ¡°Does His Highness have nothing he wants to ask me?¡±


    ¡°Ask what?¡±


    ¡°Jiang Yin.¡±


    Zhao Changdu raised his head. Hisrge hand enveloped her cold little one. His overly refined phoenix eyes looked at her as he said, ¡°You can tell me about it if you wish. If you don¡¯t want to talk about it, you don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Stared at so earnestly by such a pair of deep and brooding eyes, Gu Ying did not know what to feel. But hearing his words, it was as if something warm had touched the cold, hard ce in her chest.


    She gave a small smile, the corners of her eyes faintly red. ¡°There¡¯s not much to it. His Highness has probably heard those rumors about me and him before, right?¡±


    Zhao Changdu did not speak. Of course he had heard about it. From the moment he decided he wanted to marry her, he had investigated Jiang Yin¡¯s family background and ancestry down to thest detail.


    He already knew most of what there was to know about Jiang Yin.


    But since the young miss wanted to tell him about it voluntarily, that suited him even better.


    Gu Ying pulled up the corners of her lips in a awkward smile. ¡°I used to like him before. And under my elder sister¡¯s goading, I did many shameful things.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t like him at all anymore.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°He and I are sworn enemies, so His Highness doesn¡¯t need to worry that I¡¯ll cuckold him after marrying into the royal family.¡±


    Zhao Changdu did not speak, only raising the sexy, sculpted corner of his mouth. He was very clear on what kind of person she was. She would nevermit infidelity.


    Gu Ying parted her lips, her eyes growing misty. She had never received such unreserved trust from anyone before. Even when she had loved Jiang Yin her whole life, he had never said he would trust her like this.


    Her heart felt warm. She was somewhat moved to tears, and also rather happy.


    She could not help but bare her heart to the man before her. ¡°Your Highness, I hate him.¡±


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s dark gaze attentively watched her sad little face. He asked the question that had always weighed on his chest, ¡°Because of what?¡±


    Gu Ying hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s because I confessed my feelings to him once, and he pped me in response. From that moment on, I began to hate him. He hit me, so I want to make him suffer a fate worse than death.¡±


    With just a light sentence, she conveyed a hatred heavier than a mountain.


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s thin lips pressed into a line, and his sword-like brows drew together slightly. His eyes gradually grew colder.


    He was no fool. The real reason was surely not so simple.


    Since she did not want to tell the truth, he did not continue to question her. ¡°You hold grudges over such small matters at your young age. If you no longer like him, you could try liking me instead.¡±


    Gu Ying was stunned.


    Like him? How could that be possible... Her heart was barren. She would never love someone again.


    Zhao Changdu gave a self-deprecating quirk of his sexy, sculpted lips. He also felt that what he had said was too rushed and thoughtless, and likely frightened her.


    Someone like him, brimming with fierce energy, did not have a single lovable trait on his entire body. If Gu Ying was willing to be his wife and not despise him, that was satisfaction enough.


    He got up and embraced the dazed young girl before him, saying, ¡°Sleep. In the future, I will retaliate on your behalf and hit him back for you.¡±


    The hot, hard nes of the man¡¯s chest enveloped her. The familiar aquatic fragrance assaulted her senses. Gu Ying leaned her cheek against his shoulder. Her head felt muddled. Her hand unconsciously sped his slender neck as she stared hazily at his smooth, cold profile.


    Talking perfectly normally just a moment ago, and now he was embracing her again?


    Her cheeks swiftly grew red. She quickly pressed her hands against his sturdy shoulders, fearing he would continue with his advances. ¡°Don¡¯t do this... we can¡¯t... we¡¯re not married yet...¡±


    The man lowered his head until his lips brushed her ear. His rich, low voice was hoarse and dark. ¡°It¡¯s fine after we¡¯re married?¡±


    Gu Ying swiftly buried herself beneath the quilt, herplexion flushed crimson. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way... We agreed you wouldn¡¯t touch me. Don¡¯t go back on your word.¡±


    Zhao Changdu gave a softugh, forcefully suppressing the heat that had suddenly risen in his loins.


    ¡°Can I hold you for a while longer before leaving?¡±


    Gu Ying looked at him in puzzlement. Hold her?


    He had an utterly proper expression. His dark pupils were clear and pure, ck as the endless night, yet devoid of any indecent or offensive intention.


    Faced with such unfairly handsome features, who could refuse?


    ¡°Alright...¡± Gu Ying reluctantly conceded with a purse of her lips, her heart quickening. ¡°But remember, just for a little while...


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°You must leave after half a stick of incense.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    After saying so, she was pulled into his embrace. Her heart thumped uncontrobly against her chest.


    He was tall and sturdy, his body all hard muscle, yet with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, sexy as hell.


    Blushing, she was wrapped up by his muchrger body, her chin propped on his shoulder. In a daze, she thought that just hugging like this without doing anything else felt exceptionally warm and satisfying...


    What a novel experience.


    But she could not stop her mind from wandering to some inappropriate thoughts...


    After all, he had already taken her twice. It was normal for a regr person to think of such things.


    ...


    She did not know when she had fallen asleep. When Gu Ying opened her eyes, it was early morning the next day.


    She only wore a single under-shirt, while her outer garments were neatly hung on the rosewood clothes stand. But the bedding still held his scent¡ªa deep, faint fragrance that brought a sense of tranquility.


    Her cheeks grew hot. She did not know when she had fallen asleepst night either, only that she seemed to have been carried and cuddled by Zhao Changdu like a doll. At first she had still been awake, but afterward she remembered nothing.


    It seemed that every time he held her, she wouldpletely rx her vignce...


    Could he have slipped her some kind of drug?


    Unease rose in her heart. Though unwilling to suspect him groundlessly, she still carefully lifted the quilt to check underneath.

 Chapter 127: An Hour

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    Seeing the pants on her legs untouched and no strange marks on the bedding or bedsheet, Gu Ying finally let out a breath, thoroughly relieved.


    "Yin Lan..."


    Yin Lan pushed the door open and walked in, teasing with a smile, "Miss is finally awake. Are you still going to pay your respects today?"


    Gu Ying knew what she wasughing about and shyly adjusted her forehead.


    "Don''tugh. Nothing happened between him and mest night." She brushed away the heat on her face and added, "I won''t go. Grandmother probably doesn''t have time to pay attention to me anyway. I might as well go to Wu Feng Tea House to massage Jiang Yin''s legs and feet."


    After all, Jiang Yin was the future young master of the Jiang House. Who in the household would dare let him freeze to death?


    If he froze to death, Gu Jia could only remarry, and might even get an ill-fated reputation that would cause problems marrying offter.


    How could Mrs. Liu allow this to happen?


    Therefore, someone must have gotten Jiang Yin up early in the morning.


    But Jiang Ling''er was kicked twice by Yin Lanst night. As a delicate woman, she couldn''tpare to Jiang Yin''s sturdiness. She must have caught a chill today.


    With Jiang Yin''s affection for Jiang Ling''er, he had probably quarrelled with the madam early in the morning.


    "The prince stayed in the room for an hour before leavingst night," said Yin Lan as she came over to dress Gu Ying. Laughing, she added, "When he left, he told this servant to tell Miss not to worry, he has already found out where Doctor Wang was and would bring him to Bianjing in a few days to treat the young master''s illness."


    Gu Ying was pleasantly surprised at first, then widened her eyes in shock, her heart skipping a beat. "An hour?"


    Yin Lan smiled meaningfully. "That''s right."


    In an hour, anything could have happened. Although she didn''t condone the prince''s..ck of restraint, the wedding was only half a month away and she was about to be his woman. So she didn''t think too much about it. After all, young people with hot blood, which man could resist such a beauty?


    A man who has tasted meat will have plenty of time with his woman to slowly mold her.


    Gu Ying bit her lip. Despite the cold winter, her earlobes felt as hot as fire.


    "He said...he''d leave after half a stick of incense...how could he...always go back on his word."


    Hearing the key point, Yin Lanughed. "Miss, don''t speak nonsense. How could it only be half a stick of incense?"


    Gu Ying blinked. She felt they were not talking about the same thing.


    With the experience of a married woman, Yin Lan said meaningfully, "Miss probably doesn''t know, the longer it takes with this kind of thing, the better it is."


    Gu Ying''s face turned red and she couldn''t help but twitch her temple. "I didn''t mean that¡ª"


    Yin Lan smiled and teased, "Miss, don''t be shy. Which girl wouldn''t envy getting a man like the prince?"


    Gu Ying''s face was red. She wasn''t very envious!


    Yin Lan added, "And in this servant''s opinion, the prince is much taller and bigger than ordinary men in every way."


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. "What kind of reasoning is that?"


    Yin Lan smiled meaningfully. "Miss probably doesn''t know, but men with long fingers are exceptionally outstanding in every area."


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows quirked up and her face turned crimson. She hadn''t looked closely..st time he was drugged and ravaged her relentlessly.


    She was exhausted to death and didn''t notice anything, only feeling like her whole body was being torn apart.


    The second time she was drugged, dazed and confused, so she didn''t notice either.


    "Miss!"


    Yanzhi''s cheerful voice called from outside.


    Interrupted, Gu Ying''s small face was as hot as a steamed bun. She patted her cheeks and hurriedly rid those indecent thoughts from her mind.


    "Come in, Yanzhi."


    Yanzhi came in with breakfast, grinning. "Early in the morning, I went to Di Yu Residence and Cang Wu Pavilion with a bag of melon seeds. Guess what, Miss?"


    "Let''s hear it." Gu Ying picked up a piece of white jade cake and slowly savored it while listening to her.


    Yanzhi excitedly said, "Yesterday I told the maids at Cang Wu Pavilion that Jiang Yin and Jiang Ling''er weren''t really siblings. Sure enough, those gossipy maids were overheard by the eldest miss this morning, who was very upset and immediately wanted to punish Jiang Ling''er."


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows rose slightly.


    Yanzhi continued proudly, "Jiang Yin argued with the eldest miss to defend Jiang Ling''er, saying if she sold off Jiang Ling''er, he would break off the engagement with the Gu family. The eldest miss was stunned, probably not expecting the usually gentle Jiang Yin to have such a ruthless side. They quarreled bitterly until Mrs. Liu came out to mediate."


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered. At the critical juncture, Mrs. Liu definitely wouldn''t want Gu Jia''s wedding ruined, so she must have yed peacemaker.


    Jiang Yin took the opportunity to smoothly resolve things.


    But it was different for Gu Jia.


    Not only did she not know Jiang Ling''er''s identity, if she found out that Jiang Ling''er was not Jiang Yin''s sister and actually had feelings for him, she would surely seize on it indefintely.


    How many times could a man tolerate a woman''s antics?


    They weren''t even married yet but already had a pocketful of contradictions and estrangement. How could they have a good marriage in the future?


    Yanzhiined, "The old madam persuaded Jiang Yin to return for a long time before sending him back with promises to invite an imperial doctor to treat Jiang Ling''er. Miss, it seems we lost."


    Gu Ying thought about it, unable to restrain a smile. "Who said we lost?"


    Yanzhi was puzzled. She only saw the situation superficially, without considering the deeper implications.


    Yin Lan said, "Silly Yanzhi, we didn''t just win, we won beautifully!"


    "Huh?" Yanzhi was astonished.


    Gu Ying finished eating and stood up, patting the little maid''s head. "Spend a few more years following Yin Lan. Then I won''t have to worry too much about you in the future."


    Yanzhi grinned bashfully and twisted her sleeves. "Miss, what should we do next?"


    "Next?" Gu Ying''s eyes curved. "Naturally, wait for Master Qing Feng to catch ghosts in the mansion in a couple days."


    ...


    Gu Jia never expected that Jiang Yin would dare keep his lover in the residence under the guise of a sister.


    "Doukou! Chase away that doctor! Don''t let him treat Jiang Ling''er. What is that Jiang Ling''er? How dare she steal my man?!"


    As she spoke, the door to Cang Wu Pavilion was kicked open with a bang.


    A gust of cold wind blew in.


    Gu Jia''s body shuddered as she watched Jiang Yin walk in with a pale face, her own expression changing again and again before settling into fury. "Jiang Yin, you still dare show yourself to me?!"


    Jiang Yin''s handsome face was calm as he entered the room.


    He coughed weakly a few times with a fist to his mouth, appearing frail and cold but also vaguely oppressive.


    Doukou was so frightened she didn''t dare speak, with the shing auras of her two masters. She had suffered these past few days.

 Chapter 128: His Ingratiation

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    Jiang Yin gently opened his eyes and nced at Gu Jia. Though not ugly in appearance, he now had a rare gentleness, and such a man evoked some feelings of tenderness that Gu Jia should not have.


    She gave a coldugh, her attitude stiff. "What,e to plead for your good little sister? Jiang Yin, don''t even think about it."


    Jiang Yin nced at Dou Kou, who was standing to the side trembling all over. "Dou Kou, you go out first."


    Dou Kou carefully looked at her young miss.


    Gu Jia sneered. "What are you that you can make my maid leave¡ª"


    Her words were cut off halfway as Jiang Yin suddenly sealed her lips with his own.


    Gu Jia red furiously at Jiang Yin''s deep eyes, her whole body burning with anger as she pushed against his chest, struggling violently to break free.


    But Jiang Yin would not let her go. Though he did not know martial arts, he had considerable strength. He wrapped his arms around Gu Jia''s waist, pressing her tightly against him so that she could not break free at all.


    Gu Jia froze as she gradually softened under the man''s overbearing, forceful caress.


    Dou Kou was extremely embarrassed and did not dare to move.


    "Now, can Dou Kou leave?" the man''s low panting sounded by her ear.


    Gu Jia''s whole body was soft and limp, leaning against Jiang Yin. Her face flushed and eyes brimming with tears, she said to Dou Kou, "You, go out."


    Dou Kou hurriedly ran out and closed the door.


    Just as Jiang Yin was about to let Gu Jia go, Gu Jia came to him, breathing unevenly, pressing against him urgently. "You think this will make me let Jiang Ling''er off? Jiang Yin, don''t even think about it."


    Her eyes were red. "I''m telling you, don''t even think about it."


    A sh of disgust went through Jiang Yin''s eyes as Gu Ying''s smiling face appeared in his mind.


    He closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself to ept Gu Jia''s seduction.


    Fragmented, hurried breathing scattered throughout the room.


    Jiang Yin endured for a while before taking over the lead, picking her up and throwing her onto the bed.


    Gu Jia looked at him mockingly as he stood by the bed taking off his clothes. Her thin silky dress hung loose off her shoulders, looking extremely charming and seductive.


    She had always been aggressive. Casting a charming nce at Jiang Yin, she said, "Jiang Yin, being able to marry me in this life is the blessing you''ve umted over several lifetimes. Don''t ever think to take another woman in the future. If I find out, I''ll make you regret it."


    Jiang Yin looked at her coldly. Gu Jia was not as beautiful as Gu Ying. She was vulgar by nature, easily obtained.


    Not like the otherworldly elegance of Gu Ying, emitting a sense of nobility that could only be admired from afar, not vited, that could evoke a man''s desire to conquer and possess.


    Thinking of Gu Ying, the fire in his heart burned even more fiercely.


    Gu Jia stretched out her leg and pressed it against Jiang Yin''s chest, mocking, "After kneeling all night, can you stand now?"


    Jiang Yin''s eyes darkened as he pressed down. "Whether I can stand or not, you''ll find out soon."


    Their foolishness continued until the afternoon before stopping.


    Gu Jiay limp in the man''s arms, taking a long time to calm down.


    She had to admit this Jiang Yin had his good points.


    At least in matters between men and women he could make her feel unprecedented sensations.


    The woman in his arms was already disoriented with desire. Jiang Yin''s eyes remained clear. He detested Gu Jia and did not want to touch her at all. But he knew very clearly what he wanted. To achieve his goal, sacrificing himself was nothing.


    "Ling''er is just my adopted sister. I only have sibling love for her. Why are you so jealous as to want to sell her?"


    Gu Jia returned to her senses, recalling Gu Ying''s pride recently, and felt very unhappy. "You''re quite clear. Could it be for my Gu family''s property?"


    Jiang Yin smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "What''s yours is mine. We are husband and wife, one body. What''s there to distinguish yours and mine? I only want to assist you. Don''t you want to control the entire Gu household?"


    Gu Jia was ambitious. Casting him a charming nce, her little hand nimbly explored downward.


    "Then you''ll apany me all my life?"


    Jiang Yin took her roaming hand and leaned in to blow at her. "Naturally. I will follow you unto death."


    As he spoke, he bit down.


    Gu Jia''s body tingled, her soul nearly flying away. "You bad man, how can you be so skilled... Could you have been with women before?"


    Jiang Yin embraced her soft body again, murmuring hoarsely, "Your husband is naturally gifted. No need to doubt."


    Gu Jia was pushed back into the thick quilts, once more reaching out her arms to wee him.


    ...


    The matter of Jiang Ling''er was dropped.


    Gu Jia finally sent an imperial doctor to diagnose and prescribe medicine for her.


    Seeing her pitiful state, Gu Ying went to visit. "How did you get yourself in this state? Where''s your brother? Why hasn''t hee to see you?"


    Jiang Ling''er''s face was as pale as paper. She red warily at Gu Ying, leaning against her pillow. "You...what are you doing here?"


    She hadn''t forgotten her injuries were caused by this woman.


    Gu Ying smiled gently, taking Jiang Ling''er''s rough, calloused hands. Slowly she said, "I heard you did embroidery work for many years and helped wash and mend clothes to support your brother''s education. He''s married now. How could he abandon you after you treated him so well?"


    Jiang Ling''er''sshes fluttered. "Brother has not abandoned me."


    Gu Ying said, "You don''t understand my elder sister''s temperament. She cannot tolerate others. Any maid who nces at your brother will be punished by her, let alone you having those unspeakable feelings for him."


    Jiang Ling''er knitted her brows, staring anxiously at Gu Ying, wondering how she knew of her feelings for her brother...


    Though confused, she couldn''t help but think, now that brother had Gu Jia, would he no longer want her...


    That future sister-inw really was hard to get along with.


    "Men since ancient times have had three wives and four concubines... Even if she''s the legitimate daughter, she can''t stop your brother from taking concubines..."


    Gu Ying slowly persuaded her. "Do you only want to be your brother''s concubine? Watching idly as the man you love spends his days with another woman amid flowers and under the moon? Miss Jiang, your brother now has an official post, and will continue rising in the future. By then, will you be willing to watch him take three wives and four concubines, while you remain only an insignificant adopted sister to him?"


    Jiang Ling''er panicked immediately, helpless in her eyes.


    She didn''t want that!


    She only wanted to be with her brother forever!


    She absolutely did not want to see him with Gu Jia!

 Chapter 129: No, Something’s Going to happen.

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    Gu Ying''s words stopped short. On the surface, Jiang Ling''er appeared innocent and weak, but her methods wereparable to Gu Jia''s.


    Now she had lit a fire between Jiang Ling''er and Gu Jia, and was just waiting for this fire to ze in the future, burning Jiang Yin''s inner residence into unrest.


    After leaving Jiang Ling''er''s courtyard, Yin Lan brought a note to pick her up.


    "Miss, the young master has sent a letter saying that Imperial Physician Wang has arrived in Bianjing."


    Gu Ying nodded. "Um, I know. After dealing with Gu Jia, I will invite Wang Imperial Physician into the mansion to treat my brother''s illness."


    Only then would she have no more worries.


    Seeing the joy on Gu Ying''s brows, Yin Lanughed. "Miss, tomorrow is when Master Qingfeng catches ghosts. Do we need to prepare anything else?"


    Gu Ying tightened her lips. The closer it got to this critical juncture, the more nervous she became.


    Even though she had rehearsed those ns countless times in her mind, she was still afraid... that something unexpected might happen.


    "Hope everything goes smoothly."


    After all, she had been waiting for this day of vengeance for ten years.


    ...


    That evening, Master Qingfeng arrivedte.


    Gu Old Madam personally went to the street outside the front gate of the manor to wee him in. Gu Old Madam had always treated Master Qingfeng with great respect and hospitality, listening to him obediently.


    But Gu Ying knew that Master Qingfeng was nothing more than a chatan who knew no real skills. His cultivation was not profound at all, he only knew some tricks to deceive nobledies. With a glib tongue, he could spin those superstitious old madams in Bianjing''s powerful circles round and round.


    "The magic circle has been set up, Miss. Do we really not need to do anything else today?" As the time approached, Yin Lan also began to worry.


    After all, the human heart was unpredictable. What if Gu Jia didn''t show up? Then all their work today would have been in vain.


    Gu Ying''s heart was calm like a stillke. Sitting quietly reading, she said, "Gu Jia is just like her mother, not thinking too much. And because she feels guilty about Eldest Sister Min for many years, she certainly can''t get past that hurdle. So tonight she will definitely go to the ancestral hall. Let''s just wait and see what happens."


    After speaking, she called again, "Yanzhi."


    Yanzhi stood up from the embroidery stool. "Yes, Miss?"


    Gu Ying lowered her eyshes. "Go call Yin Zhu back."


    Yanzhi did not hesitate and immediately left the yard.


    Gu Ying ced her small hand on her heart. Her deep gaze looked out through the window. "No matter what, nothing can go wrong tonight..."


    She didn''t want to waste any more time with Gu Jia.


    In Cangwu Pavilion.


    Gu Jia was anxious as if she were an ant on a hot pot. "Dou Kou... What should I do?"


    Dou Kou''s wrist was tightly grabbed by her young miss, hurting so much her face turned pale. "Young Miss, don''t worry. When it turns four o''clock, we''ll go to the ancestral hall to burn paper money to redeem Eldest Miss Gu Min''s sins, and it will be alright."


    Gu Jia nodded nkly. "Good, good, that''s what we''ll do. Hurry up and get the paper money I want ready..."


    "Yes, this ve will go now."


    Just then Zhou Mama came to call her to try on her wedding dress. Gu Jia collected her flustered heart and pulled her mouth into a smile before going to Zhe Yu Residence.


    The big red bridal gown and exquisite embroidery filled her with a sense of favor.


    Leaning in Mrs. Liu''s arms wearing that exquisitely beautiful wedding dress, the thicker her mother''s love, the more uneasy she became in her heart. "Mother, I...I''m so afraid."


    "Jia''er, what are you afraid of?"


    "I... I''m afraid of that Master Qingfeng..." Gu Jia didn''t dare say more, but just thinking that Master Qingfeng couldmunicate with ghosts, she became even more panicked if he really contacted Gu Min''s resentful spirit.


    "What are you afraid he''ll do?" Mrs. Liu said impatiently. "He''s setting up an altar under that wax plum tree right now to hold memorial ceremonies for your Eldest Sister Min. You are Min''er''s sister by blood, Min''er won''t hurt you, darling. The master said only we elders need to apany him for the ritual tonight. You young ones just stay in your own yards, ande out after dark.


    "By then, the master will have caught the murderer who killed your sister." Mrs. Liu gritted her teeth in hatred. "Your mother doesn''t have much ability in this lifetime, but as long as I can avenge your sister, I absolutely won''t show mercy."


    The more Mrs. Liu said this, the more afraid Gu Jia became.


    However, she was determined not to let her mother know the truth back then...


    Bidding farewell to Mrs. Liu, Gu Jia returned to Cangwu Pavilion alone and stayed in her room, watching the daylight outside slowly darken bit by bit.


    Around midnight.


    The sounds of dozens of soul-summoning bells passed through the pavilions and towers,ing from Master Qingfeng''s magic circle under that wax plum tree in the backyard.


    Gu Jia''s heart was raised to her throat, pounding loudly, her eardrums pierced with pain.


    "Dou Kou, what time is it now!"


    "Replying to Miss, it''s now midnight."


    "How many more hours until... I have to wait patiently..." Gu Jia was anxious inside, murmuring to herself, and eagerly pulled Dou Kou to ask again, "What''s the situation with Master Qingfeng''s side now?"


    Dou Kou had juste back from the backyard over there. The whole ritual was more grandiose than any previous one, with three concentricyers. Master Qingfeng''s Taoist acolytes were guarding the outside, not allowing anyone to approach.


    "Old Madam and Madam are apanying Master Qingfeng inside the magic circle, and no one hase out until now."


    Gu Jia didn''t know whether to be happy or worried. At least now, no one in the whole manor could watch her go to the ancestral hall, and the sky outside hadpletely darkened, with a thick fog rising that shrouded the entire backyard, giving it a hazy, eerie feel.


    "Heaven is really helping me!" Gu Jia became excited. "How about the ancestral hall?"


    Dou Kou lowered her head. "There is no one in the ancestral hall. All the servants have been called to the backyard for the ritual."


    Around 1 AM.


    Gu Jia thought more and more that heaven was helping her. "Dou Kou, tidy up the paper money, candles and other items. Let''s go to the ancestral hall now."


    Dou Kou pursed her lips and hurried to prepare. The items had long been ready.


    The young miss had stuffed arge ingot to seal that maid Yin Lan''s mouth. Only then did that maid report this time.


    Gu Jia couldn''t wait a moment longer, just wanting to get to the ancestral hall early.


    After so long, Gu Min''s resentful ghost had been haunting her. Now that she had such a good opportunity to drive Gu Min''s spirit away, she absolutely wouldn''t miss it.


    The two mistress and servant changed into clothes suitable for night travel, put on cloaks, and pulled up their hoods. Braving the wind and snow, they opened the door of Cangwu Pavilion and hurried out.


    Exactly 1 AM.


    Jiang Yin, dressed in a light robe, rushed back breathlessly from outside, his dark brows and eyes restrained, carrying damp air.


    As soon as he entered Cangwu Pavilion, he found that Gu Jia and Dou Kou were both missing from the yard.


    He casually grabbed a maid. "Where is your young miss?"


    The maid said, "This ve doesn''t know."


    Jiang Yin''s brows tightened, sensing something wrong.


    Now all the elders of the Gu family were inside the magic circle. The remaining youngdies and gentlemen had to stay in their own yards. What was Gu Jia doing going out now?


    "Not good, something is going to happen!"


    He flicked up his clothes and swiftly left Cangwu Pavilion.


    ...

 Chapter 130: Get What You Deserve

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    Twilight Snow Studio


    Gu Ying did not light a charcoal fire in Twilight Snow Studio. The chill of winter kept her sober and sensible. She was waiting for the right moment.


    After being reborn, she enjoyed reading and writing.


    Fine rice paper was ced on the desk. She wrote a poem by Li Bai called ¡°Song of the Knight-Errant¡±.


    She had just written down ¡°Killing a man with every ten steps, not stopping for thousands of miles¡±. Yin Zhu rushed in with a stern face, ¡°Miss, Jiang Yin is back. He went to Cangwu Pavilion.¡±


    Gu Ying¡¯s writing paused, ink dripped on the paper, blooming into a ck flower.


    ¡°Jiang Yin?¡±


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi stood up together, worried, ¡°We forgot about him. We didn¡¯t expect he is the youngdy¡¯s man now.¡±


    Yanzhi bit her lip anxiously, ¡°What should we do? Jiang Gongzi probably doesn¡¯t know what we are going to do...¡±


    Yin Zhu''s eyes were pitch ck. She said to Gu Ying, ¡°Miss, he seems to have noticed something. He is now looking for Gu Jia''s whereabouts everywhere. The backyard of the mansion is not big. Finding the ancestral hall is only a matter of time.¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows were tightly furrowed. She put down the writing brush with a "pa" and said solemnly, "Nothing can go wrong tonight."


    Yin Zhu''s mouth was slightly pursed. Her jade-white little face was still faintly cold. She didn''t talk much, but she was not stupid.


    She immediately turned around to leave.


    Gu Ying called her back. Her face was heavy and cold, "Yin Zhu--"


    Yin Zhu turned back and said seriously, "Miss, don''t worry. Yin Zhu knows what to do. Find Jiang Yin and knock him out."


    At the moment, this was the only way to stop Jiang Yin from finding Gu Jia and let the n proceed smoothly.


    But Gu Ying walked up to her and shook her head, "Jiang Yin''s mind is deep. He is much more powerful than you can imagine. Since you just came back to report, if you look for him now, with his cautious personality, you may not be able to find him anymore."


    Yin Zhu''s eyebrows tightened. She was stunned for a moment.


    She med herself for not finding a chance to knock him out when she was guarding outside Cangwu Pavilion. She was afraid of disturbing the other maids and old women inside Cangwu Pavilion.


    "Miss, what should this servant do then?"


    Gu Ying squeezed her fist. Her face was very calm, "I will go to the ancestral hall with you to stand guard."


    She murmured, turned her head to take her cloak, "Yin Lan, Yanzhi, you two should still follow our previous n."


    Yin Lan stared at Gu Ying steadily, "Alright, Miss."


    Yanzhi also nodded solemnly.


    Yin Zhu didn''t say anything. After Gu Ying put on the ck cloak, she walked quickly out of Twilight Snow Studio with her.


    Outside, the snow mist was vast, and the night was dark.


    Gu Ying didn''t take antern. But she was very familiar with theyout of the entire mansion.


    In the pitch-ck darkness, countless crisscrossing paths looked eerie.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath calmly and came to the ancestral hall. She pushed open the windowttices and saw that Gu Jia had already lit a dim bean oilmp in the ancestral hall.


    But looking at her expression, she was very calm and tranquil, without any panic or guilt.


    Could it be... Jiang Yin had already been here?


    Behind her, Yin Zhu said in a low voice, "Miss, it''s already three o''clock."


    Time was getting closer and closer. Gu Ying didn''t know why, but her heart suddenly became flustered. Her eyes nced around, and she didn''t see any strange figure.


    Jiang Yin''s pace... should be faster than hers. But he didn''t know Gu Jia would be in the ancestral hall beforehand, so looking for her would waste his time.


    Unless he got lucky and guessed where Gu Jia was at once.


    Gu Ying was startled by her own spection for a moment. In a sh, several situations crossed her mind. Her body swayed and almost lost bnce.


    Yin Zhu supported her from behind, "Miss, are you alright--"


    The cold wind cut at her face like a knife. Gu Ying grabbed Yin Zhu''s little hand to calm herself down.


    Jiang Yin was smart. Perhaps he would let Gu Jia stay to act out the y with her, and turn the tables on her in the end.


    But Gu Jia was arrogant and self-important. She might not listen to Jiang Yin.


    If she didn''t listen to Jiang Yin, he wouldn''t let her stay here either. Knocking her out and taking her away was the best way.


    But now, Gu Jia looked calm and steady. Jiang Yin didn''t show up either.


    For a moment, she was somewhat at a loss what to do, and could only gamble on Gu Jia''s fear of Gu Min.


    She gritted her teeth and firmed up her determination. "Yin Zhu."


    Yin Zhu said, "Miss, please speak."


    Gu Ying leaned over and whispered a few words in her ear.


    Yin Zhu''s face became solemn. She hmm-ed and left.


    Gu Ying hid in the shadows, peering into the ancestral hall.


    Time passed by bit by bit. Soon, Gu Ying heard the sound of rustling footstepsing from outside.


    Four o''clock in the morning--


    The light hadpletely faded away. The whole world was eerily dark. The icy wind howled wildly carrying snowkes. The door frame of the ancestral hall made people feel uneasy with its howling sound.


    Just then, Gu Jia''s expression suddenly changed drastically inside. Her whole body trembling, she knelt in front of the spirit tablet of Gu Min in the ancestral hall!


    "Gu Min--"


    Then--


    Gu Jia''s little face was as pale as paper. She frantically threw spirit money into the brazier in front of her, and held three incense sticks high above her head. She kowtowed madly to Gu Min''s spirit tablet.


    "Sister Min, I''m sorry... it''s all my fault. The things back then were my fault. Please don''t scare me anymore, okay?"


    "Jia''er knows she was wrong..."


    "Back then Jia''er shouldn''t have watched you drown in the pond without saving you..."


    "Sister Min! Forgive me! I''m your sister! You shouldn''t take my life! We are blood sisters..."


    She spoke these remorseful words painfully. Bean-sized sweat beads kept popping out of her forehead.


    But the rows of ck spirit tablets on the wooden shelf seemed to stare down at her like the faces of dozens of ghosts, as if everyone was questioning why she was lying!


    She knelt stiffly on the cushion, trembling as she slowly raised her pale little face.


    Fresh blood seeped out from the top of her head, dripping down her forehead.


    She was scared out of her wits. She raised her small hand in shock and saw the glistening blood trickling between her fingers... Her body bounced up like a rag and fell back down on the icy bluestone floor.


    She was extremely frightened. Covering her ears, she let out a piercing shriek.


    "Ah--"


    "Don''te over!"


    "Gu Min! You little bitch! Don''te over!"


    "I really didn''t deliberately push you into the ancestral pond!"


    "It was all your own fault! me yourself! If you hadn''t monopolized Mother''s love, why would I want to kill you!"


    As soon as she finished speaking.


    The main door of the ancestral hall was violently pushed open with a loud bang. The wild wind howled freely.


    Gu Jia uncovered her ears and turned to look at the door with a twisted expression. Immediately, her mind buzzed and her expression instantly froze stiff.


    Arge group of people were standing at the door withplex expressions.


    Grandmother, Qingfeng Zhenren, Zhao nanny, Wang nanny... and Father...


    And Mrs. Liu was wearing a ck and white long coat, her face extremely pale. She looked at Gu Jia slumped in the ancestral hall incredulously. Her fingers trembled slightly. There was still a trace of pity left in her heart. "Jia... Jia''er..."


    It took her a long time to find her voice again. "What... What did you just say?"

 Chapter 131: Farce Ends

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    Gu Jia''s heart stalled as she saw Mrs. Liu walking towards her. Her hands and feet turned ice-cold. "I...I didn''t say anything...Mother...you heard wrong...I didn''t say anything."


    "p!"


    A crisp, vicious pnded on Gu Jia''s face.


    Gu Jia''s body tilted to one side, and the pped cheek swelled up high.


    She licked the trace of blood oozing from the corner of her mouth, slowly raised her head, and stared at Mrs. Liu. This p had stripped away their mother-daughter rtionship. Would her mother still dote on her like before?


    She couldn''t hold back. Tears rolled down her eyes. "Mother, you hit me?"


    Tears brimmed in Mrs. Liu''s eyes. She was full of disappointment for the daughter in front of her. "Wicked child! It was you who harmed your sister back then?!"


    Gu Jia yelled hysterically, "It wasn''t me who harmed her! It was you! It was all you!"


    Mrs. Liu shook her head, eyes bloodshot. "She fell into the pond in the winter. Only you were with her. I thought you didn''t manage to grab her in time and felt guilty for her, so I keptforting you! But now you tell me that you pushed her into the pond?!"


    "So what if I pushed her! If you hadn''t always cared only about her and neglected me, would I have wanted to kill her?!"


    Gu Jia''s words pped Mrs. Liu hard.


    Mrs. Liu cried loudly and pped Gu Jia twice more.


    Gnashing her teeth, she said, "Do you know...do you know your sister was already weak, and she was only ten! She was still a child! You were also still a child, yet your heart was so vicious!"


    Gu Jia was tongue-tied. How could she exin to this woman who loved her daughter more than life?


    How could she say that she didn''t initially intend to kill Gu Min? But Gu Min insisted on sharing the new hairpin Mother gave her. She felt annoyed, jealous and resentful, so she gave her a hard push in that moment.


    When she pushed Gu Min down, she regretted it and thought of pulling her back up.


    But remembering how Mother always favored Gu Min, the hand reaching for Gu Min retracted...


    "Mother..." Gu Jia felt awful and full of regret. She crawled over and hugged Mrs. Liu''s legs, crying bitterly, "I didn''t mean it...I really didn''t mean it! Mother, please forgive me! I''m your only daughter! Mother!"


    Mrs. Liu''s eyes darkenedpletely.


    She closed her eyes, then opened them slowly. She pried Gu Jia''s fingers off one by one, her face full of disappointment and chill.


    "Mother," Mrs. Liu said weakly. "I don''t have such a vicious daughter who would kill her own sister. You can decide how to deal with her."


    No one expected that after an afternoon of rituals, Master QingFeng would reveal the culprit to be Gu Jia.


    Disappointed, Gu Boyan shook his head at his increasingly useless eldest daughter, even more displeased with her.


    Aunt Zhao and Wang Auntie didn''t make a sound, just ncing contemptuously at Gu Jia. Who didn''t know how deeply Mrs. Liu grieved for her dead daughter?


    Gu Min''s memorial tablet was enshrined daily in the chapel, incense offered on holidays, and the maid responsible for cleaning would be beaten if any dust fell on it.


    After investigating the killer for so long, nearly eight years, the truth spilled from Gu Jia''s own lips. How could Mrs. Liu not feel disappointed and hurt?


    The more hurt Mrs. Liu felt, the more delighted Aunt Zhao and Wang Auntie became.


    Gu Old Madam stared grimly at Gu Jia. "Master''s calctions are unfathomable. I wonder, how does Master think this wicked child should be dealt with?"


    Master QingFeng stroked his beard and closed his eyes, counting on his fingers. "Confine her for three months to atone for the resentful spirit. Once the injustice is redressed, Old Madam cane to this poor monk again for other arrangements."


    Gu Old Madam always obeyed Master QingFeng. She immediately had Li Mama and several maidservants who signed death contracts grab Gu Jia and cover her mouth. Her tone was devoid of feeling. "Take her to the remote tranquil room in the backyard and lock her up."


    Gu Jia shook her head in panic, staring pleadingly at Mrs. Liu.


    But Mrs. Liu just cried, not even ncing at her.


    Gu Boyan was even more disappointed in this daughter. Furious, he bellowed, "Wicked child! It would have been better if you died!"


    Tears brimming, Gu Jia looked at her once doting parents and grandmother who had arranged everything neatly. The deeper their past doting, the heavier their disgust and hatred now.


    She let out a loud wail as she was dragged away, sobbing and whimpering.


    The farce gradually came to an end.


    Watching this absurdity unfold from the shadows, Gu Ying was extremely excited, then gradually calmed down.


    She watched Gu Jia being taken away, Mrs. Liu''s lonely and disappointed look, and Grandmother''s cold, heartless old face.


    She both wanted tough and cry.


    After being tortured by them for a lifetime, a full ten bitter years, she had lived in their shadows.


    But after tonight, she would never be restricted by them again. She wouldpletely control the entire Gu residence and repay all the enmity and hatred from her previous life!


    An elegant figure had appeared behind her at some point. His deep voice said, "Don''t be afraid, it''s over now."


    Gu Ying''s eyshes fluttered, and a teardrop rolled down.


    She turned back in surprise and saw the handsome man with a tall, sturdy build. He stood amidst the pure white fluttering snow, brows and eyes as exquisite as a painting, nonchnt and aloof.


    Those eyes were an extremely dark ck. asionally some faint candlelight shone into them, as if harboring countless stars, making people irresistibly sink into them.


    It took her some time to regain her senses. Her lips moved numbly.


    "Your Highness, you¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly. Lowering his thick longshes, he grasped her cold little hand in hisrge one. "Hearing that Hui''an told me about your ns today, I worried there might be mistakes, so I came to take a look."


    Gu Ying''s heart choked. What''s the point of him having such longshes, more beautiful than a woman''s, if he wouldn''t even let her live?


    Her attention waspletely drawn by his unparalleled looks, and she didn''t even notice her hand being enveloped in warmth.


    "So Jiang Yin¡ª"


    "I knocked him out and threw him behind the artificial hill."


    Gu Ying froze, then smiled wryly. She had been anxious for so long, yet he had already arranged her escape route.


    "What, unhappy about it?"


    "No..."


    "Then why do you look so worried?"


    Gu Ying fell silent. She just felt unable to bear it. No one had ever been so good to her. His kindness to her, she didn''t know how to repay.


    The man raised his eyes. His heated gaze looked at her as he stroked the snowkes on hershes.


    Gu Ying blinked, feeling the warmth from his palm. Perhaps it was too cold out. No one''s heart could be trusted. But the person before her was willing to help even after seeing her vicious and ruthless means. Never cherished so much by anyone before, her eyes grew hot. Amidst the winter, her eyes lit up with smiles like a hundred flowers blooming.

 Chapter 132: Fake Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    She didn''t struggle free from his warm big palm. She smiled with eyes curved and said, "I''m just thinking what a big gift I should send Gu Jia next."


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows. His eyes fell on the little girl''s delicate and soft little hand. The skin on her palm was slippery, tender and soft, making him reluctant to let go.


    He could feel Gu Ying''s hatred towards Gu Jia and Jiang Yin, especially Jiang Yin. There was a bit of unrequited love in it.


    For some reason, he was a little jealous of her feelings for Jiang Yin.


    "Do you hate him that much?"


    He had asked this question more than once, but Gu Ying still replied to him, "Yes, I hate him."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything more. He carried her horizontally in his deep and seductive eyes, "Let''s go. I''ll take care of Jiang Yin for you."


    Gu Ying''s body stiffened but she didn''t move, still letting him carry her. He always had a faint, fresh and woody scent. She didn''t like it at first but now she was used to his smell. It smelled particrly soothing.


    Zhao Changdu took her back to Twilight Snow Studio. He looked at her deeply but didn''t stay long in her boudoir. He only ordered Yin Lan and the others to take good care of her before leaving.


    Gu Ying''s face was flush. She sat dumbly on the edge of the bed for a long time beforeing back to her senses.


    Thinking of the smile at the corner of his mouth, the charm in the corner of his eyes, and that sexy, low voice, her heart was a mess like a tangled ball of yarn.


    Finally, she only noticed one thing. He seemed to...like holding her very much.


    But...this was unimportant.


    What''s important was that everything was arranged perfectly after her rebirth, but Zhao Changdu''s appearance forcibly disrupted her ns.


    The three maidservants Yin Lan, Yin Zhu and Yanzhi stood in front of her, looking at her with their eyes fixed.


    Gu Ying looked up and smiled wryly, "Why are you staring at me like this?"


    Yanzhi was straightforward. She pursed her lips and said, "Miss, thanks to the Prince tonight. Shouldn''t we properly thank him?"


    Yin Lan covered her mouth and smiled, probably meaning the same thing.


    However, everyone had seen the Prince carry the Miss back, so how to thank him, they didn''t need to say more.


    Gu Ying sighed deeply and saw that Yin Zhu''s palms were still oozing blood. If Yin Zhu hadn''t climbed onto the beam in the end, cutting her palm and dripping blood on Gu Jia''s head, breaking Gu Jia''sst psychological defense, things might not have gone so smoothly tonight.


    She took some gauze and bandaged Yin Zhu''s handpassionately.


    "Let me think carefully about this..."


    "What''s there to think about?" Yanzhi said with a smile, "Miss, in the future, give the Prince a fat baby and that will be good!"


    Yin Lan chuckled and nced at Gu Ying''s expression, pinching the little maid''s cheek, "Don''t talk nonsense. The Miss is still young. There is no rush to have children."


    It was hard to drive the chattering Yanzhi away to rest. Yin Lan came back alone again.


    Among the three maids in the room, only she noticed Gu Ying''s slightly stiff expression when she heard those words.


    "Miss, did Yanzhi''s words scare you?"


    After all, the Miss herself was still a half-grown child. It was indeed difficult for her to ept getting pregnant, giving birth and raising children right away.


    Gu Ying pulled the corners of her mouth, "No..."


    Yin Lan sat down on the embroidery stool. The mistress and servant rarely had a quiet chat. "Miss, marrying into the Duke''s mansion and giving the Prince offspring is inevitable sooner orter. The eldest Miss Huo has been fruitless for so many years, I don''t know why. But the Miss is definitely different from her. So don''t worry or be afraid."


    Yin Lan''s voice was gentle, calming Gu Ying''s restless mind and emotions.


    Gu Ying smiled mockingly to herself, "Yin Lan, I''ve never thought about having children."


    This made Yin Lan stunned for a moment.


    "Does the Miss have no feelings for the Prince..."


    "The Prince and I have agreed that when the time is right, we will separate."


    Yin Lan was shocked, "..."


    So the two were only pretending to be married?


    She had no advice to give, but the deed had already happened. "What will the Miss do in the future?"


    Gu Yingughed lightly, "A woman has her own way of living. She doesn''t have to always rely on a man. I don''t necessarily have to get married and have children. In the future, I will go to the border to reunite with my father. I want to take root there."


    She thought for a while and added, "Before I leave, I will properly arrange for you. So don''t worry."


    Yin Lan''s eyes suddenly turned red. "Miss, are you driving us away?"


    Gu Ying said, "I''m not. I just want you to live a little better."


    Yin Lan pursed her lips and knelt down to Gu Ying, "Since Madam has given me and Yin Zhu to the Miss, we live for the Miss and die for the Miss. No matter what the Miss wants to do in the future, I will apany the Miss."


    Gu Ying''s heart softened. She helped her up and smiled, "I''m not abandoning you. I''m just giving you freedom. If you''re willing to stay by my side, I''ll be a hundred times more than willing."


    Yin Lan also smiled and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, "Then it''s a deal. I''ll always follow the Miss."


    Gu Ying nodded and patted Yin Lan''s temples affectionately, "Okay."


    At this moment, Yin Lan felt that the half-grown girl in front of her was not like a fifteen-year-old child, but more like a sister a few years older than her...


    ...


    The next morning at dawn.


    A maidservant screamed, waking up the tranquility of the entire Dongping Earl Manor.


    It turned out that Chao Ya, who was in charge of taking care of Jiang Ling''er, went in early in the morning to serve her. When she opened the bed curtain, she found that the Eldest Young Master of the main room was naked in bed with Jiang Ling''er.


    How outrageous!


    The Eldest Miss had just been grounded, yet the Eldest Young Master couldn''t wait to fool around with Jiang Ling''er. It was simply shameless and disgusting!


    This news was like a stone dropped in the water, shocking everyone who was paying respects at Yongshou Hall until they couldn''t recover.


    The main room waspletely chaotic.


    Mrs. Gu''s face was iron-blue. She ordered people to tie up the two and lock them in the firewood room.


    However, such a big matter could not be resolved with just a few words.


    The whole family gathered at Yongshou Hall to discuss countermeasures.


    Mrs. Liu hated Gu Jia in her heart, and hated the useless Jiang Yin even more. When she saw the pitiful Jiang Ling''er, she almost wanted to kill her directly with a knife!


    But Mrs. Gu shook her head and didn''t allow Gu Boyan and his wife to act rashly.


    After all, one was the virtuous eldest daughter of the respectable main room, and the other was the new top scorer who had just taken office as Minister of Rites. What happened in the Earl''s manor could not be known by outsiders.


    Once it got out, how could the Dongping Earl Manor gain a foothold in Bianjing?


    Although Gu Jia had bepletely useless, the manor could not fall. There were still the future prospects of other youngdies and gentlemen in the household that needed consideration.


    As for Jiang Yin, he was a deep-thinking and extremely intelligent person. After being locked in the firewood room for just a few hours, he not only deduced what had happenedst night, but also came up with countermeasures quickly, using Gu Jia''s plot against her sister to threaten the Earl''s manor.


    Mrs. Liu almost fainted from anger. She threw herself into Gu Boyan''s arms and cried, "My Lord, what sin have wemitted?!"

 Chapter 133: Layout Again

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    Gu Boyan threatened to take a knife and harm people while heforted his tearful wife, feeling more tenderness as he held her shoulders."Don''t cry anymore. Since this has already happened, we should think of a solution!"


    Recently, Gu Boyan had been sleeping in Mrs. Liu''s room. During the day, Mrs. Liu served him well with good food and drinks.


    Somehow, she had also be adept in bed, pleasing himfortably.


    He was not entirely heartless towards past affections. He added, "If nothing else works, I will find a chance to have him secretly taken care of. Today, only our Gu family''s servants know about this. They wouldn''t dare spread it even if they had the guts!"


    "Mother, don''t worry. Your son will certainly do it without anyone knowing."


    "Scoundrel!" Gu Old Madam''s voice was steady as an iron bell. She heavily thumped her cane and narrowed her eyes.


    Mrs. Liu''s cries grew louder as Gu Boyan gently soothed her.


    Gu Old Madam then said, "Let me go talk to him."


    Afterwards, she personally went to the wood shed to negotiate with Jiang Yin.


    No one knew what the two discussed in the woodshed, but after Old Madam Gu came out, she seemed to have aged ten years instantly. She then ordered Jiang Yin and Jiang Ling''er released.


    When Yanzhi told this to Gu Ying, Gu Ying was feeding medicine to Gu Ning in the Mu Feng Study.


    "Why did she just let them go?" Yanzhi grumbled resentfully. "The Old Madam really should have kicked out that whole family!"


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows slightly as she massaged her brother''s stiff legs. She also guessed who had thrown Jiang Yin into Jiang Ling''er''s bedst night.


    That cold-faced Heir Apparent had said she was ruthless back then, but now his own actions were not any more merciful.


    Thinking of this man''s prestige and methods in the military, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.


    ncing at the impatient Yanzhi, she said, "Why are you still so impatient and reckless in handling matters?"


    Yanzhi pouted aggrievedly. "Doesn''t Miss feel the Old Madam is too lenient this time?"


    Gu Yingughed softly. "Do you think Grandmother is really merciful?"


    Yanzhi bit her lip and kept silent.


    Gu Old Madam was no genius, but as a widow who raised two sons and single-handedly supported the entire Gu Lord''s estate, how could sheck skills?


    She was just deeply disappointed by her carefully nurtured granddaughter Gu Jia''s behavior. She needed time to recover and Jiang Yin happened to hold the Gu estate''s fatal weakness, forcing her topromise.


    But what about the future?


    As long as Jiang Yin stayed in the Gu estate, relying on others, he would be of lower status.


    His connections were weaker than the Old Madam''s. He would need to depend on her many more times in the future. How many times could the Old Madam be coerced?


    Then Jiang Ling''er had be a thorn in the sides of the Old Madam and Heir Gu. In future conflicts with the Madam and Heir''s women, more troubles would arise.


    Gu Ying was not worried about Jiang Yin''s miserable future. She even looked forward to it a little.


    Her smile deepened as she stroked the secretly kept Xichi longevity hairpin. "Yanzhi, call in Dr. Liu."


    "Yes, Miss."


    Dr. Liu had not seen Gu Ying for many days. He came in rubbing his hands to tidy up, wearing a faded blue cotton coat with a tobo pouch hanging from his belt.


    Seeing Gu Ying, his face lit up immediately. His bright old eyes stared at Gu Ying''s pink and white face as heughed and sat down on the round stool. "Miss has summoned me?"


    "Yes." Gu Ying smiled charmingly and had Yanzhi serve him tea. "The finest Bi Luo Chun, Dr. Liu, please have some."


    Dr. Liu was ttered, staring at Gu Ying''s fair and delicate fingers. His eyes were almost popping out.


    He lifted the teacup and took a big gulp, carefully looking over Gu Ying''s attire today.


    Her simple and elegant tea-colored coat was embroidered with prunus blossoms. Through the thick stand-up cor, one could glimpse her slim waist. Now more grown up, her figure must be slender and curvy, very alluring.


    Indeed, youngdies of prominent families were different.


    Especially this delicate little girl...extremely beautiful face aside, her skin looked so tender it could be pinched for water. If he touched her, his soul might just fly away!


    "Thank you for all your hard work with my brother''s legs, Dr. Liu."


    "Miss is too kind. Helping Miss is my blessing."


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly but asked about her brother''s condition politely.


    Dr. Liu deliberately put on a grave expression. "Miss shoulde often to the Mu Feng Study to massage your brother''s legs. The medicine can only slowly permeate your brother''s body, unblocking the stiff blood vessels in his legs. Massage will help your brother recover faster."


    Gu Ying mocked, "So my brother''s condition has improved now?"


    Dr. Liu looked at Gu Ning lying in bed, not noticing Gu Ying''s ridicule at all. "Of course!"


    Gu Ning''s face was expressionless. He said nothing, disheartened to the point of despair. He even rolled his eyes.


    Gu Ying sneered. "Earlier he could still move his legs. Now he can''t even get out of bed. Dr. Liu, what do you make of this?"


    Dr. Liu smiled, "Miss and Young Master must not be too impatient. Major illnesses take time and money to cure slowly."


    Major illness?


    It was just a fall from a fake mountain at first, a broken bone that should have healed easily.


    Did they think she was an ignorant child who knew nothing?


    Gu Ying smiled insincerely, giving him a seductive nce. "Then I really must thank Dr. Liu. Since it is so, when should Ie?"


    Seeing Gu Ying''s deadly nce, Dr. Liu''s body went half limp. How could he not understand her meaning?


    As an old hand in romance, he understood women''s thoughts best.


    Although he wondered why a young miss of a prominent family would be interested in a lowly doctor like him, thinking of Mrs. Liu, these messy affairs often happened in the inner quarters. So there was nothing too odd.


    He swallowed and smiled meaningfully, stroking his mouth. "If Miss has time,e to the Mu Feng Study tomorrow night when the moon shines on the willow tips. I will carefully exin Young Master''s condition and ensure he recovers fully."


    Gu Ying rested her cheeks on her hands, blinking innocently. "You really mean it?"


    Seeing the flowersugh on Dr. Liu''s face, his voice grew hoarse and somewhat debauched. "I wouldn''t dare lie to Miss... Juste and you''ll know my miraculous skills of restoration..."


    The smile never leaving her lips, Gu Ying hmm-ed in agreement.

 Chapter 134: Like Tring

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    Dr. Liu was suddenly struck in the heart. He got very excited, his eyes bright as he bowed to Gu Ying, "Then I''ll be waiting for Miss Gu''s good news."


    Gu Ying smiled and waved her hand at him. Dr. Liu left happily.


    As she watched his leaving figure, Gu Ying''s smile slowly disappeared. Her five fingers clenched into a fist, and her eyes showed a hint of cold hatred and disgust.


    After massaging Gu Ning''s legs, she pulled his pants down and covered him with a nket.


    It was snowing heavily outside. In the harsh winter month, the weather was freezing.


    The room was filled with scorching hot coal fire, keeping it very warm. But she still felt no warmth in her body.


    "Rest well. Sister is leaving first."


    After his condition became severe, Gu Ning rarely talked to Gu Ying.


    Usually Gu Ying would chat by herself, while Gu Ning barely opened his mouth.


    It wasmon for severely ill people to act like this. Back then when she was crippled and left to die in the broken temple, she had felt as hopeless as Gu Ning did now.


    So she could deeply empathize with Gu Ning''s suffering and pain.


    Such pain was often difficult for outsiders to experience. No matter how much she said, it was better to cure him to give him more peace of mind and hope.


    But today, as she got up to leave, Gu Ning spoke.


    "Why...why are you doing this?"


    The boy''s voice was hoarse. After not speaking for so long, his throat was coarse and stiff.


    Gu Ying turned back in surprise. "Ning..."


    The boy regained his voice. His dark pupils stared unblinkingly at Gu Ying. "Are you doing this for me?"


    "I''m actually¡ª"


    "I don''t need you to do this." The boy said decisively, his eyes cold, indifferent, hopeless.


    Gu Ying realized he had misunderstood. She sat back down and smiled to reassure him. "Sister is not what you think."


    "What do I think?" The boy''s voice was extremely dry. At his age, he should''ve been innocent and carefree. But fate had been too cruel to him, forcing him to mature too early. Seeing Cui Ling perform erotic acts daily, he understood the sordid affairs between men and women more than anyone.


    So he asked coldly, "Is it like Cui Ling?"


    Gu Ying suddenly felt a burning pain in her chest, rendered speechless.


    "I don''t want it." Gu Ning enunciated word for word.


    Gu Ying''s heart ached badly, her eyes moistening. "I''m sorry Ning, sister shouldn''t have let you see such filthy things. Bear with it a little longer, sister will take you away from Gu Residence soon..."


    Gu Ning''s eyes reddened as he bit his lips stubbornly. "I said, I don''t want it."


    He didn''t want her to sacrifice like this for him, to do such dirty things for his sake!


    He''d rather die than watch his sister degrade herself begging a vile old man just for his legs!


    If she did that, he wouldmit suicide immediately!


    He was a boy. Since he couldn''t stand up to protect her, he would use his life to free his sister.


    His only regret was...he heard she was getting married, he might not live to see it...


    Gu Ning''s resoluteness made Gu Ying''s heart feel like it was being clenched tightly by a big hand, painful and suffocating.


    But she also felt gratified that her brother didn''t really detest her. He was just worried for her, which was a good thing.


    Gu Ying pinched the key,ughed softly, and patted the boy''s back. "I''m not only doing this for you, but for our Second Madam''s family. Also, how do you know sister is like Cui Ling?"


    Gu Ning''s eyes were red. He was clearly very angry.


    The angrier he was, the more he cared about her.


    Gu Ying felt warm inside. She smiled. "Do you think father and mother''s daughter, Gu Ning''s sister, is so silly to be toyed around by a nasty old man?"


    Gu Ning was startled.


    Gu Ying crooked her finger and flicked his brow impatiently. "Just watch the good show."


    Gu Ning''s brows furrowed tightly, looking like a little old man despite his young age.


    Worried she had hurt him, Gu Ying stroked his brow gently. "Sleep now. Your legs will definitely heal. Believe in sister."


    Gu Ning''s face turned pale for a moment, his eyes darkening as he calmly watched his sister leave.


    He didn''t know if he could heal.


    He only hoped sister would be okay.


    As long as sister was fine, he didn''t mind joining mother even if he died...


    ...


    The lights were still onte at night in Zhe Yu Residence.


    Zhou Mama respectfully stood in front of the bronze mirror, tidying Mrs. Liu''s hair after helping her wash up.


    Mrs. Liu''s eyes were badly red. Ever since Gu Jia was locked up in the meditation room, her heart had been hanging.


    Zhou Mama consoled, "Madam, don''t cry anymore, think of your health."


    Mrs. Liu suddenly cried, her heart twisting painfully. "I really...didn''t expect that sinister creature would actually harm her own sister...her twin at that! How could she be so cruel!"


    Speaking of Gu Min made Mrs. Liu''s heart feel like it was being stabbed.


    She was utterly disgusted with her vicious daughter Gu Jia. Just thinking about her made her shiver all over.


    She could so heartlessly kill her own sister with her own hands, how much affection could she have left for her parents?


    Such a child was most selfish and unscrupulous, using any means to achieve her goals. Who knew if she would take her life one day too!


    "But Madam..." Zhou Mama sighed. "Now you only have the young miss left. If not for her, who else will you n for?"


    This angered Mrs. Liu even more. "That useless thing!"


    "The Marquis is busy with work outside, finding it difficult to manage the household affairs. The Second and Third Madams are the favored ones, with not too many children. Moreover, Eldest Young Master is the only son of the Eldest Madam. Inevitably the Old Madam will groom him. We should still find a way to get the young miss out to persuade her well. After all, she''s your only descendent. No one knows who will inherit this Marquis Residence in future. It''d be better if you have your own reliance."


    "How to get her out? You see how mother is, she''d rather send that sinister creature...to the countryside manor!"


    Zhou Mama hesitated. "Madam, have you forgotten the Old Madam also has weaknesses...back then, Madam Ye¡ª"


    Mrs. Liu red at her. "Do you want to die!"

 Chapter 135: Have Another Child

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    Zhou Mama quickly stopped talking.


    When Mrs. Liu thought of Madam Ye''s tragic death, her heart trembled.


    She wiped away her tears, lowered her brows, and said, "Let''s not talk about other things for now. Fortunately Wang is easy to manipte, and Gu Ming grew up under my care, so I''m notpletely without support."


    Zhou Mama added, "It''s a pity that the fifth young master is not your own son, there''s always ayer of separation. This old servant has been watching him secretly, and several times saw him bring pastries to Wang when he came back from the academy outside."


    "What?" Mrs. Liu said angrily, "When did this happen?"


    "It happened several times. Each time the fifth young master would only stay at Wang''s briefly and didn''t stay long beforeing back. At first I didn''t think much of it. I thought it was good that he was nice to his birth mother, and also showed the child had a kind heart. Wang also didn''tpete for anything. She just wanted to see her child."


    When it came to Gu Ming''s kind heart, Mrs. Liu inevitably thought of the ruthless Gu Jia. Her anger rose as she gnashed her teeth and said, "I don''t know how I raised such a heartless thing. I wonder if the Earl will also be disgusted with me in Zhe Yu Residence."


    Zhou Mama knitted her brows, also at a loss for words to console her.


    "Fortunately the fifth young master''s heart is with us in Zhe Yu Residence. Just today he specially went out to buy a pair of tiger skin gloves for the Mistress."


    Although Zhou Mama spoke this way, Mrs. Liu was still uneasy. If Gu Jia could betray her own daughter, let alone Gu Ming who came out of someone else''s belly.


    "No, I can''t just wait for doom like this." She thought over and over, "I still need to have my own son."


    Zhou Mama raised her eyes, "Mistress means..."


    Mrs. Liu gave a coldugh, "I''m only in my thirties now. If I make an effort with the Earl, I may still be able to have another child."


    Zhou Mama said, "But Mistress hasn''t shown any signs all these years."


    Mrs. Liu said, "It was just because I hurt my body from the miscarriage back then. Now with Dr. Liu here, I''ll have him examine me carefully and take some medicine to see if there''s a chance I can conceive again."


    When Mrs. Liu mentioned Dr. Liu, Zhou Mama tensed up and quickly said, "Shh, Mistress, you must not go to that Dr. Liu at this critical juncture."


    Mrs. Liu nced at her, "I''m not that stupid."


    Zhou Mama was somewhat relieved, "It would be best if we went around Ming Road and invited Dr. Liu toe examine you at Zhe Yu Residence. I''m sure the Earl won''t suspect anything."


    Thinking of her old lover, Mrs. Liu''s expression eased considerably. "Yes, right, where is the Earl? Why hasn''t hee yet?"


    To have a child, she couldn''t do it alone.


    The Earl was strong and vigorous, and had an easy job at court, so he must have abundant energy that needed an outlet.


    Usually the Earl slept at that fox spirit Zhao''s ce, so she never had a chance. Now that little witch Zhao was ill, it just gave her this opportunity.


    Zhou Mama said, "The Earl went to Reed Catkin Courtyard to see Madam Zhao."


    Mrs. Liu''s brows furrowed, "Hasn''t Zhao been unwell? What is the Earl going there for?"


    It was not good when a woman had continuous menstrual bleeding.


    That Zhao must not have many days left to live, yet still had the heart to seduce her Earl? She really didn''t know her ce.


    Zhou Mama reassured her, "Mistress, rest assured, Madam Zhao''s health prevents her from serving the Earl anymore, it''s been a long time since she kept the Earl overnight. The Earl will stille to Zhe Yu Residence tonight."


    Mrs. Liu looked at herself in the bronze mirror. Although she was older andcked the youthful vitality of the beautiful Zhao, she became more charming with age. The Earl had praised her skills these past few nights.


    Thinking of this, she quickly had Zhou Mama take the elixir Dr. Liu had given her and crush it into the tea.


    "Go see if the Earl has arrived."


    Zhou Mama responded and went out.


    Only then did a flush appear on Mrs. Liu''s face. Even though they were old husband and wife, Gu Boyan had not been so attentive to her recently.


    She was the proper wife, and had always behaved with dignity. How could she seduce the men of the household like those fox spirits?


    Now she realized that no matter what status her man had, she had to make an effort to keep his body and heart.


    Appearances were for others, but the man was hers.


    With this thought, she changed into the pink clothes she wore when younger, but felt something was off everywhere, so took off her corset as well.


    ...


    Since Gu Jia lost power, Gu Ying had be the darling of the household.


    Everyone high or low saw her and addressed her as Second Young Lady. Unlike before when she was treated like she was invisible, not to mention bowing, they wouldn''t even look at her directly.


    Now she was the center of attention in the household.


    Firstly, she was the only legitimate daughter.


    Secondly, she was engaged to the Heir Apparent of the Duke''s Residence, the biggest happy event in the Earl''s household, even all of Bianjing.


    Thirdly, the Heir Apparent had been sending people with gifts every day the past few days, not just openly but alsoprehensively, delighting everyone in the Earl''s household.


    Even today when she went to pay respects at Yongshou Hall, the old Madam kept her to eat, and even kindly asked if she was nervous about her uing marriage.


    As she spoke, she dutifully heaped food on Gu Ying''s te.


    Although the dishes the grandmother served were not her favorites, Gu Ying ate a few bites and chatted politely, no matter what the old Madam said, she responded politely.


    Gu Old Madam talked tearfully about her son far away on the frontier who could not return to the capital.


    Gu Ying watched her coolly the whole time.


    The grandmother owed her, and it was not just over a decade of maternal love andpany, but also her cold-heartedness in their past life.


    She fully supported the main wife and helped Gu Jia. In her heart, how could her granddaughterpare to even a hair of Gu Jia?


    If she had not been reborn and gained inside information, perhaps the grandmother would still have arranged for her to follow the old path of her past life.


    Therefore, Gu Ying did not soften at all towards the old Madam''ste tears, and even found them somewhatughable.


    "You lost your mother at a young age. If there is anything you don''t understand about your marriage, just ask your grandmother, understand?"


    Gu Ying nodded, "Yes."


    "The Heir Apparent has had a haughty temper since he was little. You''ll need to be more amodating after you marry over. But don''t be afraid. The Earl''s household will always be your backing. If you encounter any difficulties, juste to your grandmother for support."


    Gu Ying smiled indifferently as she looked up.


    Would she support her?


    Or did she still want to exploit her in the future and use the Duke''s power to help the Earl''s household?


    Seeing the rity in the girl''s bright eyes, Gu Old Madam was reminded of Madam Ye from back then.


    A surge of irritation rose in her heart and she waved her hand to dismiss Gu Ying.


    There were piles of important affairs in the household, but her marriage to the Heir Apparent was imminent and could not be dyed.

 Chapter 136: A surname 02

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    Mrs. Liu lost a daughter and cried with tears washing her face all day long.


    Tofort her, Gu Boyan stayed in Zhe Yu Residence to keep herpany. Although the two were not very affectionate when they were young, some feelings between a husband and wife have grown.


    Coming out of Yongshou Hall, Gu Ying yed with the Xichi birthday gift hairpin in her hand.


    On the way back to Twilight Snow Studio, the maid Dou Kou suddenly jumped out from somewhere. It was very cold but she knelt down in the snow, grabbed Gu Ying¡¯s skirt, and cried and kowtowed, "Second Miss, please, please save our eldest maid! I beg you, I beg you!"


    As the saying goes, master and servant share weal and woe.


    Gu Jia had just fallen from power. Dou Kou¡¯s face was already scratched, obviously bullied by other maids in the mansion.


    Gu Ying looked down at her condescendingly, "Dou Kou, do you know what your biggest mistake is?"


    Tears fell from Dou Kou like rain. She shook her head desperately, "I don''t know, please teach me, Second Miss. If I have offended you before, I will apologize to you here. Please forgive me!"


    Gu Ying felt very happy. She squatted down and lifted her chin with her finger.


    It was heavily snowing and she was wearing thin clothes. As the chief maid beside Gu Jia, Dou Kou had probably never been so pitiful before.


    But what did she do in her previous life?


    She gave Gu Jia ideas to get people toe and desecrate her in the ruined temple.


    Looking at such an innocent face, how could she think of such sinister means?


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes coldly. Her fingers slowly tightened and clenched her jaw. "You made a mistake in being too cruel-hearted."


    Dou Kou''s eyes widened suddenly. She hugged Gu Ying''s arm. Her little face wrinkled in pain, "Second Miss... Spare me..."


    Gu Ying snorted coldly and let her go. She said to Yin Lan, "Find someone to knock her teeth out and sell her to a brothel."


    Dou Kou was shocked. Her pupils shrank. "Second Miss, what right do you have to sell me!"


    Gu Ying said expressionlessly, "I have the right as the only legitimate youngdy in this mansion now."


    Dou Kou didn''t expect to run into a wall when she just wanted to beg for her life. "I''m going to find the Old Madam to get an exnation!"


    She got up to leave but Yin Lan kicked her knee directly and pressed her down when she fell.


    "Miss, leave this to me. It''s windy outside, you should go back first."


    Gu Ying tied the belt of her cloak and lightly hmm-ed.


    It was really too cold outside. It was the twelfth lunar month and time passed quickly. Beijing would celebrate the new year in another month but she didn''t really want to celebrate with Mrs. Liu''s family.


    The news of Dou Kou being sold spread to Yongshou Hall and Zhe Yu Residence soon.


    Li Mama came to reprimand Gu Ying a few times.


    Gu Ying dealt with it indifferently. She was the mistress now so selling a maid was not a big deal.


    If it was before, she would be skinned even if she didn''t die.


    But now these people in the mansion didn''t dare offend her anymore. Mrs. Liu could only swallow her resentment.


    Yongshou Hall wanted to be a kind old grandmother so she couldn''t say much to her either.


    Back in Twilight Snow Studio, Gu Ying stood in front of the desk, took out the rice paper, and imitated Dr. Liu''s handwriting to write "see you tonight, return hairpin". She then called Yin Zhu and told her to pass the message to Mrs. Liu quietly, and also go to Reed Catkin Courtyard.


    Yin Zhu left silently.


    Yanzhi worriedly poked at the fire in the brazier, "Miss, do you think Mrs. Liu will go?"


    Gu Ying smiled, "Of course."


    ...


    That night.


    Dr. Liu had bathed and dressed up early, making himself look handsome. Hey on the bed in the east wing of Muffeng Studio humming songs and tunes.


    He eagerly waited for a while and looked at the time outside again.


    The beauty hadn''t arrived yet so he patientlyy back down.


    He thought that Gu Ying loved her brother deeply and would definitelye tonight.


    On the other side, Mrs. Liu received the note with a slight frown on her forehead, "What is he thinking asking me to secretly meet at this time of the year?"


    The new year wasing soon and Gu Ying was getting married to the Duke''s mansion. Meeting at this moment was definitely not a good time.


    Moreover, she was intimate with the Earl now. Where would she still be willing to fool around with Dr. Liu?


    Zhou Mama whispered, "Madam, the one who delivered the message is Cui Ling."


    Hearing that it was her own maid Cui Ling, Mrs. Liu''s remaining doubts vanished.


    But she didn''t want to go to the meeting at all.


    There were many people with watchful eyes in the mansion now. Gu Ying''s people went to check on the little bastard Ning sometimes. If she was seen going there now, her future would be ruined.


    She casually threw the note into the brazier, not intending to go at all. She just wanted to hook the Earl back to her yard tonight.


    But Zhou Mama said, "Madam, the Earl went to Reed Catkin Courtyard after leaving the office."


    Mrs. Liu suddenly felt unhappy, "What ability does that fox spirit have that the Earl''s heart is always hanging on her?"


    Zhou Mama was listening carefully to Mrs. Liu''sints. But her eyes suddenly saw the unfinished words on the note in the brazier, "return hairpin". Her heart beat faster.


    "Madam!"


    Mrs. Liu said impatiently, "Why are you shouting?"


    Zhou Mama quickly grabbed the note from the fire and pointed to the words on it. She also opened the box in front of the bronze mirror and rummaged through it.


    Mrs. Liu asked impatiently, "What are you looking for?"


    Zhou Mama was panicking, "Oh no, Madam, we are missing an Xichi birthday gift hairpin!"


    Hearing this, Mrs. Liu''s face changed instantly as well.


    ...


    Dr. Liu was impatiently waiting on the bed. His mind was full of Gu Ying''s appearance. Just when he was feeling unbearably itchy, he suddenly heard footsteps outside.


    He didn''t light themps and the room was pitch ck.


    But he had lived here for a long time and coulde and go freely even at night.


    To add passion, he had also lit some aphrodisiac incense in the room.


    When the dark figure approached the door, he opened it nimbly and pulled the person in from outside, "Good girl, why did youe sote?"


    "Liu Yu! Have you gone mad? Let me go quickly!"


    At this moment, Dr. Liu didn''t care about anything else. He had smelled the scent in the room for too long and was already impatient.


    Hugging this body suddenly, he simply didn''t hear the woman''s voice was wrong. Following his usual actions, he forcibly and brutally pulled the person inside.


    Running into this nemesis, Mrs. Liu was furious, but for some reason, smelling the scent in the room, her body softened from the nudging of the head in her arms.


    With the floating strange scent on her nose, she gradually felt that the man would not let her go. She simply stopped struggling.


    It had been many days since she came to him. He was still so passionate.


    Mrs. Liu snorted a few times, closed her eyes, and let him be.


    Zhou Mama was guarding outside the east wing. Hearing the shameful sounds inside, she somehow felt uneasy.

 Chapter 137: Catch the Adulterer

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    Gu Boyan wanted to go in and call his wife out, but hearing the happy sounds of a man and woman, he didn''t dare act rashly.


    Luckily Muffeng Studio was exceptionally quiet tonight without a single person.


    Gu Ning should have gone to bed early. This maid Cuiling hadn''t been feeling well recently and was lying in the room next to Gu Ning''s.


    She prayed they would finish up quickly.


    But before she could react, she suddenly saw a long string ofnterns light up outside Muffeng Studio.


    Walking slowly at the front was none other than Gu Boyan and Aunt Zhao.


    "My lord, don''t you think the plum blossom forest outside Muffeng Studio looks even more beautiful in the snow tonight?" Aunt Zhao''s voice was charming and drifted slowly through the wind and snow.


    Gu Boyan looked down at the beauty by his side. Appreciating flowers and snow was trivial, it was rare for Zhao to invite him to stroll in the back residence, he was happy to indulge her whims, so he hade along.


    But as soon as they approached Muffeng Studio, from far away they could hear strange urgent panting sounds...


    Aunt Zhao let out a "Oh my!", her little face turning red, "My lord! Did you hear that? Isn''t that some maid fooling around?"


    Gu Boyan frowned. Although the mansion had declined day by day, it was still a respectable noble household with strict rules. How could they allow the servants to mess around on their masters'' grounds?


    He let out a cold snort, took Aunt Zhao''s hand, and went to catch them in the act.


    "Come quickly! Surround Muffeng Studio! I''ll see who dares to fool around right under my nose!"


    Seeing Gu Boyan''s face, Zhou Mama''s legs froze in ce, it took her a long time to react. She hurriedly pushed open the door, shouting, "Mistress! Hurry and go! Leave quickly!"


    Liu, who was lost in passion deeply kissing Liu Yu, felt Zhou Mama was noisy and disruptive, interfering with her pleasure.


    She twisted her slender waist, nearly taking Liu Yu''s life.


    "Ow! You little vixen!"


    Liu let out a "Mmm" sound, suddenly feeling the cold wind blowing in from the door. She waspletely naked, only able to use Liu Yu to shield her from the wind and snow.


    Immediately after, two figures walked into the room. The countlessnterns behind shot out bright light, instantly illuminating the pitch dark room.


    She squinted with eyes full of lust to look over, instantly shocked!


    "Ah! My lord... you... how did you..."


    Her lips trembled, flustered and at a loss as she looked at the man standing in the doorway, frantically looking around for something to cover her body.


    At this time Liu Yu also regained his senses, panting heavily with a dazed look towards the man at the door.


    p!


    Liu Yu was pped dizzy, blood flowing from his nose.


    Liu knelt naked on the bed, tears streaming down her face, not knowing what to say.


    Gu Boyan red furiously at Liu, grabbing her hair and pulling her off the bed. "Slut! Do you know what you''re doing?!"


    Liu pleaded with a pale face, "My lord, I don''t know anything! I was framed! It was him! He forced me!"


    Seeing Liu''s face clearly, Liu Yu''s heart thudded, knowing he would likely be beaten half to death today!


    Since this was the case, how could he let Liu off easily? She was after all the prestigious wife of the mansion, surely she could find a way to protect him.


    So he hurried to defend himself, "My lord, it was all her who seduced me! I wouldn''t dare force the mistress of the house!"


    "Her? That slut!"


    Gu Boyan was so angry his eyes turned ck, he almost suffocated!


    If it wasn''t for Aunt Zhao consoling him at the side, he likely would have killed Liu right then for cuckolding him!


    And to think these past few days he had been so good to her! He had tolerated all the scandals Gu Jia caused.


    This cheap woman actually dared find a man behind his back in the mansion!


    She was truly tired of living!


    He spat at Liu coldly, "Come men, tie up this slut and throw her to my mother!"


    Liu was shocked, her eyes lost focus, and her body went limp. She fainted from fear.


    ...


    Gu Ying had just gotten into bed when Yin and Yanzhi came to report happily that the matter was aplished.


    Gu Ying''s longshes fluttered. At heart there was an unreal feeling. "Really?"


    Yanzhi pped her hands happily,ughing, "This servant absolutely didn''t see wrong. Right now, the young lord is taking the bound Liu to Yongshou Pce! The old madam has also been woken up and is throwing a fit!"


    Yin alsoughed, "Liu''s affair with Dr. Liu is exposed, they will have no future in this lifetime. Now young miss, you can rest easy."


    Gu Ying sat up in bed, conflicted emotions in her heart. She didn''t know how to describe her feelings, only that she was happy andplicated at the same time.


    Her eyes turned red. Sheughed and tears streamed down her face. "I can take back what belongs to my mother. I... don''t need to be controlled by Liu and them anymore."


    Seeing her young miss crying, Yin''s heart ached unbearably. She gathered her courage to sit on the bed and pulled the little miss into her arms. "Miss, don''t cry. This is an extremely good thing, why are you crying?"


    Gu Ying smiled. Just this once, she allowed herself to be weak. "These are tears of joy, don''t worry."


    Overnight, the mansion underwent earth-shattering changes.


    Gu Jia was confined to the silent room. Liu was beaten and thrown into a remote courtyard. Gu Boyan wanted to divorce his wife but was stopped by the old madam.


    Divorcing at this time would inevitably invite gossip. It''d be better to divorce after some time passed to avoid wagging tongues.


    But Liu was desperate. Knowing she had no future whether she lived or died, and would only be sent back penniless if divorced, but her natal family... would absolutely not ept a divorced woman back.


    Before long, Liu hanged herself in the courtyard.


    When Gu Ying heard the news, she feltplicated.


    Although Liu had ruined her life, when Liu really died, she still had mixed emotions.


    The Gu family was afraid Liu''s death would impact the marriage alliance between their mansion and the Duke''s Residence, so they chose to keep it secret.


    Gu Boyan kept Liu''s death private to outsiders, only saying Liu had fallen gravely ill and was sent back home to recuperate. He hurriedly buried Liu on the sly.


    Then swiftly established Aunt Zhao as the proper wife. Upon hearing Aunt Zhao was expecting, he immediately cast Liu and Gu Jia from his mind to focus wholeheartedly on being a father.


    A man''s fickleness was demonstrated to the extreme.


    The old madam reluctantly handed wedding preparations to Zhao, who was sensible and grateful for Gu Ying''s kindness, devoted herself fully to the arrangements.


    After dealing with the mistress and the rest, Gu Ying finally had no worries. She invited Imperial Physician Wang into the mansion to treat her brother.


    Today, after getting off duty, Zhao Changdu came with Imperial Physician Wang to the Gu residence.


    Gu Ying didn''t expect Zhao Changdu toe along. Facing the man''s meaningful gaze, her cheeks grew warm. "Your Highness, why have youe?"


    The man waszy and aloof. His brows and eyes were elegant. Sitting at the table, he was a unique scenic view. "Haven''t seen you for a few days, yourplexion seems much improved. Did something happy happen?"


    It hadn''t actually been that long since theyst met, but to Zhao Changdu it felt like three autumns.

 Chapter 138: Send Him Back

    <h4>Chapter 138</h4>


    He had never longed for a woman to be by his side every moment like this before, not even when he had wanted Huo Qiyun.


    The atmosphere between the two of them was strange.


    For some inexplicable reason, hot air was swirling in the room. Gu Ying didn''t dare meet the man''s burning gaze directly. She smiled and told him about everything that had happened at the Bo Residence recently.


    Zhao Changdu listened attentively and didn''t call her heartless again. On the contrary, the corners of his lips curled up into a faint smile. "Little fox," he said.


    Gu Ying said in annoyance, "I''m a little fox, so the Prince is a fox spirit."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, feeling that she shouldn''t tease him like this.


    However, Zhao Changdu wasn''t angry. He chuckled softly, walked over to her, bent down, and brought his fox-like handsome face close to her ear. It was bewitching and captivating. "Who said that, hmm?" he murmured.


    The warm, scalding breath beside her ear made Gu Ying''s earlobes burn crimson. "Doesn''t the Prince know? That''s what everyone in Bianjing says," she said.


    Of course he knew about those joking words from the people of Bianjing.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes fell on the girl''s flushed earlobe. He paused briefly, and his throat rolled rapidly a few times.


    The scent on the young girl''s body was too sweet. It kept unintentionally luring him to taste it.


    After all, he was a gentleman. He had promised not to touch her, so he wouldn''t go back on his word. He moved away from her and stopped teasing her.


    Just then, Imperial Physician Wang took out a few moxa sticks and said gravely, "Your Highness, Second Young Lady."


    Gu Ying hurried over and asked about her brother''s condition, "Imperial Physician Wang, how is my brother''s illness?"


    Imperial Physician Wang pointed at the moxa sticks in his hand, his tone heavy. "Second Young Lady, there is cinnabar in these."


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed. "What?"


    Imperial Physician Wang said, "Cinnabar is cold in nature and poisonous. If moxa sticks containing cinnabar have been used long-term to moxibustion the patient, the toxins will invade the bone marrow through the wounds. Over time, it will be incurable."


    "No wonder I didn''t find any toxins in the Young Master''s usual medications. The poison was hidden in the moxa sticks!"


    Gu Ying''s mind buzzed, and she felt as if her entire body had been put in an ice cer, cold to the bone.


    When she thought about how this was due to her own negligence, her heart stalled. She stood rooted to the spot, swaying like a leaf in the wind, tottering on the verge of copse.


    She opened her mouth but found her throat tight. She couldn''t get a single word out.


    It was Zhao Changdu who stepped forward with knitted brows and drew her into his embrace. In a low voice, he asked Imperial Physician Wang, "What is Gu Ning''s condition now? Is there still a way to treat him?"


    Imperial Physician Wang hesitated. "In response to Your Highness, fortunately the Young Master stopped taking the medicine some time ago. He can still be treated now."


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes. "No matter what method you use, you must cure Gu Ning''s illness."


    Imperial Physician Wang hurriedly agreed, ncing at the ashen-faced Second Young Lady in the Prince''s arms. He hastily went into Gu Ning''s room.


    Gu Ying''s mind went nk for a moment. But when she heard from Imperial Physician Wang that her brother''s legs could still be cured, she rxed somewhat. Lifting her skirt, she immediately went into the room.


    She sat nervously on the round stool by the bedside and watched with her own eyes as Imperial Physician Wang removed the toxins from her brother''s legs.


    After sterilizing a knife over a me, Imperial Physician Wang cut open the rotten, stiffened muscles on Gu Ning''s legs to drain the poisoned blood.


    Without any anesthetic, Gu Ning''s face was taut and drenched in sweat, yet he didn''t utter a single cry.


    Gu Ying held Gu Ning''s hand tightly the entire time. The room was eerily quiet.


    Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, Zhao Changdu watched the siblings with sweat pouring down their faces. His heartstrings stirred.


    There was a time when he had endured pain alone like this.


    Unfortunately, back then, he didn''t have a good older sister like Gu Ying to shield him from the wind and snow...


    Thinking of his own dark and bleak past, the man''s expression sank. The corner of his mouth hooked up into a self-deprecating smile as he turned and left the room.


    From the corner of her eye, Gu Ying saw the man''s retreating figure but had no time to inquire. Her sole focus was on protecting her brother.


    Only after Imperial Physician Wang had drained most of the poisoned blood did Gu Ning finally pass out from the pain.


    Imperial Physician Wang wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled at Gu Ying. "Second Young Lady, don''t worry. Now that we''ve found the source of the poison, there are ways to detoxify him. It''s just that the Young Master has been bedridden and ill for a long time, so he needs some time to recover."


    Gu Ying wiped the sweat from Gu Ning''s forehead, saying gratefully, "Alright, as long as Imperial Physician Wang can cure my brother, no matter how long it takes, I''m willing to wait."


    Imperial Physician Wang pondered, then added, "This official needs to remove the toxins from the Young Master every day. I hope Second Young Lady can prepare a room for me."


    How could Gu Ying refuse? Not only would she prepare a room for Imperial Physician Wang, even if he wanted her to buy him a grand mansion, she would be willing.


    She immediately had Yin Lan prepare a wing room and assigned a servant to specifically attend to Imperial Physician Wang''s meals and lodging.


    As an imperial physician, Wang was loyal,passionate, and skilled. He had an esteemed reputation in Bianjing.


    With him caring for Gu Ning at Xiangfeng Studio, Gu Ying felt more relieved than ever. A trace of a smile appeared on her face. Her brother''s illness finally showed a glimmer of hope. She had no other wishes, only hoping nothing would go wrong during the treatment process.


    In her previous life, she hadn''t gotten to see her brother grow up.


    In this life, she would definitely protect her brother and watch him grow up with her own eyes, watching him get married and have children.


    With heartfelt gratitude after making arrangements for Imperial Physician Wang, Gu Ying raised her head and suddenly realized the Prince had gone to the outer room at some point.


    Outside, heavy snow was falling, swirling beautifully into a picturesque scene.


    The man leaned against a column in the corridor near the doorframe. His dark green robes were casual and unrestrained, his jade belt noble. His tall, straight silhouette was imposing, yet somehow emanated a hint of indescribable loneliness.


    "Your Highness," Gu Ying called out softly. She blew out a puff of white mist, clutched the tea thermos, and walked over to him. "It''s cold outside. Have this to warm yourself," she said, offering it to him.


    Zhao Changdu gathered his thoughts and epted the tea thermos the girl handed over, chuckling lightly. "Everything''s arranged properly?"


    Gu Ying craned her neck to look up at him, her bright eyes meeting his sincerely. "Mm, thank you for helping my brother," she said with a true, heartfelt smile.


    If not for him, she might still have to figure out how to deal with Prince Shu. That man''s schemes ran deep, and she, in her lowly position, might not be a match for him.


    Zhao Changdu''s longshes drooped, his gaze settling on the girl''s exquisite, porcin doll-like face.


    Huo Qiyun had also once been so simply adorable, often craning her neck to look at him wholeheartedly like Gu Ying, smiling with eyes curving into crescents, remarkably simr to azy little cat.


    Butter, she had changed, just as he had changed.


    Zhao Changdu''s emotions wereplicated. He pulled back his thoughts and stroked Gu Ying''s hair. "What do you say to apanying me for a stretch if you have time?"


    Gu Ying stared nkly. She could still feel the residual warmth of the man''s palm on her head.


    Zhao Changdu looked at her with phoenix eyes. "Why haven''t you caught up yet?"

 Chapter 139: Just Want to Kill Her.

    <h4>Chapter 139</h4>


    Gu Ying felt that the Prince was quite strange at times.


    He was awkward, aloof, cold on the outside, which made him seem unapproachable. But in fact he was very warm-hearted.


    Whenever she thanked him, he would brush it off as if those things he did were a given.


    Why would Huo Qiyun not want such a man?


    She thought about it for a while but could not figure it out.


    She had only heard that Huo Qiyun had once truly and wholeheartedly loved the Prince as well, butter something happened that no one knew about.


    It was probably some unavoidable misery that made a woman have to reluctantly give up the man she loved.


    But she did not know much about the matters between the two of them, mostly hearsay from others. Now she was about to be Zhao Changdu''s wife, marrying into the Duke''s Residence, and living under the same roof as Huo Qiyun. How would he handle himself in such a situation?


    "Gu Ying?"


    Gu Ying snapped back to reality, looked up and quickly followed behind the man, smiling, "Did the Princee by carriage?"


    Zhao Changdu looked at her lightly, at the butterfly-like longshes, "No, I came by horse."


    Gu Ying stammered, "Let me arrange a carriage for you."


    Zhao Changdu stopped her, "No need."


    He had been in the military on the border for many years, and was used to the rough life. He was not ustomed to the exquisitely crafted carriages of Bianjing.


    Ever since he returned to Bianjing, he had always ridden on horseback through the streets, disregarding how others saw him.


    "But I..." Gu Ying hesitated.


    Dressed like this, it was not proper for her to unt herself in public.


    Seeing the girl''s delicate and frail appearance, Zhao Changdu''s heart softened again, and the corners of his lips curled up slightly, "Then I''ll trouble you."


    Only then did Gu Ying feel relieved, and had Yinn prepare a carriage.


    Since the Prince wanted a carriage, no one in the household dared say anything.


    Of course they prepared the best carriage avable.


    Jiang Yin stood at the doorway, hands folded in his wide sleeves, watching Gu Ying and Zhao Changdu standing side by side. His eyes were pitch ck.


    As Gu Ying lifted her skirt to get on the carriage, she nced back and saw Jiang Yin''s figure standing at the door. The corners of her mouth curled up in a smile.


    Jiang Yin''s face darkened as he clenched his fists, ring at her as if wishing he could snatch her over and strangle her, to properly ask why she was treating him like this!


    Gu Ying knew why he was watching her. Everything he had experienced today at the Marquis''s residence was orchestrated by her.


    Jiang Yin was clever, it would not take him long to figure out the connections.


    But so what?


    She enjoyed seeing him resent her yet unable to do anything about it.


    "Prince, could you give me a hand?"


    Zhao Changdu said nothing, also noticing Jiang Yin''s figure. He knew the girl was using him, yet he still reached out and pulled her onto the carriage.


    Jiang Yin''s face could no longer be described as furious. He clenched his fists tightly until his knuckles turned white.


    He wished he could grab Gu Ying, choke her by the neck, and demand why she was treating him this way!


    "Brother!"


    Jiang Ling''er ran over wearing a heavy cloak, seeing the man''s lonely silhouette, and hugged him around the waist in distress, "Brother, what''s wrong? Are you sick?"


    Jiang Yin leaned against the wall, breathing heavily for a while, frowning, and said hoarsely, "Ling''er, I have a headache."


    Jiang Ling''er''s eyes instantly turned red. She wished she could warm him with her own body. "Brother, let me help you back. You''re just too tired recently. Rest well and you''ll be fine."


    Jiang Yin closed his eyes and let Jiang Ling''er support him as they walked inside.


    The wind and snow blew relentlessly, making his head throb in pain.


    He walked with his eyes closed for a while, when suddenly, a piercing white light shed through his mind.


    He suddenly opened his eyes wide, a few traces of confusion and helplessness in his dark pupils.


    The snow made the roads slippery. Jiang Ling''er supported Jiang Yin as they slowly walked.


    As he walked, he followed the white glow in his mind...


    "Ling''er."


    He suddenly froze in ce, his handsome face deathly pale.


    "What''s wrong, brother?"


    "Gu Ying and I-"


    Jiang Ling''er gnashed her teeth in resentment, "Why mention her again, brother? I hate her as much as she hates you!"


    But Jiang Yin''s eyes suddenly turned red as he shook his head, "No...no...how could that be? How could she hate me? She clearly..."


    As he walked in the snow, a bizarre scene suddenly appeared in his mind.


    Gu Ying looked at him brightly, her eyes full of love as she held out the branch plum sachet with both hands in front of him, softly calling him "Brother Jiang".


    He had never seen her so humble.


    Humble to the point that a cold look from him would make her aggrieved enough to cry.


    "She did like me..." He questioned aloud, eyebrows deeply furrowed, lips slightly parted.


    The scene was so real, as if it had actually happened before.


    Along with Gu Ying''s previous words to him that they were once husband and wife.


    Could it be...this Gu Ying was possessed by an evil spirit that seized the original Gu Ying''s body?


    Where had the Gu Ying who liked him, admired him, wished to be with him forever gone?


    Just who was the monster that now upied Gu Ying''s body?!


    The more he thought, the more his head hurt, as if countless sharp thorns were buried in his brain, about to break through the surface.


    He let out a painful cry, "Ah!"


    Jiang Ling''er shrank back in fear, carefully looking at her brother''s bloodshot eyes, "Brother, what''s wrong with you? Could it be you''ve fallen for Second Miss Gu?"


    Jiang Yin stared sinisterly at the snow white ground, redness at the corners of his eyes. He let out a mockingugh, ayer of frost on his face.


    "Love her?"


    "Absurd!"


    "I only want to kill her!"


    "She''s about to have her grand wedding, isn''t she?" Jiang Yin''s lip line tightened, his smile hideous, "I will make sure that doesn''t happen."


    Even though he denied it, Jiang Ling''er could still see the pain and struggle in his unwilling eyes.


    It was a lie to say he didn''t love her...


    She wrinkled her brows in shock, feeling chilled all over. Just the thought that her brother had fallen for Gu Ying made her heart ache painfully like being cut by a dull knife.


    ...


    In the carriage.


    The carriage was not big, and the two sat facing each other in silence.


    Thinking that they would soon be married, Gu Ying felt uneasy no matter how she thought about it. Coupled with just now subtly using him to provoke Jiang Yin, she was extremely apprehensive at this moment. She avoided his gaze, lifting a corner of the carriage curtain to look outside.


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was clear and melodious, "It''s still early, I''ll take you somewhere."


    Gu Ying blinked, "Where to?"


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curled up slightly, "You''ll know when you get there."


    Gu Ying rarely interacted so intimately with men. Other than Jiang Yin in her past life, Zhao Changdu was the first.


    She did not know what feelings she had for him, but he was ten times better than Jiang Yin.


    The carriage bumped along on the street. The blue stone road was covered by ayer of snow. Officials outside were shouting loudly as they shoveled snow, mixed with the enthusiastic calls of the merchants. It was full ofmoner liveliness.


    Gu Ying leaned back drowsily in the carriage, falling asleep again. When she woke up, she heard a gentle voice calling her name, "Gu Ying, wake up."


    Gu Ying let out a soft moan as she opened her sleepy eyes to see a handsome face zoomed in before her.

 Chapter 140: The hair-pinning Ceremony He sent

    <h4>Chapter 140</h4>


    Her heart skipped a beat, and her heartbeat soared in an instant.


    The man''s gaze lingered for a moment before he calmly said, "We''ve arrived, get off the carriage."


    After locking eyes with his exquisite phoenix eyes for a moment, she finally reacted and averted her gaze, preparing to disembark from the carriage.


    Zhao Changdu stood by the carriage, and it felt as natural as an old married couple when he instinctively reached out hisrge hand.


    Gu Ying nced at it, pondered for a moment, and then extended her small hand.


    The snow on the ground was thick, and the man''s palm was warm, scorching hot. Zhao Changdu effortlessly moved his hand and lifted her up.


    Gu Ying blushed, and when she looked up, she saw that they were in front of a jewelry store called "Imperial View Pavilion."


    "Sir, why are we here?" she asked.


    If she recalled correctly, Yanliu Avenue, where Imperial View Pavilion was located, was several streets away from Changning Avenue, where the Duke''s Residence was. Did he bring her all the way here just to buy jewelry?


    "Aren''t you reaching the age of maturity?" the man''s expression remained calm as he spoke indifferently, "I''m giving you aing-of-age gift."


    Inside the store, Gu Ying hurriedly got down from his embrace, her face flushed, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    She didn''t understand, but she stared at his distinct profile and realized for the first time that a man wanted to give her something...


    This feeling was subtle and strange.


    The shopkeeper warmly greeted them and caught sight of Zhao Changdu and Gu Ying, two exceptionally good-looking men and women. His eyes lit up, unable to help but praise, "What an outstanding young couple! Miss, you can take a look at the jewelry in my shop. Our pieces are the most exquisite in all of Bianjing. Since the young master wants to give you something, would you like to see our most precious items?"


    Before Gu Ying could respond, Zhao Changduzily said, "Hmm, bring them all for her to choose from."


    As soon as he said that, the shopkeeper hastily called over a few assistants and ced all the exquisite jewelry in front of Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying sat at the table, looking somewhat helpless.


    "Sir... actually... I don''t need it," she said.


    "This is aing-of-age gift," Zhao Changdu sat beside her, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement as he turned his head to look at her, "Other girls have it, so naturally, you should have it too."


    At her age, she had long lost interest in these shy gold and silver jewelry.


    However, Zhao Changdu''s words still warmed Gu Ying''s heart. "Then..."


    "Choose whatever you like, don''t worry too much," he said.


    Gu Ying tilted her head. Did he know what she was worried about?


    The man''s gaze was calm, and when he looked at her, his icy pupils contained a hint of gentleness.


    He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why would I show you the jewelry? What''s the point?"


    Gu Ying chuckled, thinking he was truly clueless about romance.


    Avoiding his gaze, she focused her attention on the jewelry presented by the shopkeeper. The dazzling gold, silver, and jade hairpins didn''t stir any interest in her, but she casually picked a butterfly hairpin with embedded pearls, raising a smile. "Sir, I''ll take this one."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows twitched imperceptibly.


    This young girl was different from the others. While other girls spent their lives pursuing luxurious clothing and jewelry, she remained indifferent, without a trace of worldly desire in her eyes.


    "Do you like this?" he asked.


    "Mhmm."


    "Why aren''t you choosing from all these exquisite jewelry?"


    "If the prince wishes for me to select some luxurious ones, I can reconsider."


    Zhao Changdu fell silent for a moment.


    The young girl''s sensible behavior touched his heart, so he didn''t say much. He took out a silver ticket and paid for the butterfly hairpin, then instructed the shopkeeper to pack a few sets of gold and silver essories to be sent to Dongping Earl Manor.


    The shopkeeper''s eyes brightened as he finally realized the identities of the young couple.


    With a sweet tongue, he finished arranging the jewelry and turned around to see the prince from the Duke''s Residence, Zhao Changdu, inserting the butterfly hairpin into Miss Gu''s hair bun. He quickly smiled and bowed, "Congrattions to the prince and Miss Gu on your joyous wedding! This sheep-fat jade bracelet is a little token from our shop, I hope the prince will ept it!"


    Saying so, he respectfully presented the bracelet to Zhao Changdu.


    Zhao Changdu raised an eyebrow coldly and asked, "Shall I put it on for you?"


    Gu Ying''s face blushed slightly, unsure of how to refuse. "Alright, alright..."


    In front of others, she had to give him face. After all, in everyone''s eyes, he was her fianc¨¦ and her husband.


    If he gave her something and she still rejected it, it would be disrespectful. But the way he earnestly put the bracelet on her wrist was truly captivating.


    Her heart thumped in her chest, as if it wanted to break free, a feeling ofplexity and bitterness that couldn''t be expressed.


    Both being men, the prince and Jiang Yin were truly different.


    ...


    As they left the Imperial View Pavilion.


    Originally, it was said that she would apany him back to the Duke''s Residence, but now he said he would take her back to Dongping Earl Manor.


    Gu Ying couldn''t help butugh and cry. After getting off the carriage, she saw the man swiftly mount his horse and looked up, "Prince, is it necessary to go through all this trouble?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, "How can it be a bother to escort you back?"


    Gu Ying''s heart fluttered and she pursed her lips. "Next time, there''s no need for that. I''m not a child anymore. After seeing you off, I can return home by myself."


    Zhao Changdu lightly nodded, "Next time, we''ll go back together."


    With just these words, Gu Ying stood still at the entrance for a long time, her mind lost in thought, not even realizing when the man had walked away.


    Home...


    Could she really have a home of her own?


    Living a lifetime, thirty years of life''s journey, she had poured all her love and hatred into Jiang Yin, loving him passionately, only to die in a miserable state.


    A home and love were things she didn''t dare to hope for.


    Hadn''t she already suffered a setback with a man before? She didn''t dare to experience a second setback with Zhao Changdu.


    She smiled self-deprecatingly, feeling a difort in her chest, and turned to enter the main gate.


    The atmosphere in the Earl Manor, without Mrs. Liu and her daughter, felt much fresher. Gu Ying strolled leisurely, holding an umbre as she walked in the snow. Just as she stepped into the backyard''s drooping flower gate, she saw Mama Li, who had always been steady andposed, hurrying towards her.


    Seeing her, Mama Li smiled and said, "Miss Gu, we have been eagerly awaiting your return. The matriarch is currently in the Yongshou Hall, waiting for you."


    Gu Ying looked at the sky in confusion.


    After bidding farewell to the Crown Prince, the day was nearing dusk, and the evening snow had just cleared, revealing a rare streak of twilight on the horizon.


    At this moment, her grandmother asked her to go to Yongshou Hall for something.


    Seemingly understanding the confusion on her face, Mama Li added, "Miss Gu, please hurry. The guests at Yongshou Hall are still waiting to see you."


    Gu Ying furrowed her brows, feeling puzzled in her heart, but she could only follow Mama Li to Yongshou Hall.


    As she stepped into the main hall of Yongshou Hall, she looked up and saw a familiar figure sitting on the round chair inside the room.


    The curtain was pulled back, and the person in the room quickly noticed the movement at the door, immediately getting up and turning around.


    "Gu Ying!"


    The man took a few quick steps, eagerly walking up to her with a pair of bright peach blossom eyes, as if he had a thousand words to express to her.

 Chapter 141: I Married Him Willingly.

    <h4>Chapter 141</h4>


    As Gu Ying took in the disheveled and unkempt figure before her, resembling a wild man who had just returned from a desperate escape, she unconsciously took a step back, saying, "You¡ª"


    There was a sense of familiarity in his features, but she couldn''t quite recognize him.


    Despite his dirt-streaked appearance, she could still make out the contours of his handsome face. The patches of mud revealed a fairplexion, a well-defined jawline, and even a hint of thinness.


    She nced at her grandmother, who was sitting on the Buddhist bed, wearing a puzzled expression.


    The man, seeing that she didn''t recognize him, grew anxious and said, "It''s me, I''m Su Huanfeng! How could you not recognize me?"


    Gu Ying was taken aback. "Young Marquis? How did you end up like this?"


    His current destitute appearance was a far cry from the resplendent and dignified Young Marquis she had seen before.


    He now resembled a big dog that had rolled in the mud and been pulled out.


    Amused by the sight, Gu Ying couldn''t help but smile. "Young Marquis, didn''t you go far away to the bordends to make achievements? How did you end up here?"


    Su Huanfeng''s handsome face showed a hint of grievance. In front of Gu''s grandmother, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket. "I came back from afar to personally apany you for theing-of-age ceremony. But..."


    His expression was wounded, and the once radiant peach blossom eyes dimmed.


    "Why? Why did you break off the engagement with me? And why did you get engaged to Adu?" He clenched the jade pendant engraved with his name, his knuckles turning white. "We had a childhood engagement. You were clearly my fianc¨¦e. Why did Adu snatch you away?"


    Gu Ying stiffened, unsure of how to exin to the disheveled and teary-eyed man before her.


    "Young Marquis..."


    Ignoring everything, Su Huanfeng grabbed Gu Ying''s hand and walked up to Gu''s grandmother. His eyes zed with anger as he questioned her, "Grandmother, Gu Ying and I were engaged by our mothers. Why did you decide to annul the marriage? I love her, and I want to marry her!"


    Gu''s grandmother remained silent, gazing heavily at Gu Ying.


    She hadn''t expected that her unremarkable granddaughter would be the subject of affection from two outstanding men.


    Truly, she was Madam Ye''s daughter, the fox spirit. As she grew older, her appearance became more enchanting and peerless, dazzling everyone whoid eyes on her.


    Regardless of personal feelings, she had to protect her granddaughter when the time called for it.


    "Young Marquis, I have already exined this to you. It was not our Gu family who broke off the marriage with the Marquis''s family; it was your father who personally came to our house to call off Aying''s marriage."


    Su Huanfeng stood frozen in ce, realizing that his father was the instigator behind it all.


    An innocent young girl had her engagement publicly broken off, tarnishing her reputation. Her days in Bianjing were probably not easy.


    He released Gu Ying''s hand in a daze, turned his head to look at her, and seemed lost, as if he had made a mistake. "Gu Ying, I''m sorry. I came back too hastily... I wanted to give you theing-of-age ceremony... I secretly ran away from the camp without telling anyone... On this journey, I..."


    Gu Ying smiled gently and spoke softly, "Young Marquis, you don''t need to worry, I''m fine."


    Su Huanfeng''s eyes were filled with self-me, and he hesitated to speak.


    In fact, Madam Gu didn''t really like Su Huanfeng. After all, Marquis Yong''an had publicly humiliated the noble residence in front of everyone in Bianjing, causing the residence to be ridiculed. If it weren''t for the marriage proposal from the Duke''s residence to make amends, the residence''s reputation would have been tarnished.


    Su Huanfeng''s mother used to be close with the Ye family, so this child, apart from his status as the young marquis, didn''t hold much appeal to her. In her eyes, he was nothingpared to Zhao Changdu, who already had aplishments.


    She waved her hand, not in the mood to continue dealing with this young man. "Ah Ying, it''s gettingte, go and see the young marquis off."


    Gu Ying respectfully thanked Madam Gu, "Yes, grandmother."


    Gu Ying didn''t bring any maidservants with her this time, so Madam Gu instructed Mama Li to apany Gu Ying personally to see him off.


    She was now engaged to the Duke''s residence and couldn''t afford to create any unsightly rumors with another man at this time.


    The matter with Gu Jia was already giving people a headache, and the Gu family couldn''t afford to have another shameless person like Gu Jia.


    Since Madam Gu valued her so much, Gu Ying didn''t refuse.


    She apanied Su Huanfeng and Mama Li as they walked out of Yongshou Hall.


    He had snuck back, and Gu Ying didn''t dare to let him leave through the main entrance, so she led him to the back door.


    Along the way, Su Huanfeng clenched his fists tightly. When they reached the door, his peach blossom eyes turned crimson as he stared fixedly at Gu Ying but refused to leave.


    Gu Ying said impatiently, "Young Marquis, fate is predetermined. In this lifetime, we cannot be husband and wife. There is no need for you to be so fixated on a mere Gu Ying. In the future, you will meet a better woman than me."


    The man furrowed his brow and stubbornly said, "No, you are not just a mere Gu Ying, you are the woman I like."


    Gu Ying didn''t understand.


    They didn''t have much interaction, the most significant being their mischievous act during the winter hunting event.


    But what did that amount to?


    Why would Su Huanfeng, a noble young marquis, insist on marrying her and not anyone else?


    She sighed, "Young Marquis, have you forgotten? I told you that we are not suitable for each other. Even if Marquis Gu doesn''te to cancel the marriage, I will find a way to refuse this marriage."


    On a winter evening, when there was still a hint of golden sunlight, Su Huanfeng felt a chill run through his body.


    He couldn''t believe that he had returned from the border only to find that his beloved fianc¨¦e was gone!


    And she had been taken away by his own dear brother, Zhao Changdu, his gentle, lovely, and beautiful wife!


    This was just too outrageous!


    Su Huanfeng tightened his lips, unwilling, and said with a cold face, "Did Zhao Changdu deliberately take you away? It wasn''t your own choice, right? He must have forced you!"


    How could this person be so naive and childish?


    People like them, young masters and youngdies, how could there be any talk of force or no force?


    Marriage in its essence revolves around the interdependence of two families, intertwining their honor and dignity. These prestigious and influential families rely on marriage alliances and bloodline session to perpetuate their family lineage and glory.


    For the Dongping Marquisate to finally establish a marital connection with a household as distinguished as the Duke of Zhengu, how could it be the turn of the Crown Prince to coerce her?


    "No..." Gu Ying helplessly exined, "No, what I mean is, it wasn''t the Crown Prince''s deliberate intention to im me forcefully. It was my own choice to marry him willingly."


    Su Huanfeng stared at her in disbelief, as if the sky was falling, he murmured, "Gu Ying, I know Adou holds a high position of power, and you probably can''t resist him, but you have to believe that I can protect you. Now that I have returned, I will seek my father''s intervention tonight. He will go before the Emperor and plead your case, he will go before the Empress and plead your case. No matter what, as long as I can make you marry me, I am willing to do anything..."

 Chapter 142: The Love of the Family

    <h4>Chapter 142</h4>


    Gu Ying shook her head, "Young Master, you must calm down."


    The marriage decree Emperor had granted to her and Zhao Changdu, how could it possibly be changed?


    "I can''t calm down!" Su Huanfeng was provoked, his heart felt as if it was crushed. He shouted angrily, "Why can''t I decide my own marriage? I finally found someone I like, why must it be ruined?"


    Gu Ying was stunned by his shout, taken aback.


    Even the gentle little white rabbit can be frightening when angry.


    Su Huanfeng realized his actions and hastily apologized, "I''m sorry, Gu Ying, I didn''t mean to yell at you... I''m just...just too upset..."


    Seeing his pitiful look, Gu Ying was not bothered. She smiled, "Young Master, what do you like about me?"


    Su Huanfeng became strangely quiet, staring at Gu Ying''s snowy cheeks. Recalling her free spirit at the winter hunt, her bright eyes when she was up to no good, his handsome face inexplicably turned red, "Don''t you think you''re quite likable?"


    Gu Ying was puzzled, subconsciously asked, "I''m likable?"


    How could she be likable?


    No one had ever said they liked her, she always thought she was unlikable.


    Grandmother didn''t like her, eldest aunt and uncle didn''t either, nor her sisters at home.


    Then there was Jiang Yin, he told her with their cold and indifferent marriage, that even if she was peerlessly beautiful, even if she gave her all to him, he would not like her.


    But away from these people, turned out there were still people who liked her.


    People who specially gifted hering-of-age ceremony, people who travelled thousands of miles just to apany hering-of-age ceremony.


    Although the Young Master was spoiled, his words warmed her heart.


    Su Huanfeng scratched his head, "Yeah...forget it for now...I''m going back to ask my father!"


    After saying that, the man fled as if escaping.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, shaking her head.


    This would be difficult, she wondered if she should ask the guard Hua An stationed outside the Duke manor to inform the Heir, afraid the Young Master would make too big a fuss.


    An army deserter sneaking back to the capital, would not bode well for the Duke manor if Emperor found out.


    But Li Mama was standing not far behind watching her.


    She could only return to Twilight Snow Studio to think of something.


    ...


    Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    The night was cold again, the chill was oppressive. Tonight, therge family was having dinner at Spring Garden Pavilion again.


    The atmosphere at Spring Garden Pavilion was heavy and depressing.


    Ever since Zhao Changdu returned to Bianjing, Zhao Changxing had been affectionately appearing with Huo Qiyun at Spring Garden Pavilion.


    Their happy family made Zhao Changdu seem like an outsider, alone.


    Zhao Changdu had a strong aura and cold expression.


    Sitting at the table, tranquil and indifferent, his face was usually expressionless.


    But after entering the Duke manor for so many years, Zhao Changxing had always been overshadowed by Zhao Changdu''s reputation, he was unhappy inside.


    He had a weaker physique and inferior lookspared to Zhao Changdu. Having no aplishments and unable to obtain a good position at court, he naturally harbored resentment towards this "younger brother" whom he almost beat to death.


    Zhao Changdu barely had any feelings for this family, he sat here for dinner only for grandfather''s sake.


    Grandfather told him to return and reconcile with his father, so he returned.


    Seeing Zhao Changdu barely eating, Zhao Changxing spitefully brought up the subject, "With so many delicacies, why doesn''t Ah Du eat?"


    Zhao Changdu''s face was expressionless, "Afraid you''ll poison me."


    Cheng''splexion visibly changed. She quickly nced at Zhao Hui,ughing ingratiatingly, "Ah Du, why say such tactless words, it hurts our family affection for no reason."


    Zhao Changdu sneered coldly.


    Family affection?


    When she took advantage of his youth to humiliate him, where was her thoughts of family affection?


    Too hypocritical.


    Cheng was intimidated by this grown cold-faced King of Hell, at a loss for words.


    Zhao Hui''s expression immediately darkened. He heavily put down his chopsticks, looking like he would re up.


    Cheng quickly stopped him, continuing her ingratiation, "My Lord, don''t be angry. Ah Du didn''t mean it, he''s just been busy with wedding preparations recently, personally going through the various requirements and details, it must be too tiring, that''s why he absentmindedly said those words."


    Her words impliedint that as his son, he didn''t leave the wedding preparations to her, the Duke''s wife, making her lose face among the noblewomen of Bianjing.


    This topic was even more aggravating to Zhao Hui, "Ask him! Does he treat the Duke manor as home! Treat me as his father!"


    After his angry shout, Zhao Changdu looked at him coldly and impatiently. With a nk, he flung the ceramic bowl in his hand onto the table.


    Everyone was stunned by the sound, frightened by it.


    Zhao Changdu was a military man, cold and prestigious. His silent aura was already intimidating.


    Cheng''s face turned pale. Standing by and serving her mother-inw, Huo Qiyun''s body also shook lightly, her fearful eyes subconsciously looked towards the man''s cold and noble profile. A piercing pain suddenly went through her heart.


    Zhao Hui was held back by his own son. Face flushed red with anger, he was momentarily speechless.


    Zhao Changdu looked at him coldly, "What can you do, even if I act this way?"


    Zhao Hui red at this son who had grown wings, only able to grasp at straws and scold, "You should have left the wedding preparations to your mother, what''s a grown man doing such womanly matters for! Won''t you beughed at when it gets out?!"


    Zhao Changdu retorted, "When you ostentatiously brought Cheng back to the Duke manor, howe you didn''t think it was womanly matter?"


    Zhao Hui was furious beyond control, "Zhao Changdu, you--!"


    Zhao Changdu was coldly indifferent, "Do I permit you to address me by my name?"


    Zhao Hui was enraged, mming the table as he abruptly stood up, "You''re my own son, why can''t I address you!"


    Zhao Changdu sneered, "I''m the one you hate most, born from Mrs. Lin, not birthed by you."


    Zhao Hui''s chest heaved violently from anger. Cheng quickly went to his side, soothing his chest while ming, "Ah Du, how could you provoke your own father like this? I entered this household with your mother''s approval back then, didn''t I?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes glinted murderously, "You''re quite good at defending yourself."


    What consent his mother gave for Cheng entering this household, Cheng knew fully well.


    His mother had passed for many years now. As the Duke''s wife, she must be thinking those despicable things she did back then were forgotten since she had settled in so steadily.

 Chapter 143: He may as well lay You off.

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    Cheng was at a loss for words as she gazed at the cold and ruthless eyes of Zhao Changdu. She didn''t know what to say, feeling both aggrieved and resentful.


    She resented herself for not having been ruthless enough back when Mrs. Lin died and Zhao Changdu was still a child. At that time, she had absolute control as an adult. She really shouldn''t have listened to Zhao Rou and spared this wolf cub''s life.


    She should have gotten rid of him early on. Then she wouldn''t be in the situation now where he lorded over her.


    "My lord... I... I didn''t do anything wrong to the former Mrs. Lin or to you, Changdu. Over the years, I have served our Guogong''s residence diligently, managing the inner residence well. Which part have I not done properly?" Cheng sobbed as she wiped away her tears and leaned into Zhao Hui''s embrace.


    Zhao Changdu watched the intimate couple coldly, his eyes devoid of ripples like an ancient well.


    Zhao Hui was furious but held Chengfortingly as he yelled at Zhao Changdu, "Do as you please! If you continue to be arrogant and unruly, disregarding propriety, I won''t mind asking your grandfather toe back personally to see how you throw your weight around at home!"


    "Forget this meal. Let''s go!"


    With that, he mmed down his chopsticks and left, pulling Cheng along.


    The vast Chunshan Court instantly fell silent.


    Zhao Changxing remained seated, picking up a slice of ham and putting it in his mouth. He chuckled in amusement, "Second brother, shall we continue eating?"


    Zhao Changdu gave him an icy look.


    Unfazed, Zhao Changxing merely shifted his eyes andughed as he ordered, "Ah Yun, my second brother is afraid we''ve poisoned the food. Come, you were once close to him. Serve him food and if he still refuses to eat what you pick, it would be letting down the one who is to be his wife."


    Huo Qiyun''s fingers curled involuntarily as her heart tightened.


    Zhao Changxing''s eyes darkened. "What, you won''t listen to me anymore?"


    Huo Qiyun''s face paled. She parted her red lips timidly. "No, I didn''t mean that."


    She then reluctantly walked over to Zhao Changdu''s side. Her slender, fair hand hesitated before picking up a small piece of steamed fish from the te and cing it in his bowl.


    Seeing this, Zhao Changxing''s lips curled into an aggravating smile. "Second brother, hurry and eat. Ah Yun is thoughtful to remember your favorites. If you still refuse to eat, it would be an insult to her."


    Zhao Changdu''s frown deepened as his somber eyes instantly chilled over with icy coldness.


    He gave a mockingugh. "Is this how you treat your wife?"


    Zhao Changxing just smiled. "Forgive me for letting second brother see something unseemly. It''s just that this woman has been married into our family for ten years but hasn''t borne eldest brother a single child. I have long intended to divorce her."


    Hearing this, Huo Qiyun lowered her head as her body trembled.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes narrowed dangerously. He didn''t care if Zhao Changxing was testing him. Hisst bit of patience had run out.


    He stood up and pulled Huo Qiyun to her feet, then ced his palm on Zhao Changxing''s bony shoulder. His voice lowered. "Zhao Changxing, don''t push me. You know what I''m capable of. If you dare bully the weak again, I''ll make you wish you were dead."


    His tone was steady yet somehow more terrifying for itsck of emphasis.


    Zhao Changxing was still smiling but his eyes had gradually frozen over before going nk.


    He knew about the past affection between Zhao Changdu and Huo Qiyun and had deliberately used her to provoke him. But he didn''t expect Zhao Changdu to threaten him for her sake.


    No matter. At least now he understood one thing - Zhao Changdu still had this weakness called Huo Qiyun.


    As for his newly wedded wife, that would be an interesting story once she entered the Guogong residence.


    "Second brother jests. Eldest brother was merely too heavy-handed just now." As Zhao Changxing spoke, he turned to the red-eyed Huo Qiyun. "Ah Yun, you can''t me me, can you?"


    Huo Qiyun pressed her lips together and said nothing. Over the years, he had always liked humiliating her in front of the servants. She was used to enduring submissively.


    But now, she didn''t want that person to see her weak side. All she could do was bite her lip and resist silently.


    Seeing Huo Qiyun refuse to give him a way out, Zhao Changxing''s expression soured and he spoke condescendingly, "Fine. It was just a p, not intentional. Come find me after you''ve cooled down."


    With that, he left Chunshan Court without another nce.


    The hall fellpletely silent once Zhao Changxing departed.


    Huo Qiyun stubbornly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and gave Zhao Changdu a carefree smile. "Don''t worry, I''m fine."


    Zhao Changdu''s frown deepened as he looked at her swollen face. "Has he always treated you like this?"


    Huo Qiyun smiled woodenly. "It''s not so bad, actually..."


    He didn''t beat her every day, only when he was in a bad mood or drunk.


    In the past decade, her body had been covered in injuries, to the point she could barely join them at the table for meals.


    As the sole daughter-inw, not only did she serve him, but also Cheng. Her work was no different from that of a maid, except maids were maids while she had the nice-sounding title of Lady.


    It seemed morous but only she knew how miserable such days were.


    However, this was the path she had chosen herself, so she couldn''t me others orin to them.


    The two fell silent for a while.


    Huo Qiyun gave a smallugh. "Your wedding date is approaching, isn''t it?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was aloof. "Mm."


    Huo Qiyun clenched her hands tightly, her palms already damp with sweat.


    After a moment, she forced out a smile. "The residence has been decorated with red banners and double happiness characters everywhere on the walls and windows. It looks so lively and cheers me up. Changdu, I''m truly happy for you."


    The woman he was marrying had been spirited and graceful at the winter hunt. Even she had liked the woman, not to mention the men.


    Although he had said he didn''t love the youngdy.


    But he was getting married. She inevitably felt a little loss in her heart.


    Zhao Changdu gazed at her with knitted brows, his handsome features cold and bleak. Suddenly, he said, "It would be good if he divorced you."


    Huo Qiyun froze in surprise. "What... if he divorced me..."


    The Huo Family wouldn''t let her off easily.


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth twisted sardonically. "What, reluctant to give up your status as thedy of the household?"

 Chapter 144: Still a ruthless Man

    <h4>Chapter 144</h4>


    Huo Qiyun hurriedly denied, "No, it''s not..."


    Zhao Changdu''s face turned cold. This woman had once been very good to him, but she was also the one who had abandoned him.


    "If you get divorced, I can find a way to settle things for you afterwards."


    This was already the greatest favor he could show her.


    Huo Qiyun looked at him in disbelief, her heart aching. Suddenly, tears streamed down her face as she desperately grabbed his sleeve and pitifully asked, "Changdu, you still care about me, don''t you?"


    Zhao Changdu looked at her mockingly and brushed her fingers off with hisrge hand, speaking coolly, "Sister-inw is thinking too much."


    After saying this, he didn''t want to see her pitiful appearance, so he turned and strode out of Chunshan Court expressionlessly.


    After dealing with Cheng and Zhao Hui, Zhao Changdu was in a bad mood for a while, his face cold.


    As soon as he strode into Changfeng Pavilion, Huai An came up to greet him.


    "Master."


    "What is it?"


    Seeing his master''s irritable appearance, Huai An hesitated to speak. "Just now..."


    "Speak."


    Seeing the snowkes on his master''s head, Huai An had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Second youngdy''s maid Yin Zhu came and told me to remind Master that the young marquis has returned."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows, which had just rxed, furrowed again. "Why has hee back?"


    Huai An said, "I''ve already sent someone to investigate. They said he ran away from the military camp and rode a horse all the way back. He encountered some bandits on the road who robbed him of all his money and valuables, and he fell into a snowy pit and barely made it back to Bianjing alive. When he returned, the young marquis went straight to the Dongping Earl Manor first, then chatted about something unknown with the second youngdy before dejectedly returning to Yong''an Marquis Manor."


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth corner twitched as he thought of the second youngdy berating Su Huanfeng, then curled up amusedly. "Send some men to deal with the bandits who robbed him."


    Seeing his master smile, Huai An secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Don''t worry Master, I''ll tear those damned thieves into ten thousand pieces for daring to bully the young marquis."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything and entered the room.


    A freshly installed floor furnace was burning inside the room, warming it like spring, but the huge Changfeng Pavilion still felt cold and empty.


    After his mother had suddenly gone insane andmitted suicide by jumping off a cliff, the nobledies had all considered her inauspicious.


    They were even more averse to the child she had given birth to. The servants also kept their distance from Changfeng Pavilion.


    In earlier years, Changfeng Pavilion had been almostpletely abandoned without a hint of life. Only he had lived there alone.


    Later, when Grandfather had returned from the border and specially ordered people to clean up and repair the manor, after being away at the border for ten years, there still wasn''t a trace of liveliness in the manor when he came back.


    But recently it had improved a lot, since he had specially arranged for people to spruce up Changfeng Pavilion again in preparation for Gu Ying''s wedding.


    Now, everywhere in Changfeng Pavilion were hungrge red wedding decorations, withnterns emzoned with the character for "joy" swaying under the eaves, adding some warmth.


    Other than a few servants responsible for cleaning, there were no superfluous maidservants in the manor. The only people living in the pavilions and towers were Zhao Changdu and Huai An, two grown men.


    Although when they had left the border, the old Grand Duke had exhorted Huai An thousands of times to be sure to find some gorgeous women to serve in the household, so the young master could find a gentle, loving woman at his side.


    But Huai An also knew that the young master had always disliked having women near him. After returning to Bianjing, he didn''t dare to casually arrange beautiful maidservants for the master.


    "Then, Master, what should we do about the young marquis?"


    They couldn''t just leave it be. The young marquis had a fearless temperament, and was likely to raise hell.


    Zhao Changdu picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of cold tea, "How long has he been back at the manor?"


    Huai An said, "About an hour."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was deep. "Hmm, then he should have seen his father and uncle."


    Huai An clicked his tongue. Ruthless, the young master was ruthless.


    In the days prior, after the second youngdy had agreed to the engagement, the master had hinted in various ways for the old Marquis and the Empress Dowager to hurry up and arrange a new marriage for the young marquis.


    The marriage of the young marquis was naturally the focus of much attention, and the imperial family was also very concerned about it.


    Soon, a candidate was selected.


    The Empress''s only daughter, Princess Yueyan.


    Princess Yueyan was now seventeen, about to turn eighteen. She had inherited the beauty of the Xie n, as lovely as the autumn moon, with a natural temperament. As the only legitimate eldest princess of Dong Li, she still didn''t have a marriage arranged at this age.


    Everyone knew that Princess Yueyan harbored feelings for the Crown Prince, and had been waiting for his return in Bianjing. But everyone also knew that as a princess, how could she easily marry into the Zhao family?


    The marriage of an adult was no trivial matter of personal feelings. From birth, she was destined to have no control over her own marriage.


    Moreover, the young marquis dared to defy anyone''s orders, but his marriage to Princess Yueyan was personally arranged by the Emperor and Empress Dowager. To defy the imperial decree would spell disaster for the entire Xie n.


    "Then I''ll send someone to inform the second youngdy."


    Zhao Changdu casually said, "Mm, don''t let her worry too much. I''ll handle this matter."


    Huai An smiled maliciously, "Master, it seems you''re bing more and more concerned about the second youngdy."


    Zhao Changdu had just sipped some chilled tea and was stunned by Huai An''s words.


    Was he concerned about her?


    He just felt... these kinds of matters were something he as a grown man should bear. A delicate girl like her only needed to be protected under his wings.


    Whenever he thought of her, his heart would inexplicably soften. The displeasure brought by Cheng and Zhao Hui had also dissipated a lot.


    She seemed to have some kind of special magic that could soothe his restless heart.


    "Master?" Huai An blinked confusedly and waved his hand awkwardly. "For the young marquis''s side, should I go personally?"


    Zhao Changdu came back to his senses and frowned. "No need. I''ll go see him myself."


    He knew Su Huanfeng''s stubborn temperament too well. He needed to resolve this matter himself.


    ...


    Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    The night wind howled under the moon. Servants and guards knelt all over the courtyard.


    With a loud "bang", arge porcin vase smashed against the doorframe and hit the ground with a jarring sound.


    This was the twenty-fifth ceramic Su Huanfeng had smashed.


    His voice had gone hoarse from yelling, and all the breakable items in the room had been destroyed.


    But his bastard father still refused to soften his stance and plead with him in the pce. He just wanted to marry a woman he liked. Was that so difficult?


    He didn''t like Princess Yueyan at all!


    Yue Yan was his cousin. He had watched her grow up since she was little. He had even seen her wet the bed before. How could they make him marry her?!


    Did they have no sense of propriety at all?!


    In his eyes, what was the difference between Yueyan and a little doll?


    "Young marquis, please calm down!" The elderly steward Fu Gui had been persuading him for a long time outside the door. "The Marquis is doing this for your own good."


    "For my own good he can cancel my engagement to the woman I love? Is he really my father? Or did he just pick me up and raise me?"


    "Oh dear, this is..."


    Suddenly, arge hand pressed down on Uncle Fu Gui''s shoulder.

 Chapter 145: One Chance, One Chance

    <h4>Chapter 145</h4>


    Uncle Fu Gui looked back and saw that it was the Crown Prince. He was immediately overjoyed and said, "Your Highness, you''re finally here. Please hurry and persuade Young Lord for me. Young Lord is currently in a bad mood and upset."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, "Leave it to me."


    Uncle Fu Gui knew the Crown Prince was on good terms with his family''s Young Lord, so he didn''t say anything more. He waved his hand to dismissed all the servants watching in the yard.


    The yard became quiet.


    Su Huanfeng suddenly pulled open the big door. Looking at the man in a ck robe standing in the yard, he gave a coldugh and walked out.


    "Zhao Changdu, you dare toe see me!"


    "Why wouldn''t I dare toe?"


    Su Huanfeng rushed forward and angrily grabbed his cor, "You stole Gu Ying from me! Don''t you know what it means to not covet a friend''s wife! Crown Prince Zhao, do you still have no shame? Give Gu Ying back to me!"


    Zhao Changdu: "She was never yours to begin with."


    Su Huanfeng: "But we were engaged since childhood!"


    Zhao Changdu: "But you had also thought about calling off the engagement before."


    Su Huanfeng was rendered speechless. That''s right, he had thought about not wanting Gu Ying before... At that time, he really disliked his ignorant and inconspicuous fianc¨¦e.


    When he was with his friends, he was always annoyed that his mother had arranged such an absurd girl for him.


    He had said countless times that he wanted to call off the engagement with Gu Ying...


    But that was because he didn''t understand her back then!


    He let go of Zhao Changdu with aplicated expression. Just thinking that his father had gone to the Dongping Earl Manor to loudly call off Gu Ying''s engagement, he felt heartbroken and remorseful.


    The grown man stood in the yard, his fists clenched as his eyes turned red, nearly crying.


    The cold wind was like a sword, and heavy snow drifted down.


    Zhao Changdu stood quietly in the snow and softly coughed before patting Su Huanfeng''s shoulder with a solemn expression, "Huanfeng, I can give you a chance to win her back, as long as you rush out of the Yong''an Marquis Manor and go before His Majesty to ask him to revoke the imperial decree."


    Su Huanfeng raised his crimson eyes in disbelief as he looked at Zhao Changdu, "You...really mean it?"


    Zhao Changdu''s handsome face was tranquil. "I keep my word."


    He admitted that taking Gu Ying was wrong, so he was willing to give Su Huanfeng a chance. If Gu Ying was willing to ept him, if he had the courage to fight for her...


    He was willing to let go at this point, but there would only be one chance.


    If Su Huanfeng didn''t dare to seize the opportunity, then Gu Ying could only belong to him in this life.


    Having said his piece, Zhao Changdu didn''t linger and turned to leave the manor.


    Su Huanfeng was stunned.


    He didn''t expect Zhao Changdu to give him a chance. He was extremely excited and rushed towards his father''s courtyard.


    He wanted to go to the pce and see His Majesty and Her Imperial Majesty!


    But his father stopped him sternly as he stood in front of grandfather''s spirit tablet, forbidding his impulsive actions. Then under his furious struggle, his father silently knelt before grandfather''s spirit tablet.


    Grandfather had dedicated his life to the country and shed his hot blood on the frontiers. In the end, his corpse was wrapped in horsehide and returned to Bianzhou.


    It was precisely because of grandfather''s achievements that the Yong''an Marquis Manor had its current glory today.


    Su Huanfeng''s fervor instantly cooled, feeling a chill piercing his backbone.


    "Father, I..."


    "Huanfeng, you''ve grown into an adult. You should learn to consider the manor''s interests, not abandon the family honor for trivial loves!"


    Father sighed and looked at him mournfully with old eyes.


    The Yong''an Marquis Manor had gradually declined. Now only his line continued the Su family legacy alone. He was the hope for the Su family''s future, so there couldn''t be any problems with his marriage.


    Gu Ying was simply unsuitable for him to begin with. It would be better for both children if the engagement was called off early.


    Only by marrying Princess Yueyan could he stabilize the Su family''s solid marital ties with the imperial family.


    Su Huanfeng gave a hollowugh and knelt dejectedly on the ground. "So? You want to sacrifice my marriage?"


    Su Ning didn''t understand and earnestly advised, "How is this sacrifice? She''s just a woman. As the young lord of the Yong''an Marquis Manor, what woman don''t you have ess to?"


    Su Huanfeng argued reasonably, "But I like her!"


    Su Ning became even angrier. "Liking is the cheapest thing! The family honor is above all! You''re a man, you have to take responsibility for this family! Aren''t you afraid that your selfishness will turn our entire Yong''an Marquis Manor and the whole Su n into ashes!"


    Su Huanfeng forcefully suppressed his emotions as his thin bodypletely froze.


    ...


    That night, the sky was filled with falling snow again.


    Outside the carved windowttice, all was a sheet of white.


    Gu Ying leaned against the pillow reading for a while. Liu Shi was dead, Gu Jia was imprisoned, her younger brother''s illness could now be treated, so she should feel carefree.


    But for some reason, she felt uneasy tonight and simply couldn''t fall asleep.


    The room was dimly lit by a bean-sized candle, crackling as it slowly burned.


    Yin came in with water at afortable temperature. "Miss, soak your feet. It''ll help you sleep."


    Gu Ying sat up in bed and dangled her fair feet over the edge into the hot water. She instantly felt much calmer. "Has Yinzhuie back yet?"


    Yin smiled. "Not yet, but she should be back soon. Her lightness skill is pretty good. It''s not far from here to the Duke''s Residence and the Marquis Manor. Besides, Lord Huai''s people are waiting outside to pass on any messages, so she doesn''t need to go to the manor herself to gather information."


    Gu Ying nodded absently. She knew Su Huanfeng probably wouldn''t make too much trouble.


    If the Su family still wanted to continue its glory, the best way was to keep marrying into the imperial family.


    Old Marquis Su was a clear-headed man, or he wouldn''t have been able to steadily hold the position of imperial uncle-inw for so long. He would absolutely not allow Young Lord to make a scene before His Majesty.


    Besides, there was also the Crown Prince. Since the Crown Prince had already promised to marry her, he wouldn''t let her get involved with Su Huanfeng again.


    She pondered for a while, also recalling some things from her previous life.


    In her previous life, Young Lord was forced to maintain the engagement with her family. And because of his grandmother''s meddling, Gu Jia was sent into the marquis manor as a concubine.


    Young Lord was a sentimental and righteous man who treated Gu Jia extremely well. Butter, Princess Yueyan also entered the Yong''an Marquis Manor''s doors as a legal wife arranged by the Empress.


    Naturally, Gu Jia''s status and position were below Princess Yueyan''s.


    But Princess Yueyan grew up as Young Lord''s cousin so there were no romantic feelings between them. Therefore, Young Lord was fonder of Gu Jia.


    Without Gu Jia wedged between them this time, perhaps Young Lord and Princess Yueyan could be a peaceful couple?

 Chapter 146: About to Get Married

    <h4>Chapter 146</h4>


    Yin Lan opened the door as Ying Zhu brushed the snowkes off her body and walked in, lifting the heavy curtain.


    "Miss, the Eldest Prince went to the Yong''an Marquis Manor himself."


    Gu Ying raised her eyes, "What did the prince say to you?"


    Yin Zhu said, "The prince said, tell Miss not to worry, just focus on getting married, he will take care of everything."


    Gu Ying felt relieved, and the unease in her heart dissipated somewhat.


    But thinking about getting married made her feel uneasy again. The tragic marriage to Jiang Yin in her previous life had left her full of fear towards marriage. In recent days, her focus had been on revenge, but now that she had rxed, her focus started to shift to the uing wedding, making her increasingly anxious.


    She pressed her temple, "Alright...Yin Zhu, you''ve worked hard, go rest first."


    After Yin Zhu left, there was only Yin Lan left to serve her.


    "Yin Lan..." Gu Ying was silent for a while. Her mind was chaotic and she didn''t know what she was thinking. She could only think of the unfortunate marriage in her previous life, Jiang Yin''s cold and indifferent face, and Jiang Yin''s women looking down on her one after another.


    Ever since getting married, she hadn''t had a single good day.


    Her face turned slightly pale. "What was it like when you got married?"


    Yin Lan was stunned for a moment, then the corners of her lips curled up in a smile. Like a big sister, she said, "I was as nervous as Miss is now, but also afraid. But when I really worshipped heaven and earth and entered the bridal chamber with that person, my heart settled calmly in my chest, and I was no longer afraid of anything."


    Speaking to this point, Yin Lan paused.


    The passion and love of her youth did notst long. Not long after she got married, she saw through her husband''s true colors. She could endure the beatings, scoldings and humiliations, but when that man killed his own child...


    She didn''t want to continue, but she also understood Gu Ying''s mood at the moment. With a gentle smile, she said, "Is Miss afraid?"


    "Not really..." Gu Ying knew about Yin Lan''s experience and didn''t want her to say more. She held her hand and said gently with a smile, "I just don''t know what it will be like to marry him, so I''m a little worried."


    She had gotten married before, so she knew what it felt like.


    She had married feeling excited and happy, but in the end was neglected and locked up.


    She was all too familiar with this kind of pain. So in this life, she didn''t dare to easily get involved in emotional matters.


    But Zhao Prince was different from other men after all... He was the first man in her two lifetimes, so it was impossible for her to not have any feelings for him.


    But her feelings towards him were still somewhatplicated.


    "Miss doesn''t need to worry too much. No matter what happenster, we servants will be with Miss."


    "Yes, I have you all."


    "Miss, go to sleep."


    Gu Ying felt reassured and went to bed.


    Yin Lan tucked her in properly, turned off the lights, and said, "Miss, sleep tight. This servant will stand guard outside. If Miss needs anything, just ring the bell."


    Gu Ying said, "Yin Lan, you should rest too. No need to stand guard. You should rest well these days too."


    Yin Lan paused and said, "Yes."


    After Yin Lan left, the room became quieter. Outside the window, the wind howled fiercely. Shey on her side in the brocade quilt, remembering what Grandmother had said. For thising-of-age ceremony, they didn''t need to make a big fuss, just a simple ceremony at home with a few family members, so she could calmly wait to get married.


    She sighed, stroking the beaded butterfly hairpin under her pillow, then closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    The next day when she woke up, nothing had happened in Bianjing. Life was still as usual, in and simple.


    Then she knew the matter with the little Marquis was over and done with.


    Gu Jia had suffered some torment in the meditation room. Gu Ying deliberately had the news of Mrs. Liu''s suicide spread in. She heard that Gu Jia nearly went crazy inside and her mind grew more and more abnormal.


    Jiang Yin still came to see her every now and then,ing out with a ck face every time.


    Gu Ying''sing-of-age ceremony was held very simply. A few close rtives came to the Earl Manor to congratte her. Aunt Zhao prepared a few banquet tables, and everyone ate a meal and watched an opera, and it was over.


    She received many gifts, but when she looked them over, that beaded butterfly hairpin was still the one she liked best.


    Time flew by quickly.


    The New Year wasing soon, and Bianjing inside and outside the city was bing more and more lively. This was the only festive holiday of the year, and every household hung up big rednterns, preparing firecrackers and flower lights, pasting up Spring Festival couplets, looking forward to New Year''s Eve.


    The wedding of the Dongping Earl Manor and the Zhenguo Duke Manor was also approaching.


    The Duke Manor attached great importance to the Eldest Prince''s wedding. Everyone in Bianjing, high and low, heard that all the arrangements for this grand wedding were personally taken care of by the Prince during his busy schedule. Cheng didn''t even get to stick a finger in.


    His attention to that Second Miss Gu of the Gu family was unprecedented, making it a hot topic around town.


    Whenever Cheng went out for banquets with thedies, she would just smile and say, "My Adu is filial and unwilling to let me work hard, which is why he insists on taking care of everything personally."


    Everyone in the privileged circles of Bianjing knew that the Prince was putting Cheng in her ce. Cheng just stubbornly refused to admit it.


    Cheng was of lowly birth from a concubine. She had barely managed to climb to the position of the Duke''s wife. The true aristocraticdies had always looked down on her. If not for giving the Duke Manor face, no one would be willing to invite her.


    Yet Cheng loved liveliness. She hated not being able to attend all kinds of gatherings and show off her status.


    Ever since Zhao Prince was going to get married, Cheng had finally quieted down a bit. To save face, she didn''t dare to go out and about either.


    ording to custom, the bride and groom were not allowed to meet before the wedding.


    It had been over ten days since Gu Yingst saw Zhao Changdu.


    She started to calmly be a new bride, though she didn''t need to embroider bridal clothes and such. But the dowry her mother left her, she personally finalized the details with Aunt Zhao.


    During this time, Lady Qin often came to the Earl Manor to apany her, and Gu Ning''s legs were also gradually improving. Her mood became better and better.


    Looking at the calm Earl Manor, only Wang''s courtyard had an unusual tranquility.


    Gu Wan most hated how Gu Shuang fawned over Gu Ying. Today when she came back from greeting Grandmother at Yongshou Hall, she was so angry at seeing all the red satin around the manor that she threw away the soup she was holding.


    Wang was sitting on the incense burner, embroidering a belly wrap.


    Gu Wan came back in a huff, leaving her maids behind, and threw herself into her mother''s arms with red-rimmed eyes.


    Wang impatiently said, "Crying again?"


    Gu Wan cried, "Mother, haven''t you seen it? Now everyone in the manor revolves around Gu Ying. She used to be the most unpleasant one, but now Gu Shuang is like a little follower, going on and on about Second Sister this and Second Sister that. Even Grandmother favors her now. Daughter is unhappy."


    Wang stroked her back and said, "Didn''t I tell you not to be impatient?"

 Chapter 147: A Rare Buzz

    <h4>Chapter 147</h4>


    Wang sat up straight from his embrace,ining, "She''s so good at hiding it. She''s never revealed her sleeve in front of anyone. I sent someone to sneak into Twilight Snow Studio to investigate, but other than Yin Lan, Yin Zhu and Yanzhi, she never allows other maids to get close. Mother, she must be hiding something. She even dares to hide this big matter from the Eldest Prince! I''m afraid even Grandmother doesn''t know. Should we tell Grandmother?"


    Wang said, "Foolish child, if we tell your grandmother, she will probably try to help her hide it."


    Gu Wan was extremely dissatisfied, "Why would Grandmother be so silly! She has never liked Gu Ying, so why is she helping her now!"


    Wang really didn''t know how her daughter''s mind worked. She was probably so envious and jealous that she couldn''t think straight, "Now that Gu Ying is engaged to the Eldest Prince, it''s no longer a matter of whether your grandmother likes her or not."


    Gu Wan cried in extreme disappointment, "Mother, then when can we let the Eldest Prince know Gu Ying''s true face?"


    Wang smiled andforted her daughter, "Isn''t she getting married tomorrow?"


    Gu Wan stared nkly at Wang, "Mother means, tomorrow?"


    Wang just smiled without replying. In her mind, she began to carefully n. With their status, it would be almost impossible to meet the Eldest Prince alone to expose Gu Ying.


    But tomorrow was the best opportunity.


    Gu Wan seemed to realize something. She immediately smiled knowingly, "I understand! Tomorrow the manor will be filled with guests, and the Eldest Prince will alsoe in person to fetch her. If at that time..."


    Wang''s smile deepened. Her daughter couldn''t stand Second Madam''s arrogance these days, and neither could she.


    Especially that wicked Zhao girl, who knows when she started colluding with Gu Ying. With Mrs. Liu gone, Zhao managed to steal the spotlight.


    Fortunately, she had long seen that Zhao was pregnant, and made preparations by sending her many supplements.


    She heard that Zhao really liked the things she sent over, and took them diligently every day to nourish her body. Watching Zhao''s belly grow bigger and bigger day by day.


    In a few months, with such a big baby, it would be hard for her to give birth. She and the baby would both die.


    Then this manor would be her world.


    ...


    Time flew by, and it was soon the eve of the big wedding.


    Gu Ying looked calm on the surface, but her heart was still nervous.


    Although she didn''t know what the scene was like in the Duke''s manor, Twilight Snow Studio in the Earl''s manor was filled with joy. From top to bottom, the maids and servants all wore big red belts around their waists.


    Rednterns illuminated the corridors, lighting up the entire residence.


    "Miss, wake up!"


    Gu Ying had barely fallen asleep when the maids woke her up. Gu Shuang also joined in the fun, sitting on her bedside,ughing teasingly, "Eldest sister, today is your big wedding day. How can you be sozy? What will the Eldest Prince think if he knows!"


    Having just woken up, Gu Ying''s voice was still nasal. Her mind hadn''t fully reacted yet, "Mm...so sleepy."


    She hadn''t slept well for days, having been taking care of Gu Ning in Muffeng Studio. She finally got to sleep a little, how could she be getting married so soon?


    She sat quietly for a long time, surrounded by a group of chattering maids and servants.


    Aunt Zhao was a boisterous woman. She brought her own maids from her courtyard early in the morning,ughing and saying that she wanted to hold up the scene for her.


    Since Gu Ying helped Aunt Zhao once, Aunt Zhao had treated Gu Ying like her own daughter.


    She was very clear that Gu Ying was the legitimate daughter of Second Madam, and was alone without any support.


    Her daughter Gu Shuang was close with Gu Ying, which was only beneficial and not harmful. Also, Gu Ying had be a little different after nearly drowning. If it wasn''t for her help, Mrs. Liu wouldn''t have been defeated so quickly.


    In the future, after Mrs. Liu''s storm passes, she will be the official Madam of the manor. Her daughter can also officially be a legitimate daughter. Her status when considering marriage proposals will be different. Besides, in the future she will be the Eldest Prince''s wife, with a high status and position. There will be countless people wanting to get on her good side.


    Therefore, she sincerely wanted to be on good terms with Gu Ying, so that Gu Ying could also assist Gu Shuang.


    Gu Shuang hadn''t slept all night. With such a big happy event in the manor, she simply stayed in Twilight Snow Studio to apany her eldest sister sincest night.


    If she had known her eldest sister really couldn''t get up, she wouldn''t have chatted with herte into the night.


    But today was a day of great joy in the Earl''s manor, and also the Duke''s big wedding. All the princes, nobles and prominent families of the capital woulde to attend the wedding banquet. Even the Emperor sent esteemed envoys from the pce.


    So her eldest sister had also invited the Fu family for her.


    Thinking that she would be able to see Fu Xunzhi today, Gu Shuang''s fingers fiddled with her handkerchief, increasingly excited, "Eldest sister...you have to cheer up."


    Gu Ying helplessly nced at the little maid, of course knowing what she was excited about, and gave her a look not to act rashly. Then she continued to close her eyes hazily, letting the maids make her up.


    Grandmother''s Li Mama had alsoe early in the morning, afraid that Twilight Snow Studio''s small courtyard couldn''t hold up the scene. She came to oversee things, personally urging those ignorant little maids to carefully serve the youngdies. Everything today could not have the slightest mistake.


    Gu Ying sat quietly, her thoughts still a little fuzzy, but she could also hear the lively and luxurious bustle all around.


    Compared to her lonely, bleak, and deste marriage in her previous life, Twilight Snow Studio had never been so lively.


    The Gu Jia of her previous life and the present her were really worthmenting over.


    She also wondered how Gu Jia''s courtyard was like today?


    Doukou had already been sold off, leaving only the weak Zhou Mama guarding Zhe Yu Residence.


    Gu Jia''s wedding today should also be underway. Last night, she had alreadye out from the Silent Room, arranged by Grandmother to stay in Zhe Yu Residence.


    Jiang Yin''s courtyard was even more ignored. Yanzhi said he had also prepared wedding attire.


    No matter what happened before, today he still had to marry Gu Jia, to be an adopted son-inw of the Earl''s manor.


    Their wedding time was in the morning. At this time, no one in the manor noticed there was another pair of newlyweds ready to worship the hall.


    Everyone''s attention was focused on the especially fancy Twilight Snow Studio.


    After Gu Ying was dressed up, the maids happily pulled her up to change her into the big red bridal gown.

 Chapter 148: Seductive Enchantment

    <h4>Chapter 148</h4>


    This wedding dress was the one her mother wore when she married Father.


    The beautiful, grand vermilion wedding dress, every strand of gold and silver thread was painstakingly embroidered by the embroiderydies who worked day and night.


    Even though it was a wedding dress from over a decade ago, it didn''t look old-fashioned at all on her today. On the contrary, it made her look even more radiant.


    Gu Ying finally came to her senses, finally realizing that she was about to get married soon.


    "Miss, you look so beautiful like this," the rouge artisan took in a deep breath. She had never seen the young miss of the household look so dazzling before, a stunning beauty that not even heavy makeup could conceal.


    Gu Ying stood in front of the full-length bronze mirror, surrounded by servant girls waiting on her. Everyone stared at her unblinkingly, with astonishment in their eyes.


    "Yes, the second young miss is looking more and more like our former Madam''s bearing as the number one beauty in Bianjing," one said.


    "It''s a pity the Prince didn''t get to see our young miss looking like this now," another added.


    "Don''t talk nonsense. The Prince will see it on their wedding night. How could the likes of you and I ever get to see such splendor in the bridal chamber?"


    "You''re right, our Prince is so fortunate!"


    They allughed and teased merrily as they spoke.


    Gu Ying raised her eyes, gazing calmly into the bronze mirror.


    The mirror reflected back a beauty who could bring down nations and cities. Her petite, exquisite face was no bigger than a palm. Her willow brows and cinnabar lips, bright eyes and pearly teeth, with thick rouge painted heavily on both cheeks, made her look adorably shy and pretty.


    In her previous life, she had married Jiang Yin.


    She had also worn a splendid red wedding dress, embroidered by her own hand stitch by stitch. But back then, no one had blessed her marriage to Jiang Yin. No one had stood by her side to help with her makeup as they did now.


    She took a deep breath, a subtle sourness and regret welling up in her heart.


    The past was too painful, yet the present was so earnest.


    She would not walk the same path again in this life. She had even started imagining in her mind what Zhao Changdu would look like riding up high on a spirited steed in his grand red wedding robe toe marry her. He must cut a very dashing figure!


    Both Jiang Yin and him would be wearing red wedding robes today, but how could Jiang Yinpare to even half the elegance of the Heir Apparent of the Duke''s residence?


    This strange sense of anticipation and joy was a novel feeling she had never experienced before.


    Even though she had lived through two lifetimes already, she still couldn''t help but feel her little heart quicken, thumping rapidly in her chest.


    The wedding nner Xi Niang walked in smiling radiantly. Seeing the room crammed full of people, she cried out and quickly shooed them away, "Everyone go and busy yourselves with other tasks. Let our household''s Madam keep the bridepany for a chat! Go, go! All of you go get your lucky candies and red packets!"


    Gu Shuang asked curiously, "Can I not stay either?"


    Xi Niangughed. "Fourth young miss, you''re still so young! You have to go out too!"


    "But..." She really didn''t understand what mysterious talk she wasn''t allowed to hear. After all, she was also one of thedies of this household. "Mother is here too. I want to stay and listen too!"


    Xi Niang joked, "No, you can listen when it''s time for you to get married in the future. But not now."


    The older onesughed merrily amongst themselves and led Gu Shuang out.


    Soon, all the maids had giggled and shuffled out.


    Xi Niang closed the door. Qin came to Gu Ying''s left while Zhao went to her right. They pressed her down onto the couch and exchanged meaningful smiles.


    Although Gu Ying had been married before, she had never been through these marriage procedures.


    Seeing the looks on Qin''s and her aunt''s faces now made her feel uneasy. "Auntie, Aunt Zhao, what is it you want to tell me?"


    Zhao didn''t beat around the bush. She directly took out a copy of Pillow Full of Spring that she had prepared earlier and handed it to Gu Ying.


    "Keep this book well. Take a careful look through it after we leave."


    Gu Ying epted it. Then Qin took out a hidden copy of Secret Erotic Pictures of Spring Nights from her sleeve, chuckled twice with uptilted lips, and said, "Ying''er, have a look through your auntie''s bookter too. Your auntie went through special effort to find this for you. The contents inside are particrly extensive. I''ve already previewed it for you, it''s good stuff."


    Gu Ying only flipped briefly through a page before quickly closing the book again, her face instantly flushing red.


    "Auntie, Aunt Zhao, you..."


    So they were here to impart bedroom arts to her specially before her wedding, to teach her how to serve her husband...


    She didn''t need this kind of teaching!


    "What are you blushing for, silly girl." Zhao''s lips quirked up amusedly as she took out another box-shaped object that looked like rouge cream from her sleeve. "And here''s another present from Auntie. You must remember to use it! I''ve already written the instructions for you and put them under the box. This is Auntie''s secret precious trick. As long as you use this stuff, I guarantee the Prince will be unable to keep his hands off you and won''t ever want to escape your clutches!"


    Qin shot the object a disgusted look, able to guess what kind of bedroom tititing item it was. "Where did you get this kind of corrupt crooked stuff? Don''t go leading our Ying''er astray. They''re newlyweds. It''s not like you old married folks."


    "Madam Qin, how could you say that!" Zhao quickly cated. "This is something I always use myself. Whether new or old couples, it works for all. It''s definitely good for us women! Otherwise, why would the Lord keeping to my room, hm? We women have to use our own skills to keep men by our side. If we can make them stay, that''s our own capability!"


    "Sorcerous charm." Qin sneered dismissively, her face reddening. "Ying''er, you''re a newly married youngdy. Don''t listen to her nonsense."


    Zhao smirked. "Or else, shall I have someone secretly deliver a few boxes to Madam Qinter?"


    "I don''t need stuff like that." Qin swallowed and stopped talking to Zhao. She turned her head and continued imparting Gu Ying with some other marital knowledge.


    Zhao was adept at reading people. A righteous man like Investigator Ye was likely rigid and stern even in the bedroom without much enjoyment.


    Qin acted like she wasn''t interested on the surface, but in actuality, she was definitely curious about these things.


    This was a good opportunity for Zhao to curry favor with Qin. She promptly dropped the topic as well andughed. "Ying''er, don''t rush tonight. Just wait obediently in the chamber after worshipping the ancestors. Let the Prince do as he wants with you when hees in. Just go along with him."


    Gu Ying was speechless. "I..."

 Chapter 149: His Solemn

    <h4>Chapter 149</h4>


    A Ying continued to smile and said, "A Ying, don''t be shy. This is something every woman has to go through. At first it might be quite painful, so bear with it and don''t dampen the Eldest Prince''s excitement. Men want dignity in the bedroom. If you don''t give him face, he won''t be able to get it up.


    Qin agreed with this point. "The Eldest Prince doesn''t look like someone who would hurt you. If you obey him, you''ll suffer less."


    Gu Ying really didn''t know what to say. She knew what the Eldest Prince was like in that area.


    Her cheeks were still ming red. Seeing the two still wanted to continue advising her, she was afraid their topic would be even more intimate, which would only embarrass her alone. "Alright, alright. I understand... Tonight I will definitely remember Auntie''s and Auntie Qin''s teaching and serve the Eldest Prince well."


    Hearing this, the two were finally satisfied and smiled. "That''s good. You''re sensible."


    "We''ll take our leave first. Stay here by yourself for a while. Remember to read the books we gave you and learn."


    "Okay, don''t worry. I will definitely study hard." Gu Ying nodded eagerly and waved her hand, signaling them to leave quickly.


    If they didn''t leave soon, she didn''t know what else they would say to embarrass her.


    After Qin and Mrs. Zhao left, everyone tactfully gave her some personal time and didn''t dare enter Twilight Snow Studio without their mistress'' order.


    The room finally quieted down. Looking into the bronze mirror, Gu Ying saw her thick powdered face was still red, showing just how powerful Auntie''s and Auntie Qin''s words were.


    She let out a small sigh. It was the dead of winter, with fine snow drifting down outside and cold winds howling, yet she felt hot all over and restless at heart.


    She had the two books every woman about to marry had to study ced on herp.


    She didn''t need to read them again, but her hands seemed to have a mind of their own and flipped open the books anyway...


    The content described two intertwined people... At first it was eptable within her understanding, but as she read on, those postures, environments...those strangely shaped clothes...made her blush deep red.


    She couldn''t continue and hurriedly closed the book, the heat on her face steaming.


    She also feared others finding these things, especially Yanzhi. That would be teaching a child badly.


    She wanted to casually stuff the books into some box, but thought better of it after some thought. She could only hide them in the dowry chest containing the house deeds her mother left her.


    After hiding the little books, she finally felt a little rxed.


    Anyway she probably wouldn''t need them tonight.


    Just thinking about sharing a room with Zhao Changdu tonight made her involuntarily tighten up again.


    Sitting there with a red face for a while, she nced up and saw the light outside dimming. It sounded like the wedding ceremony for Gu Jia and Jiang Yin had started in the front hall, drums and gongs deafeningly loud and lively.


    She actually wanted to go watch the bustle, but unfortunately had no chance.


    She rang the bell and called for Yin Lan.


    Thoughtful Yin Lan knew new brides basically had no time to eat and had secretly prepared two green bean cakes for her. "Miss, eat a little first to pad your stomach. You''ll tire yourself out tonight."


    Gu Ying stroked her hungry belly and took a bite of the cake, satisfied. "Yin Lan, send Yanzhi to the front hall to watch Gu Jia and Jiang Yin''s wedding. No matter what happens have here back and report to me."


    "Very few people were invited to Eldest Miss and Master Jiang''s wedding today. Right now in the main hall is just Old Madam, Madam Jiang, and a few of Jiang''s poor rtives. I heard some embroiderers even barged into the Gu manor," Yin Lan said.


    Gu Ying of course knew Gu Jia''s wedding would be deserted, but there was an even bigger surprise waiting for her.


    "Mm, I see. Have Yanzhi keep an eye out anyway."


    Yin Lan nodded. "Alright, I''ll go now."


    The time for Gu Ying and the Eldest Prince''s wedding was specially chosen by divination to be the very end of the Shen hour and very beginning of the Yin hour, as that would be the most auspicious. Only by marrying at that specific time could their marriage be evesting and they would be together until white-haired old age.


    Gu Ying didn''t care about these things, but the Eldest Prince seemed to ce great importance on this wedding, not allowing the timing to be off one bit.


    His sincerity actually made her feel a little guilty.


    She thought, since he had given his full sincerity and true feelings, she should also treat this wedding sincerely.


    Time slowly passed, and the noisy drums and gongs outside suddenly quieted. The ongoing wedding ceremony had been abruptly halted.


    Gu Ying sat on the beauty couch still wearing theplex, heavy bridal clothes.


    Hearing the ringing stop of drums and gongs, her lush longshes quivered lightly.


    She knew things had probably gone as nned.


    Yanzhi ran back to Twilight Snow Studio out of breath and pushed the door open, breathing out a cloud of white mist. Gasping, she said, "Miss, guess what! The embroidered phoenix golden silk bridal dress Eldest Miss stole from our Lady''s dowry was ripped off by the officers who barged into the Gu manor! The official said he received a report from the embroiderers that Eldest Miss wearing the embroidered phoenix golden silk broke the rules and was disrespectful! Now they even want to take her back to prison for questioning!"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips slightly rose. She had expected this result early on.


    That embroidered phoenix golden silk was specially bestowed by the previous emperor to the Ye family. Only Ye family daughters could wear it. Anyone else who dared to use it would be disrespecting the imperial family.


    How stupid was Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu to not only steal Mother''s belongings, but also go find the embroiderers!


    Those skilled embroiderers went between the manors of high ranking nobles and were worldly people.


    Something like this was impossible to conceal from them, yet they had foolishly wanted to show off with this bridal dress. They were simply asking for death.


    It was a pity Mrs. Liu wouldn''t get to see Gu Jia imprisoned.


    The massive weight pressing down on Gu Ying''s heart finally lifted. Gu Jia had ruined her life and made her end up in the dpidated temple. Now Gu Jia wanted to leave prison? Wishful thinking.


    She calmly pulled up the corners of her mouth. On her journey of revenge after rebirth, she had alsopleted over half.


    Jiang Yin was left. There was still much time.


    ...


    The front yard mored loudly for a while before quieting down again.


    Gu Jia was taken away. This time even Old Madam Gu couldn''t protect her. Luckily Gu Jia and Jiang Yin''s wedding today was held quietly, just going through the motions, and not many people were invited, mostly Jiang''s rtives.


    This farce did not make any waves.


    Jiang Yin had just finished half the worship ceremony. With the sparse guests, Madam Jiang and Jiang Ling''er immediately burst into tears right there.


    Old Madam Gu and Gu Boyan just coldlyughed and abandoned Jiang Yin at the wedding hall, turning all their attention to Twilight Snow Studio.


    Jiang Yin''s handsome face was gloomy as he tightly gripped the wedding ribbon in his hand. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn''t understand why Gu Jia''s reputation had fallen so low yet Gu Ying waspletely unaffected!

 Chapter 150: The Plan

    <h4>Chapter 150</h4>


    He thought Gu Jia today was exposed, at least let everyone know the ugly side of the Marquis Mansion, but ... these officials who came were well trained, as if someone had deliberately notified them.


    There was not even a little extra noise, and Gu Jia was taken away.


    On the other hand, Twilight Snow Studio was still lively and full of joy, as if nothing had happened.


    Jiang Yin''s mouth twitched, his eyes full of anger and hatred. He must have done this without rming others in Bianjing. It must be Zhao Changdu''s doing!


    Only he has such unscrupulous power!


    Heughed grimly. Well, he originally thought Gu Ying was being self-important, and a man like Zhao Changdu would not like her. Now it seems that Gu Ying has really caught the prince''s eye.


    For a moment he didn''t even know what was churning in his heart, he just felt painful, ufortable, depressed, angry... jealous of Gu Ying, hate her for seducing Zhao Changdu!


    He was breathing violently, his chest undting.


    After a long time, he regained his eyes and the corners of his mouth slowly opened.


    She wanted to marry into a prominent family and be a noble wife in the public house. So what, he was notpletely helpless...


    He was determined to make her fall from the prosperous heights and sink with him.


    ...


    Before the auspicious day arrived, Gu Ying could only stay quietly in the room at Twilight Snow Studio.


    So since noon, Gu Ying had not shown up again.


    Gu Wan had sent someone to inquire several times, and they all said that Gu Ying had driven all the maids out and said that she hadn''t slept wellst night. Before the prince came, she wanted to take a nap, and now she was still alone in the room withouting out.


    The bride must not step out of that room before her wedding, or it would be considered unlucky.


    There were a few little maids guarding the courtyard outside Twilight Snow Studio, and several old women had gone to drink wine, leaving the huge courtyard with almost no one guarding it.


    "This is a great opportunity." Gu Wan stood under a plum tree in the backyard outside Twilight Snow Studio, nced at the not very high backyard wall, "Where are Yanzhi and Yin Lan?"


    The maid behind Gu Wan said, "Miss, Yanzhi and Yin Lan were taken by other maids to drink at the front."


    Gu Wan sneered, "One person gets enlightened, even chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. I didn''t expect that one day, even the maids around her would be fawning over her. These people really look down on others."


    "Don''t worry, miss. Once she marries out, there will be no one left in the household topete with you."


    "Bah, what do you know," Gu Wan''s eyes were as cold as knives, her whole body full of resentment, "Isn''t there still Gu Shuang? Aunt Zhao is the pearl in father''s palm. With Aunt Zhao here, my mother and I are nothing."


    The maid was spit on and didn''t dare say more, just stood there trembling.


    "By the way, wasn''t there a maid named Yin Zhu beside Gu Ying? Howe I don''t see her today?"


    The maid thought about it carefully and said in a trembling voice, "Miss, I haven''t seen her all day today. But that Yin Zhu, since she came to our household, has always been elusive. On weekdays, there are no maids close to her either. So I looked for half a day, and couldn''t find her. She''s always been low-key, so she shouldn''t mess up your ns. "


    Gu Wan frowned and looked at the sky.


    The time was getting closer and closer to when the prince woulde to fetch the bride. This was a good opportunity to ruin Gu Ying. She would never miss it.


    She looked back, her impatient eyes falling on the man beside her, Jiang Yin. Since moving into the Marquis Mansion, he had always kept his distance from them. Unexpectedly, this time, he took the initiative to ask for cooperation.


    It had to be said thatpared to ordinary men, Jiang Gongzi did have some handsome and elegant temperament. This red wedding dress made him look even more graceful and handsome.


    Although not as cold and handsome as the prince, he was still outstanding among the dandies.


    No wonder both elder sisters had feelings for him before.


    She smiled and said, "Brother-inw, when are you going in?"


    Jiang Yin said calmly, "Wait a little longer."


    Gu Wan frowned impatiently, "What else are you waiting for? My people can''t hold it for too long. Don''t let the prince arrive before you''ve done anything."


    Jiang Yin''s ear moved slightly, hearing the lively musicing from the street outside. "It''s time."


    After saying that, he lifted his robes and jumped over the wall into the courtyard of Twilight Snow Studio.


    Watching Jiang Yin enter Twilight Snow Studio, Gu Wan raised a faint smile at the corner of her mouth, then turned and walked to the front yard. Looking at the time, the prince''s weing team should be arriving soon, right?


    At this time, there was a lively blocking of the door outside, not letting the groom in.


    Although there were few children in the Marquis¡¯s household, many people from the Ye family hade, and it was estimated that blocking the door would also take a while.


    Along the way in the covered corridor, Gu Wan saw Gu Shuang with a flushed face running to meet her, "Little sister, where are you going at this time?"


    Gu Shuang was in a hurry. With the joyful celebration in the family today, she didn''t think too much, and happily said, "Sister! The prince''s weing team is here! The prince is truly unmatched in his handsome looks today! I''m going to tell sister now!"


    Gu Wan looked unhappy, stopped Gu Shuang and said, "What are you going to bother sister for at this time, let''s go to the front hall and watch the excitement."


    Gu Shuang frowned, "No-"


    Gu Wan was strong and dragged Gu Shuang away, "Come with me! You don''t know how many people are serving sister today? Don''t add to the chaos now."


    Gu Shuang still wanted to struggle, but she had already been pulled away by Gu Wan.


    When they reached the front gate, Gu Wan caught sight of the prince in arge red brocade robe embroidered with golden dragons at first nce.


    She was stunned when she saw him.


    She had never seen such a handsome man, wearing such an ordinary festive robe, yet he looked like a fairy gentleman, making people look at him in awe.


    Ye Qingchi Su and others were all clustered at the door blocking him.


    With the same handsome appearance, the prince''s temperament was extraordinary. No matter what problems were thrown at him, he could easily solve them.


    Gu Wan became more and more unwilling. Why did such a good man want to marry Gu Ying?


    Today she would let the prince know that Gu Ying was no longer pure. She did not deserve the prince at all!


    ...


    At this moment inside Twilight Snow Studio.


    Jiang Yin avoided those careless maids, slipped into the bride''s room.


    Stepping into the room, he immediately smelled a strong fragrance.


    Jiang Yin froze in ce, standing at the door.


    The bead curtain swayed, the deep curtain was full of red, and the bride sat upright on the carved bed with curtains covering her head.


    This scene was like a sh of white light across his mind, reminding him of a familiar picture.


    The same scene, almost identical picture, the bride still sitting obediently by the bed waiting for him to lift her bridal veil.

 Chapter 151: You Made Me Do It.

    <h4>Chapter 151</h4>


    Jiang Yin shook his aching head and felt a surge of sorrow. He almost lost his bnce.


    It seemed like...he had loved Gu Ying too, otherwise why would his heart ache this much and his head feel so bad.


    He clenched his fists tightly, trying hard to get those strange memories out of his mind.


    He didn''t forget what he had to do today. He just froze for a moment before lightly walking over.


    With the experience fromst time, this time he directly knocked Gu Ying unconscious, not giving her a chance to struggle.


    Looking at the woman lying on the bed, Jiang Yin couldn''t help swallowing. He sat on the edge of the bed...and stretched out his big hand tond on her red sash.


    "Gu Ying, you forced me to do this."


    His slender fingers lightly moved and untied her clothes.


    The unique feminine scent lingered around his nose like mist. Even just lying there, the rise and fall of her chest presented a beautiful scene.


    Jiang Yin''s eyes darkened, and the corners of his mouth curled up coldly. "Do you think I don''t know about the things you''ve done? I just don''t understand why you hate me, Gu Jia and Mrs. Liu so much..."


    "You would rather ruin your own reputation just to drag Gu Jia into the lightless mud."


    "You''ve ruined my career, my reputation, and my marriage..."


    "You hate me so much, doesn''t that mean you loved me deeply?"


    Saying this, Jiang Yinughed to himself. His big hand stroked her veiled face through the red gauze, gently caressing her facial features with affection. "Does your noble husband know you were once my wife?"


    "Does he know how much you love me like this?"


    "Hahahaha, Gu Ying, Gu Ying..."


    "Last time I drugged you, and you narrowly escaped." His handsome face twisted, the corners of his mouth hanging a meaningful smile. His big hand grasped her slender and delicate wrist, lightly kissing it. He said profoundly, "But this time, you have no escape..."


    Just then, the sound of footsteps outside grew louder and louder.


    The corners of his mouth curled up as he leaned down to press the soft body beneath him. His big hand directly reached out and ripped off the red veil on her face¡ª


    ...


    Zhao Changdu finished reciting his poem urging the bride to put on makeup. Surrounded by everyone, he walked through the pavilions and towers of the Gu manor, and arrived at the entrance of Twilight Snow Studio.


    At this moment, the door of Twilight Snow Studio was tightly shut.


    Zhao Changdu''s clear eyes looked towards the door. His handsome face was like a painting, imagining what the little girl inside must look like now. It was probably her first wedding, so she must still be nervously hiding inside, unwilling toe out.


    Today was lively and joyous, so the masters were exceptionally tolerant of the servants.


    No one came to open the door, but Zhao Changdu was not angry about it. He was extremely patient.


    The matchmaker aptly smiled, "Your Highness, go ahead and push the door open yourself. The bride is probably shyly waiting for you inside."


    Hearing this, Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly. He pushed the door open with his big hand and strode into the yard with his long legs.


    "Your Highness, wait! If you want to see our second sister, you still have to get past us!"


    Gu Wan mustered her courage to stop Zhao Changdu. Her little hand nearly touched his elegant jade belt.


    Zhao Changdu frowned in disgust.


    She timidly looked up at the man, and her small face instantly flushed red as her heartbeat quickened.


    "Your Highness..." In the cold winter weather, her pretty eyes widened appealingly. She only felt her fingers burning. "Today is a day of great joy. You can''t get angry, or it will be unlucky. Fourth sister, let''s go in first."


    After saying this, she tried her best to reveal a sweet and innocent smile, determined to leave a deep impression on the prince.


    ording to Dong Li''s customs, it was not easy for the groom to take away the bride. The bride''s sisters still had the final obstacle where the groom had to provide arge enough red envelope to see the shy bride.


    Today was Zhao Changdu''s big wedding, so all procedures followed Dong Li''s folk customs for celebration.


    Therefore, when Gu Wan pulled Gu Shuang to run into the bridal chamber first, he was not actually angry at all, and waited patiently in the yard.


    Although the Qilin Army behind him was cold and neat, making people not dare to get close, today was their master¡¯s big wedding, so there were a few more smiles on everyone¡¯s faces.


    Huai An held arge umbre in his arms, hiding tworge red envelopes. Flower-like snowkes fluttered down as he looked forward to crossing thisst hurdle.


    The groom, as graceful as an orchid tree, wore fiery red robes contrasting purely with white, creating a strong visual impact.


    Gu Wan looked back at the prince and took a deep breath, believing Jiang Yin would not ruin her n at this critical moment.


    She covered her lips and smiled, not pushing the door open herself, but letting the unaware Gu Shuang go first.


    "Fourth sister, hurry up and open the door. Let''s not keep the prince waiting impatiently."


    "Third sister, don''t push me."


    Gu Shuang helplessly stretched out her little hand and pushed open the door.


    Just as Gu Wan was about to loudly announce the news of her second sister''s lost chastity as nned, she suddenly caught sight of Gu Ying sitting vivaciously in front of the bronze mirror, smiling at her.


    "Third sister hase too?"


    Gu Wan froze stiffly where she stood, her face instantly pale white.


    What was going on? Where was Jiang Yin?


    Shouldn''t she see a half-naked Gu Ying when she opened the door?


    Before she could figure it out, Gu Shuang had already happily run in to close the door.


    "Second sister, you haven''t put on the phoenix crown and veil yet. The prince is waiting outside. Don''t let him see your face now. Keep it as a surprise for the prince to see alone on your wedding night."


    There were no maids in the room. Gu Shuang enthusiastically went to get the phoenix crown.


    Gu Ying looked at Gu Wan meaningfully. "Third sister is very enthusiastic today."


    Earlier, Gu Wan had still mocked her marriage coldly and sarcastically. Now she was so kind to help block the groom. No matter how you looked at it, it wasughable.


    Gu Wan chuckled dryly. Her eyes anxiously scanned the surroundings but did not find Jiang Yin at all.


    Her mind was full of questions, but she still pulled the corners of her lips and said politely, "Second sister, don''t stand on ceremony. We are sisters... Today is second sister¡¯s joyous asion and also one for our Gu manor. It¡¯s only right that Ie to block the groom for you."


    "It was to see the prince, right?"


    Gu Wan''s face flushed red. "No¡ª¡±


    Gu Ying stared at her flustered appearance, seemingly amused, but didn¡¯t say more. "Third sister, I can''t live up to being called second sister."


    Gu Wan''s mouth twitched awkwardly as she stood in ce at a loss.


    But Gu Ying no longer paid attention to her. Seeing Gu Shuang walk over with her phoenix crown, she sat up straight.


    Gu Shuang was steady. She knew today was the most important day for Gu Ying. Although Yanzhi and Yin Lan were not by her side for the moment, Gu Shuang was still very careful about fitting the exquisite and luxurious phoenix crown on Gu Ying''s head.


    Gu Shuang sincerely said, "Second sister looks truly beautiful today."


    Gu Ying smiled and held Gu Shuang''s cold little hand. "Fourth sister, is it snowing heavily outside?"

 Chapter 152: A Wedding Party Goes Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 152</h4>


    Gu Shuang''s mouth curled up slightly as she teased, "Big, very big."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed slightly. "Then let the Prince in earlier, don''t let him stand outside in the cold."


    "Alright, alright. Don''t worry, sister, we will never mistreat your brother-inw." Gu Shuang covered her head with arge red veil and immediately smiled, pulling the stiff Gu Wan to the door.


    She said she was going to stop the new official, but how could she really stop him?


    What¡¯s more, the one outside was currently His Majesty¡¯s favorite, a new noble with high status and power in the court.


    Gu Shuangughed and extended her fair palm to Zhao Changdu, "Brother-inw, if you want to see my sister, you have to show your sincerity."


    Being called brother-inw made Zhao Changdu feel happy. Hezily gave Huai An a look.


    Huai An immediately presented therge red package he was holding, "Good girls, let our Prince in quickly, and don''t let the bride wait anxiously."


    Gu Shuang blushed. "My sister is not anxious at all."


    Huai An said, "Alright, alright. It''s our lord who is anxious. Our lord is anxious to marry the youngdy and take her home, right?"


    Gu Shuangughed. "That''s right!"


    Laughter sounded around them. The few eunuchs who followed the Prince took the opportunity to tease their master.


    "Then, pleasee in, Your Highness." Taking advantage of the steps, Gu Shuang cleverly smiled and moved her body to the side, catching a glimpse of Fu Xunzhi among the crowd of gentlemen behind her.


    The sound of joy arose. Zhao Changdu lifted his robe and strode into the room. At first nce, he saw the little girl sitting in front of the bronze mirror. She was sitting there quietly, as if she had been waiting for him for many years.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows were heavy, and there was an indescribable feeling in his heart, as if after crossing the long river of time, he finally found this person.


    An imperceptible smile appeared on his face as he walked over and swept her horizontally into his arms.


    Gu Ying''s body floated up. Her small hands nervously hooked around his neck. "Prince, I''m very heavy now..."


    The man chuckled softly. "How is this heavy? You''re not heavy at all, it''s very easy for me to carry you."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks grew hot. Her whole body, wedding dress and phoenix crown together, weighed at least ten catties.


    She didn''t expect him to carry her effortlessly.


    Her heart suddenly beat faster for no reason. Although she had already been through a great deal, at this moment, her heart was still thumping loudly.


    Zhao Changdu carried her out. As they walked through many corridors, she couldn''t see anything with therge red wedding veil over her head, only hearing the noisy hubbub around her.


    She leaned against his broad and mighty chest, the chaos outside, but she could clearly hear his powerful heartbeat, thump after thump, as if it was beating on the tip of her heart.


    Gu Ying didn''t know what happened next. She only remembered that he carried her into therge red bridal sedan, and whispered in her ear, "Be good and wait for me."


    After dropping the sedan curtain, he leaped onto his spirited horse.


    Having been coaxed like a child for the first time, Gu Ying was still in a daze in the bridal sedan when Yanzhi and Yin Lan returned at some point and stood on both sides of her sedan.


    "Miss, it''s done."


    "Jiang Yin was thrown into Gu Wan''s yard by Yin Zhu. I''m afraid Gu Wan hasn''t found out yet. The third youngdy is really something. I didn''t realize she had such a vicious mind before. If it weren''t for the youngdy''s foresight, I''m afraid she would have killed you in front of so many people today!"


    "That''s right." Yin Lan also said, "You can never truly know someone. I wonder if her calm and uncontending mother has any other tricks up her sleeve."


    Yanzhi nodded. "So we have to be more careful. Stay close to the youngdy when we get to the Duke''s Residence."


    Hearing no sound from the sedan, Yin Lan asked doubtfully, "Miss?"


    "Mmm..." It took Gu Ying a long time to react. She was holding an exquisitely carved small hand warmer that the Prince had given her just now, and her palms were filled with warmth.


    She didn''t really hear what Yin Lan and Yanzhi were saying.


    Her mind waspletely focused on the Prince''s care for her.


    Thinking of her miserable past life, sheughed wryly for a moment.


    Men don''t really have no time or are too busy with work. They just don''t care about you, don''t pay attention to you, and don''t love you.


    "Miss, it''s really lively outside. The Prince is very good to you." Yanzhi sighed as she walked, she had never seen such a spectacr wedding in a prominent family before.


    The weing procession was long and lively. The dowry was abundant, the scene magnificent, and the momentum great. The bridesmaids distributed cakes, pastries and red envelopes to themon people along the way, turning the long street into a lively and joyous one.


    The bridal sedan swayed all the way, circling the city from the street where the Marquis Residence was located to Changning Street, and finally stopped at the gate of the Duke''s Residence. The Duke''s Residence was filled with guests, most of the senior officials in the court came today to congratte the Duke. Gifts flowed like water into the Duke''s Residence. Whether they were high officials, princes or prominent families, who wasn''t looking forward to this grand wedding?


    The maids and servants craned their necks and squeezed at the gate to see the bride.


    "The bride exits the sedan!" The bridesmaid shouted, and firecrackers exploded in response.


    Gu Ying was still in a daze when a long arrow decorated with flowers shot at her sedan door, followed by someone lifting the sedan curtain. A tall, sturdy figure bent down and picked her up again.


    "Prince..." She trembled and nervously grasped his shoulder.


    "Don''t be afraid."


    "I''m not afraid."


    Just nervous. Marrying into a prominent n, with so many people and countless eyes watching her. Going from the Marquis Residence to another tiger''s den, there would still be many days ahead where she had to tread on thin ice.


    "I''m here."


    The man''s clear, low voice came from above her head, unusually gentle and reassuring.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath. Her heart warmed. "Okay."


    No matter what she encountered, she would face it with equanimity.


    After entering the main gate of the residence, Gu Ying was finally set down by the Prince. She was quickly led by the bridesmaid to the bridal hall for worship.


    Without Zhao Changdu by her side, Gu Ying felt uneasy for a moment, but soon calmed down.


    The bridesmaid handed her a section of therge red silk ribbon. The originally lively bridal hall suddenly quieted down for a short while, followed by the sound of rustling and discussions.


    "Huh? The Prince left suddenly just before worshipping heaven and earth. Isn''t that maid who came to summon him look a bit familiar? Wasn''t she with Miss Huo before?"


    Someone else said, "On her wedding day years ago, Miss Huo abandoned the Prince. Could it be that Miss Huo can''t let go of the Prince now, and wants to take him away on his wedding day? This would be big news!"


    "Impossible, right? She''s been married for ten years, old and faded. How could she still be longing for the elegant Prince?"


    "Who said Miss Huo is old and faded? I was fortunate enough to see her from afar at the winter hunt some time ago. Although she''s thinner now and lost some of a maiden''s lushness, she is still as beautiful as before, just as she was. Now there''s a touch of the sickly beauty of a Western woman, even more pitiful and charming." Unabashed, someone raised their voice and sneered, "If you ask me, it''s not that Miss Huo can''t let go of the Prince, but that the Prince still hasn''t let go of Miss Huo."

 Chapter 153: Not a Virgin

    <h4>Chapter 153</h4>


    Princess Yueyan sneered when she heard these words while observing the ceremony at the side, "I knew Prince Brother would never marry this woman. In her splendid phoenix crown and robes, with ten miles of red makeup, she really thought Prince Brother would give her face."


    Huo Qiyan also mocked, "I bet she doesn''t even know where Cousin has gone now. Oh, he was called away by my elder sister it seems."


    The mention of "elder sister" caused amotion in the hall.


    The veil blocked her view, so Gu Ying couldn''t see people''s expressions, but she suddenly heard Xi Niang whisper anxiously to her, "Second Miss, please wait a moment, the Prince has a small matter to deal with before the worship ceremony."


    What matter would need handling before the worship ceremony?


    Could it really be about Huo Qiyun?


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped, and she suddenly had an ominous premonition.


    Perhaps because she was abandoned in her past life, her heart tightened. At this moment, she had already prepared for the worst.


    ...


    Before the worship ceremony, Zhao Changdu was called to the side hall.


    Upon entering, he saw Cheng, Huo Qiyun, and an unfamiliardy. Judging by her attire, she was not from the Duke''s manor, but rather seemed to be from the Dongping Earl Manor.


    "Adu, I called you here because there is an important matter to discuss with you," Cheng said. She pulled Wang over and concisely said, "This is Third Madam Wang from Earl Gu Boyan''s manor of Dongping. She has something to tell you."


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyebrows twitched slightly as he coolly asked, "Oh? What important matter needs to be discussed now?"


    Intimidated by the powerful man, Wang let out an awkwardugh and bravely said, "Prince, this concubine dares to say a word. I''m afraid...afraid our Second Miss from the family is not worthy of the Prince."


    Zhao Changdu found a chair to sit down, deciding to entertain their y, "Oh? Why do you say so?"


    Wang quickly said, "The Prince can call her over now and simply lift her sleeves to take a look and he will know."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was cold, with a hint of gloom between his brows.


    Cheng hurried over and said, "Adu, that Second Miss has always had a bad reputation. She previously got entangled with her elder sister''s husband, and now she is no longer a virgin. She is simply not worthy of entering my Zhao family!"


    So this was their aim.


    Zhao Changdu understood. Looking up at her, although it was from a lower angle, the dominance in those pitch-ck eyes did not diminish, but rather intensified, exerting more pressure. "How do you know she is not a virgin?"


    Cheng said, "Wang saw it."


    Wang also said, "Yes, I personally saw her fooling around with a strange man at Twilight Snow Studio, and the chastity paste on her arm was also gone. If the Prince doesn''t believe me, he can certainly examine it himself."


    Zhao Changdu fell silent for a while, stroking his forehead with hisrge hand.


    Seeing he had no intention to act, Cheng secretly pinched the dazed Huo Qiyun, pushing her forward to add fuel to the fire.


    The pale-faced Huo Qiyun was pushed in front of Zhao Changdu.


    Zhao Changduzily nced at her, "You also think she''s unworthy?"


    Huo Qiyun''s lips moved slightly as she let out a dryugh, "Adu, we are all doing this for your sake... If Gu Second Miss is not physically pure when she enters the Duke''s manor, it would be an insult to you..."


    "Yes, Adu, even Qiyun is saying this. If you don''t listen to me, you should at least listen to her. She is after all your sister-inw, your elder." Cheng chattered, anyway using Huo Qiyun to block shots meant she had nothing to fear.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze grew icy cold as he nced at Huo Qiyun once. Impatiently, he lowered his voice and growled, "Enough!"


    The few women were startled by the man''s low growl.


    Zhao Changdu stood up, looking at Wang, heughed mockingly, "Whether she is a virgin or not, this Prince is clearer than anyone else."


    Wang anxiously said, "Prince, you must not be deceived by her¡ª"


    "What status are you to interfere in this Prince''s affairs?"


    Wang panicked, "This concubine didn''t mean that, I just¡ª"


    "Then I''m afraid I''ll have to disappoint you." Zhao Changdu''s indifferent gaze fell on her face, silencing all of Wang''s words in her throat.


    He raised the corner of his lips and lowered his voice by her ear, "The man with her at Twilight Snow Studio was none other than this Prince."


    Wang''s body shuddered as she stared wide-eyed in disbelief, too shocked to utter a word.


    Zhao Changdu straightened up, smiling especially blithely, "Huai An!"


    Huai An rushed in, "Master!"


    Zhao Changdu coldlymanded, "I don''t want to hear any unsavory remarks about my wife. Seal her mouth."


    "Yes, I know what to do!" Huai An narrowed his eyes, walked over, and covered Wang''s mouth before she could make a sound. She shrank back in terror and pleaded for help from the man.


    "Mmm mmm, Prince¡ªmmm mmm!"


    Zhao Changdu nced back at Cheng and Huo Qiyun, toozy to even spare them half a nce more. His tone was cold and indifferent, "If you dare sully Ying''s reputation again, don''t me me for disregarding our family ties."


    Cheng forcefully swallowed her saliva.


    Huo Qiyun''s face instantly turned deathly pale as she watched the man''s departing figure, only feeling a suffocating pain in her chest.


    She didn''t expect Zhao Changdu to be defending Gu Ying. If what Wang said was true and Gu Ying was no longer chaste, yet he was still willing to marry her, what did it mean...


    He loved her, and would not ept anyone else...


    ...


    When Zhao Changdu returned to the banquet hall, Gu Ying had already lifted her big red bridal veil.


    Qin was blocking Gu Ying, arguing fiercely with someone.


    The two gazed at each other from afar, her clear and limpid eyes filled only with indifference and the most silent void.


    She seemed like a poor abandoned girl, standing stubbornly yet pitifully amongst the crowd. People were discussing something around her, probably nothing nice.


    Ye Qingchi stood by her side, ready to lead her away anytime.


    Yanzhi and Yin Lan did not look too happy, while Xi Niang also appeared very awkward and uneasy.


    Zhao Changdu''s heart ached unusually as he strode over swiftly, grasping her icy cold little hand tightly in his big hand, forcefully squeezing it. "How can such a beautiful bride let others look at her?"


    The man''s cool lips curved up slightly, carrying a trace of warmth.


    Gu Ying frowned puzzledly, gazing at him hazily. Feeling the strength of his big hand, she tried ufortably to struggle free.


    But the man wouldn''t let her, only grasping her small hand more forcefully until it waspletely enveloped.


    Zhao Changdu couldn''t stand her pitiful gaze. Moving closer, he lowered his voice by her ear and gentlyforted, "Just a trivial matter not worth mentioning, sorry to keep you waiting so long."


    Gu Ying lightly asked, "A trivial matter?"


    "I''ll exin in the bridal chamber."


    Bridal chamber...


    Gu Ying''s eyshes lowered. This was just an agreement to get married. What right did she have to make a scene? It was already good that he came back.


    Seeing the awkward expressions of the guests present and the Duke''s stern look from the main seats, Xi Niang cautiously asked, "Prince, the auspicious time is almost here, shall we worship?"


    Zhao Changdu stroked Gu Ying''s tender little hand and softly replied, "Mm."

 Chapter 154: Rites of Passage

    <h4>Chapter 154</h4>


    Qin Shi coldly snorted and gave a resentful nce at Zhao Changdu. With things reaching this point, she had no choice but topromise and lead her son back to the guest seats.


    The joyful bride regained her happiness, and both Yanzhi and Yin Lan resumed smiling.


    The previously chattering guests fell silent, astonished by Zhao Changdu''s concern for the woman in the hall.


    A low-ranking legitimate daughter of an unfavored Earl''s residence had managed to capture the attention of the highly esteemed heir.


    Some of the onlookers, who hade expecting a spectacle, were now filled with confusion.


    They believed that after being called away by Miss Huo, Zhao Changdu would not return. They never expected him toe back so quickly.


    Gu Ying''s eyes were tinged with a faint blush as she slightly lifted her head and looked at the tall and upright man before her.


    Before she could speak, she saw him take the wedding veil from her hands and ce it back over her headdress.


    The veil cascaded down,pletely blocking her view with its vibrant red color, shielding her from the mocking faces outside.


    All she could feel was the faint scent of musk as he pulled her into his embrace, and the low, hoarse voice saying, "I won''t abandon you, Ah Ying."


    Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat, and from that point on, she felt as if she were in a hazy and surreal state.


    When her ears cleared again, she found herself being escorted into the bridal chamber by a crowd.


    Xi Niang''s voice rang out, loud and jubnt, offering blessings for their evesting happiness and a life spent together until old age.


    Men and women, maids and servants, gathered at the doorway of the new room.


    Xi Niang sang the wedding congrattions, and the maids calmly brought in the prepared wine, fragrant sachets, and other items.


    They drank from the same cup, symbolizing a lifetime of togetherness.


    Xi Niang cut a small section of their newlyweds'' hair, ced it in a sachet embroidered with mandarin ducks, and tucked it under the pillow.


    With the ceremoniesplete, the groom was led out to meet the guests.


    Every aspect of the etiquette was carried out meticulously, with generosity and liveliness.


    The door to the bridal chamber suddenly closed, and Gu Ying finally realized that the seat beneath her was covered in ufortable peanut, longan, and jujube shells. She had been so busy that she hadn''t eaten all day, and her stomach growled with hunger.


    What was worse, the heavy phoenix crown on her head pressed against her neck, causing it to ache and throb.


    During the marriage ceremony, she had truly prepared herself to return to her Earl''s residence. She was well aware that she wasn''t the person Zhao Changdu loved, so if he had chosen Miss Huo Qiyun today, she wouldn''t have med him.


    But now, sitting in this unfamiliar and spacious bridal chamber, she felt an indescribable sense of unreality.


    A chance encounter from a past life, a twist of fate in this life.


    She shifted her stiff body and looked at therge red canopy before her, sighing repeatedly.


    She had no idea that high-ranking families had so many intricate rites and customs in their weddings.


    Despite Xi Niang''s careful reminders along the way, she still felt she had made several mistakes. If Zhao Changdu hadn''t been holding her hand the whole time, she would have been even more embarrassed.


    The wedding night... and then the bridal chamber and candlelit flowers¡ªjust the thought of it overwhelmed her.


    "Miss Gu Ying..."


    Suddenly, a sound of the door pushing open came from nearby.


    Gu Ying''s spirits lifted, and she quickly sat up straight.


    She didn''t uncover her head, remembering what Zhao Changdu had said before leaving. She must wait for him toe back before uncovering it, or it would bring bad luck.


    She didn''t care about such things, but his words... they were harmless to listen to.


    "Miss Er." The maid timidly called out again.


    Gu Ying couldn''t see who was standing in front of her. It wasn''t her maidservant, Yanzhi and Yin Lan were called away to help, and they were not in the Changfeng Pavilion at the moment.


    But the Crown Prince had said that he arranged guards in the pavilion, and no one dared to harm her.


    She felt cautious, but not overly worried. "Who are you?"


    "I am called Lv Zhi, a maid by Madam''s side," the maid''s voice was weak andcking confidence.


    Gu Ying remembered, this was one of Huo Qiyun''s people. "What brings you here now?"


    Lv Zhi replied, "Replying to Miss Er, Madam thought that on Miss Er''s first day of marriage, she might not have time to eat, so she had me prepare some pastries to be sent to Miss Er."


    Gu Ying was slightly surprised. Huo Qiyun had someone send her things?


    "You... leave them here."


    "Yes."


    After speaking, there was a rustling sound, and the maid sensibly retreated.


    Gu Ying gently lifted a corner of the cover and saw the delicate pastries ced on the table. After some thought, she decided not to go and eat them. After all, she had just arrived and didn''t know what kind of person Huo Qiyun really was. It was better to be cautious.


    She picked up a few red dates from the spacious bed and filled her stomach a bit.


    Outside, there were loud drums, firecrackers, and asional bursts ofughter from the guests.


    She sat on therge and luxurious bed, not knowing when the Crown Prince would return, feeling exhausted and drowsy.


    ...


    "Why are you asleep?"


    A low voice of a man reached her ears.


    Gu Ying moved her stiff body, still half-asleep.


    In her dream, she always felt someone choking her neck, and she struggled hard but couldn''t catch her breath.


    Suddenly, the scene changed. It was a scene from her childhood, when she went with her mother to the temple to burn incense.


    Her mother went for an outing with a few close friends.


    She was young at that time, carefree and yful, so she left Yanzhi behind and went to climb the mountain alone to explore.


    The road on the mountain was covered in thick snow, but the scenery was incredibly beautiful.


    Growing up in seclusion, she had never seen such a picturesque snowyndscape before. So she mustered up her courage and climbed up to the snowy forest above.


    Halfway up the mountain, she discovered a hot spring, emitting steaming hot air, and in the misty haze, she saw the figure of a young immortal.


    She worried that the young man had identally fallen into the hot spring, and she quickly called for him toe up.


    But he didn''t make a sound. She was extremely worried, so she jumped into the water to save him.


    Amidst the hazy glow and the mist, she didn''t know how to swim, so she grabbed onto the young man''s shoulder and held him tightly.


    "Don''t be afraid! I''ll save you!"


    "Who asked for your help."


    "Sob, sob, sob. The water is so deep. Am I going to die? Don''t worry, young man. When my mother finds out I''m missing, she wille to save me and save you as well."


    "Little fool!"


    Instead of drowning, the young man leaped out of the water and wrapped his long arms around her waist, lifting her out of the water in one swift motion.


    Amidst countless sshes, she struggled to open her eyes and saw a pair of distinct, jet-ck eyes gazing at her coldly.


    Gu Ying trembled all over, abruptly awakening from her dream.


    The room fell into silence, and before her were a pair of cloud-patterned silk boots.


    She stared nkly at the shoes, feeling as if someone had lifted the veil from her head.


    Her vision quickly cleared.


    She lifted her head, and before her was a stunning face that could overturn the world. With a strong nose bridge and picturesque eyes, his thin lips were exquisitely chiseled like those of a divine being, radiating a warm and gentle color.

 Chapter 155: Interpretation

    <h4>Chapter 155</h4>


    "You..." She was momentarily confused before realizing that he was her husband, Zhao Changdu, the heir of the Duke''s Residence.


    "Do you have any questions about today''s events?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "No."


    Zhao Changdu choked on his words. This girl really doesn''t care about him at all. She may not care, but he had to exin. "Today, a maid suddenly came to find me and said that Cheng has something very important to discuss with me, something that concerns the future of the Duke''s Residence. So I went."


    Pausing for a moment, he continued, "Before going, I didn''t notice that the maid who came was Lv Zhi."


    Gu Ying blinked. "So, it was deliberately nned."


    Zhao Changdu nodded lightly and continued, "After I went to the side hall, I found that Wang from Dongping Earl Manor was also there."


    "What?" Gu Ying furrowed her brows.


    She hadn''t expected this. Just solving Gu Wan was not enough; it turned out that Wang was also causing trouble.


    Zhao Changdu stared at her radiant and clear eyes, and softly said, "This time, she came to target you, intending to use you of not being a virgin in front of me."


    Gu Ying''s eyes froze for a moment, and then she thought of something. She red at him with a hint of me, her face flushed.


    Zhao Changdu looked at her bashful cheeks, his deep and profound eyes filled with meaning as he chuckled lightly. "So, they''ve hit a brick wall. I had someone deal with Wang, so don''t worry, she won''t dare to spread rumors anymore."


    Gu Ying wasn''t worried about that. Even if she came over without being a virgin, he was the one to me. He should be the one to exin.


    But he didn''t make a big deal out of it. He handled it quite beautifully.


    After all, rumors are more powerful than tigers. Outsiders don''t care whether what Wang said is true or false; they only want to hear what they want to hear.


    "Gu Ying." Zhao Changdu suddenly turned serious.


    Gu Ying saw that he seemed to have something important to say and quickly straightened her back, turned to face him, and asked, "Your Highness, please speak."


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved slightly. Hisrge hand reached out and pinched her tender cheek. Looking at her slightly surprised watery eyes, he smiled and said, "No matter what others say, I want to tell you that I don''t love Huo Qiyun. When I was young, she took care of me very much, and back then, I wanted to marry her just to give her a stable life."


    Gu Ying stared at him in a daze. So, this was what he wanted to say...


    "Actually, I don''t care¡ª"


    "Don''t say such things." Zhao Changdu interrupted her, his overbearing gaze fixed on her, his eyes both solemn and deep. "Although I don''t understand what love is, since I married you, I will bepletely devoted to you, respect you, protect you, and fulfill my responsibilities as a husband."


    Gu Ying''s mind buzzed as she heard only one sentence: he doesn''t like Huo Qiyun.


    Her chest rose and fell slightly, and the deep, restrained gaze before her miraculously ovepped with the eyes of the young boy in her dreams.


    Supporting the heavy phoenix crown on her head, she murmured, "Your Highness, is it possible that I saw you when I was very young?"


    Zhao Changdu looked at the young girl beneath the veil, her beauty unmatched. While receiving guests outside, he had been wondering all along how the person under the red wedding veil would look tonight.


    He had imagined countless times how she would look in her bridal attire, but this moment still managed to captivate his heart.


    Tonight, she was breathtakingly beautiful.


    He gazed deeply at her, reached out to help her up, and gently removed the phoenix crown from her head. With a slightly intoxicated voice, he murmured, "Hmm? Why suddenly ask this?"


    After the removal of the phoenix crown, Gu Ying felt a sense of relief throughout her entire being, although her waist felt weak, causing her to stumble and fall into the embrace of the man beside her.


    Her cheeks flushed instantly, and her small hand pressed against his chest as she tried to get up.


    However, Zhao Changdu''srge palm moved, gripping her delicate fingers, allowing her to lean against his chest. "What did you just say?" he asked in a low, lingering voice.


    "I..." Gu Ying caught a whiff of alcohol emanating from him, a scent she didn''t particrly like. She wrinkled her slightly reddened nose and shifted ufortably. "I... didn''t say anything."


    "You mentioned seeing me when you were young."


    "No..."


    "Ah Ying, tell me."


    The endearing way he called her Ah Ying made Gu Ying''s heart tremble, her emotionsplicated.


    She had promised herself not to be swayed, but even the way he called her name was charming.


    Gu Ying raised her watery eyes slightly, furrowed her brow, and gazed at the man''s handsome and smooth jawline. "Prince, did you ever visit the hot springs at the back of Qingyun Temple when you were younger?"


    Half-closing his eyes, the man appeared slightly intoxicated. "I did."


    "Do you remember a four or five-year-old little girl?"


    "Hmm?"


    With an intoxicated air, the man''s voice became even more mellifluous and attractive. His handsome face leaned closer until it was almost touching the woman''s skin.


    The mingling of their breaths created an intoxicating atmosphere, and Gu Ying turned her face away, feeling a warmth creeping up her ears. But she also reminded him, "Prince, don''t forget, we are only in a fake marriage. You promised me that we would have a book of divorce after this."


    At this moment, Zhao Changdu was slightly more sober. His deep and clear eyes showed a hint of sobriety mixed with confusion.


    Taking advantage of the situation, Gu Ying escaped from his embrace and sat at the edge of the bed, three feet away from him, her cheeks blushing with delicacy.


    No matter howposed she was, it was still her first time living alone in a room with the prince.


    Zhao Changdu rubbed his forehead, his sculpted face disying a slightly flushed color due to the alcohol.


    He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Hmm, I haven''t forgotten."


    He would keep his promise to her.


    If after spending a few months together, she still wanted to leave, fine. He would personally see her off.


    Gu Ying''s heartstrings rxed slightly, but she couldn''t quite describe herself as happy. The emotions in her heart were like an indescribable tangle of threads, but she couldn''t dwell on them at this moment.


    On their wedding night, there were still many important matters to attend to.


    The brilliant red wedding candles burned silently, and as she looked around, all she saw was dazzling red.


    Gu Ying felt uneasy in her heart and stood up, contemting how to face the night ahead.


    "Would the prince like to bathe first?"


    Zhao Changdu supported his temple with one hand, closed his eyes, and concealed all the emotions in his eyes. "You don''t have to keep calling me "Crown Prince." Just call me by my name."


    Gu Ying wanted to show some respect. After all, he was an influential Imperial Guard Commander and a young general who had won countless battles on the border. Thinking about the future, she couldn''t afford to offend him. So she cautiously asked, "Changdu?"


    Zhao Changdu frowned, his voice growing cold. "That''s too distant. From today on, you are my wife. Just call me Adu."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips. She couldn''t bring herself to utter such an intimate name.


    Seeing the tiredness in the man leaning by the bed, she stopped worrying about the issue of names. She walked to the door and called Yin Lan and Yanzhi toe in and help the Crown Prince with bathing and changing clothes.


    To her surprise, as soon as Yin Lan and Yanzhi entered, Zhao Changdu lifted his eyelids and coldly nced at them. "Let them leave. I''m not used to having people waiting on me so closely."

 Chapter 156: Didn’t Play Well Last Time.

    <h4>Chapter 156</h4>


    Yin Lan was fine, but Yanzhi instantly tensed up, worried that she had done something wrong to displease the Prince, and kept looking to Ying for help.


    Gu Ying hesitated and said, "Prince, do you want someone else toe in and serve you?"


    Zhao Changdu said, "No need, let them all leave."


    Seeing the man''s decidedly unhappy expression, Gu Ying could only give up and waved them to leave first.


    It wasn''t strange that the Prince was unused to the people around her after living in pamperedfort at the Duke''s Residence. The standards of the maids in a noble household like the Duke''s were naturally different from those in her marital family.


    The door to the new chamber closed again. Gu Ying dragged her thick and cumbersome bridal dress and sighed again before walking back to the bedside, "So when does the Prince want to bathe and change clothes?"


    Tonight was their wedding night in the bridal chamber, and countless eyes were staring at Changfeng Pavilion.


    Even if it was just for show, they had to go through the full routine.


    Zhao Changdu also understood this and struggled to stand up, swaying.


    With no one else in the room, Gu Ying tactfully went over to support him.


    Zhao Changdu nced down at the youngdy, unwilling to put his full weight on her. He gave an almost imperceptible chuckle and deliberately rested his head on her shoulder, dragging out his words in a low, sexy voice, "I want you to help me change."


    Gu Ying red at him, her face instantly turningpletely red.


    This man...was too bad!


    But he was drunk like this and refused to let anyone else serve him. If she didn''t do it, who would?


    There was no other way. She had to support him into the bathing room.


    The huge bathing room already had hot water prepared for the master''s bath. As soon as Gu Ying entered, she saw arge steaming pool, surrounded by delicate silk curtains that decorated the entire bathing room like a fantasy.


    The Duke''s Residence was truly extravagant, able to enjoy a hot spring pool at home when ordinary households would be very fortunate to have a wooden tub.


    At least the man wasn''tpletely unreasonable. He held her hand and had her untie his robe sash...


    Her ears turned red and her fingers stiff and scalding hot. She didn''t even get a good look at his abs before hearing him chuckle and turn around to get into the bathing pool himself.


    Gu Ying''s mouth twisted and her face was already flushed red. Through the misty steam she could see the man''s tall, straight back, broad shoulders and narrow waist, long legs - his figure was perfectly beautiful, almost excessively so.


    She was extremely vexed and embarrassed. She quickly turned her back and stood outside the curtains, only hearing the sound of sshing water, which made her ears even more irritated the more she heard it.


    Was he doing this on purpose?


    He must be doing it on purpose!


    She bit her lip, standing awkwardly and waiting for a while.


    Sure enough, she soon heard him telling her to get his clothes.


    "The clothes are on thecquer tray in the outer room, go take a look."


    "Oh, okay...okay."


    Gu Ying clenched her fist, resigned to finding his long robe and under robe in silk brocade in the outer changing room. The slippery silk slid through her hands.


    She took a deep breath, trying to throw those useless thoughts out of her mind, and closed her eyes to feel around. She touched something - it seemed to be a solid wall of flesh, and feeling it closely, it had distinct bulges and contours, extremely firm and hard.


    "What is my wife touching?" A low, hoarse voice came from above her head, making Gu Ying''s fingers go numb. She hurriedly retracted her hand in fright.


    "Prince, I''ve brought...the clothes."


    "Didn''t I say to call me Adu?"


    Gu Ying hadpletely resigned herself by now. She was no match for this man.


    Since he wouldn''t leave without hearing her say it, she had no choice but to bite her lip and tentatively call him, "A...Adu."


    Zhao Changdu smiled at her for a while but didn''t make things difficult for her further. He slowly and methodically put on his clothes, gently saying, "I''m dressed now, you go bathe."


    "Okay!" Gu Ying desperately wished he would hurry up and leave.


    "Do you need my help?"


    "No no no need!"


    "Then I''ll go out?"


    "Hurry, Prince¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu frowned. "Hm?"


    Gu Ying hadpletely surrendered by now. She was no match for this man. "Adu, please, go out first!"


    The man strode out with his long legs.


    Only when she heard the door close did Gu Ying dare to open her eyes. She didn''t know if it was the heavy steam in the bathing room, or if she really was too hot, but she felt like her face and body were unbearably heated.


    She hurriedly took off her clothes and stepped into the other pool full of flower petals. With a soft cry, she buried her whole body in the water in embarrassment.


    ...


    Zhao Changdu sat outside with a calm expression for a while. He still had the smell of alcohol on him, and could sense the youngdy didn''t like him drinking.


    After bathing, the smell of alcohol had dispersed, and his drunkenness was almostpletely gone.


    Changfeng Pavilion was exceptionally lively tonight.


    After Gu Ying came in, this room also came alive.


    In his heart there was an added sense of stability and peace. He thought that after she came out, he would hand over all the wealth he had umted over the years for her to manage.


    There were manyrge and small boxes in the bridal chamber tonight.


    Seeing an exquisite medium-sized box ced on top of the other boxes, he assumed it was something Huai An had deliberately brought over, so he went to open it.


    When he saw the two books inside the box, Zhao Changdu''s eyes shed darkly, and he reflexively nced toward the bathing room.


    ...


    Gu Ying washed up, changed clothes, and deliberately dried her hair in the room, dragging her feet for nearly half a shichen before willing toe out.


    As a result, the room''smps were still lit and the Prince hadn''t gone to bed either.


    That grand red wedding robe hung on the purple sandalwood clothes stand, and the man sat under the bed in a loose robe reading a book.


    Outside the carvedttice window, snow fell with a sound, deste and dreary.


    The man''s sculpted side profile was illuminated by flickering light and shadow that etched several mottled shadows on his extraordinarily handsome face, making his strikingly peerless looks even more remarkable.


    Gu Ying awkwardly rubbed her hair. She was only wearing a thin white under robe.


    "Prince, why haven''t you gone to bed yet?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t even lift his head, engrossed in reading. "Can''t sleep, reading to pass the time."


    Gu Ying grumbled. What groom reads books on his wedding night?


    But it was normal not to be able to sleep in such an awkward situation.


    She gave an awkwardugh and walked over, just about to chat with the Prince when her eyes happened to see that book in his hands, Spring Chamber Secret Illustrations, and her eyes instantly widened in shock.


    "Prince, you¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu raised his head, his mouth hooked in a teasing smile. "What? I can''t look at books my wife brought?"


    "No...you can''t read this book." Gu Ying''s little face turned bright red and she rushed over to try and snatch the book from him, but her meager strength waspletely insignificant to the man.


    Zhao Changdu only had to move casually to make Gu Ying lose her bnce and fall into his embrace.


    Through the thin nightclothes, their heated bodies transmitted warmth to each other.


    Under the dimmplight, the man''s breathing was heavy, his eyes shing dark and light as his big hand covered her waist, nearly burning her to ashes.


    "I carefully studied it for a while and felt..." His voice was low and hoarse, st time, I didn''t perform well."

 Chapter 157: Bright Red Quilt, Fragrant tent with Hibiscus

    <h4>Chapter 157</h4>


    Gu Ying swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Watching the man approach her, she caught a whiff of his unique scent of sunken incense, which made her heart itch.


    "Ah Ying." He suddenly buried his head in the crook of her neck, his voice hoarse, "Can you give me another chance?"


    Somehow, Gu Ying suddenly felt weak all over.


    "Your Highness..."


    Before she knew it, she was already in his arms, and then on the thick big bed.


    The big red soft quilt, hibiscus scented canopy.


    The man pressed down on her without hesitation.


    Zhao Changdu was not usually an unbridled person, but after all this was their wedding night...


    The long night passed as the red candle burned out.


    ...


    Finally, Gu Ying gazed at the canopy above with misty eyes, exhausted and fainted.


    Zhao Changdu, drenched in sweat, carried the girl who had fallen asleep to bathe.


    After washing, he gently carried her back to bed and kissed her lips tenderly, "Sleep."


    The little girl put her hand around his waist and mumbled pitifully, "No more..."


    Zhao Changdu endured and suppressed his desire, nibbling her ear and coaxing her gently, "Alright, no more."


    ...


    This was the most fulfilling andfortable sleep Gu Ying has had since her rebirth.


    If not for the man coaxing her dizzy with sweet wordster, she might have slept even better.


    Early next morning, she awoke, eyes clouded, her entire body aching as if run over by a carriage.


    She bit her lip and let out a gentle hiss from the pain.


    She recalled the dream she hadter in the night.


    In the misty hot spring behind Qingyun Temple, the young boy who saved her andid her on the grass, then leaned down to give her mouth-to-mouth.


    Thinking he bit her, she woke and kicked him away furiously.


    Swallowing his anger, his childish cheeks still plump with baby fat turned icy as the snow atop mountains.


    Later she realized he was saving her.


    ...


    Gu Ying''s face flushed red with guilt at the memory, not daring to think further.


    She had always thought it was rebirth that gave them a second chance to meet, but it turns out they were notpletely strangers before.


    She had even met him before meeting Jiang Yin.


    Gu Ying''s heart ached, thinking of these old tales from the past, her heart knotted like thousands of knots.


    She had always thought Jiang Yin was the pitiful yet cold and stubborn little boy she met in her youth, which was why she fell for him at first sight. But now it seems she had loved the wrong person before...


    She felt like crying andughing at the same time.


    Complex emotions coiled around her heart like vines, suffocating her.


    She shifted slightly, feeling herself nestled in a sturdy embrace, the man lying on his side behind her, his chest against her back.


    With a gentle movement, the man behind her stirred.


    "Awake?"


    The man leaned in...


    His voice husky and alluring.


    Gu Ying realized it was toote to pretend to sleep. Her voice a little hoarse, she replied, "Yes, Your Highness¡ª"


    The man reached out and pulled her to face him, insisting gently, "Call me Ah Du."


    Though it was still snowing outside, it was as warm as summer under the brocade quilt.


    Gu Ying stiffly pulled her lips into a smile. She could clearly see the man''s wless sleeping face, and the sexy Adam''s apple on his slender neck, and further down...his muscr chest.


    The tant masculinity frightened her into darting her eyes around.


    "Ah Du, we should get up...today is our first day as newlyweds, we should go pay our respects early¡ª"


    The rest of her words were blocked by the man''s mouth.


    Turning over, he murmured indistinctly, "To hell with them, I married you just to make them ufortable."


    "But¡ª"


    "No buts."


    His thin lips pressed down...


    Gu Ying closed her eyes and endured his increasingly skilled kiss...


    Just then, an untimely knock sounded outside the door.


    Gu Ying''s eyes shot open, her pretty face flushed like spring, eyshes moist with misty vapors. She gently pushed him, "Ah Du, get up...don''t let othersugh at us."


    Zhao Changdu''s pleasure was disturbed and he frowned slightly in displeasure.


    The sudden interruption irritated him.


    He suppressed his annoyance and nibbled her cheek, coaxing like a spoiled child, "Ah Ying, stay with me a while longer."


    Gu Ying felt her face was nearly scalding hot, eyes brimming with moisture. "Ah Du..."


    Just one ''Ah Du'' made him lose control.


    Gu Ying''s body stiffened.


    He pinched Gu Ying''s little face. "Ah Ying, rx a little."


    But she was already very rxed.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    After knocking outside for a while without response, the servants understood and stopped.


    "Why is Ah Ying not speaking?"


    "Don''t know what to say... Oh..."


    "Tell me your thoughts on bing a new bride."


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly, what thoughts could she have, just one¡ªpain.


    She bit her lip, refusing to answer.


    Zhao Changdu stared at her flushed eyes, determined to get a response from her.


    Gu Ying red at him indignantly. She had still feared him a little beforest night, but now she even dared to ride on his head and act atrociously. Throwing caution to the wind, sheined resentfully, "You just like bullying me, don''t you!"


    Zhao Changdu teased her on purpose and she cried out.


    Outside, the waiting maids and matrons heard her cry and asked, "My Lady, are you awake?"


    Gu Ying collected herself before replying after a while, "Awake, wait a little longer... His Highness will wake soon too. You cane serve us then."


    The man who was pushed under the bus was not angry, just chuckled softly.


    He wasfortable while she...her face burned and her waist still ached.


    ...


    Later, the sound of wind and snow outside gradually died down.


    ...


    It was still dark with heavy winds outside, but the Cheng house had already sent people over to serve¡ªunder the guise of service just to probe for news.


    The maids and matrons crowded outside the bridal chamber, asionallyining resentfully, not daring toin about His Highness directly but poking at the backbone of the new wife with every word.


    Amidst the wind and snow, Yanzhi was extremely irritated, standing until her legs went numb. She couldn''t help asking Yin Lan softly,


    "Sister Yin Lan, why is our young miss still not awake? Usually she would have her hair done by now."


    Yin Lan had heard the embarrassing sounds from the room. Suppressing augh, she said, "Can''t rush them this time, let''s wait a little longer."


    "But..." Yanzhi didn''t understand, only feeling oppressed by the manner of the matrons sent by the Duke''s estate behind her. "They''re all watching our young miss. If she wakeste on her first day of marriage, who knows what they''ll say. If rumors spread, they may say our young miss doesn''t know etiquette."


    Yin Lan was also worried, but since His Highness was not awake yet, it was fine for the young miss to not be awake either.


    With His Highness present, the young miss should be alright.


    Everyone waited quietly outside for a full hour before sounds of movement finally came from inside.


    Soon after, Zhao Changdu''s low voice came from inside, "Come serve."


    Hearing this, Yin Lan quickly pushed the door open.


    The room in the Changfeng Pavilion was more than twice asrge as the main house of Musui Studio. Just past the door was arge screen, and turning past an extravagant, luxurious emerald gauze wardrobe, one could immediately see arge marble rosewood long table, upon which sat a cdon vase with freshly cut dewy plum blossoms.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi didn''t dare examine closely, lowering their heads as they entered the inner bedroom.


    The room was filled with a faint scent.


    Gu Ying was still nestled in the quilts while the prince sat at the bedside, a big hand on the person''s back under the quilt, doting andughing, "Ah Ying, time to get up."

 Chapter 158: A Toast to Tea

    <h4>Chapter 158</h4>


    Gu Ying gave a soft hmm, really too shy to face anyone. In a muffled voice, she said, ¡°Prince, you get up first, I¡¯ll get up after.¡±


    With so many people present, Zhao Changdu didn¡¯t make things difficult for her either, and got up to go to the washroom.


    Other than Gu Ying, he wasn¡¯t used to being waited on by anyone else. No other woman dared to go near him.


    But Yin Lan and Yanzhi hade to wait on Gu Ying to get out of bed.


    As soon as the Prince left, Yin Lan and Yanzhi heaved a sigh of relief, and busied themselves around the bed.


    Gu Ying finally poked her head out from under the quilt. Her little face was like a soaked mountain peach blossom, still with two streaks of tears below her eyes. Even so, there was not a trace of fatigue on her face. On the contrary, she seemed to have been nourished by sweet dew, like a pampered flower.


    The corners of Yin Lan''s mouth quirked up as she smiled and said, "Mydy, it''s time to get up, or else people willugh at you."


    Gu Ying made a shy hmm sound, and weakly sat up.


    In the eyes of others, she was the epitome ofzy charm.


    Yin Lan''s eyes were sharp. At a nce, she saw the ambiguous marks on Gu Ying¡¯s body. She quickly took some clothes to dress her in.


    The Prince is really too unrestrained...


    Gu Ying understood the meaning in her eyes. Blushes spread over her cheeks. Although her mind was still indulging in the afterglow Zhao Changdu had given her, she hadn''t forgotten that today she was going to Cheng and the others to serve tea and pay her respects.


    After getting dressed, she sat down in front of the bronze mirror to do her makeup.


    A few unfamiliar old women had bowed to her, and hurried in saying they were going to tidy up the bed. They casually took away the bloodstained handkerchief that was spread on the bed.


    Gu Ying nced at them, but didn''t interfere much. This handkerchief was prepared by the Prince. The blood on it... was also from when he cut his finger.


    Her face reddened again. After getting ready, the Prince was also prepared.


    Today he wore a light purple robe, with a grey fur cor around his neck, setting off his extraordinarily handsome face, making him look even colder.


    The jade belt around his robe made the man look tall and straight.


    Previously, her understanding of his outstanding appearance had only been superficial. But now, it could be said that she knew this man''s body inside and out.


    And the smoky purple cropped jacket she wore seemed to be a natural match with him.


    "Let''s go. It''s gettingte, I''ll take you over to serve them tea."


    Zhao Changdu reached out his big hand, looking satisfied, his gaze falling on her face like a hunter eyeing his prey, as if he couldn''t look enough.


    Gu Ying unhappily ced her little hand in his palm. There were red clouds on her cheeks. "It''s thiste already. Isn''t the Prince worried they''ll be angry?"


    Zhao Changdu held her hand as they walked out. He personally took the green bamboo umbre from Yin Lan''s hands and held it over Gu Ying''s head. His lips curled into a cold smile. "Mydy, just follow my lead. I''ll dote on you."


    Gu Ying was already prepared to move heaven and earth. No matter what Zhao Changdu''s feelings were for her, she had promised him she would do it.


    Thus, when she arrived at the Chun Shan courtyard and saw the unhappy expressions of the few people inside, Gu Ying immediately put on a bright smile. Pulling Zhao Changdu''s hand, she deliberately made a smug expression. "Oh dear, husband, father and mother must have waited anxiously. It''s all my fault. I''m to me for being afraid of the cold this morning and refusing to get out of bed unless my husband coaxed me."


    Sitting in the main seat, Zhao Hui and Cheng''s faces were ck as the bottom of a pot.


    While Zhao Changxing and Huo Qiyun sat to one side, the two other unfamiliar faces must be the Prince''s aunts.


    "This new daughter-inw is truly ignorant."


    "She''s only just married and already like this. Who knows what jokes she''ll cause in the future. How unfortunate for the Zhao family to have taken in such a woman."


    The two aunts'' whispered discussion entered her ears.


    Cheng didn''t stop them either, deliberately letting them talk. After they were done, she smiled hypocritically. "It has always been that new daughters-inw rise at dawn to pay their respects and serve their husband''s parents. Which of them was ever like Miss Gu, on the morning after her wedding, only rising at noon to serve tea to her husband''s elders?"


    Gu Ying smiled and said with a red face, "I''m really sorry, mother. Ying was truly too tiredst night."


    That ¡®tired¡¯ was said meaningfully. Most of the women sitting there could imagine, silently cursing her shamelessness.


    But someone was even more shameless than her.


    Zhao Changdu walked up and put his arm around the girl''s slender waist, doting eyes falling on her face. "No need to say anything more to them. Last night I tired Ying out. If Ying is truly too tired, we can skip the tea ceremony."


    "Wretched child! What nonsense are you saying?!" Zhao Hui was furious beyond control. He had been enduring without losing his temper, but if he didn''t express anything, it meant he epted Gu Ying.


    Zhao Changdu nced coldly at him, not putting him in his eyes at all.


    Cheng was the best at ying nice. She immediately calmed Zhao Hui down to prevent him from tearing their faces in anger and embarrassment.


    Gu Ying naturally also had to keep up appearances, persuading him, "Husband, what are you saying? As the new daughter-inw, I still have to serve the tea ceremony."


    Cheng knew this daughter-inw came from an unsavory background. She gave an awkwardugh. "Ying is still tactful. With Ying to serve Changdu in the future, I as his mother can rest assured."


    Gu Ying smiled obsequiously.


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was tranquil and cold. "Ying wants to get to know them. Let me introduce you."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Yin Lan brought over the prepared tea.


    Gu Ying served the tea to each person. Zhao Hui was unhappy, but still drank a mouthful to keep up appearances.


    When she reached Cheng, a scalding cup of hot tea was clumsily spilt by Gu Ying.


    "Oh husband!"


    Cheng shrieked, nearly jumping up from her chair. "Ah! Burnt me to death! How could you¡ª "


    Gu Ying immediately threw herself into Zhao Changdu''s arms, a frightened expression on her face, but it didn''tst long.


    "Husband, I didn''t do it on purpose. The teacup was too hot just now. I didn''t hold it steady. Mother, you won''t me me for this right... "


    "She is the gentle and virtuous wife of the Duke of the State. How could she me you?" Zhao Changdu held the soft waist of the girl in his arms, doting on her. "Isn''t that right, Mother?"


    Being called ''Mother'' made Cheng''s face turn green and white. Her hand was blistered in several ces, yet she still had to pretend to be magnanimous in front of everyone. "It''s fine, it''s fine... Ying has just arrived. She must have been nervous."


    Her mouth said it was fine, but her heart was angrily gnashing teeth, secretly swearing to make Gu Ying pay in the future.


    Gu Ying was rather impressed by Cheng''s endurance. Before marrying in, she had thought Cheng was just an insignificant character like Mrs. Liu. Now she could see Cheng was much smarter than Liu. At least in front of the Duke she was very good at ying innocent and pitiful.


    After being scalded with hot tea, she didn''t make a fuss or me her or her maid.


    At her age, she could still pitifully show her blistered hand to the Duke.


    The concern on the Duke''s face wasn''t fake. He immediately ordered someone to fetch medicine for burns.


    This move instead won her some sympathy. Counting it out, it was Gu Ying who had miscalcted.

 Chapter 159: The Marriage is Complete

    <h4>Chapter 159</h4>


    After this matter was uncovered, Gu Ying didn''t have another outburst.


    She turned and passed the teacup to Zhao Changxing and Huo Qiyun.


    "Big brother, big sister-inw, please have some tea."


    Zhao Changxing looked at Gu Ying with a somewhat inscrutable interest in his eyes. He slowly drank the tea andughed, "My younger sister is beautiful. Looking at her, she seems a bit familiar."


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly as she alsoughed politely, "Ah Ying feels she is of the willowy figure that men appreciate. It ismon that big brother finds her familiar."


    Zhao Changxing smiled without speaking further, only ncing lightly at Huo Qiyun by his side.


    On the contrary, Huo Qiyun had an absent-minded expression on her face. She almost failed to catch the teacup that was passed to her.


    This was not Gu Ying''s first time seeing Miss Huo, but this was the first time formally meeting her face-to-face.


    She noticed Huo Qiyun''s distraction. Her small hand held Huo Qiyun''s fingers to steady the teacup and smiled, "Big sister-inw, please have some."


    Only then did Huo Qiyun recover from her sorrowful emotions to look at the tall figure standing behind Gu Ying. Her gaze then fell on Gu Ying''s face, as charming as a spring flower. Her heart was filled withplex and heart-wrenching feelings.


    "Tha...thank you, little sister."


    She had no appetite. She took a small sip and put it down.


    She hadn''t slept sincest night.


    When the maid Green Branch came back after delivering pastries, she wanted to personally go see the new bride.


    But she turned back halfway. She admitted she was jealous of Gu Ying, jealous of the grand wedding the Crown Prince held for her, and also jealous of the Crown Prince''s affection and protection towards her.


    Later, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep the entire night. Scenes of their wedding night floated through her mind... This morning, she had been sitting here waiting for the newlywed couple toe pay respects for a few hours.


    Since childhood, the Crown Prince had been cold-hearted due to his family rtions. He was emotionally detached except for being close to her. As a youth, he didn''t let any other woman get near him.


    She keenly noticed the ambiguous marks on Gu Ying''s neck.


    She couldn''t imagine what the usually cold and heartless Crown Prince looked like when he lost control.


    She sat there with her gaze fixed on Gu Ying. The more she thought about it, the more upset she felt, with stabs of pain in her heart.


    Fortunately, she understood the Crown Prince''s personality. It was possible Gu Ying deliberately made those marks herself.


    Although Gu Ying was now his wife, he probably wouldn''t touch her either.


    With this thought, her heart calmed down a bit.


    After greeting several other aunts, Gu Ying hadpleted the ritual of paying respects with tea.


    In fact, there weren''t many people in the Duke''s Residence. The old Duke only had three sons with his official wife. Aside from the current Duke, his oldest son, the other two sons had died guarding the borders.


    The two remaining aunts both had daughters.


    The married ones married, and the remaining little cousin Zhao Changling was only ten this year. At this moment, she also sat obediently in the chair, her big ck eyes looking at Gu Ying andughing.


    The atmosphere in the entire Duke''s Residence was not good. It seemed even more aloof than the Marquis Manor. On the surface it was tranquil, but underneath were undercurrents.


    Gu Ying was already used to such families. Without feelings or expectations, there was no disappointment either.


    Zhao Changdu couldn''t bear to see her tired. As soon as she finished paying respects, he threw aside the teapot in her hand and grasped her little hand. "Since you''ve finished paying respects, you must be tired too. Go back and have breakfast."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed as she red at him, hinting for him to restrain himself in public.


    She didn''t expect the Crown Prince''s cold and indifferent exterior hid such a sharp tongue. No wonder she always heard her aunt say that her family''s Crown Prince was no ordinary man.


    "Ah Ying, let''s go."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t care about any of that. Last night he had tasted the sweetness and teased the young girl for so long. Her body looked soft and delicate. She must still be unwell and needed to rest properly.


    He had wanted her to anger Cheng, but now he couldn''t bear to part with her.


    Gu Ying was forcibly pulled out by the overbearing man.


    If this really spread, wouldn''t others scold her for bewitching her husband?


    But listening to the Crown Prince so brazenly provoking his elders felt oddly satisfying!


    ...


    After the newlyweds left, the atmosphere in the Spring Mountain Courtyard turned frigid.


    Zhao Hui was so angry he couldn''t even eat. He directly stormed off to the study. The two aunts had seen the new daughter-inw and casually consoled Cheng before leaving as well.


    Remaining were Cheng and the couple Zhao Changxing and his wife.


    "How strange." Cheng coldly knitted her brows, her tone unpleasant. "You,e apply medicine for me!"


    Huo Qiyun had no choice but to walk over and take the burn ointment from Granny Sun at Cheng''s side to carefully apply it on her.


    Cheng always refused to use servants, preferring to order Huo Qiyun around as if stepping on the Huo family''s daughter made her status as the Duke''s wife seem more impressive.


    Huo Qiyun had endured this for ten years. Now with Gu Ying marrying in, she felt much morefortable in her heart. At least in the future there would be Gu Ying to suffer with her.


    Granny Sun said, "Madam, could it be the Crown Prince truly came to like this Gu girl? If the Crown Prince really fell in love, that would be troublesome."


    Everyone knew of the Crown Prince''s fiercely protective temper. If he was provoked, the future consequences would be hard to predict.


    Cheng coldly snorted. Her eyes were full of vicious cruelty. "He married this woman just to deliberately make me unhappy. Watch me start tormenting and tormenting his beloved pet from tomorrow! Rest assured, I know restraint. I won''t torture Gu Ying to death, just letting her know the rules of the Duke''s Residence!"


    Zhao Changxing''s gaze sunk as he stared at the meekly lowered head of Huo Qiyun. He suddenly spoke up, "Mother, did they consummatest night?"


    Cheng impatiently said, "They consummated. The handkerchief was delivered over this morning with blood on it. I personally examined it. That Wang still dared to lie to me that Gu Ying wasn''t pure!"


    Hearing this, Huo Qiyun''s body stiffened. Her heart ached and she lost control of the force applying the medicine.


    Cheng frowned and pped her face. "Vile woman, are you trying to hurt me to death?"


    Huo Qiyun''s body trembled as her eyes instantly reddened.


    Seeing her pitiful teary appearance, Cheng grew angrier. "You were supposed to have saved his life. He didn''t want you anymore! Trashy wench,pletely useless! Still not pregnant after so long. What use do I have for you!"

 Chapter 160: It’s Really Warm in His Arms.

    <h4>Chapter 160</h4>


    Huo Qiyun felt a buzzing in her head. She didn''t hear a word of Cheng''s scolding. All she could hear echoing in her mind were the words "consummated the marriage". She wanted tough at her own naivety, but her heart felt like it had been shed open by a sharp de, with cold winds ruthlessly stabbing into the wound, making even breathing painful.


    Sun Mammy added, "People keeping watch outsidest night said the Crown Prince and that cheap woman surnamed Gu went at it for a long time. They asked for hot water twice before finally stopping. There was a lot of noiseing from Changfeng Pavilion."


    Hearing this made Cheng even angrier, eager to find an outlet for her anger.


    She kicked Huo Qiyun viciously twice in the heart. Blood seeped from the corner of Huo Qiyun''s mouth.


    Huo Qiyun''s eyes were red, but she didn''t cry. She just bit her lip, her face full of hopeless despair.


    Torturing her proved uninteresting to Cheng. She nced at Zhao Changxing reproachfully andined, "Xing''er, can''t you pay more attention to your wife? Don''t let that woman surnamed Gu get pregnant as soon as she enters the door. If she gives birth to a son, what im will you and this estate still have?"


    Zhao Changxing yawned indifferently and nced coldly at Huo Qiyun. He grabbed her arm and pulled her up.


    "Fine, let''s go make a baby."


    Cheng red scornfully at Huo Qiyun. Ever since Huo Qiyun married into the family, she had disliked her. Eventually she would make Xing divorce her!


    Huo Qiyun''s eyes shed. She began struggling desperately.


    Zhao Changxing held her arm firmly and dragged her back to the bedroom. He pushed her onto the bed and was about to kiss her when he nced up and saw the torrent of tears streaming down her swollen face. Instantly he lost interest and irritably pped her across her reddened cheek.


    "If you still have him in your heart, then fight for him. Don''t pretend to be some chaste martyr in front of me."


    Huo Qiyun trembled and cried fearfully, "I don''t..."


    "You don''t? Then why the hell are you crying? Trying to piss me off?"


    Huo Qiyun didn''t answer. She closed her eyes as the tears flowed out.


    Zhao Changxing knew what she was upset about - Zhao Changdu had slept with another woman and she was lonely and jealous.


    Anger surged within him. He kicked her onto the bed and cursed, "Shameless bitch!"


    Huo Qiyun wept bitterly, wrinkling her brow as she looked at the man standing by the bed, her face full of humiliation.


    After he left...


    She finally uncurled from her rigid posture and curled into a ball.


    Her body ached badly but she was oblivious to the pain. Her eyes were vacant and lifeless, the tears on her face already dry.


    When Lv Zhi came in, Huo Qiyun''s legs were exposed to the icy winds, frozen white.


    "Mydy..." She started crying as soon as she spoke. "Why don''t we go beg the Crown Prince?"


    Some awareness returned to Huo Qiyun''s eyes. She shook her head. She was unworthy.


    But Lv Zhi threw her arms around her and pleaded, "Mydy, the Crown Prince must still care for you in his heart. Marrying Miss Gu was just to test if you still have feelings for him. Now that the Crown Prince has enough power to protect you, why don''t you think of a way to win his heart back?"


    Huo Qiyun stared nkly. She recalled he had once said he could help her leave Zhao Changxing. Could it be...he still cared for her in his heart?


    ...


    After leaving Chunshan Court,


    Gu Ying and Zhao Changdu walked side by side on the stone path. The estate wasrge with beautiful scenery, but none couldpare to the man beside her.


    Zhao Changdu was intent on having her learn theyout of the estate, so he enthusiastically brought her on a tour of the rear courtyards.


    "Doesn''t the Crown Prince want to be more discreet?"


    "What''s there to be discreet about? Just treat them like cold, lifeless stones in this estate."


    Gu Ying didn''t understand. After all, the Duke was his father. How could father and son be on such bad terms?


    Her thoughts turned to her memories of the estate in her previous life. She was now sharing weal and woe with the Crown Prince, so she should think more about his affairs.


    Zhao Changdu rubbed her cheek. "Call me Adu."


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "Adu..."


    Pleasure lit up the handsome man''s face. His long, slender fingers inteced with hers as he held her hand. "Since it''s our wedding, His Majesty has granted me leave. I''ll be resting at home for a few days to apany you well."


    At the mention of "apany", Gu Ying''s face reddened slightly and her palm grew hot.


    She actually hoped he would hurry up and get busy so she could be alone again. She had lived by herself for so many years, and been tormented in that dpidated temple for so long. She still wasn''t used to living with a man, especially one so virile and passionate...


    Gu Ying''s face flushed slightly.


    Outside, the snow was heavy and the road slippery. Her embroidered shoes sank into the thick snow.


    Zhao Changdu only nced once before sweeping her up into his arms. "Be careful not to wet your shoes. The chill will harm your health."


    Gu Ying looped her arms around his neck, raising her eyes to see Yin Lan and Zhu Li smiling behind them. She flushed crimson from embarrassment.


    "I can walk myself..."


    "Now that you have a husband, why walk yourself?" Zhao Changdu saw her red ears and murmured softly, "Ying, does it still hurt?"


    Gu Ying was so angry she gnashed her teeth. "There are people around!"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly. "Does it hurt or not?"


    Unable to endure his pestering, she whispered with a red face, "It hurts..."


    Her voice held real grievance.


    He had said to be gentle, but failed to control himself in the end.


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth quirked up slightly. He kissed her cheekfortingly. "I''ll take good care of you next time."


    ...There was going to be a next time? Was he crazy?


    Gu Ying was utterly mortified. She clutched hispel in her little hand and red at him, wanting to say some nasty words. But facing that perfect, handsome visage, she found herself unable to speak.


    No one had ever treated her this well, not even her father. No one had shown her such limitless tolerance and spoiling.


    Yet this man was the first in both her lifetimes.


    Moreover, he waspletely different from Jiang Yin.


    His love and care for her, his talent in governance - Jiang Yin couldn''tpare one bit.


    It turned out that with the right person, marriage wasn''t so frightening after all.


    Gu Ying didn''t realize she was slowly lowering her defenses around him. Exhausted, she fell asleep in his arms when she no longer needed to walk.


    With the heavy winds, it really was very warm in his embrace.


    ...


    On the second day of their marriage, Gu Ying awoke early in the morning.


    The man''srge hand rested on her waist, his breath warm on her neck. Still not used to it, she opened her eyes and stared nkly, unsure what to do.


    Yesterday after Jin Cha returned, the Crown Prince apanied her for dinner and introduced her to the major and minor affairs of Changfeng Pavilion. He also brought out the savings he had umted over the years for her perusal.


    She had assumed most of the Crown Prince''s assets were tied to the estate.


    She didn''t expect everything he gave her was from his private enterprises - a thick stack of deeds to properties,nd, and shops. Her eyes nearly crossed looking at it all. As busy as he was on the borders all these years, how did he amass so many assets?


    Gu Ying had wanted to decline the Crown Prince''s generosity, but he looked at her solemnly and said, "Now that you''re my wife, these all belong to you."

 Chapter 161: You’re Not Like Her.

    <h4>Chapter 161</h4>


    Gu Ying had never intended to be his wife for long. Her heart still belonged to Jiang Yin.


    Zhao Changdu just smiled and said, "Make the best of your situation. As long as you and Jiang Yin remain unmarried, you should graciously ept this."


    Gu Ying was left speechless.


    In the past, when she had married Jiang Yin, she was treated even worse than Jiang Ling''er. She had to pay a dowry to the Jiang family and was left penniless in the end, dying miserably in a dpidated temple.


    But now that she had married Zhao Changdu, after just one night, she was as rich as a country.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t wait for her to refuse again. He ordered Huai An to store all these things in Gu Ying''s dowry room.


    In his words:


    "We military men could die on the battlefield at any time."


    "Money is just a worldly possession."


    "Just take what I give you."


    Gu Ying gave a helpless smile. Hearing about dying on the battlefield made her heart twitch.


    The Prince also ordered all the servants of Changfeng Pavilion toe pay their respects to her. From now on, she would be thedy of Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying had never been treated so solemnly before. It stirred up inexplicable feelings in her heart.


    Although the Prince said he would give her everything, he didn''t say what he wanted from her in return.


    She knew about reciprocity. If she only received without giving back, their rtionship would be unequal like her past one with Jiang Yin.


    Sost night before falling asleep, she had decided to be a proper good wife before parting with Jiang Yin.


    She always sleptte. Although the Prince was resting, he still had official duties to handle.


    The study was to the left of the bedroom. A man busy with work was attractive. Gu Ying didn''t want to disturb him. She specifically called over the Prince''s personal guard Huai An to ask about the Prince''s preferences.


    But Huai An justughed and said the Prince was very easy to serve. Gu Ying could just do whatever.


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. She remembered what Huai An said, that the Prince had been stationed on the border for years with his brothers, eating poorly, sleeping poorly, dressing poorly. So he didn''t care about food, clothing, or anything else. As long as his stomach was full, it was fine. He also had a meticulous personality, overseeing everything personally.


    When they had first arrived at the border, he had worked hard with his brothers all by himself to build their achievements.


    He had personally taken risks many times, infiltrating deep into enemy territory to take enemy generals'' heads. That was the heroism forged from seas of des and blood.


    Huai An said the Prince was easy to serve, but it made Gu Ying feel distressed and helpless.


    She could only fumble to learn the man''s preferences herself. Seeing the studymps still lit, she had food and snacks prepared and brought over.


    If he liked to eat something, she would have Yin Lan take note.


    She had just finished bathing when the Prince came back, his robe draped around him.


    The Prince''s body was burning hot. As a virile man in his prime, when he came back he wanted to hold her and read together.


    Gu Ying sat in his embrace. How could she concentrate on reading? Her heart thumped erratically, and her eyesnded on the pages without taking in a single word for a long time.


    After chatting for a while, she asked what he liked to eat. He merely said to just arrange whatever she wanted.


    He also said thatte-night snacks were good, but not as sweet as the beauty in his arms.


    And then somehow, she ended up in bed.


    He held her and caressed her for a while, kissing her cheeks. Hisrge hands sped her jaw, gently lifting it up, and his thin lips kissed down from the tip of her nose.


    In the end he didn''t do anything, just stifled a groan next to her ear. "Go to sleep."


    Gu Ying really did fall asleep. When she opened her eyes again, it was the scene now before her.


    It felt cool down below... Although she had been sleeping hazily, she had felt someone applying medicinal ointment to her swollen injury in the middle of the night.


    Her face grew hot. She wanted to escape the man''s embrace.


    But she didn''t expect to touch something...


    She was so shocked that even her earlobes turned red.


    "Mm, awake?" The man was woken up. His long armszily hugged the woman in his arms, urately finding her tender lips to kiss without even opening his eyes.


    Gu Ying had been married before, but never one so sweet. Jiang Yin rarely slept with her.


    So she hadn''t known that men could get so easily aroused in the mornings.


    Soon she was kissed until she couldn''t breathe.


    Zhao Changdu heard her cry out in pain and woke up fully.


    His handsome face was so breathtakingly beautiful in the mingled light and shadows of the bed curtains that it was indescribable.


    Gu Ying lifted her flushed eyelids, her long flutteringshes rising tremulously to meet his deep, infatuated gaze. Her voice was as soft as a pool of spring water. "Changdu, I should go pay my respects to Madam Cheng."


    Zhao Changdu gave a controlled hmm, looked outside at the sky, gathered her soft and charming body, and closed his eyes again. "It''s too early. Sleep a while longer."


    Gu Ying said, "I asked, and big sister-inw usually goes at this time."


    Zhao Changdu knitted his brows and opened his eyes, saying lightly, "That''s her. You''re not the same as her."


    This was the first time Gu Ying had heard that a daughter-inw going to pay respects to her mother-inw should be apanied not by maids, but by a guard.


    Gu Ying said, "Isn''t that a bit excessive?"


    Zhao Changdu''s lips quirked up. "Not giving you the Qilin Army to apany you is already my greatest restraint."


    Gu Ying: "..."


    But Huai An was themander of the Qilin Army...


    ...


    And so Gu Ying went to the Baomo Hall where Madam Cheng lived, apanied by Huai An and Yin Lan.


    All along the way, Huai An spoke to Gu Ying, telling her about things she needed to be aware of in the Duke''s estate.


    There weren''t actually many people in the Duke''s estate who wanted to cause trouble. Just Madam Cheng, who loved fanning the mes and sowing discord.


    The two aunties didn''t oftene to the estate after Mrs. Lin''s death either, just living off the Duke''s influence and naturally not causing any trouble.


    That left only Huo Qiyun, who had suffered many years of mistreatment in the estate.


    The night colors had not yetpletely faded when Gu Ying entered Baomo Hall. She immediately saw that Huo Qiyun was already attending to Madam Cheng, surrounded by two maids and an old maidservant.


    She alone was pouring water, holding the spittoon, and handing over handkerchiefs.


    On such a cold day, she had broken out into a thin sweat from sheer exertion.


    Seeing Huo Qiyun''s nervous yet careful expression, Gu Ying wrinkled her brows.


    Madam Cheng was sitting at the bronze mirrorbing her hair. At a nce, she saw Gu Yinge in andughed. "Ah Ying, you''vee early today. Not tired fromst night?"


    Gu Ying bowed courteously and smiled calmly, "The Prince doted on his concubinest night and let me sleep early. As a daughter-inw, I naturally shoulde early to pay my respects to Mother. Ah Ying pays her respects."

 Chapter 162: Make Rules

    <h4>Chapter 162</h4>


    Changfeng Pavilion has caused quite a stir thesest couple days, making many people look on in admiration and envy this newdy of the house.


    Cheng''s mouth twitched in displeasure, then curled up in satisfaction. "I thought you didn''t understand propriety, but it turns out you know a little something."


    Gu Ying obediently responded, "It''s all thanks to the Eldest Prince''s teachings."


    "He''s busy with his career outside, what could he possibly know?" Cheng knew this was an opportunity, so she said to Huo Qiyun, "Ah Yun,e teach Ah Ying the proper etiquette for paying respects."


    Huo Qiyun''s body stiffened, and she raised her eyes to look at Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying had already expected Cheng toe make trouble for her, and had prepared herself to meet the enemy head-on.


    "Sister-inw, you''ve gone to too much trouble."


    Huo Qiyun looked at Gu Ying''s radiant, charming little red face, and felt an awkward heat rise to her own cheeks. "Little sister, in our household, when paying respects to Mother, you must kneel on the ground and bow..."


    Gu Ying raised an eyebrow, her eyes coolly looking at Huo Qiyun.


    Cheng said, "Show her an example, don''t let others say she''s ill-mannered since she just got here."


    Huo Qiyun felt humiliated inside, but had no choice. No one in the Duke''s manor would stand up for her, she could only obediently kneel before Cheng, pressing her hands to her forehead andying her whole body t on the cold stone floor.


    Not even a mat for her to kneel on, she felt wronged and pitiful.


    Cheng didn''t tell her to get up, so she didn''t dare move.


    Gu Ying watched Huo Qiyun''s actions but didn''t move,ughing, "Mother, such grand etiquette is only fit for myte birth mother and deceased mother-inw, I''m afraid you can''t ept it."


    Hearing the mention of the deceased Lin, Cheng''s brows furrowed as anger surged up. "What inauspicious words are you saying this early in the morning? Sun Mammy, smack her mouth!"


    Sun Mammy immediately went over to hit her.


    Yin Lan hurriedly shielded her young miss, pushing back Sun Mammy. Sun Mammy was old and no match for Yin Lan''s strength, nearly toppling over from the push.


    "Mistress, this servant girl actually dares to shove old servant!"


    "Whoever dares touch our mistress will have to answer to the Eldest Prince!"


    Cheng scoffed, "The back residence is under this mistress''s jurisdiction, not just her, even if the Eldest Prince himself stood before me now, he''s still my junior! If I say something, would he dare disobey?"


    Yin Lan still wanted to tussle with Sun Mammy. Huo Qiyun was stunned and frightened into trembling all over.


    Yet Gu Ying didn''t show any fear,ughing, "Mother, the Eldest Prince said the etiquette of the Duke''s manor is the etiquette of the Duke''s manor, Changfeng Pavilion''s etiquette is Changfeng Pavilion''s etiquette. Ah Ying is of Changfeng Pavilion and need not abide by the Duke''s manor''s etiquette. So I''m afraid this show of respects will have to disappoint you."


    Cheng''s expression immediately soured. She didn''t expect Gu Ying to be so bold as to directly defy her wishes.


    From a lowlymon girl to the Duke''s concubine and now the prestigious Duke''s wife, it had been a long time since she was this angry.


    "You''ve eaten the galldder of a bear and leopard! Servants, hold her down! If she doesn''tplete this etiquette today, don''t let her step out of Baomo Hall!"


    Some servant girls went to grab her.


    Gu Ying coldly said, "Huai An!"


    Huai An standing guard outside heard themotion inside and immediately kicked the door open, holding his sword with imposing momentum as he strode in. "Who dares touch my master the Eldest Prince''s wife? Ask my sword if it agrees!"


    His stern shout made Cheng''s face go pale. The aura of a major of the Qilin Army was not something thedy of the back residence could withstand.


    "You, a guard, how dare you be here!"


    Huai An lifted his chin, pulling Yin Lan into his arms protectively. "This subordinate was ordered by the Eldest Prince to protect the Mistress!"


    "You, you... Duke! You must uphold justice for me!" Cheng''s face was pallid as she pointed at Huai An, stammering and unable to get words out.


    While still kneeling on the ground, Huo Qiyun''s expression wasplex.


    Gu Ying helped her up. "Sister-inw, why suffer such humiliation? Get up."


    Huo Qiyun didn''t dare get up, eyes reddening. "Little sister, don''t..."


    No one was backing her up, she didn''t dare confront Cheng head-on.


    If she defied Cheng and went back, it would be a beating from Zhao Changxing. In this cold weather, if she got sick again, there''d be no money for medicine.


    Gu Ying knew her plight and didn''t insist further. After angering Cheng, she left Baomo Hall with Yin Lan and Huai An.


    As they left, the sounds of smashing porcin and angry wailing curses could be heard from inside.


    "Hurry and tell someone to get the Duke to uphold justice for me!"


    "Heavens! A daughter-inw bullying her mother-inw, where''s the natural order and justice?!"


    Gu Ying strangely felt great satisfaction. She too had endured her mother-inw''s torment for a man''s sake, swallowing the indignity and not daring to retaliate.


    But it was different now. Not only did shee today to pay respects to Cheng, she woulde every day from now on until Cheng was angered to the point of losing her appetite.


    ...


    Huo Qiyun tearfully emerged from Baomo Hall and upon raising her eyes, saw Gu Ying standing under a plum tree not far away, seemingly waiting for her.


    She hurriedly turned away to clumsily wipe the tears from her face.


    Only then did she lift her head with a dryugh and walk over to Gu Ying. "Why hasn''t little sister left yet?"


    Gu Ying stared at the red swelling on her cheek and directly asked, "Does Cheng always humiliate you like this?"


    Huo Qiyun smiled bitterly. "I''m used to it."


    Seeing how pitiful she was, Gu Yingforted, "Don''t be afraid, try resisting her. If Cheng dares mistreat you again, the Eldest Prince will uphold justice for you."


    Huo Qiyun looked up in astonishment.


    "What''s more, if word spreads about you kneeling to pay respects, no one will take Cheng''s side. There''s no etiquette in all of Dong Li of a daughter-inw kneeling on the floor to pay respects to her mother-inw. Even if the Duke finds out, for the sake of the manor''s reputation, he wouldn''t dare shield Cheng."


    Huo Qiyun stared at her, eyes full of disbelief.


    Someone must have told the woman before her about her and Du''s past.


    She was Du''s wife, so why would she want to help her?


    "You-" Her nose tingled and eyes reddened. "Are willing to help me?"


    Gu Ying''s mouth curved up as she grasped Huo Qiyun''s battered little hand. "Women helping women is only natural."


    It was precisely because she had undergone a simr experience that she empathized and wanted to help her.


    No matter if the Eldest Prince liked Huo Qiyun or used to like her but didn''t anymore.


    Facing someone sinking into misery, she couldn''t just stand by.


    Moreover, she had carefully considered that if the Eldest Prince...still had feelings for Huo Qiyun.


    She could find a way to free Huo Qiyun, then quietly bring her into Changfeng Pavilion. After she divorced the Eldest Prince, he could then raise Huo Qiyun to the position of Eldest Prince''s wife.


    That would also count as repaying the Eldest Prince''s kindness in helping her.

 Chapter 163: Don’t Be Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    Gu Ying said she wanted to help her, and Huo Qiyun was veryplicated. She didn''t know what feelings Du had for Gu Ying. She had heard that the two had consummated their marriage. Naturally, she would feel that Gu Ying was doing this for her own benefit. It was also possible that she was exploring something.


    She was a little wary of Gu Ying.


    "I appreciate my younger sister''s kind intentions..."


    "Since you appreciate it, don''t fail to live up to my good intentions. What I mean is the Crown Prince''s intention."


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly, looking so vivid that Huo Qiyun''s heart ached and her eyes grew moist.


    Seeing that Huai An was inseparable from her side, she also felt jealous.


    However, would she help herself on Du''s orders?


    If so, Du must still care about her in his heart.


    Thinking of this, she was a little more delighted, "Okay..."


    It was good that Gu Ying was willing to help her... After she got away from Zhao Changxing, she could exin everything to Du properly.


    If there was a chance... she still wanted to be Du''s woman.


    ...


    After talking with Huo Qiyun.


    In the snowy wind, the three of them slowly walked towards Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying''s voice was crisp and tender in the sound of the wind and snow, as if an early cherry blossom struggling to bloom in the ice and snow in March, "Yin Lan, when you go back, let Yin Zhu and Yanzhi go find out about Cheng''s situation."


    Previously, when Yin Lan learned that her youngdy and the Crown Prince were in a fake marriage, she was still worried. It was only until the wedding night, when the Crown Prince consummated the marriage with her youngdy, that her heart fell by half.


    Although there was some inexplicable affection between Huo Qiyun and the Crown Prince, Yin Lan also felt that Huo youngdy was really too miserable.


    She knew that for a man of the Crown Prince''s noble status, having three wives and four concubines in the future would be proper.


    If the Crown Prince had Huo youngdy in his heart, her youngdy helping Huo youngdy would also leave a good impression on the Crown Prince.


    If Huo youngdy became the Crown Prince¡¯s woman, she would be grateful for her youngdy¡¯s help, and the two of them could at least get along harmoniously.


    So she gently said, "Okay, Madam."


    "See what the eldest sister-inwcks. If shecks necessities for winter, secretly send her some without letting the eldest son know."


    Yin Lan smiled. "Don''t worry, Madam. Yin Zhu handles things very properly."


    "Well, that''s good. Since ancient times, women''s inner quarters have been difficult. When we were at the Marquis Manor, we alsocked charcoal and food. Others all looked at our grand manor and thought wecked nothing, but that was not the case. Ah, let''s help wherever we can."


    "Madam is indeed considerate. When I go back, I will prepare some food, clothes, quilts, medicines for treating colds and send them over."


    "Um."


    Listening to Gu Ying''s well-organized instructions, Huai An didn''t know if he should say something. But if he didn''t, he was worried that his mistress would misunderstand the Crown Prince.


    "Madam, don''t me Huai An for being meddlesome."


    Gu Ying looked at him strangely, "What''s wrong, Huai An?"


    Huai An said awkwardly, "Our master doesn''t have that kind of intention towards the eldest wife."


    Gu Ying blinked. "What kind of intention?"


    Looking at the mistress'' clear eyes, Huai An calmed himself and said, "When our Crown Prince was young, he had a hard time and received a lot of favor from Huo youngdy. Soter, the master wanted to marry her to help her get out of hardship. Later, the master also helped her, but the master definitely doesn''t like her."


    "Our master has always stayed away from women. After those things with Huo youngdy, he never had contact with women again. But the mistress is the one the master has been determined to marry back home."


    "The master doesn''t understand love. Mistress, don''t overthink it. The only one he likes is you."


    Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, "...?"


    After speaking, Huai An pressed his lips tightly and said no more.


    Yin Lan said unhappily, "Huai An, don''t you know that the Crown Prince is the next Marquis, who will naturally have three wives and four concubines, to have children for the Marquis Manor?"


    Huai An frowned, "I naturally understand that."


    Yin Lan added, "So what''s wrong with the mistress making preparations for the Crown Prince early on?"


    Huai An turned his head and stared at Yin Lan with wide eyes, angrily saying, "Can''t they just be lifelongpanions?"


    Yin Lan was startled, her heartstrings stirred, and she turned to look at Gu Ying.


    The cold wind blew by, and the chill kept seeping into her bones.


    When Huai An said this, Gu Ying was also stunned for a moment.


    Huai An looked away, his tone cold, "I''ve spoken out of turn. Please forgive me, Madam!"


    But Yin Lan suddenly burst intoughter, plucked up her courage and pulled at his sleeve. He also kept a straight face, solemnly confirming that what he said was true.


    Yin Lan said helplessly, "Madam, let''s go back."


    Gu Ying came back to her senses, with a faint smile at the corners of her lips, "Okay."


    ...


    Back at Changfeng Pavilion, Gu Ying was once again deftly pulled into an embrace.


    The more time she spent with him, the more Gu Ying realized that he had a strange habit of liking to hug people.


    Before getting married, he could still restrain himself. Now that they were married, he didn''t know restraint at all. No matter when or where, he would hug her if he could, as if she were his rag doll.


    As it was, he still had government affairs from the courtid out on his desk, yet he unabashedly held her in his arms and asked her how her greetings went today.


    Gu Ying told him how she had angered Cheng, and felt more and more gratified the more she talked about it. "I''m going again tomorrow, and I''ll have breakfast with her. I heard she''s been waiting for me to serve her, wouldn''t it disappoint her if I don''t go?"


    The man''s handsome face curved into a beautiful smile. He pecked her lips and said, "Good job, as expected of my wife."


    Gu Ying still wasn''t used to such intimacy. Staring at his clear and elegant phoenix eyes, her nose reddening, she told him about wanting to help Huo Qiyun.


    Zhao Changdu raised his phoenix eyes and looked at her profoundly and silently.


    Gu Ying said seriously, "Yes, she''s so pitiful. I thought the Crown Prince would also be reluctant to see her continue to be tortured."


    She felt that as the proper wife, she was also quite magnanimous.


    But unexpectedly, the man''s previously amiable handsome face suddenly turned cold.


    Zhao Changdu''srge hand pressed her slender and delicate waist closer against him, and upon hearing this, he tightened his grip. "On our wedding night, did you understand what I told you?"


    Even through the thick clothes, Gu Ying could feel the heating from his body. Her mind also felt somewhat dizzy. "I understood. By helping her, it''s actually also for the Crown Prince."


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyes narrowed, somewhat displeased in his heart.


    The little girl looked quite smart, but probably didn''t know what feelings were important.


    Gu Ying didn''t understand why his face had suddenly be ugly. She exined with a smile, "If I protect Huo Qiyun, it will make Cheng more upset. She can''t torture Huo Qiyun or me, won''t that make her even more unhappy in her heart?"


    Although she said this, Zhao Changdu was still displeased in his heart.


    Rumors outside said that in his youth, he and Huo Qiyun were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love, and that he wouldn''t marry anyone but her. For her, he had even been willing to give up his life.


    And the little girl, after hearing this, wasn''t jealous at all?

 Chapter 164: Medicine for Avoiding Children

    <h4>Chapter 164</h4>


    On their wedding night, he had already tried so hard to please her. Could it be that she still did not have any feelings for him? What was this woman''s heart made of?


    Zhao Changdu snorted coldly, "Humph, aren''t you generous."


    Gu Ying said innocently, "But I''m doing this for the good of the prince."


    Zhao Changdu kept his face stern, "Call me Adu."


    Gu Ying looked helpless, "Alright, Adu."


    Zhao Changdu''s face was increasingly displeased. His thin lips moved closer and nibbled at the corner of her lips. His breathing became heavy, "Don''t you think you''re being perfunctory with me?"


    "That''s not true..." Gu Ying frowned in pain. Her small hand hooked around his sturdy shoulders. Her heartbeat skipped a beat as she listened to the mellow voice of the man. She only felt that the big palm at her waist was confining her, like a branding iron.


    "Forget it, let''s do as you say on this matter."


    He moved closer with his lips touching hers. The two soft pieces made one''s heart tremble lightly.


    Gu Ying''s body stiffened and her whole body grew hot. "Prince, I will be a good wife."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were fixed on her deeply. He didn''t move. The two of them just stayed like this, lips pressed together, breaths mingling.


    Gu Ying let out a gentle "hmm" and closed her eyes.


    The man leaned on her shoulder and kissed her neckzily. His voice was muffled and unclear, "I have already repaid her kindness with my life when I was fifteen. Just do your best."


    Gu Ying''s thoughts drifted away lightly. Her waist felt soft and numb. But her mind was thinking, did the prince really only feel grateful to Huo Qiyun?


    "Adu, about my brother..."


    "We''ll go get him when we return."


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned moist, "Okay."


    In the end, thinking about how delicate her body was and she had just lost her virginity, the man only nibbled on her for a while before letting her go.


    Listening to the trickling water sound from the pure room.


    The heat on Gu Ying''s face still hadn''t faded. Ever since she found out he was that little boy from her childhood, she had felt a little different towards him.


    But this difference was still not enough to dispel her distrust towards the man.


    Good things seldomst, colorful clouds scatter easily, zed tiles break.


    In her previous life, she had learned one thing through blood and tears - a man''s love was the most fragile thing in this world. Before loving others, she had to love herself more.


    While the prince was away, Yin Lan tiptoed in sneakily, hiding a small exquisite purple sandalwood box in her arms. "Mistress, do you still need the foetus stopping pills? This was bought by the servant from a medicine shop outside, no one in the manor knows."


    Gu Ying''s expression was calm as she received the box, saying lightly, "Mm, I cannot conceive the prince''s child..."


    She had never imagined herself with a child, afraid, lost and confused.


    Even more afraid that like countless women, after having a child, she would have to arrange for the prince''s favored concubines with her own hands.


    If she truly loved a man, how could she possibly push her own to others.


    Therefore, she did not dare to love, nor dare to have children.


    Yin Lan did not say much, only said, "Mistress do not worry, this pill does not greatly harm the body. After taking the ck pill, take a red one to nourish the body."


    Gu Ying smiled, "Mm, thank you Yin Lan."


    She was older and thought more thoroughly, letting Yin Lan handle many matters, very assured.


    Yin Lan also smiled, helping Gu Ying remove her makeup and hair essories, also changing her clothes. Seeing the ambiguous marks on her neck, the corners of her lips rose in a smile. "Mistress, why be so polite? These are all the servants duties."


    Gu Ying knew that Yin Lan, Yin Zhu and Yan Zhi were loyal to her, so she was no longer modest.


    But just then, the bathed prince came out of the pure room with a ck face, staring at her t belly, his gaze dark and gloomy.


    "What did Yin Lane in for just now?"


    Gu Ying''s heart lurched. She was confused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Nothing much, she just came to help me change. She''s about to withdraw now."


    As she spoke, Yin Lan bowed and took her leave.


    There was only onentern burning in the room.


    The man looked at her deeply, then turned and got into bed. His back looked somewhat deste.


    He didn''te and hug her. Gu Ying felt it was very strange.


    They had just married for two days, yet she already seemed to be used to his affection.


    Seeing him get into bed, she let out a breath, extinguishing thentern carefully and crawled over from him.


    Her waist had just crawled halfway when it was pulled in by a big hand.


    Gu Ying yelped softly. Her body turned and she was pressed under...


    "Adu!"


    "How should youpensate me for hurting me?"


    "Where did I..."


    Heavens, where exactly did she hurt him!


    ...


    After a night of stormy winds and rain,


    Gu Ying opened her eyes, her face still flushed. She felt soft all over her body.


    On the other hand, a certain someone was still full of energy.


    Fortunately his mood had inexplicably improved a lot. At least the coldness was gone from his body. He even cupped her face and praised her for looking extremely beautiful today.


    Gu Ying didn''t know where she had offended him. Supporting her waist, she got up and continued to vex Cheng.


    At breakfast, Cheng insisted that she serve the dishes to her, and could not put them on the table. She had to stand beside her and serve her.


    But Gu Ying refused.


    "I am the daughter-inw of the Zhao family, I only need to serve the people of the Zhao family. But Mother''s surname is Cheng, so why should I serve you too?"


    "What are you saying? When I married into the Zhao family, I became one of them. Why shouldn''t you serve me?"


    "But Mother''s surname is Cheng."


    "So what if my surname is Cheng?"


    "Mother''s surname is Cheng, and you didn''t give birth to the prince. Naturally you''re an outsider."


    "Gu Ying, are you insisting on being unreasonable like this?"


    "Everything A Ying says and does is ording to the rules the prince gave. If Mother feels it improper, you might as well ask the prince toe and listen, see if A Ying did wrong. If it''s A Ying''s mistake, A Ying will immediately apologize to Mother."


    These words nearly made Cheng blow her top.


    Today Huo Qiyun was at the side watching the fun, a rare asion where she was ignored by Cheng.


    The two women walked out of Baomo Hall hand in hand.


    Huo Qiyun concealed the envy in her eyes. "A Ying, who taught you all this?"


    Gu Ying smiled. "Learned it myself. I used to be subservient, what I got was being trampled by others. When I hardened my attitude, I realized - this world oppresses the meek, the poor, those without a temper. But everyone fears the tough, the reckless, the unyielding."


    Huo Qiyun listened with envy. She had been buried in prestigious families all her life. In the past there was a period where she was doted on by her family. But after her mother passed away, besides Lv Zhi, no one else in the household cared about her anymore.


    She was the legitimate daughter, yet she could not be as free and unfettered as Gu Ying.


    "Aren''t you worried about your reputation?"


    Gu Ying smiled, "How much better could my reputation be? Since it''s like this, might as well ruin itpletely. Those who believe in me will not misunderstand me because of other people''s gossip."


    Huo Qiyun said, "I heard people in the household say that Cheng made them spread rumors about you being disrespectful. Now in Bianjing, everyone is scolding you...arrogant and overbearing, arrogant and conceited..cking morals,pletely unworthy to be the Zhao family''s wife. Some even said...they wanted to see you discarded by Adu...no...the prince."

 Chapter 165: The Return Door

    <h4>Chapter 165</h4>


    Gu Ying listened calmly and turned tofort Huo Qiyun, "Just wait, in a few days, Cheng''s mistreatment of the new bride will surely be even dirtier than mine."


    Huo Qiyun didn''t expect the confident woman to appear so dazzling.


    She felt ufortable and furrowed her brows, falling into silence.


    In her selfishness, after enduring years of torment, she also wanted Gu Ying to taste her pain.


    If it weren''t for... Du protecting her so much, could she really be so carefree?


    The emotion of jealousy grew like creeping vines in the darkness. She knew it was wrong, disgraceful even, and she struggled with inner pain, but in the end, she looked coldly at Gu Ying''s vibrant back.


    Her heart was filled with wickedness; yes, she wanted her dead.


    ...


    It had only been a few days since Gu Ying married into the Duke''s Residence, and her reputation as a domineering and vicious woman had already spread throughout the court.


    Everyone eagerly anticipated whether the Eldest Prince would divorce that ignorant woman.


    After waiting for a few days, they didn''t get the divorce they were hoping for, but they did witness the grand scene of the Eldest Prince personally apanying his wife to the Dongping Earl''s residence for a weing banquet.


    During this return visit, Gu Ying directly moved Gu Ning out of Mufeng Studio and intended to take him back to the Duke''s Residence to personally take care of him.


    Naturally, Elder Lady Gu was unwilling. How could the men of the Gu family live in the Duke''s Residence? It would be utterly absurd if word got out!


    However, Elder Lady Gu had a soft spot for Gu Jia.


    With just a few words from Zhao Changdu, which would save Gu Jia, Elder Lady Gu had no choice but to relent.


    Gu Ying sneered in her heart. So, after experiencing so much, her grandmother still loved Gu Jia the most.


    After taking her younger brother away, she had no lingering attachment to this family.


    The return banquet was lively, and Jiang Yin was naturally present.


    As he watched the newlyweds, sweetly in love, his eyes dulled, his gaze slightly distant. He kept drinking cup after cup, lost in thought.


    This time, Jiang Yin seemed different.


    His overall temperament had be colder and more serene. His pitch-ck pupils were chilling, like venomous snakes. She didn''t know if it was her imagination, but today''s Jiang Yin, although still somewhat deste in appearance, had a hint of the feeling of a prime minister in his previous life.


    It was said that his official career hadn''t been going smoothly. Shortly after bing the ceremonial envoy, he had been bullied several times.


    Climbing up was now out of the question, and he often faced sabotages. In these past few days, he had be emaciated, losing a considerable amount of weight.


    Gu Ying asionally nced at someone beside her and secretly spected whether the Eldest Prince had a hand in this.


    But that person didn''t give her much opportunity to observe Jiang Yin. After finishing the meal, he immediately asked her to go for a walk in the garden.


    Gu Shuang had been waiting for a chance to talk to Gu Ying. Seeing her brother-inw constantly clinging to her elder sister, she became anxious.


    Later, when she saw that it was gettingte, she could only gather up her courage and approach her brother-inw to ask for her elder sister.


    Zhao Changdu, for the first time, felt slighted, and an innocent expression filled his handsome face.


    Rarely did Gu Ying soften upon seeing such a childish expression on Jiang Yin''s face. Smiling brightly, she said, "Du, wait for me. I''ll speak with my younger sister for a while and thene find you."


    Zhao Changdu''s face turned cold. "Give me a kiss, and I might consider letting you go."


    Gu Ying blushed. "Du, Gu Shuang is still here."


    Zhao Changdu remained unfazed, his face thick-skinned. "She''s about to be engaged, there''s no need to be coy."


    No elder would behave this way, but he wouldn''t let go, and she couldn''t break free. She could only reluctantly tiptoe and peck his cheek. "Is that enough?"


    The man narrowed his dangerous eyes and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Not yet."


    With that, his thin lips pressed down on hers, biting firmly before finally letting her go, satisfied.


    Gu Ying''s face turned crimson, and unfortunately, Gu Shuang was still watching on the side.


    When they arrived at Twilight Snow Studio, that girl was still smiling.


    "I heard the rumors outside, and I thought it was true that Second Sister wasn''t doing well in the Duke''s Residence," Gu Shuang said with a growing smile at the corner of her lips, implying deeper meaning. "But seeing you today, Second Sister, with a radiant face and a spring-like glow, it''s clear that you''re living quitefortably. Second Sister, did you see it? Gu Wan''s face is as dark as the bottom of a pot. Her mother''s sharp tongue is still sealed with a thread and she can''te out to see anyone."


    Gu Ying wished she could dig a hole and bury herself.


    Being affectionate with him in Changfeng Pavilion was one thing; after all, it was their own ce, and anything goes.


    But Gu Shuang was still an unmarried youngdy, and he didn''t avoid it at all. This person was too uncivilized.


    Gu Shuang looked at the blush on her second sister''s face. Although she hadn''t married yet, she understood that in families like theirs, only when the master loves the mistress will the people below sincerely respect the mistress.


    When Second Sister arrived today, those following behind her and attending to her, whether they were maids, old servants, or guards, all showed utmost respect and caution.


    Her mother received favor in the Duke''s Residence for so many years, but there was never such a grand reception. It was evident that the Eldest Prince genuinely cared for Second Sister.


    In the past, she thought the Eldest Prince was devoid of human emotions and terribly cold, but seeing him demanding a kiss today, she found him adorable and handsome. This is how a man should be.


    If Fu Gongzi could be as dominant as the Eldest Prince, that would be great.


    "Alright, stopughing. When you get married, you''ll understand what men are like..." Gu Ying patted her burning cheeks, wondering what else she was saying.


    Gu Shuang was puzzled. "What are men like?"


    Gu Yingughed and cried, "Don''t ask. You''ll find out when you get engaged."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Shuang''s face also turned red. "Second Sister, I was just about to tell you. On the day of your wedding with the Eldest Prince, I... I met Fu Gongzi privately."


    Gu Ying raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? A secret meeting?"


    Gu Shuang hurriedly waved her hands, afraid that her second sister would misunderstand. "No, no, no. He came to attend the banquet, and we just spoke a few words across the corridor railing. That silly blockhead was standing in the snow, nearly freezing to death. I asked him toe to the corridor to avoid the snow, but for the sake of my reputation, he wouldn''t take a step closer to me. He''s truly a fool."


    Although her words sounded reproachful, happiness permeated her voice.


    Gu Ying smiled, her lips curling up, as she teasingly asked, "So, what did he say to you?"


    Gu Shuang''s eyes brightened, followed by a shy expression. "He asked me what I''ve been eatingtely and if I feel cold. He also mentioned that if I don''t mind, he would like toe to my home and propose..."


    Deep in thought, Gu Ying considered the matter. Despite Gu Shuang''s young age, she excelled in various arts such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Moreover, her personality was stable, making her quite likable.


    In her previous life, she had been forced by the Liu family to marry that bandit. If it weren''t for the torment that led to her death, with her virtuous and capable nature, she might have assisted her husband and climbed the ranks of society, reaching great heights.


    It seemed that her connection with Fu Xun in this lifetime was predestined.

 Chapter 166: We Go Home

    <h4>Chapter 166</h4>


    After Gu Shuang''s joy subsided, she drooped her little face and said, "Why should I find fault with him? Although his official position is not high, his family has been engaged in official duties for generations. Moreover, he is the eldest son in his family. As amon-born daughter like me, how can I be qualified to reject him?"


    Gu Ying chuckled and held the little girl''s hand. "Didn''t we say that as long as you like him and he likes you, Second Sister will help you. True lovers are rare in this world, and when you meet the right person, Fourth Sister must not let the opportunity slip away."


    Gu Shuang expressed her grievances, "But my mother, she has lofty expectations and will certainly not allow me to marry Fu Dumu."


    Gu Ying''s eyes gleamed, "Leave Aunt Zhao to me. I, your Second Sister, have a clever n."


    Gu Shuang happily bit her lip and said, "Second Sister, my happiness depends on you."


    Gu Ying understood Fu Xunzhi well. He was deeply affectionate and faithful to his promises. If he promised to marry Gu Shuang, he would definitely follow through.


    With her secret assistance, this matter would surely seed.


    She smiled and rubbed the chubby face of the little girl. Gu Shuang would no longer suffer a miserable fate in her lifetime, and that brought Gu Ying a sense offort.


    She inquired about the time Fu Xunzhi nned toe to propose.


    Gu Shuang replied, "He said he would bring good luck ande on Lantern Festival."


    Gu Ying nodded, "Yes, Lantern Festival is a good day. There will benterns and a temple fair. If everything goes well, we can go together and enjoy the Lantern Festival."


    Gu Shuang still worried, "I hope it can really happen."


    Gu Ying smiled and caressed the little girl''s head, "Don''t worry, he is destined to be yours."


    Only then did Gu Shuang feel relieved. It was the first time she actively liked someone and desired to be with him. "Second Sister, if the heavens allow me to marry Fu Dumu smoothly, I am willing to exchange fifty years of my life."


    Upon hearing this, a thought stirred in Gu Ying''s heart. Somehow, an uneasiness emerged. "You silly girl, why are you talking about unlucky things?"


    But then she thought again, could it be... that the bond between her and Fu Xunzhi in this life was the result of a tragic death in her past life?


    If she hadn''t been reborn, she wouldn''t believe in such things at all.


    But now, she had no choice but to believe in the words "fate" and "destiny." It seemed that everything had been predestined in the mysterious workings of the universe.


    Just like her and the Eldest Prince... Even if they hadn''t married in their previous life, they had a chance encounter by a twist of fate.


    Unfortunately, she had been blind and mistakenly loved Jiang Yin.


    But in her past life, what happened to the Eldest Prince in the end?


    She distinctly remembered that the Emperor was not the Eldest Prince, yet Huo Qiyan did marry the Eldest Prince...


    Her mind became a tangle of confusion, and she couldn''t make sense of it no matter how hard she tried. So she decided to stop thinking about it for now.


    After confiding in Gu Shuang, the evening sky was adorned with a silent red glow, and the heavy snowfall had finally ceased.


    Gu Ying left the Mu Xue Pavilion and tightened the fox fur cloak around her. She went in search of the Eldest Prince.


    In the pavilion of the backyard, she immediately spotted the tall figure of the Eldest Prince standing inside. The picturesque scenery served as a backdrop, and he himself was handsome like a god.


    Looking at his elegant and upright figure from afar, Gu Ying felt a warm sensation inexplicably welling up in her heart. She quickened her pace and ran towards him.


    Zhao Changdu heard a sound behind him and turned around.


    A familiar fragrance wafted over as a delicate young girl threw herself into his arms.


    A slight smile yed at the corner of his lips as he embraced her slender waist, his chin resting against her hair. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Finally, you remembered that you have a husband."


    Gu Ying looked into his cold and stern eyes for a moment, then buried her face in his embrace. "It''s so cold, Adu. Let''s go home."


    Zhao Changdu paused for a moment, his phoenix-like eyes narrowing. With a swift movement, he lifted the person in his arms.


    The eldest prince of the Duke''s Residence personally carried his wife onto the carriage, and the news quickly spread.


    Those rumors about the prince divorcing his wife received a resounding p in the face.


    Cheng, who was already furious, became even more uncontroble upon hearing the rumors of Gu Ying mistreating her, the mother-inw!


    ...


    With the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the grand banquet in the pce was just around the corner.


    Common folks were already joyfully preparing for the New Year, while the noble families and officials were busy preparing gifts for the pce.


    Although Gu Ying managed the private assets and Changfeng Pavilion of the Eldest Prince, when it came to exchanging gifts between various noble households and rtives, it was always Cheng who made the decisions.


    This time, she finally seized an opportunity to embarrass Gu Ying in front of the Empress and the influential figures.


    The Empress was in poor health and the winter weather was harsh, making it difficult for women, especially those weak in constitution, to endure.


    The Empress had been recuperating in a separate pce near the hot springs, and recently, she wanted someone with a suitable birth chart to transcribe the "Diamond Sutra" and the "Ksitigarbha Sutra" for Prince Duan, who was also weak and frequently ill.


    Coincidentally, Gu Ying''s birth chart was a good match.


    Cheng immediately reported her name to the pce.


    A legitimate daughter of an unlearned marquis''s family, let''s see how she could maintain her arrogance this time!


    When Gu Ying received this news, she was busy arranging amodations for Gu Ning.


    The Eldest Prince was not in the residence today; he had gone to the pce to make arrangements for the security during the New Year festivities in the pce and the entire Bianjing.


    "Wife, Cheng clearly wants to make you embarrass yourself in front of the Empress," Rouge said irritably. "She knows you''re not good at calligraphy, yet she deliberately assigned you this task. Her heart is truly vicious."


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "Alright, don''t be angry. Getting angry harms the body. Your mistress knows what''s going on in her heart."


    Mrs. Liu was just ying her little schemes within the estate.


    But Cheng yed her tricks even within the pce. Gu Ying found it hard to believe that Lady Huo Qiyan didn''t have a hand in this.


    Lady Huo Qiyan had intended to marry Huo Qiyan to the Eldest Prince, but Gu Ying had beaten her to it. It was only natural for Lady Huo to hold a grudge, but no matter how formidable the Cheng family''s methods were, Gu Ying was still a member of the Huo family. They were not in the same residence, so it wouldn''t be easy for them to harm her.


    She didn''t take this matter too seriously and wholeheartedly focused on selecting a residence for Gu Ning.


    The Eldest Prince allowed her to freely choose within the Duke''s Residence, but she thought about it and decided to be more restrained.


    In the western wing of Changfeng Pavilion, there was a small courtyard named Wanli Pavilion. It had a good location and environment, and it was close to her. It would be perfect for Ning to move in there.


    Now, most of Aning''s leg poison has been forced out by Royal Physician Wang, and once the remaining toxins are eliminated, his leg can slowly begin to recover.


    She was not at ease with others taking care of him, so she ced Yin Zhu by his side.


    Aning''s mood has improved greatly in recent days, and he is more spirited than before. He even mentioned that in the future, when his legs are better, he wants to learn martial arts. Yin Zhu happens to be skilled in martial arts and can spar with him.


    After Gu Ying finished arranging all the furniture and personnel matters in Wanli Pavilion, she suddenly saw Yin Lan rushing in with a hood on outside the window.


    Through the thick curtains, Yin Lan anxiously said, "Madam, something bad has happened!"


    Gu Ying lifted her gaze and asked, "What happened?"


    Yin Lan entered the room and furrowed her brows. "Cui Ling caused trouble at the Duke''s Residence and is now making a scene in front of Cheng''s ce, demanding to die or live."

 Chapter 167: Pregnancy Comes to my Door

    <h4>Chapter 167</h4>


    Yanzhi was puzzled, "Yin Lan sister, what is there for Cui Ling to make trouble over. Could it be that after the young master left, she still wants to follow along and serve the young master at the Duke''s mansion?"


    Yin Lan''s expression was solemn as she told Gu Ying, "I just heard that early this morning, Cui Ling was kneeling and crying at the gate of the Duke''s mansion, saying that our young master must give her an exnation."


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly when she heard this. She immediately recalled how Cui Ling had used the child in her belly to threaten A Ning in her previous life.


    So this girl still hasn''t given up.


    She actually dared to openly make trouble at the Duke''s mansion.


    Gu Ying frowned. "Is she pregnant?"


    Yin Lan said, "Yes, My Lady. She is truly shameless. She actually made a scene about her premarital pregnancy in front of so many people on the street."


    "Yanzhi, bring me my cloak." Gu Ying calmlyughed coldly, her expression calm. "I''m afraid someone deliberately instigated this."


    Yin Lan said, "Could it be Wang from our household? How could she have the audacity."


    "Why wouldn''t she have the audacity?" Yanzhi replied as she put on her mistress'' cloak. "On the day my Lady got married, she dared to ruin my Lady''s reputation bying to the door. What won''t she do?" My Lady, I fear they are targeting the young master''s reputation."


    Gu Ying''s brows twitched slightly, a satisfied expression on her face. "Yanzhi, now you even understand these tricks."


    Yanzhi scratched her head shyly. "I learned it all from my Lady and Sister Yin Lan. Don''t worry my Lady, I can clearly distinguish ck from white now. I won''t let anyone harm you right in front of me."


    Yin Lan smiled at her. "Alright, stop buttering up my Lady. I''ll go with my Lady to meet Cui Ling. You go take care of the young master and see what else he needs."


    "Yes sister!" Yanzhi said as she left.


    As soon as Yanzhi left, Gu Ying took her umbre and went to the Zhengde Pavilion with Yin Lan.


    Old Steward Zhao Sheng was standing at the door. He bowed neither humbly nor arrogantly when he saw Gu Ying. "Eldest Young Lady."


    When they heard the voice inside, a noisy cry immediately rang out.


    Gu Ying lifted the corners of her lips into a charming smile and calmly walked into the hall.


    "Mother."


    Cheng was sitting on a rosewood rosewood chair. Seeing Gu Yinge in, she had a pained expression on her face. "Ying, you''vee at just the right time. Quickly call over your younger brother. This maid from the Earl of Dongping''s mansion says she''s pregnant with your brother''s child. She''s making a scene at the gate of the Duke''s mansion today insisting your brother give her an exnation. She''s giving me a headache with her antics out there."


    Gu Ying nced to the side and saw Cui Ling kneeling on the ground, blood seeping from her forehead. There were still traces of tears in the corners of her eyes that hadn''t been wiped clean.


    A few maidservants were nervously standing behind her, ready to pull her back at any time for fear that she would smash her head into a pir and die in the Duke''s mansion where they wouldn''t be able to exin what happened.


    At this moment, she had a resolute expression on her face as she red fiercely at Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying''s face didn''t show a trace of panic as she calmly looked at Cui Ling for a while. "Cui Ling, you said this child belongs to my brother. What proof do you have?"


    Cui Ling''s eyes turned red as she cried, "Second youngdy¡ª"


    Yin Lan coldly cut her off. "Ignorant maid, what second youngdy are you calling her? Call her Eldest Young Lady."


    Cui Ling was overawed by Yin Lan''s imposing manner. She thought of how the former second youngdy had married into the prominent Duke''s mansion and be a wealthy wife. She choked up and her voice weakened. "Y-your Ladyship, this servant was always responsible for serving the young master in Muffeng Studio. Whenever the young master wanted me to...do that, I didn''t dare refuse. As I was still young then, I didn''t know anything at first. Butter, my body gradually became ufortable, weak all over, and I vomited while being bedridden for some time. Mother invited an imperial physician into the manor to examine me, and that was when I found out I was pregnant with the young master''s child. This child is still the second master''s bloodline after all. My Lady is older sister to the young master, so you should stand up for me..."


    As she spoke, she began to sob pitifully.


    Gu Ying watched Cui Ling''s lively performance and found itughable.


    It was the exact same words from Cui Ling that wrongly implicated her underage brother in her previous life.


    After her brother died from his serious illness, Liu even kept Cui Ling by her side as a concubine and allowed the child in her belly to enjoy the prosperity and nobility in the Earl''s manor as a descendant of the Gu family.


    This maid really deserved death.


    And now she actually still wanted to rely on her brother to enjoy the honor of the Duke''s household?


    Hmph, it all depends on whether she agrees to it or not.


    Cheng loved watching a lively disaster unfold. She earnestly said, "Ying, I think you should have your brother take this girl in. Although she is just a maid, the child in her belly is still from your Gu family. It wouldn''t be unreasonable for your brother to take her as a low-ranking concubine."


    If that were to happen, Gu Ning would be utterly disgraced, and his future prospects would be ruined by half. When the time came for him to take a wife and have children, he wouldn''t be able to find a nice girl from a good family to be his principal wife.


    The more Cheng thought about it, the more delighted she was. She wished Cui Ling would make an even bigger fuss to let everyone know about the matter.


    "Ying, what do you think? Even though your brother is the master, he can''t just toy with a girl''s innocence without taking responsibility, can he?"


    Granny Sun quickly echoed her words. "Yes, word of this spreading would be so shameful."


    Cheng''s brows twitched. Changfeng Pavilion was the only area in the Duke''s estate that she was unable to insert her own people. Ever since Zhao Changdu returned to Bianjing, he had Changfeng Pavilion guarded tightly like an iron barrel. Especially after Gu Ying married into the household, aside from the one time her people were allowed inside after the wedding night, they couldn''t even go near it on any other asion.


    Today was a good opportunity for her. Not giving Gu Ying a chance to speak, she ordered, "Granny Sun, go invite Young Master Gu over."


    Gu Ying''s slender brows knitted slightly. Her brother didn''t need to get involved in this matter. She could resolve it herself.


    Just as she was about to refuse¡ª


    She suddenly heard Yanzhi''s vigorous voiceing from outside. "Our young master is here already. No need to trouble Granny Sun!"


    Next, Yanzhi and Yin Zhu lifted Gu Ning''s wheelchair in.


    The youth wore a ck robe printed with auspicious clouds. A thick fox fur cloak was draped over his shoulders. His features were cold and clear, his skinny face sharp and distinct. Because he was too thin, it made his nose bridge appear especially high.


    "Sister."


    Seeing the cold youth sitting in the wheelchair, Gu Ying felt distressed. She walked over and grasped his icy cold hand in her small hand. "A Ning, why aren''t you resting properly in Wanli Pavilion? You didn''t have toe over for this. Sister can resolve this matter."


    What pained her most was this little brother of hers. She hadn''t taken good care of him in her previous life. In this life, she was determined to watch her brother grow up safely into adulthood and let him live free of worries.


    But Gu Ning looked up at her with his clear eyes, the contrast between his ck irises and white sclera distinct. "I know sister can help me, but I also want the world to know from my own mouth that this matter wasn''t my doing."


    The youth''s stubbornness exceeded that of his peers. Gu Ying smiled at his sincere gaze. "Alright then. Can sister assist you?"

 Chapter 168: My Pet

    <h4>Chapter 168</h4>


    Gu Ning nodded and turned to look at Cui Ling, who was kneeling on the ground.


    "Raise your head," he said.


    Cui Ling''s eyebrows tightened as she raised her head to look at this handsome and imposing young man, even as he sat in a wheelchair. A trace of fear arose in her heart.


    She steadied her mind and summoned her courage. "Young Master, you wouldn''t go back on your word, would you?"


    Gu Ning said, "Why would I go back on something I haven''t done?"


    Cui Ling ced a hand on her belly as tears flowed down her cheeks. "I have only ever given myself to you, Young Master. If this child isn''t yours, whose could it be?"


    Gu Ning''s eyebrows and eyes were as faint as clouds and smoke. "Have you forgotten that I''m only ten years old this year?"


    Cui Ling froze for a moment.


    Gu Ning looked down at her, his gaze cool. "You and Steward Wu put on quite the show every day right in front of me. Although I''ve watched my fair share, given my current age, I''m afraid impregnating you would be premature."


    Cui Ling''splexion stiffened for an instant, but she gritted her teeth and argued, "What does ten years old matter? You''re already grown down there. Of course I would get pregnant!"


    Gu Ning scoffed.


    But the low tone of the young man''s voice emanated a chilling intent that made people fearful. "Sister, send someone to bring Steward Wu here."


    Gu Ying watched for a while, then softly lowered her eyes and set down the teacup in her hand. "Yin Zhu, go to the Earl Manor."


    Yin Lan didn''t say much before heading straight for the door.


    How could Lady Cheng allow Gu Ying to order her around so arrogantly right in front of her?


    Cheng''s slender eyebrows tightened as a sharp look shed through her eyes. She had Yin Zhu stopped and her voice turned cold. "This matter now concerns the reputation of the Duke''s Residence. We can''t let it get any bigger and give others more gossip about the Duke''s Residence." In my opinion, the best solution would be for Young Master Gu to take this girl as his concubine."


    Gu Ning''s face darkened as he looked at Gu Ying with concern.


    Gu Ying gave him a reassuring look. Frowning, she said, "Mother, Ning is still just a child. That would be inappropriate."


    Any person with a brain would know a ten-year-old child couldn''t possibly impregnate a grown woman.


    Cheng was clearly deliberately provoking her.


    Cheng said disdainfully, "As the Duke''s Residence''s Lady, you will listen to what I say."


    "This is the Duke''s Residence, not your Dongping Earl Manor!"


    Her voice grew shrill. "Who exactly raised you to be so disrespectful to your elders? How dare you be so insolent in front of me!"


    Gu Ying''s face paled, not from fear, but from irritation at Cheng''s vulgarity welling up within her.


    Just as she was about to retort, a clear,zy male voice sounded from outside Zhengde Pavilion.


    "That would be me who raised her."


    Immediately after, the curtain was lifted by a broad hand with prominent knuckles. A tall figure strode in, bringing with him the wind and snow.


    His hands were casually tucked into his sleeves. He wore a red court robe with a round, open cor that emphasized his sturdy, eye-catching physique. At his waist was a ck leather belt.


    His refined, noble attire did nothing to diminish his intimidating aura.


    When those piercing eyes like cold abyss nced over, a chilling murderous aura slowly permeated Zhengde Pavilion.


    Cheng froze, her face turning from green to white. She had wanted to take this chance to punish Gu Ying, but didn''t expect this nemesis to return so early today.


    Gu Ying''s eyes brightened the moment she saw him. "Changdu, you''re back."


    Zhao Changdu walked to her side and stretched out his arm to pull her into his embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head and nuzzling her. "Did you get hurt?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. The irritation in her heart mysteriously settled down.


    Cheng watched the intimate pair silently, a trace of malice shing through her eyes.


    Zhao Changdu had already heard about Cui Ling''s matter on his way back. Looking directly at Cheng now, he said, "Since you''re so fond of this girl, why not have Zhao Changxing take her as a concubine?"


    Cheng''s face turned purple from suppressed anger, but she forced a smile. "Changdu, the child is Brother Ning''s. It has nothing to do with Xing''er."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as cold as knives. Impatiently he said, "If it''s unrted to him, what business is it of yours?"


    He had no time to bother with Cheng. His only thought was to return and be affectionate with his little wife. Cheng had disrupted his mood and was sticking her neck out.


    Not knowing how to respond, Cheng could only force an awkwardugh.


    No one in this room full of servants dared offend this Crown Prince of Hell.


    Zhao Changdu was ustomed to being unbridled and defiant. As a military man, he was crude and rude. Given his temperament, if Cheng really provoked him, he might disregard even the Duke''s face to make her suffer.


    Cheng didn''t dare tear all pretenses with Zhao Changdu. And Zhao Changdu still gave her some thin face to maintain the appearance of harmony in this household.


    Gu Ying naturally understood the current situation in the Duke''s Residence. She grasped the man''srge hand in her small one and said with a smile, "Changdu, I want to have Yin Zhu go to the Earl Manor and invite Steward Wu over."


    Zhao Changdu''s cold expression softened slightly. "Don''t worry, I already sent Huai An."


    Gu Ying blinked. The Crown Prince really did n for everything.


    Seeing the worshipful look in the little girl''s eyes, Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up slightly. He simply pulled her to sit down. "Ying, just take care of things today. I will oversee matters here. Whoever dares speak out of turn, I''ll cut out her tongue."


    Gu Yingughed softly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she watched the man''s overbearing posture.


    This was Gu Ning''s first time interacting closely with his brother-inw. The man''s bearing was magnificent and his aura powerful. Gu Ning''s gaze flickered.


    He pressed his lips together, cursing internally at his current weakness that left him unable to protect his sister.


    But if this man was willing to protect his sister on his behalf, perhaps he could begrudgingly ept him as a brother-inw.


    ...


    The awkward tension in Zhengde Pavilion didn''tst long.


    Cui Ling also didn''t dare cry anymore. She knelt stiffly like a wooden pole.


    Steward Wu was quickly dragged over by Huai An, trussed up and sporting a bruised, swollen face after a beating.


    Cui Ling had already been frightened by the Crown Prince''s chilliness. Now seeing Steward Wu''s miserable state, anxiety arose in her heart.


    Gu Ying was about to force Cui Ling to admit who the father of her child was.


    But Gu Ning spoke up. "Sister, let me question her."


    Gu Ying smiled. "Alright."


    Her brother was growing up, with ideas of his own. She would need to indulge him. She simply lifted her skirt and sat down beside the Crown Prince.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze had been fixed on the little girl the entire time. Seeing her sit back down beside him, his broad palm reached over.

 Chapter 169: Drop Blood to recognize Relatives

    <h4>Chapter 169</h4>


    Ying Gu had no choice but to raise the corners of her lips and put her small hand into his palm meaningfully.


    The warm palm wrapped her icy cold little hand, and a hard-to-describe emotion spread in Ying Gu''s heart.


    She raised her eyes to look at the man''s handsome side face, then looked away in panic.


    In the hall, Cui Ling refused to admit that the father of her child was Steward Wu, crying and making trouble, saying that if Gu Ning didn''t recognize her child, she would smash herself to death in the Duke''s Residence.


    Although Steward Wu was beaten, he still insisted through gritted teeth that he had never touched Cui Ling.


    Huai An had a hot temper. He rushed up to torture the one surnamed Wu again.


    Gu Ning spoke up, "Brother Huai An, don''t hit him, I have a way."


    Ying Gu raised her eyebrows, somewhat surprised to see her younger brother.


    Gu Ning''s eyebrows were calm. The long illness in bed made him exceptionally restrained.


    He looked at Cui Ling and said to Cheng and others, "Madame, brother-inw of the heir apparent, sister, in order to prove my innocence, I would like to do a blood test to confirm the rtionship now."


    Everyone in the hall looked towards Gu Ning.


    Ying Gu''s eyes moved slightly. "Oh? Little Ning, tell us about it."


    Gu Ning said, "Although the child is still in Cui Ling''s belly, the mother and child are one body, and the child''s bloodmunicates with the mother''s. Therefore, we can now drip blood to recognize our kinship."


    Steward Wu was stunned. "What?"


    Gu Ning didn''t look at Steward Wu, nced at Cui Ling''s pale face, and said to Cheng and the others, "Madame, sister-inw of the heir apparent, sister, in order to prove my innocence, I would like to drip blood to recognize kinship now."


    Cui Ling immediately used her hand to protect her slightly bulging belly, looking at Steward Wu with a hint of fear in her evasive eyes.


    There was a hint of panic and guilt between Steward Wu''s eyebrows.


    At this moment, Yin Zhu had just brought in a bowl of clear water.


    Gu Ning gave her a look. Although Yin Zhu didn''t say much, there was a hint of fierceness in her eyes. She directly cut Steward Wu''s finger and let the blood drip into the bowl.


    She also pulled Cui Ling over and cut open her lower abdomen despite Cui Ling''s futile struggle.


    Cui Ling screamed in panic, but before she could cry out, she realized that Yin Zhu hadn''t really hurt her. Instead, Yin Zhu had cut a small slit on her belly with the knife tip and let the blood drip into the clear water.


    Everyone was nervous and looked at the two drops of blood in the porcin bowl.


    Steward Wu''s eyeballs protruded as his fingers trembled slightly.


    Cui Ling''s face was as white as paper. Her whole body stiffened as she watched the two drops of blood in the water gradually blend together. Her lips trembled, as if struck by lightning.


    The corner of Gu Ning''s mouth twitched coldly. "Sister, Cui Ling lied and tried to ckmail the young master of the residence with the child in her belly. If she was sent to the Bianjing Prefecture Yamen, how would she be sentenced?"


    Ying Gu smiled and said, "Exiled three thousand miles away."


    The flesh on Steward Wu''s face twitched. He only resented that he couldn''t roll his eyes and faint.


    With a thud, Cui Ling copsed on the ground and resigned herself to her fate. "This ve...this ve is wrong. Young master, madame, please spare this ve''s life for the sake of the child I¡¯m carrying, okay? This ve shouldn''t have lied to the young master or caused trouble bying to the Duke¡¯s Residence. It was this ve¡¯s delusion and wishful thinking like a toad lusting after a swan. This ve really knows she was wrong! Madame, please, madame, please ask for mercy for this ve!"


    Cui Ling had almost copsed. Everyone present was watching her as a joke. Only Ying Gu had a faint expression on her face that didn''t reveal any mood. As ast resort, Cui Ling crawled over to her in desperation.


    "Madame, you are also a wife and know this ve''s difficulties..."


    Zhao Changdu''s cold eyes narrowed slightly. With a speed invisible to the naked eye, he got up and hugged Ying Gu with one arm, kicking Cui Ling away with one foot.


    Cui Ling''s body mmed against a pir and she vomited a mouthful of blood, passing out.


    Not to mention Steward Wu and the other servants present, even Cheng shuddered.


    This was the first time she had seen Zhao Changdu get angry. People who had shed blood on battlefields werepletely different from those pampered nobles in Beijing.


    At the very least, this King of Hell executes people casually, showing no mercy.


    Cheng stroked her chest and shut her mouthpletely.


    The man''s voice was terribly low. He held the slender arm of the youngdy in his big hand. "What''s wrong? Did you get hurt?"


    With the sudden dramatic turn of events, when blood trickled out from under Cui Ling, it took Ying Gu a while to react. She looked at the dark brooding face in front of her nkly. "I...I''m fine. But, Adu, I think she had a miscarriage..."


    Zhao Changdu knitted his sword-like brows together and looked over, the lines between his brows getting deeper. ¡°Huai An.¡±


    Huai An immediately responded, ¡°Sir.¡±


    Staring at the girl''s absentminded face, Zhao Changdu thought the blood had scared her. He raised his hand to cover her eyes. ¡°Go find a doctor.¡±


    Huai An understood, turned and left.


    Now that the truth had been revealed, there was no need for Ying Gu to do anything else.


    Zhao Changdu pressed his lips tightly together. He directly picked Ying Gu up horizontally. ¡°Don¡¯t look.¡±


    Ying Gu suddenly felt everything go dark before her eyes, and blinked her eyshes. It was the man''s broad palm.


    Zhao Changdu carried the girl out of Zhengde Pavilion, brushing past Huo Qiyun who had just arrived.


    A smile appeared on Huo Qiyun''s face as she came over to greet them. ¡°Adu¡ª¡±


    The man didn''t even nce at her, carrying his dark expression as he sidestepped away.


    Watching the man leave with the girl in his arms, Huo Qiyun paused.


    Snowkes were scattered all over the yard, and she felt a chill in her heart.


    Lv Zhi had been holding an umbre behind her and just put it down.


    But she saw an ominous dark look appear on herdy¡¯s face for the first time.


    ¡°Lady...¡± Lv Zhi felt a sudden chill in her heart.


    But Huo Qiyun seemed to have just woken up from a dream. She smiled charmingly and gracefully. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go inside. The Huo family will be here soon.¡±


    Lv Zhi bit her lip. ¡°Yes,¡± she answered softly.


    The new year had arrived and families began visiting each other and exchanging gifts. In previous years, they would onlye to the Duke''s Residence to pay new year visits after the pce banquets, but since the heir apparent had gotten married recently, the Zhao side of Huo family couldn''t wait any longer.


    ...


    The wind outside was quite cold.


    Only when she felt the man''s steady heartbeat beating by her ear did Ying Gu move her fingers and hook her arm around his neck.


    She had seen many pregnant women miscarry countless times. This kind of thing happened frequently in Jiang Yin''s back courtyard. Many women even died from massive bleeding when the baby was too big to be delivered.


    She had experienced many such incidents herself, but no one had ever cared about her feelings.

 Chapter 170: She Was So Scared

    <h4>Chapter 170</h4>


    So, Zhao Changdu''s concern for her made her mind absent for a moment. She suddenly felt homesick and didn''t know what to say or do. She just stared nkly at his smooth and firm jawline in his arms.


    The two returned to Changfeng Pavilion in almostplete silence.


    Gu Ying struggled out of his arms, her cheeks already flushed red, awkwardly standing in ce.


    Zhao Changdu looked at her quietly, his eyes deep, not knowing what he was thinking.


    Gu Ying licked her dry lips and had to awkwardly change the subject, "I''ll go pick up A Ning."


    "Huai An will bring him back."


    "Then I¡ª"


    "You don''t have to do anything."


    Zhao Changdu took her small hand. Only then did he notice that there was no so-called fear in the little girl''s eyes at all.


    An ordinary woman would have cried or at least shown panic when seeing this kind of scene, but except for her initial stunned reaction, she had been very calm so far.


    Additionally, it had been seven or eight days since their wedding.


    The little girl was in charge of all the big and small affairs of Changfeng Pavilion, whether it was assigning tasks, managing private finances, or taking care of his diet and daily life.


    She had done everything in an orderly manner without any chaos.


    She was only fifteen years old, but was far too mature and steady. Although she was still a child, she was already better at managing the inner court than most prestigious madams.


    She didn''t look like a little girl at all, but rather like an experienced woman who was already familiar with these matters.


    She... what exactly had she experienced?


    Zhao Changdu frowned, recalling that after Gu Shuang had pulled her to talk in Twilight Snow Studio on the day he returned home, Jiang Yin hade to find him.


    At that time, Jiang Yin looked at him with an extremelyplicated expression and said, "Your Highness, have you ever thought that your pillowpanion might not be simple?"


    Howplicated could a little girl be?


    At that time, he didn''t think too much about it.


    Women were already at a disadvantage in the inner court. Her knowing some schemes and tricks was harmless.


    Since he had married her, he would treat her well for a lifetime. He wouldn''t delve deeply into her past, and her future would be protected by him.


    But he had never thought about what she had experienced that shaped her current steady temperament.


    He suddenly couldn''t quite see through Gu Ying.


    "Master!"


    Huai An''s crisp voice broke the silence in the room.


    "Young Master Su is here asking for a meeting."


    "Let him go to the study."


    "Yes!"


    The man let go of her hand and said, "I''ll go see Su He first. Be good and wait for me."


    "Okay..."


    As the man''s aggressive eyes retracted, Gu Ying heaved a sigh of relief.


    Few people could withstand the Prince Heir''s extremely oppressive gaze. For a moment, she even felt that the Prince Heir''s eyes could pierce through her shell and see her reborn soul.


    At that moment, she was extremely afraid.


    Her past was so disgraceful. Who would willingly ept such a downtrodden, miserable and dirty self?


    The Prince Heir... was also a man. He would also loathe her filth and loathe her...


    By then, he probably wouldn''t hold her affectionately or treat her so well and dote on her anymore.


    For a long time, she hadn''t thought seriously about these things. Now that she did, her heart was filled with lingering fears.


    Gu Ying felt inexplicable in her heart. She slumped into the chair covered in ayer of cold sweat.


    For a good long while she just sat there in a daze.


    "Mistress?"


    Yin Lan''s gentle voice sounded in her ear.


    Gu Ying came to her senses and saw that all of Banzhi Yinzhun had returned. A Ning was right in front of her, yet she hadn''t even heard such loud noises.


    She smiled and blinked, silently ridiculing herself for making a mountain out of a molehill.


    Regardless of whether the Prince Heir would know that she was a reborn person, even if he did find out, so what? By then, she might have already divorced him and taken her brother to the border to find her father.


    What she had to do was to be a good wife to him during their marriage.


    Although it was a misunderstanding in her childhood, he had also saved her life. Now that she was grown up, he had helped her many times. In any case, she still had to repay this favor.


    She discarded those messy thoughts in her mind and got up to walk to Gu Ning''s wheelchair.


    Gu Ning cheered her up today. Previously, she always felt that her brother needed her protection. Now she realized that her brother was not stupid at all. He understood everything. It was just that he couldn''t be bothered to contend with Grandmother Liu since he thought his crippled legs meant he didn''t have long to live, so he lost the motivation to fight and seize.


    Now that his legs were gradually improving, his spirit was visibly better as well.


    "A Ning, how did youe up with that method?"


    Gu Ning said lightly, "I made it up."


    Gu Ying was taken aback. "You made it up?"


    "Mm." Gu Ning still looked very indifferent. "Royal Physician Wang has an excellent reputation and superb medical skills. No one would doubt it if I said it was his method. Cui Ling can''t read so she doesn''t know if what I said was true or false, and Manager Wu is the same."


    Gu Ying asked, "Then how did you determine that the two drops of blood would fuse together?"


    Gu Ning looked up and suddenly smiled at his sister. "The blood of any two people will mix together when ced side by side. I only put Cui Ling and Manager Wu''s blood together first. Overwhelmed by guilt and fear when they saw the fresh blood fuse together, they simply had no mind to seek verification from me, so the truth came to light."


    Gu Ying and the others suddenly understood andughed.


    "Young Master is wise. This ve is impressed."


    "When Young Master said he would personally resolve Cui Ling, this ve was worried. Now it seems I was overthinking. Young Master is amazing."


    Yin Zhu didn''t speak, she just secretly nced at Gu Ning before lowering her eyshes.


    Gu Ying rubbed the little guy''s head and curved her eyes. "My A Ning is indeed a clever little imp."


    Gu Ning was pleased by the praise. Although his face was still indifferent, his eyes softened with some childlike tenderness.


    ...


    Sandalwood smoke wafted gently in the study.


    After sending away the dispirited Su Huanfeng, Su He specially came to pay Zhao Changdu a visit and see with his own eyes this famous cold-faced Prince Heir who had been soaking in the honey pot after getting married.


    He wore a turquoise-colored straight-hem robe and took off his cloak after entering the room,zily reclining on the soft cushion with burning earth dragon incense.


    Zhao Changdu was sitting cross-legged on the floor across from Su He, with tea and water ced on the long table between them.


    He raised his eyes to nce at Su He and asked about Su Huanfeng''s situation.


    Su He truthfully recounted everything. The Young Marquis'' spirit had been very poor when he left. He hadin at home for several days before resigning himself to his fate and no longer throwing tantrums with the Old Marquis.


    Su Huanfeng didn''t attend Zhao Changdu''s grand wedding.


    He only stood on the second floor of Li Bie Building, watching the bridal sedan go through Changning Boulevard.


    This was the first time he had sincerely liked someone. He originally wanted to fight for the woman he loved, but in the face of his n''s survival, a woman he fancied didn''t amount to much. The Young Marquis understood this clearly.


    The imperial decree of marriage with Princess Yueyan still hadn''te down.


    "That one in the pce is also kicking up a fuss and refuses to marry."


    "Mm."

 Chapter 171: She Is My Life

    <h4>Chapter 171</h4>


    Su He talked for a while and felt uninteresting. For him, the most boring thing in the world was the love between men and women.


    When you love, you hate again. When you hate, you finally break up. It''s either a viin or aining couple.


    It''s better to collect intelligence and watch those so-called prominent families and prominent families who are rotten to the bone inside to make things more pleasant.


    Su He tutted twice, "Adou, this matter is indeed yourck of martial ethics."


    Zhao Changdu said indifferently, "I gave him a chance."


    Since Su Huanfeng chose the family in front of the Su family and Gu Ying, he no longer felt guilty in his heart.


    Su He no longer got entangled in the previous things, smiled and said, "How about your little delicate wife?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows and eyes were faint, but there was a hint of spring breeze in his eyes. "Not bad."


    Everywhere is very much to his liking.


    Su He ridiculed, "You should know, right? Now, her reputation outside is very loud. Everyone says that the youngdy of the Duke''s Mansion is overbearing, jealous and arrogant, and even dares to bully her mother-inw. What is most terrifying is that ording to legend The ruthless prince is afraid of his wife? I don''t think Gu Ying is that kind of person. Could it be that you ordered it?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t deny it, and the corners of his lips pulled apart. "Like her, I don''t need a good reputation. She is overbearing, so no one dares to send someone to my room. I''m afraid of my wife, so I have to listen to everything. Madam, so as to get rid of a lot of troubles."


    Su He had to admire this couple. They were able to survive by cing themselves in a desperate situation.


    I have no morals, don''t think about using morals to restrain me.


    It is really the greatest wisdom in the world.


    After talking for a few words, there was a knock on the door outside the study.


    "Your Highness, I brought some lunch."


    Hearing Gu Ying''s voice, Zhao Changdu got up directly and went to open the door.


    This actionpletely stunned Su He, who was still leaning crookedly on the soft cushion. This... Is this still the cold-blooded and ruthless capitalmander he knew who could kill without blinking an eye?


    The door opened, and Gu Ying was pulled in by the man.


    The man frowned, "It''s cold outside, why did youe by yourself?"


    Gu Ying said helplessly, "Your Highness, it''s just a few steps away."


    The man patted her forehead impatiently, "Come in."


    After Gu Ying entered the study, she saw Su He in green clothes at a nce. She smiled and greeted him, performed etiquette, and was polite and polite.


    Then the waiting maids neatly arranged the prepared lunches, pastries, hot wine and everything else on the case table.


    "Your Highness, Mr. Su, please take your time."


    After speaking, she was about to leave.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything, just looked at her deeply, and let her leave.


    In the past, this Changfeng Pavilion was full of rough men, who could serve so attentively?


    A man with a woman is really different.


    Su He rolled up the window curtain under the south window, and saw the graceful woman returning to the main room through the windowttice. He felt that when he met this time, there was something different about Gu Ying.


    Not only her, but even the man in front of him felt wrong everywhere.


    It exudes a sticky breath all over, and you can smell a strange sweet scent at any time.


    What is most terrifying is that his eyes are still as cold as snow. In the past, it was extinct, but now, what is buried deep under the snow seems to be boundless anger, especially when he looks at Gu Ying, that hot The sharp gaze seemed to swallow the little girl alive.


    He got goosebumps all over his body and worried about Gu Ying for a while.


    The girl looks weak and young, Zhao Changdu is really perverted.


    "Take your eyes back." Zhao Changdu drank a sip of the chicken soup carefully prepared by Gu Ying, "Otherwise, I don''t mind gouging out your eyeballs."


    Su He said unhappily, "Is it necessary? Me and you, we grew up together like brothers."


    Zhao Changdu nced at him and hesitated for a moment before saying solemnly, "She is my life."


    Su He didn''t speak.


    I also feel strange, "Have you fallen in love with her?"


    Zhao Changdu picked up his bowl and chopsticks, looked at the table full of food that suited his appetite, and said in a clear and cold voice, "Tell me, what do I like to eat the most?"


    Su He was stunned for a moment and couldn''t say it.


    Zhao Changdu had a hard time surviving since he was a child, so it was not easy for him to survive, so he was not picky about food. After going to the border, the conditions were naturally not as good as Bianjing. He was even less picky about food and drink.


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was cold, "Although I''m not picky, I still have food I like and don''t like. But after four or five days, she carefully tried out all my tastes and carefully recorded them. Then ordered the kitchen and made different styles of food every day. Put it in front of me."


    Su He listened with a snap of his tongue, "This is an expert."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold, he picked up a refreshing steamed bass.


    Gu Ying''s kindness to people is like spring rain prating everywhere, and the usually calmke in his heart has set off ripples for her.


    Therefore, the more he likes her, the more he hates Jiang Yin.


    "How''s it going with what I asked you to check out?"


    "I checked it out. The young wife has a clear family background, which is easy to check out. She was born in the second room of the Dongping Earl Manor. Her mother is Ye Zhuoning, daughter of Qingliu Ye¡¯s family. After giving birth to her younger brother, Ye Zhuoning fell seriously ill and died. It is said that the disease was quite serious. Her corpse was eventually burned into a pile of ashes by the big fire. The one who handled this matter was the young wife''s grandmother, Mrs. Gu. Her father, Gu Boqing, is a military officer who has risen to the rank of Weiyuan General by his own bare hands. He now has a reputation in Huangzhou City on the border. "


    ¡°However, after Ye¡¯s death, Gu Boqing seemed to have a fallout with Mrs. Gu, and never returned to the Earl Manor. Sometimes he didn''t even return to Bianjing for several years in a row."


    "The young wife has been raised in the main room since she was a child. She and her brother did not have a smooth life, so her personality became rtively weak and timid. The main room never taught her qin chess books and paintings etiquette rules and other things. In the past, her Twilight Snow Studio would leak snow. She and her maid Yanzhi had no charcoal in winter and got through the winter while sick."


    Zhao Chang listened with frowning brows, "No one taught her rules and words?"


    Su He waved his fingers, "No, the young wife is illiterate and doesn''t know words. The reputation of being illiterate is not false. No one has ever taught her to read or write. This matter I checked personally and it is absolutely true."


    Su He knew Gu Ying''s past like the palm of his hand, and continued, "The reason for her changed temperament was the fall into the water in the pce. That day, she was originally instigated by Miss Gu to entangle Jiang Yin in order to get rid of the Su family¡¯s marriage contract and marry Jiang Yin by falling into the water. What was unexpected was that after Gu Ying was saved from the water, she suddenly didn¡¯t like Jiang Yin anymore. Instead, she implicated Miss Gu and Jiang Yin on the spot. After leaving the pce, the young wife went to see that Su Huanfeng boy without stopping."


    He just didn''t expect to see the wrong person.


    Zhao Changdu knew about this. At that time, when he saw the little girl, he still felt strange in his heart. He was notoriously cold-blooded and ruthless. How could she find him?

 Chapter 172: The Son of the World Doesn’t Need a Woman

    <h4>Chapter 172</h4>


    Later on, he went to the Bo mansion in the middle of the night and saw the words she had written down.


    He had thought she was just pretending to be clumsy...


    But now it seems that it wasn''t her deliberately pretending to be clumsy... but that she was full of secrets.


    Zhao Changdu''s features were profound, as deep as the sea, and it was unclear what he was thinking.


    Su He tasted a mouthful of the food from the small kitchen at Changfeng Pavilion. It was delicious indeed. He picked up his chopsticks and ate heartily, saying as he ate, "Well, Jiang Yin is not very settled nowadays. He has secretly met with Prince Shu."


    "Oh?"


    "Brother Du, you need to be wary of him. That guy Jiang Yin... is a bit strange."


    "What''s strange about him?"


    Su He swallowed a piece of fish and pondered for a moment. "Ever since your grand wedding, he''s been a little weird, especially after something happened recently. The banquet at the pce ising up soon, isn''t it? The youngdy from the Ning family, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, hase back from her hometown Yueyang. On the way, she met with an ident and happened to be saved by Prince Shu."


    Zhao Changdu knitted his brows. "Happened to?"


    "Yes, the coincidence lies in this ''happened to''." Su He said solemnly, "Prince Shu was under house arrest by His Majesty for a period of time earlier. Later, it was Concubine Wan who pleaded on his behalf before His Majesty lifted Prince Shu''s house arrest. Since then, Prince Shu had been quite well-behaved, neither going out nor causing trouble, just staying in his manor to read every day. However, on the day when the Ning girl had her ident, Prince Shu inexplicably appeared on the official road outside the city and happened to save Miss Ning. I also heard that at that time, Miss Ning''s carriage overturned and she almost fell off a cliff. It was Prince Shu who carried her up in front of everyone."


    He emphasized the word "carry", implying deeper meaning that made one ponder.


    Miss Ning Ning from the household of the Minister of Personnel was the future daughter-inw that the Empress in the inner pce had long ago taken a liking to. Behind the Ning family was the powerful Ning n, a century-old prominent family.


    The struggle in the Eastern Pce was also manifested in marriages.


    However, the Ning family did not look favorably on Prince Shu, and was more inclined towards Prince Duan. Therefore, Miss Ning''s marriage had always been up in the air.


    But if this incident urred, I''m afraid the current Minister of Personnel''s household would be in turmoil.


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was stern. "Did Prince Shu deliberately make his move?"


    Su He held up a finger, his eyes nted sharply, also revealing some gloom in them. "The strangest thing is that it wasn''t."


    "It was after Jiang Yin met with Prince Shu that Prince Shu made such a move. He was also present at the scene that day."


    The undercurrents were surging in Zhao Changdu''s eyes. He felt that things were bing more and more confusing.


    Although confusing, it seemed to have intricate connections with his little wife.


    Ah Rong''s hatred for Jiang Yin had reached an extreme extent. So was that hatred really just because she confessed her feelings to him and he pped her in the face?


    After finishing the meal, Su He supported his belly, fully satisfied. "Jiang Yin knew about the snow disaster in Yueyang even earlier than I did. Brother Du, could Jiang Yin really foretell the future?"


    Zhao Changdu raised the teacup, his gaze sinking. "Across the entire Dong Li, whose information could be faster than your Fuyun Building."


    Su He raised his brows arrogantly. "That''s true."


    And that was exactly why Jiang Yin was bing more and more inscrutable.


    ...


    Dinner with Su Hested until dusk.


    As dusk fell, Zhao Changdu sent Su He back and the courtyard was empty again, the former feeling of loneliness and bleakness permeating once more.


    There was a sh of gloom in the man''s eyes as he forcefully suppressed his emotions, his heart turning colder by a few degrees.


    Just as he was about to snap at the servants, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.


    He turned to look and saw his Ah Rong and several maids returning from outside.


    Somehow, when he didn''t see the little girl, his heart felt empty, as if there was nothing to anchor it.


    But as soon as he saw her, it felt like something gently knocked against his heart, instantly filling it up.


    He strode over and pulled her into his embrace, pressing down the restlessness in his heart. His voice low and hoarse, "Where did you go?"


    The servants attending at Changfeng Pavilion were long used to their young master''s unrestrained doting on his wife. Still, the heir''s open affection made them blush.


    Gu Ying sped her small hands around the man''s sturdy waist, feeling his broad physique enveloping her almost like a mountain. A strange feeling arose in her heart.


    She hesitated for a moment before smiling and saying, "Mother sent someone to call me out to see a guest."


    The flurries of light snow outside and the cold wind prompted Zhao Changdu to simply carry her into the room.


    Displeasure clouded the heir''s face and his eyes were icy cold, seemingly unhappy.


    Yin Lan and the others hurried to add more coal to the fire, fearing they might have displeased the young master in some way.


    The warmth enveloped the room. Gu Ying hooked the man''s long neck, the faint smell of wine on him teasing her nose.


    She raised her eyes slightly to meet his deep, pitch-ck pupils. She thought to herself, how could there be such a handsome man? Every part of his face and body was perfectly to her liking.


    People get drunk by themselves even without the help of wine. She stared at him unblinkingly, losing herself in the abyss of his eyes. Her body also softened involuntarily.


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to hold her gaze, then casually pressed her onto the bed. Hisrge hand stroked a few strands of ck hair that slipped from her temples, his voice turning hoarse and murky.


    His fingers slid down her cheek and further down. "Who did you meet?"


    Gu Ying''s chest heaved up and down, her breathing somewhat chaotic. "I met the Huo family''s people."


    The man kissed her jawline, pressed against her neck. "The Huo family?"


    Gu Ying closed her eyes. His soft yet cool lips blocked hers, making it extremely difficult for her to breathe. "Mm... it was my auntie and Miss Huo Qiyan who came."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze chilled slightly. His actions halted briefly. "What did theye to do?"


    Gu Ying took a deep breath, heat still steaming on her flushed cheeks. She sat up and tidied her loosened clothes. "Nothing much. After all, it was the first time they saw me after the grand wedding. They said they came to see how I was and also, Huo Qiyan wants to enter the household to serve the heir..."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression instantly turned ugly. "Preposterous!"


    Seeing the woman didn''t speak,


    He turned back and sank his gaze at the figure leaning against the pillow. "Did you agree?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips. "I figured the heir is a precious treasure, so naturally he would need three wives and four concubines."


    Zhao Changdu let out a coldugh. "Oh? You''re quite thoughtful about me."


    Gu Ying didn''t detect the sarcasm in the man''s tone. In her previous life, she had been irritated beyond measure because of Jiang Yin''s concubines and made herself ill over it, eventually even incurring Jiang Yin''s disgust.


    In her perspective, which son of privilege and power in Bianjing didn''t have three wives and four concubines?


    She didn''t marry into this household for love in the first ce. As his principal wife, what she ought to do was not only managing the affairs and property ounts of the back residence, but also find ways to bring in beautiful concubines for the heir and propagate offspring for the Duke''s residence


    Wasn''t she already magnanimous enough as his wife?


    What else could he be unsatisfied about?


    The man sneered. His big hand gripped her chin, staring straight into her clear eyes, hating so much that his teeth itched. "I have no need for women, do you know that?"


    "Huh?" Gu Ying was astonished.


    With the heir''s stamina, he had no need for women?

 Chapter 173: He’s Got a Queer Anger

    <h4>Chapter 173</h4>


    In the past when she didn''t understand, she thought he was an ascetic immortal. Now, she feels that he is a gentle and affectionate person.


    Seeing the girl''s confused gaze, he sighed and let her go, "I''m going to bathe. Think about it yourself and answer meter."


    Gu Ying didn''t understand why he was angry.


    Many men envied her good marriage. Or did the prince think having Huo Qiyan as a concubine was inappropriate for her status?


    Gu Ying was puzzled. Hearing the water sound from the next room, her heart was also a little restless.


    Zhao Rou brought Huo Qiyan to propose marriage, but she didn''t care much in her heart.


    After discussing with Cheng, they decided to ce Huo Qiyan in the prince''s residence and let her move in soon.


    She wanted to refuse but thought that Huo Qiyan was the prince''s cousin and his wife in her previous life. She didn''t need to displease the prince on this matter, so she didn''t say anything and acquiesced to Cheng and Zhao Rou¡¯s arrangement.


    On the way, she was thinking about what to say and where would be the best ce to arrange Huo Qiyan.


    Soon, the man finished his bath.


    In the cold winter, the man was bare-chested, only wearing pants. Cold water droplets slid down his handsome face and onto his broad chest.


    Seeing the beautiful scenery, Gu Ying was stunned.


    The prince exercised swordsmanship every morning even in heavy snow. She had felt his fit figure when handing him water and towels. But this was the first time she clearly saw his body under candlelight.


    Gu Ying¡¯s face flushed as she quickly averted her eyes. "I...I should go too."


    Just as she was about to leave with her nightclothes, her hand was grabbed by arge hand.


    Gu Ying swallowed and turned to face the handsome man. Her breathing stalled, "Prince, what''s wrong?"


    "Did you think through what I asked you earlier?"


    Gu Ying''s mind went nk. What did the prince ask earlier? He seemed to say he didn''t need a woman?


    "Oh, I understand. The prince means it''s too early to take a concubine since we just married. Taking one now would be bad for the prince¡¯s reputation. Huo Qiyan is Auntie¡¯s daughter and the legitimate daughter of Lord Huo. If she bes the prince¡¯s concubine, it would be hard to exin to the Huo family. Is this what the prince means?" Gu Ying thought and offered her understanding.


    "Gu Ying!"


    Zhao Changdu gritted his teeth and threw the girl onto the bed.


    He was furious and wished he could swallow this silly woman.


    "Prince..."


    Seeing the grim look on the man''s face, Gu Ying panicked.


    Before she could react, a heavy body pressed down on her.


    She opened her lips but wasn''t given any chance to refuse.


    In the quiet bedroom, heavy breathing sounded.


    She was left breathless by the man''s vigor. In the end, she bit her lips as her face turned pale.


    Zhao Changdu gripped her fingers tightly. His passionate aura seemed to hook her in, "Do you understand now?"


    Gu Ying''s mind was in chaos. She barely had the energy to respond to him, let alone think of anything else. She could only whimper and nod, "I...understand..."


    Seeing the girl crying pitifully, the man softened his moves and gently caressed her cheeks. He kissed her lips indulgently, "Good that you understand."


    Gu Ying felt even more ufortable. Her body went limp as she looked at him tearfully, "Prince...I''m tired..."


    She was truly tired. In just an hour, she felt the man¡¯s anger.


    So the process wasn''t great. Fortunately, he held her gently afterwards and she gradually calmed down.


    Zhao Changdu looked at the girl¡¯s charming flushed face and smiled, "Don¡¯t sleep yet. Wash yourself clean first before sleeping."


    Gu Ying¡¯s voice was hoarse and soft, "Changdu...I''m sleepy..."


    The man chuckled and kissed her forehead, "I''ll carry you."


    "Mm...okay..."


    She didn¡¯t care about shyness anymore and let the man carry her sweat-drenched body. After all, he had seen every part of her. She resigned to letting him have his way.


    ...


    Gu Ying slept quite well that night and apanied someone again in the morning.


    Only then did the prince get up, dressed neatly and went vigorously to the pce.


    When Yin Lan came in to serve her, her ears were red. She smiled, "Mistress should still pay attention to her body."


    Although Yin Lan spoke like this, she was actually happy inside. A man''s affection for a woman can be seen from his passion for her in bed. Now seeing the prince¡¯s enthusiasm for her mistress, she figured he must really like her.


    "Mm, I know..." Gu Ying''s face was flushed as she casually took out the contraceptive and put it in her mouth.


    Then Bian Zhi came in to report, "Mistress, Elder Madam hase to see you."


    Gu Ying was still feeling weak and sore after being tormented by the princest night. Hearing that Huo Qiyun wanted to see her, she hesitated for a while before letting her in.


    When Huo Qiyun came in, she sensed something different about Changfeng Pavilion.


    The former coldness was now filled with warmth.


    And there was a beautiful woman full of charm sitting inside that added vitality.


    Huo Qiyun only froze briefly before smiling and sitting down on the embroidery stool in front of Gu Ying. "Ying, Mother asked me to bring you scriptures."


    Then she had Lv Zhi deliver the Ksitigarbha Sutra and Diamond Sutra over.


    Yin Lan smiled as she received them and put the scriptures aside properly.


    It was truly meticulously nned by Cheng to have Huo Qiyune over to deliver things.


    The prince was guarded against everyone except Huo youngdy. Cheng had likely taken advantage of this point by keeping her around.


    Gu Ying sighed helplessly. Seeing the red swollen wound on her face left by Zhao Changxing¡¯s beating, she had someone bring medicine cream over. "Why does he still beat you?"


    Huo Qiyun said inly, "It can''t be helped. He was drunk against night."


    Gu Ying sighed again. "This cream works very well for swelling. Take it to use."


    Huo Qiyun smiled gratefully, "Ying, thank you so much. If not for you, I''m afraid my life would be worse than death."


    Gu Ying had helped her tremendously, not only secretly sending her good charcoal and medicinal materials, but also food from time to time.


    The only downside was Cheng''s immense wariness of Gu Ying that made her torment Huo Qiyun even more insanely.

 Chapter 174: The Double

    <h4>Chapter 174</h4>


    In the past, after she married Zhao Changxing, she felt she could hardly carry on after less than a year. She had endured the torment from Cheng and Zhao Changxing for ten years. Her only hope was that Du woulde back to save her. Now that Du had returned, no matter what, she would not let Du leave again.


    This was also one of the reasons why she had been trying so hard to please Gu Ying recently.


    "This is nothing. It''s just something within my capability."


    "Ah Ying, having a good sister like you is the blessing of my lifetime."


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "Let''s not talk about this. Mother really put me in a difficult position. She clearly knows I don''t recognize a singleplex character. If she asks me to copy this scripture, I''m afraid the Queen Mother will dislike me andugh at me."


    Huo Qiyun was also worried. "This concerns the royal family. I''m afraid it can''t be easily dismissed. Ah Ying, shall I help you copy it?"


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows twitched slightly. Suddenly, she felt a few more strands of vignce towards Huo Qiyun in her heart.


    In her previous life, she had at leastpeted among those talenteddies in Jiangyin. Huo Qiyun''s offer made her notice her ambition.


    Since it could not be easily dismissed, how could she casually let others copy on her behalf? Ladies of their status learned this principle early on in their childhood.


    The Queen Mother was praying blessing for her son. What she wanted was the sincerity of the person copying the scripture. If not sincere, what would be the point of copying it?


    Gu Ying asked as if puzzled. "Can this be done?"


    Huo Qiyun looked down on Gu Ying, the illiterate, in her heart. On the surface, she smiled understandingly. "If you don''t say and I don''t say, no one should know. But we have to do this discreetly. Why don''t Ie to Changfeng Pavilion every day to copy it for you? Ah Ying, what do you think?"


    Gu Ying did not think it was good.


    She felt unhappy at the thought of Huo Qiyuning over everyday. She might run into the Prince.


    "Ah Ying?"


    "Ha ha." Gu Ying recalled the punishment from the manst night. She smiled. "Sister-inw, I don''t think it''s appropriate."


    Huo Qiyun''s face stiffened. She forced a smile. "I was just casually suggesting it. Don''t overthink it, Ah Ying."


    Gu Ying resolutely rejected Huo Qiyun. She somehow felt strange about her own petty mood. It was obvious that Huo Qiyun wanted to match the Prince with her. But now, she had be somewhat petty...


    The room fell into awkward silence. Huo Qiyun was about to get up and leave. But just as she was about to stand, her eyes caught sight of the long bow hanging on the wall. "Huh? Ah Ying, is that Li King''s bow?"


    "..." Gu Ying did not expect Huo Qiyun to recognize Li King''s bow. "Yes, yes it is. Sister-inw, you know about it too?"


    "Mm. Du showed it to me before."


    The smile on Gu Ying''s lips stiffened. "The Prince and Sister-inw have deep feelings for each other. It''s really enviable."


    Hearing this, Huo Qiyun feltforted in her heart. No matter that Gu Ying was Du''s wife. The years she had spent with Du were irreceable to anyone.


    She would always be the most special one in Du''s heart.


    She walked forward as if she was the mistress of Changfeng Pavilion herself. Her slender fingers caressed the peerless divine bow. Her fine brows furrowed slightly. "Why is Li King''s bow string broken?"


    "..." Gu Ying was rendered speechless for a moment. "It broke by ident. I haven''t been able to find a suitable bow string...so I just left it like this."


    Huo Qiyun said regretfully, "What a pity for such a fine bow."


    Although she said so, the deepest resentment swirled in her eyes towards Li King''s bow.


    To think Du had just given Li King''s bow to Gu Ying so casually...Gu Ying was not even worthy!


    She pondered for a moment, then turned her head with a gentle smile. "But I know where in Dongli to find the best bow strings that can repair Li King''s bow. It is said that Li King''s ancestors made it."


    "Is Sister-inw speaking the truth?"


    "Why would I lie to you? Ah Ying, just say, do you want to fix this bow or not?"


    Gu Ying said, "Of course I do."


    Although she had dealt with Mrs. Liu''s two spies with Li King''s bow, in the end she had let down the divine bow and failed the Prince''s intentions.


    Her biggest wish before she left was to repair Li King''s bow and return it to the Prince.


    "Good. I''ll give you his address. You can go find him then. But they are a strange n who shun the outside world. It would be difficult to obtain the bow string. There needs to be the right timing. They rarely see anyone after Lantern Festival. There would be a chance to enter their territory after Lantern Festival."


    "It''s fine. I''ll find a way."


    Huo Qiyun smiled sincerely. "Ah Ying is really good to Du. With you apanying Du, I can rest assured too."


    The tone of staking her im...was quite annoying.


    Gu Ying looked to Huo Qiyun inconspicuously.


    She was a very beautiful woman with fair skin, slender and delicate, gentle and elegant. It was the profound cultural foundation of a literary family like the Huo Family that cultivated such a gentle temperament. In addition, there was always a light sadness around her that made her even more pitiable and loveable. Even, she sensed some familiar feeling in her brow and eyes.


    From a certain angle...Huo Qiyun and herself were quite simr. Especially since they both favored in light colors, that touch of pure grace and white skin made them even more alike.


    Recalling Zhao Changxing''s meaningful words during the tea ceremony, Gu Ying suddenly had an unpleasant guess in her mind.


    The Prince treating her so specially...could it be because she resembled Huo Qiyun?


    This spection stunned her for a moment. Then a nameless sour feeling slowly crept into her heart.


    "Ah Ying, I''m leaving first."


    It took Gu Ying a long time to return to her senses. Something seemed stuck in her throat as she choked out, "Okay..."


    She watched Huo Qiyun leave.


    Then she stood in front of the copper mirror to look at herself - snow white skin, ck silky hair, delicate smooth skin, bright spirited eyes, light willow brows, red moist petite lips.


    The more she looked, the more she felt there were indeed some simrities between herself and Huo Qiyun.


    Yin Lan walked in to see Gu Ying frowning at the mirror. Sheughed and asked, "My Lady, what are you looking at?"


    Gu Ying suppressed the sour feeling in her heart and pulled the corners of her lips. "Yin Lan, do you think Sister-inw and I look alike?"


    Yin Lan was rendered speechless by the question. She walked over. "Why is My Lady asking this?"


    Gu Ying''s mind rippled slightly. She somehow felt she had be more and more concerned about the Prince recently...


    Awkwardly, she showed an embarrassed smile and moved away from the copper mirror. She also felt she was making a fuss and bing unlike herself.


    But Yin Lanughed and said, "My Lady and the Eldest Madam only look a little alike in temperament. If you reallypared them, My Lady is much more beautiful than Eldest Madam. Your features are more delicate."


    Yin Lan wasn''t lying.


    In fact, Gu Ying was the most beautiful woman she had seen. Compared to Gu Ying, even Huo Qiyun was slightly inferior.


    Her mistress looked like an exquisitely carved porcin doll. Not to mention the Prince would like her, even she, a woman, liked her immensely.


    Hearing this, Gu Ying only felt her breath stuck halfway in her chest. Her heart ached dully as if arge hand was clutching it tightly and crushing it.


    She didn''t want to be a substitute...


    She didn''t want that when he held her tenderly, the one in his heart was still Huo Qiyun.


    She was her. She was Gu Ying.


    ...

 Chapter 175: You’re not telling Me Something.

    <h4>Chapter 175</h4>


    It waste into the night when Zhao Changdu returned to his manor.


    With many affairs happening in the pce today, and the preparations needed for the pce banquet three dayster, he came backter than usual.


    The servants at Changfeng Pavilion were all fast asleep.


    A dim, warm beanmp was lit in the master chamber.


    Zhao Changdu felt a warmth in his heart. Leaving aside Huaian, he took off his cloak and walked into the room.


    "Master! We haven''t finished discussing the dissolution and resettlement of the Qilin Army..."


    "We''ll discuss it tomorrow."


    After throwing out a line, the man pushed open the door into the master chamber.


    The desk in the room was scattered with unfinished copied scriptures, but the person on the bed had tucked their head to sleep, their entire body buried under the brocade quilt, protruding an adorable little mound that made one''s heart itch.


    He sat in front of the incense burner to warm his cold, snowden body before walking to the bedside. Looking at the sensual shape under the quilt, his throat tightened.


    After not seeing the little girl for a day, he naturally missed her somewhat.


    In previous years without having touched a woman, without knowing the pleasures of clouds and rain, ever since he started, his mind would asionally ponder over it.


    Just thinking about it now, he took off his clothes and slipped under the quilt, reaching over with his big hand around her waist.


    "Asleep?"


    The little girl didn''t answer.


    It was warm under the quilt, making one''s heart irritated. His palm held a piece of soft, beautifully shaped cloud.


    He moved over, his body pressed against her back. Tilting his head, he tangled with her neck and red lips. Under the dim candlelight, the man''s breathing gradually grew heavy, somewhat impatient.


    Gu Ying was actually not yet asleep.


    She endured it at first, but seeing him growing more and more excessive, she simply opened her eyes, struggled free of his arms, and pressed against his chest as she retreated to the corner of the big bed.


    "Changdu, I''m not feeling well...it''s not very convenient tonight..."


    The man''s gaze was fiery, staring intently at her snow-white little face that was pitch ck in the night, seeming like he had drank strong wine with his hoarse voice. "What''s wrong? Come over and let me take a look."


    "My monthly affair is about toe, my stomach doesn''t feel good. It''s nothing major."


    Gu Ying was unwilling to go over. Who knew what he would do to her.


    Although since getting married, they were very harmonious in husband and wife intimacy, when she thought about how he possibly only liked her because she resembled Huo Qiyun...


    It made her feel a little ufortable in her heart.


    Gu Ying hastily put her clothes back on properly and tied her sash before getting off the bed, crossing over him.


    Zhao Changdu leanedzily on the bed...his unsatisfied gaze looking towards her back seemed to stare fixedly at prey.


    Gu Ying felt very uneasy all over. After putting on an outer garment and tying on a cloak, she took a deep breath to calm herself then walked to the desk to continue transcribing the scriptures sent over by the Chengs.


    When he returned, she was originally peacefully copying books, and didn''t know if it was to wait for him or for the pce banquet three dayster.


    But when he really came back, her heart suddenly panicked for a moment, and she hurriedly ran back to bed to pretend to sleep.


    She felt guilty, and also didn''t know what she felt guilty for.


    Transcribing scriptures calmed her down, but not long after, the man clung onto her from behind, resting his chin on her neck, speaking hoarsely, "What''s wrong, you don''t look very happy?"


    Gu Ying''s breathing grew urgent, her heart beating very quickly, yet she still forced a smile, pretending everything was fine. "Husband is overthinking, I''m really fine...it''s just that every time before my monthly affair, I get irritated. I''m used to it."


    Zhao Changdu rubbed his face against hers, chuckling lowly, "Shall I help relieve you?"


    The cold, bloodthirsty King of Hell outside, yet at home he was like an spoiled big puppy begging for affection.


    Gu Ying''s breath hitched, her face already halfway red. "It tickles...Changdu, stop ying around. I still have to copy scriptures. Mother sent them over for the pce banquet."


    Zhao Changdu casually nced at the scriptures she was copying. The words were graceful and flowing, with style. He asked casually, "When did Ying learn to write?"


    Gu Ying imperceptibly tensed. "When I was young."


    Zhao Changdu continued asking. "Who taught Ying?"


    Gu Ying choked. She casually found an excuse. "I...taught myself...following the words in books..."


    Afraid he wouldn''t believe her, she deliberately showed her special skill - she had specifically imitated a piece of his handwriting.


    Although it was just a few strokes, it was vividly lifelike.


    She did have the talent to imitate others'' writing style.


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. His slender fingers picked up that piece of paper, the light in his eyes casually falling upon the words as he spoke, "Written very well. One can''t achieve this style without years of practice. Merely imitating can''t produce such grace. With such intelligence, no wonder you''re my Ying."


    Gu Ying''s heart instead tightened, sensing something off. "Why is Changdu suddenly so concerned with my writing?"


    Zhao Changdu smiled. His big hand stroked her lower abdomen. "Ying, I care about every part of you, but I always feel you''re hiding something from me."


    He lowered his head, his thin lips falling on her earlobe. As he spoke, his cold breath blew onto the back of her ear.


    Gu Ying couldn''t help shivering all over. The wolf hair brush in her hand nearly slipped out. "Changdu...why do you say that?"


    Zhao Changdu turned her body to face him. His deep eyes were fixed on her pale little face. "I''ll ask once more. Who taught you to write?"


    "I...taught...myself..." She couldn''t continue. Facing his earnest, handsome face, she discovered she couldn''t lie.


    Zhao Changdu smiled self-deprecatingly, not making things difficult for her. His big hands held her face, kissing it. "There''s no need to be afraid. You''re my wife. Naturally I won''t do anything to you."


    Since he had touched her body, he had determined in his heart that she belonged to him. Even if she hid something from him, he believed it wouldn''t be a big deal, as long as it wasn''t beyond his bottom line.


    He could forgive it.


    He only suddenly understood that although the little girl had married him and consummated their marriage, her heart didn''t hold love for him yet.


    There was a wall in her heart, isting everyone outside, including him.


    It seemed that the road to pursue his wife would still be very difficult.


    Zhao Changdu sighed nearly imperceptibly. "I can wait for you to be willing to speak to me."


    Gu Ying''s nose suddenly went sour, a momentary impulse to tell him everything she experienced.


    But she still didn''t dare to. She believed no one was willing to ept her past. She also didn''t want to be in a passive position...abandoned once more.


    "Okay." She smiled with reddened eyes. Her small hands hugged his waist. "When the time is right, I will personally tell you everything."


    This timing was probably when she left him.


    By then, she wouldn''t fear anything anymore.


    She could dashingly and neatly take her younger siblings away from the Duke''s residence, away from Bianjing, not needing to care about anyone.


    "Alright, it''s settled then."


    Gu Ying smiled lightly. "Yes, settled."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was fixed tightly on her tear-filled eyes. The majesty in his pitch ck eyes didn''t diminish in the slightest. He simply picked her up and ced her on the desk.


    Gu Ying realized what was happening. Her ears instantly burned red hot.


    "Changdu, is this okay?"


    "In my territory, there''s nothing wrong."


    Zhao Changdu moved towards her, burying himself in the sweet snowy sea.


    His lips carried a trace of coolness, and also a trace of heat.


    The hazy morning light seeped in through the green gauze windowttices, casting Gu Ying''s blushing little face with ayer of faint white radiance.

 Chapter 176: Little Milk Ball

    <h4>Chapter 176</h4>


    She was born more beautiful than most girls, with skin as clear and smooth as snow, and a figure as delicate as jade.


    She looked soft and weak on the outside, with a slim waist and full hips, straight legs like jade, making one want to bully her.


    It was rare to see Zhao Changdu let his guard down. When he nced up, he did see the little girl covering her mouth with her bare hand, eyes red.


    It''s true, it''s very easy to make her cry, his little girl.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, her fingers curled...and obediently rested on his shoulders.


    This action was undoubtedly acquiescing.


    A hint of a smile yed on Zhao Changdu''s lips as he leaned over to kiss the corner of her mouth.


    Soon, the books and scrolls on the desk fell to the ground.


    The wind and snow rustled outside the window, but it seemed like a hot summer inside the room.


    ...


    The pce banquet was imminent, and the entire household was busy.


    Cheng was also busy, even though Zhao''s household did not have many people, everything had to be prepared properly for the trip to the pce, for fear that a single mistake would embarrass Zhao''s household.


    So she also had no time to find fault with Gu Ying and Huo Qiyun''s unpleasantness.


    It was just that Gu Ying had to copy scriptures and Huo Qiyun had to embroider a screen, so both daughters-inw were extremely busy. Cheng could not find an opportunity to make trouble for them. She stayed in her treasured Bao Mo Hall, asionally having tea with Zhao from the Huo family. The two women were plotting something, though nobody knew what.


    Huo Qiyun went to Changfeng Pavilion twice but did not run into the Heir Apparent, feeling a little disappointed.


    In addition, those concubines in Zhao Changxing¡¯s residence came to pester her every day for no reason, leaving her mentally exhausted.


    Everyone knew that she, the official wife, was not favored¡ªshe had not been able to bear a child for the Zhao household in ten years. Everyone could step on her and show off their power, scolding her for being a hen that could noty eggs.


    But if you really talked about it, with Zhao Changxing engaging in debauchery for so many years, and dozens of concubines and favored women inside and outside the household, howe none of them had borne him a son?


    Lv Zhi brought in the freshly cooked five-red soup and wondered, "Mistress, could it be that not being able to have children is not your problem, but the problem is... on the Eldest Master''s side?"


    "Nonsense." Huo Qiyun¡¯s health had deteriorated since marrying Zhao Changxing. Every time she had her period, her stomach would hurt terribly. She frowned, the thick fur nket gifted by Gu Ying covering her lower abdomen, and said, "If someone heard you say that, how many lives would you have left to live?"


    Lv Zhi instantly turned pale with fright. "I...I spoke out of turn."


    Since ancient times, only barrennd was difficult to plow; which ox was incapable of allowing thend to take root and sprout as long as it was fertile?


    And...


    Huo Qiyun thoughtfully caressed her t lower abdomen. To prevent herself from conceiving Zhao Changxing¡¯s child, she had taken quite a lot of medicine to cool her sex drive...


    She also wondered if her current condition would allow her to conceive again.


    She thought of Du uncontrobly.


    When they were young, Du was already taller and more sturdily built than Zhao Changxing. Because he often fought with others, his muscles were exceptionally tight and firm.


    She still remembered that rainy night... Du hade back to Changfeng Pavilion from worshipping the Lin family at Qingyun Temple, soaked and burning with high fever, lying on the floor of Changfeng Pavilion.


    When she discovered him, he had already gone without food or drink and burned with fever for three days, but he was gripping a small medicine pouch tightly in his hand.


    She thought he was going to die and cried out in fright, panicking and wanting to pull him up.


    But she was too weak to move him no matter how hard she pulled, so she just stood there crying and staring nkly at his side.


    Until night fell, she thought he was going to die.


    There was no light in the darkness; Du was her only light in her long life. If this light went out,


    She silently swore to herself that if he died, she would not cling onto life either.


    Just then, a little pink bunny rolled in from a dog hole into Changfeng Pavilion.


    The little pink bunny looked young, exquisitely gorgeous, about three or four years old. Chubby little cheeks, but sharp ck and white eyes, as clean as a pool of water.


    She asked anxiously, "Who are you, where are you from?"


    But the little thing stumbled into the doorway of Changfeng Pavilion, trotted to Du''s side in a few steps, and said, "Big sister, how can you be so silly? That''s not how you save someone. To save big brother, you have to do this."


    After speaking, the little thingy down on top of her toward Du, stretched out her little chubby hands, pinched Du''s straight nose with one hand and pried his jaw open with the other, then pursed her little mouth and just kissed him.


    She was stunned and forgot to move.


    But the little thing just kept kissing Du, mouth to mouth.


    While kissing, she patted Du''s cheeks and smacked her lips, "Big brother''s lips are so soft, like candy, sweet."


    She was extremely shocked and angry at that moment. This little girl! At such a young age, she actually dared to take advantage of Du. Who was she and where did shee from? What was she thinking?


    Just as she was about to drive the little thing away, she saw Du, who had been lying motionless on the ground, suddenly flutter his long eyshes.


    She was overjoyed and threw herself into Du''s arms, weeping.


    But when she looked back, the little thing was gone.


    She didn''t think too much about it, just worried about Du¡¯s health.


    After crying for a while, Du groggily opened his eyes and woke up. He struggled to sit up, touching his slightly sore lips, "Was it you?"


    She was really scared and sad, gazing at him tearfully, "It''s me, Du, I''ve been here waiting for you."


    At that moment, the look in Du''s eyes, mixed withplex gratitude amid eternal destion, she would never forget it¡ªthe sudden gleam of light in his eyes, like a dying man who had suddenly found a hope for life.


    He was silent for a long time without speaking, his cheeks flushed slightly from the high fever.


    The 10-year-old boy was so beautiful that he made her heart tremble.


    "Du...how do you feel now?"


    She was panicking and anxious in her heart, afraid that he would discover her lie.


    Fortunately Du didn''t notice anything amiss. He just said he was fine, struggled to get up, returned to the bed, threw her the medicine pouch, "I''ll trouble you to put this herb in water and boil it for me to drink."


    After speaking, he fell deeply asleep again.


    She boiled the medicine and fed it to him to drink, then sat by his bedside, thinking that little girl was really bold¡ªDu was as cold as a Buddha, she had never dared to get close to him, let alone kiss his lips.


    But the little girl could kiss him unscrupulously, and even dared to touch Du¡¯s nose and chin.


    She turned her head and looked at the boy on the bed, leaning over, wanting to kiss him too.


    But in the end, she didn''t dare to kiss him...


    "Mistress, Mistress?"


    Lv Zhi''s voice brought Huo Qiyun back from her memories.


    Huo Qiyun looked up nkly.


    Lv Zhi said, "The medicinal herbs were all sent by the Heir Apparent''s wife from Changfeng Pavilion. We should check them again even though she doesn''t seem to harbor malice, just to be safe, right?"


    Huo Qiyun''s eyes fell on the medicinal herbs and suddenly spotted wintergreen.


    "Wintergreen?"


    "Yes, Mistress. What''s wrong?"


    Huo Qiyun had a sudden inspiration in her mind. She bolted up straight from the couch, grabbing the wintergreen in her hand, "Did Gu Ying send these over?"

 Chapter 177: The Prince is afraid she won’t ask.

    <h4>Chapter 177</h4>


    Lv Zhi actually felt grateful to Gu Ying in her heart. At least in this manor, the Crown Prince''s wife had helped her own mistress a lot, "Yes, Mistress. Yin Lan sister said it was the Crown Prince''s wife herself who ordered people to grab the medicine, saying it was extremely effective in treating wind-chill."


    Huo Qiyun''s thoughts were chaotic. In a trance, she recalled the small and cute little medicine pouch Du had tightly grabbed back then. It also contained a medicinal herb called honeysuckle.


    Sheter specially asked about it. Due to Bianjing''s poor climate, this herb was very rare in Bianjing. It often grew in the Haizhou region. Almost every household there would nt honeysuckle herbs.


    This herb also had another name, called love vine, and had extremely high medicinal value.


    Even the imperial doctors in the Duke''s manor would habitually use herbs like baizhu, chenpi and chishao to grab wind-chill medicine instead when in Bianjing. The only ones still used to using love vine in Bianjing were the Ye family from Haizhou...


    The Ye family had many boys and only one daughter who married the son of the Earl of Dongping, Gu Boqing.


    Calcting the ages and dates, that three or four-year-old little milk dumpling...


    Turned out to be the young Gu Ying?!


    Huo Qiyun''s whole body tensed up, her heart panicked all of a sudden. How could it be? How could the little girl who saved Du be the young Gu Ying?!


    The two of them were worlds apart!


    She was not worthy of Du at all!


    No matter how hard she racked her brains, she could not have thought of the fact that the child from back then would be Gu Ying.


    After Lin Shi died, Du only wanted to die. If not for that child, where would he have gotten the will to live?


    If Du knew Gu Ying had once saved him... Would he then only love Gu Ying and never help her again?


    She panicked so much her whole body shook, not daring to think further. Her eyes suddenly looked sharply at Lv Zhi.


    Lv Zhi was startled, "Mistress, could there be something wrong with this medicine?"


    Huo Qiyun''s fingers turned white from force, her eyes looking at the love vine were suddenly pulled up at the corners of her lips, "Lv Zhi, look, doesn''t this honeysuckle look like another type of medicinal herb?"


    Lv Zhi concentrated her gaze. Her slender eyebrows knitted together, "This ve sees it looks simr to Cynanchum otophyllum..."


    Huo Qiyun didn''t say anything more, just held those herbs in a daze, but her heart was slowly making ns.


    ...


    At this moment in Changfeng Pavilion, outside the picking window, the scent of plum blossoms drifted in.


    Specks of white snownded on the flower branches.


    The Crown Prince''s government duties were increasing day by day. He didn''t returnst night, Huai An came to report that His Majesty kept the Crown Prince overnight in the pce, and estimated he wouldn''t be back tonight either.


    Gu Ying reflexively asked, "May I ask which pce is it?"


    Huai Anughed, "I knew you would ask, so the Crown Prince said to tell you not to worry. He''s staying at Cuiyu Pce where His Majesty often keeps his subjects. It''s an outer pce, not the inner rear pce."


    Gu Ying held her forehead, "I was just casually asking..."


    Yin Lan brought in hot tea, cing Huai An''s usual white tea by his side.


    Seeing Yin Lan dressed in a purple robe today, the squirrel fur cor framing her exquisite face, Huai An''s ears turned red as he turned to Gu Ying to say boldly, "Mistress doesn''t need to exin, Huai An understands in his heart. Princess Yueyan has always coveted our master. Mistress is worried master would be seduced away by the Princess, right?"


    Gu Ying wanted to say, what do you understand...you understand nothing.


    She wasn''t worried at all!


    As for her husband''s character, she understood very clearly that if he wanted a woman, he would just tell her directly instead of hiding it.


    She was only worried there might be some ident in the pce. After all, in her previous life when she was of low status and unable to attend this pce banquet, she still heard that at the banquet, Princess Yueyan had almost embarrassed herself publicly because of the Crown Prince.


    "I''m not worried...about anything else."


    Huai Anughed merrily, "Mistress, don''t worry. Master knows his limits. Since he married you, his whole heart belongs to you. He won''t even nce at other women. All of us men in the Qilin Army were taught this way by master - when treating the woman you love, you must be faithful for life! Otherwise, it''s the militaryw for you!"


    When saying this, his eyes kept drifting.


    ncing at Yin Lan from time to time.


    Seeing a smile emerge from the corner of Yin Lan''s mouth, he scratched his head in embarrassment and got up, "This subordinate shall take his leave first, still have to return to the pce to guard master. Be careful of any mishaps at tomorrow''s pce banquet."


    Yin Lan put the prepared pastries in a package and chased him out, "General Huai, take these pastries with you."


    Under the corridor eaves, Yin Lan called Huai An to a stop. His handsome, fair face blushed slightly, "This is..."


    "I made them myself, very clean. Take them to eat when you get hungry at night."


    "Alright, then I''ll dly ept!"


    "Mm."


    "After eating your pastries, is there anything you need my help with?" Huai An wasn''t one to owe favors to others, so he stared into Yin Lan''s eyes and asked directly.


    Yin Lan was surprised. She was only being polite to the Crown Prince''s people for her mistress''s sake.


    So these pastries were not only for Huai An, the other Qilin Army guards protecting this residence also each got one.


    But with Huai An''s question, she instead felt a little embarrassed.


    "I''ve nothing else that requires help, General Huai. Just go ahead and eat them."


    Huai An looked at the girl''s beautiful face, feeling a subtle excitement in his heart. His spring was finallying! Master said with his temperament he would never marry in this lifetime.


    Look, master was wrong!


    There were still girls willing to like him!


    After sending Huai An off,


    Gu Ying stood in front of the desk, giving her a look and smiling gently, "Yin Lan, what do you think of Huai An?"


    Yin Lan was surprised. "This ve feels General Huai is quite good."


    Gu Ying smiled, "I checked earlier. Huai An isn''t married yet at 24 this year, quite old already. He doesn''t have much family, they all died in the wars, it''s just him alone with nomitments. And there''s no one to arrange his marriage for him either. Also, look at how he looks. I heard when following the Crown Prince to battle, he was always charging ahead. Rose to Captain in just a few years. Strong as steel. A goodd."


    Hearing this, Yin Lan raised her head and said earnestly, "Mistress, this ve has never thought of remarrying."


    Gu Ying''s writing brush paused. Recalling her previous failed rtionship, she asked gently, "Is it because of what happened previously?"


    Yin Lan gave a self-deprecatingugh, "This ve knows her own status, so never dared to wish for anything. Regarding matters between men and women, this ve haspletely given up hope for this lifetime. Just wishing to serve by Mistress''s side for life, nothing else, no other thoughts."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, staring at her stubborn, serious little face,ughed and patted her shoulder, "Alright, I was just joking. If you don''t like Huai An, let''s pretend I never said anything, okay?"


    "Mm..."


    Gu Ying understood best how bitter a woman who had suffered heartbreak could be for life, so she respected Yin Lan''s choice.


    Right now Huai An only had good feelings for Yin Lan, feeling she was thoughtful and smart, and close to him in age unlike young clueless girls.


    If he knew of Yin Lan''s past, knew she had married before and given birth, he might not even be willing to ept that.

 Chapter 178: She admits she misses him a little.

    <h4>Chapter 178</h4>


    This matter was that she hadn''t considered it properly, (they) must find an opportunity to speak clearly with Huai''an, and let him give up on Yin as soon as possible.


    Yin was silent for a moment, and resumed her usual smile, "Madam, it''s gettingte, do you want to rest?"


    "Wait a little longer, you go to bed first, don''t keep mepany, look at Yanzhi, sleeping silly, you should learn from her, be more open-minded, don''t always think too much."


    Yin had no choice, "This ve doesn''t think too much, it''s just that the Duke''s manor is not the same as the Earl''s manor, and this ve has to be more careful, especially when ites to serving day and night, the youngdies next to the elder Madam alwayse to our side to probe about the Eldest Prince."


    Gu Ying lightly "hmm"ed, with no other expression on her face, only her longshes lowered, unable to see her emotions, "Huo Qiyun still has the Eldest Prince in her heart, what shecks now is a way to make her leave Zhao Changxing."


    "Madam really wants to help her?"


    "Hmm."


    "But the Eldest Prince..."


    Gu Ying was slightly flustered inwardly, "The Eldest Prince should also want her to leave, Zhao Changxing is a demon, to help his childhood sweetheart suffer under a demon, with the Eldest Prince''s character, he wouldn''t just sit back and watch."


    Yin sighed, and was speechless for a while. In her heart, she hoped that the Eldest Prince would favor Madam alone for his whole life.


    But she also knew that with the Eldest Prince''s character, it was really unlikely.


    Huo Qiyun was too important to the Eldest Prince.


    "Alright." Gu Ying curved her brows and smiled, "Go rest soon, I''ll continue copying scriptures."


    Gu Ying had actually almost finished copying the scriptures, with only thest volume left. She nned to let herself rest for a bit, and finish copying it overnight tonight.


    Without the Eldest Prince, Changfeng Pavilion felt somewhat empty at night.


    After Yin left, this feeling of loneliness became especially pronounced.


    While she copied the scriptures, she recalled memories from her past life in her mind.


    In order to resolve His Majesty''s suspicions, the Eldest Prince stayed up all year, and was determined to disband the Qilin Army, settling them on the borders to work the fields and mines. When discussing this with His Majesty, both sides made concessions, and His Majesty also agreed to the Eldest Prince''s proposal without taking back the Qilin Army''s tokens of authority.


    At the beginning of the year, heavy snow copsed countless houses in Yueyang, and the people suffered from the snow disaster. His Majesty sent Prince Shu to handle the disaster situation.


    Originally, Prince Shu was handling the disaster well, and this matter would have be his stepping stone to get promoted and enfeoffed, but unexpectedly... that year''s snow disaster was especially severe, and there were also frequent earthquakes... After Prince Shu brought troops to Yueyang, nearly all his men died in the earthquakes. Most horrifying was that after the earthquakes, a gue broke out...


    Prince Shu barely made it back alive.


    She saw all these things from Jiang Yin''s study.


    At least in her past life, Jiang Yin had cooperated with the Eldest Prince before, both of them were of Prince Duan''s faction, intending to support Prince Duan to ascend the throne.


    In the end, Prince Duan died of illness, and Prince Shu seized the opportunity.


    Later, Prince Shu raised troops because of a woman and died, and by then Jiang Yin had already discovered Prince Shu''s truth of poisoning Prince Duan. With the two princes dead in session, the Zhao princes declined.


    Jiang Yin took the opportunity to incite Duke Zhao, who used the Qilin Army''s tokens of authority to recall the Qilin Army, and worked with the Eldest Prince who was then Grand General and the influential Ning Family of the Ministry of Personnel to control court politics.


    At this point, the entire Dong Li was practically surnamed Zhao.


    After the Zhao n came to power, Jiang Yin entered the inner cab to handle state affairs together with the Zhao n.


    The Eldest Prince... also gradually disappeared from her memories.


    As she finished copying thest sentence of the scripture, the brush tip stopped at thest character.


    Gu Ying was stunned for a moment. Now that Jiang Yin''s path had been cut off, what she needed to do now was to assist the Eldest Prince, save Prince Duan, stop the disaster victims from suffering the cmity of the sinking earth, and rewrite the ending.


    It was just sote tonight...


    The night outside was as dark as ink, with the cold wind howling.


    The coal by her feet was half burnt, and she felt somewhat cold.


    She tidied the scriptures on the table and changed to go to bed. As soon as she closed her eyes, her mind was full of the Eldest Prince''s debauchery with her on the desk that night...


    The quilt was somewhat thick and heavy.


    Just like a certain sturdily built person, like a huge mountain, always covering her tightly.


    Now he had ample experience, his skills gradually bing skilled, and he also knew how to avoid hurting her.


    In these matters, he was always very patient, only rxing himself after satisfying her.


    Thinking of this, her face flushed red, filled with shame and embarrassment.


    It turned out that with some people, some matters, one could really sink into indulgence.


    In the middle of the night, the spacious canopy bed was empty, cool without the Eldest Prince holding her. She felt ufortable sleeping alone, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.


    She opened her eyes, gazing at the gorgeously embroidered canopy above her head, thinking, what was the Eldest Prince doing now?


    Would Princess Yueyan secretly look for the Eldest Prince?


    If the Eldest Prince really had something with another woman... What should she do?


    She shook her head, determined not to fret about such worrisome matters.


    After a long while, warmth finally infused into the quilt. Usually when he held her sleeping, her heart was at ease.


    The night wind howled wildly, heavy snow billowing.


    She admitted... she did miss him a little.


    ...


    Early next morning, Duke Manor was lively.


    It was snowing heavily outside. The madams in the manor all wore thick clothes, cloaks lined with fur.


    The men were listening to government affairs in the morning court, having already gone to the Privy Council.


    The women directly took carriages to the rear pce.


    Madam Cheng stood by the carriage, with Huo Qiyun attending her side, her eyes frozen red.


    Gu Ying came to the main entrance, immediately catching sight of Huo Qiyun''s pitiful gaze.


    "Yo, I thought Ying wouldn''t be entering the pce today. Wu didn''te homest night, why didn''t you get up?" Madam Cheng''s mocking voice came, "Could it be you hid some illicit person that can''t see the light of day in your room?"


    Yanzhi said softly, "Madam, I heard the elder Madam was called by Madam Cheng to serve her before dawn, Madam Cheng hasn''t had a chance to make trouble for many days, she probably deliberately tormented the elder Madam today. This elder Madam looked truly pitiful."


    Gu Ying''s face held a smile as she walked over to Madam Cheng and curtsied in greeting.


    "I''ve never heard such words from any well-read, reasonabledy or madam''s mouth before."


    "What do you mean?" Madam Cheng instantly red with anger. This was Gu Ying scolding her for not being of orthodoxdy birth, saying that she was only a lowly concubine who got into power.


    Gu Ying continued unruffled, "Mother spoke too vulgarly. Duke manor has always had strict defenses and superior etiquette and manners. If I really let inappropriate people enter Changfeng Pavilion, it could only mean that mother runs the household poorly, meaning father''s teachings arecking. So does mother still think there are illicit people in my Changfeng Pavilion?"


    With this, Madam Cheng was directly rendered speechless.


    Seeing Gu Ying''s face enraged her to the point she wished she could tear her into pieces.


    But unfortunately, she still didn''t dare to take open action against her now.

 Chapter 179: Come Back for Ah Ying

    <h4>Chapter 179</h4>


    "Alright, I know you''re doing this for the good of the Duke''s Residence. I was just saying it in passing. Let''s get on the carriage, we mustn''t bete and give others something tough at us about," Gu Ying said with a shallow smile.


    Cheng pounded her fist into the cotton in frustration, having nowhere to vent her anger. She secretly signaled to Sun Mammy.


    Sun Mammy understood and then Cheng boarded the carriage.


    Seeing Cheng get on the carriage, Gu Ying turned around about to board her own carriage.


    She walked slowly, but somehow a foot stretched out from somewhere, tripping her.


    "Mistress!"


    "Miss Ying!"


    The people around were shocked.


    Her body swayed to one side, just about to fall into the rouge''s arms, when the sound of galloping hooves suddenly approached. The people hadn''t yet reacted when a ck shadow descended from the sky.


    Gu Ying blinked. In the chaos, she only felt a pair of familiar big hands grab her by the waist.


    She opened her eyes, only to see that person''s smiling phoenix eyes.


    She eximed in pleasant surprise, "Prince."


    Zhao Changdu scooped her up and simply held the youngdy in his arms. His voice was calm as he admonished her, "How can you be so careless? I don''t see you for a couple days and you almost injure yourself? I pamper you so you don''t wear yourself out."


    Ever since he married her, he hadn''t borne to see her suffer hardship and exhaustion at all. Everything at Changfeng Pavilion was made of the finest silks and foods.


    How could he let an old servant bully his pampered wife, making othersugh?


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you understand?"


    His tone was almost like scolding a child.


    The Prince doting on his wife was nothing new to the servants at Changfeng Pavilion. The maids from the other courtyards looked on curiously, never having imagined the usually cold and aloof Prince capable of such affectionate tenderness, blushing to their ears.


    Huo Qiyun''s face was stiff as she looked at the intimate couple before her, forcing out a bitterugh. Her eyes swirled withplex emotions.


    Gu Ying''s face was flushed red. "Changdu, put me down first...there are too many people here."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold. "Sun Mammy injured the mistress today. She needn''t attend the pce banquet. Bring her back and lock her in the firewood shed."


    Sun Mammy had acted without anyone noticing, but unexpectedly the Prince had seen everything. She hurriedly knelt and pleaded for herself, "Prince! This old servant is wrongly used! I did not harm the Prince''s wife!"


    The man''s expression was emotionless, his gaze so cold it was frightening. "Take her away."


    Some guards came up, covering Sun Mammy''s mouth as they dragged her away.


    Zhao Changdu nced at Huo Qiyun. His face was expressionless as he looked at her, no different than looking at his sister-inw. Other than that there was nothing more.


    Seeing him look over, Huo Qiyun forced a smile, trying her best to look more pitiful. "Changdu, why...did you suddenlye back?"


    He should still be at the pce presiding over things.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t put Gu Ying down. His voice was cold and indifferent. "I had some free time so I came back to fetch Ying."


    This sentence made Huo Qiyun freeze up again.


    What virtues did Gu Ying have...that the usually aloof and uncaring Changdu would dote on her like this...


    A stab of pain went through her heart. She felt so awful she wanted to cry. After all, she was the one who grew up with him. Back then, he''d also said he would marry her...


    The atmosphere was somewhat awkward.


    Seeing he was unwilling to put her down and noticing Huo Qiyun''s sad expression, Gu Ying figured they were still estranged over the matters of the past, perhaps using her as an intermediary. She awkwardlyughed. "Changdu, hurry and go. Don''t dy the important pce affairs. Sister-inw, it''s cold outside. Hurry and get in a carriage. Be careful of catching a chill."


    Huo Qiyun: "Alright..."


    Gu Ying was wrapped up in the Prince''s ck cloak as he carried her onto the carriage.


    His face was as cold as ice sculpture, brows knitted tightly like a mountain. It was evident he was in a bad mood.


    Yet as soon as they entered the carriage, he pounced on her, kissing her lips like a starved, lustful wolf.


    Gu Ying looked into his deep dark eyes. Her heartbeat suddenly lost its rhythm as he kissed her until she was breathless. Her small hands pulled tantalizingly at his jade belt, unwilling yet weing. "Changdu...don''t...don''t..."


    He was always the one taking initiative, attacking fiercely.


    Afraid he would really do something untoward in the carriage with so many guards, maids and matrons outside, Gu Ying hurriedly hooked her arms around his neck, leaning her body against his chest as she coaxed him. "Changdu, don''t let others hear...it''s inappropriate...we''re about to attend a pce banquet. It was difficult enough making myself presentable."


    Zhao Changdu unabashedly buried his face in the crook of her shoulder, deeply breathing in her scent a few times, forcefully suppressing the heat and irritation in his body. His voice was hoarse and muffled. "Did you miss me?"


    "I..."


    "You''re not allowed to say no."


    "I missed you..."


    "Really?"


    "Mm...I really did, I''m not lying to you."


    As soon as she finished speaking, that person''s actions became more and more indecent.


    Gu Ying gradually couldn''t withstand it. Her flushed red face was stirred into chaos by his big hands, forgetting all about Huo Qiyun and past events.


    The carriage was about to depart when Yin Lan lightly coughed outside. "Prince, Mistress, the wheel shaft on Madam''s carriage is broken. There are no spare carriages at the residence at the moment. Lv Zhi came asking if Madam could temporarily ride in Mistress''s carriage to the pce."


    Zhao Changdu had been interrupted in the middle of enjoying himself. His handsome brows lightly knitted, just about to refuse.


    Yet he heard the little girl in his arms hurriedly say, "She cane up."


    Zhao Changdu was displeased, lightly biting her lips. "Why let here?"


    Could it be she was unwilling to be intimate with him?


    Gu Ying had never done anything in the carriage before...with so many guards, maids and matrons outside... It was hard enough making herself presentable for the pce banquet today. Naturally she was unwilling. Blushing, she smiled. "Changdu, we''re rtives. She grew up with you. Zhao Changxing isn''t good to her while Cheng bullies her, making things difficult. You don''t wish to see her standing in the snow waiting for repairs, do you? It''s just sharing a carriage. Nothing will happen. Others will even say I''m a benevolent wife."


    Seeing the man was still cold-faced,


    she smiled and leaned forward, lightly pecking his straight nose. "Is it alright to agree now?"


    The man''s delight was visible to the naked eye. He forcefully reined in his fiery urges, bending his forefinger to flick her nose. "You''re quite sensible."


    After Huo Qiyun entered the carriage, Zhao Changdu dismounted to ride at the front.


    She was somewhat disappointed. Bending down to enter the carriage, with one look she saw Gu Ying''s disheveled hair and the mark on her lips. Her eyes froze for a few seconds, aplicated emotion rising in her heart.


    Gu Ying smiled weing her over. "Sister-inw, please have a seat."


    Huo Qiyun collected herself, smiling back. "Ying, I''m troubling you again."


    Gu Ying smiled. "It''s just a tiny matter. Sister-inw needn''t take it to heart."


    To her it was effortless to lend a hand, but she knew Huo Qiyun had difficulty taking even a step in the Duke''s Residence. As long as she kept her peace, she was happy to help her.


    ...

 Chapter 180: A Mockery of a Palace Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 180</h4>


    The carriage rumbled along, all the way from the Duke''s Residence to the Imperial Pce Avenue.


    Today''s Imperial Pce was exceptionally lively.


    The grand annual pce banquet was being held today. During the day, thedies could roam freely in the Imperial Garden to appreciate the snow, and at night there would be a magnificent fireworks disy.


    I heard the Imperial Harem was even raising a pair of red-crowned cranes. When they had nothing to do, they would elegantly strut about the snow-covered Imperial Garden.


    The young girls had never seen such rare and exotic creatures before, so they came in groups of three or five to watch.


    After enjoying themselves for a while, a pce maid came to pass along the message that Her Majesty The Empress had summoned them.


    Laughing and chatting, everyone headed to Yuhua Pce to pay their respects and offer Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress their New Year''s greetings.


    After Gu Ying entered, the first person she saw was The Empress sitting erect on the phoenix chair. She had a face as round as a silver tray, and when she smiled, two faint dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her eyes were kind and amiable, making her seem very approachable.


    The Emperor sat on the dragon chair, possessing the majestic air of the Son of Heaven, making it difficult for anyone to look at him directly.


    Seated below to the right was the esteemed Concubine Wan. Concubine Wan was from Jiangnan, and had the refined charm unique to Jiangnan women.


    As for the other few unfavored consorts and concubines, Gu Ying did not know their names.


    However, since today was a grand asion at court, practically every minister ranked five-pin or higher was in attendance, including Prince Duan Li Hao and Prince Shu Li Yang seated in the front row.


    An atmosphere of peace and harmony filled Yuhua Pce as the emperor and his officials celebrated together.


    Gu Ying sat together with the Heir Apparent. As soon as she sat down, she felt countless gazes weigh upon her, some obvious and some subtle.


    She knew her reputation outside the pce was poor¡ªshe had been called a shrew, jealous, abusive toward her mother-inw, ipatible with her sister-inw, unwilling to allow the Heir Apparent to take concubines, and more gossip along those lines.


    Therefore, all the men and women present were very curious about her.


    No matter who was looking at her, she was able to remainposed with steady poise.


    However, when Li Yang''s venomous, icy gaze turned to look at her, she still couldn''t help but frown slightly in difort.


    "What''s wrong? Feeling unwell?"


    Zhao Changdu reached out and grasped her little hand in his own.


    Gu Ying shook her head. "It''s nothing."


    If she remembered correctly, in her past life she had not crossed paths with Li Yang even once. And in this life they had only met that one time.


    Perhaps she was overthinking things. A skirt chasing yboy like Prince Shu would not be interested in a married woman like her.


    When the banquet reached the halfway point, each family began presenting gifts. Cheng''s gaze sharpened as she nced meaningfully at Gu Ying. The provocation in her eyes was obvious.


    Gu Ying gave a faint smile. She saw the distracted Ning Si rise to present the copy of scriptures she had prepared.


    The Empress'' expression was not very good. "Miss Ning''s constitution is weak, so it must have been difficult for you to finish copying these scriptures neatly in such a short period of time to present today."


    Ning Si''s face turned pale white. She knew The Empress was expressing both approval and subtle disapproval over the matter of her affair with Prince Shu, making her feel even more apprehensive.


    In contrast, Empress Wan spoke in a warm, unconcerned manner as she praised Ning Si''s beautiful calligraphy, and told her she ought to visit Chunxi Pce more often in the future.


    Her words were loaded with meaning, speaking as if Miss Ning would soon be her daughter-inw.


    The Empress'' expression grew even more unpleasant.


    Ning Si didn''t say a word as she withdrew in a daze, her soul clearly not present. Gu Ying gave her another look before seeing Huo Qiyun rise to present the repaired sitting mat.


    Huo Qiyun''s embroidery skills were exceptional, making her one of the top choices for a daughter-inw among schrly families in Bianjing. This exquisite double-sided embroidered sitting mat depicting carp frolicking on ice immediately attracted everyone''s attention.


    The crowd continuously sang its praises.


    Naturally The Empress was also very fond of it. As the daughter of the Huo family, a family of three generations of prime ministers, the young miss educated in the Huo household was always unlike other girls.


    If Ning Si were to be Empress Wan''s daughter-inw, she could take this chance to get closer to the Huo family.


    After Huo Qiyun came Gu Ying''s turn.


    As the new young wife of the Heir Apparent Duke''s Residence, Gu Ying attracted even more attention than Huo Qiyun. Everyone turned to stare at her in unison, some watching for her embarrassment, some just there to spectate the show, and still others specting and making conjectures. After all, Miss Huo was the Heir Apparent''s unattainable first love from his youth. As for this Miss Gu who intruded on them, no one knew how she was actually getting along after marrying into the Duke''s household.


    Gu Ying did not bat an eye as she calmly and gracefully offered the scriptures to the little eunuch, "Your subject wife Gu Ying wishes Prince Duan a speedy recovery."


    The Empress picked up the scriptures and nced at them in pleasant surprise.


    The entire page was filled small, neat calligraphy resembling orchid hairpins. Judging from this, it was clear the scribe had exercised great care while copying them.


    At this point, someone spoke up. "Wasn''t it said Miss Gu can''t recognize many written characters and has no literary talent? Could these scriptures have been copied by a ghostwriter?"


    Instantly, whispered discussions broke out across the hall.


    Princess Yueyan fixed her gaze on the woman standing in the center of the pce hall. Tall and straight as a proud bamboo, a ssical beauty with willowy grace. Even her face seemed to have won heavenly favor, wlessly exquisite and pretty. Today she wore a pink court outfit with her jet ck hair coiled into a new bride''s hairstyle. Interspersed in her upswept tresses were several wisps of white rabbit fur, adding both a yful cuteness and mature charm. An aura unique to her¡ª of absolute purity and allure simultaneously¡ªmade anyone who saw her have the impulse to possess her.


    In this hall, many young men gazed at her fixedly, their eyes zing. Her husband the Heir Apparent''s eyes in particr never left her side for even an instant.


    Jealously burned in Princess Yueyan''s heart as she twirled the handkerchief in her grasp. Her mind raced with thoughts. Tonight she would definitely make the Heir Apparent drink that cup of liquid...


    "That''s right, we heard early on that Miss Gu can''t write characters. These graceful, flowing scriptures we see here definitely could not have been written by an ordinary person!"


    "When copying scriptures, sincerity is the most important thing. Having someone else act as a ghostwriter would be deceiving His Majesty."


    Discussion rose from all over the great hall.


    The corners of Cheng''s lips curved smugly, delighted her scheme was going smoothly.


    She had expected early on that Gu Ying would not dare defy The Empress and would certainly have someone else act as a ghostwriter. But because The Empress had done this for the sake of her son''s wellbeing, Gu Ying''s actions didn''tpletely constitute deceiving the ruler, instead just nicely incurring The Empress'' displeasure while also letting the esteemed youngdies of prominent households mock her. In the future she likely wouldn''t have a chance to enter the pce again.


    Scatteredughter rang out in the hall. Most looked down on her¡ªshe had only married a good husband, but was otherwise a worthless vase beautiful on the outside with nothing on the inside.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze turned icy cold as henguidly spun the wine cup in his hand, exuding a bone-chilling air.


    Before he lost his temper, Gu Ying''s red lips parted slightly. "Your Majesty, Esteemed Empress, please observe carefully. This subject-wife did indeed copy these scriptures with my own hand. If I have told a lie, may heavenly lightning strike me dead five times over, for an unnatural death."


    Her words stunned everyone into silence.


    Zhao Changdu knitted his brow in displeasure. This girl, cursing herself over nothing.


    The Empress spoke inly, "You im you copied these scriptures personally, so what proof do you offer?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth lifted. "I ask that Esteemed Mother bestow brushes and ink to me."


    The Empress raised her brow. "Servants, bring brushes, ink, paper and an inkstone."


    A little eunuch presented writing supplies while others prepared a desk.


    Gu Ying pushed back her sleeve and on the spot copied a section from a Scripture of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha.


    The flesh on Cheng''s face twitched violently as panic overtook her and she looked at the written characters on the paper before abruptly turning pale.


    She had miscalcted! So the woman actually knew how to write!


    The Tianqi Emperormanded his servants topare the newly written sample to the previously presented scriptures. Sure enough, both the calligraphy and characters were exactly the same, proving these scriptures were indeed personally hand-copied by Gu Ying, who also possessed impressive rote memory.

 Chapter 181: The Son of God, shall not be defiled.

    <h4>Chapter 181</h4>


    "Hahaha, this girl is quite impressive! She has surprised Us again after the winter hunt! She deserves a reward!" said the Emperor.


    Everyone in the hall lifted their heads and looked at her in astonishment, disbelief and shock, including Prince Li Yang of Shu.


    Gu Ying could feel Prince Li''s heated gaze falling on the top of her head.


    At this moment, Li Yang secretly swore to himself that he must obtain this woman no matter what.


    Gu Ying tilted her head and smiled, "Does the Empress believe my words now?"


    The Empress eximed, "Who taught you how to write?"


    Gu Ying turned her head, her bright starry eyes looking at the Eldest Prince sitting in his seat. She smiled radiantly and said, "My husband taught me."


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curved up slightly. His beautiful phoenix eyes were as dark as ink, and when he looked at Gu Ying, his eyes were full of deep affection. "Replying to the Empress Mother, it was I who taught my wife. She is extremely talented and picked up reading and writing after just one lesson. I did not waste two nights of effort on her."


    This provided a reasonable exnation for why Gu Ying suddenly knew how to read and write.


    Seeing the usually cold Eldest Prince smile so rarely, everyone was shocked and suspicious again.


    People all said that the Eldest Prince favored Huo Qiyun. But now it seemed that he clearly doted on the Eldest Princess. What was going on?


    Could it be that the Eldest Prince did not actually like Lady Huo at all?


    Everyone''s gazes in the hall wandered between Huo Qiyun and Gu Ying.


    Zhao Changdu got up and went over to grasp Gu Ying''s hand, putting his arm around her slender waist as they sat back down.


    He did this not for any other reason, only wanting everyone to know that he only had one woman.


    When a normally cold and heartless man favored his wife to this extent, it made people''s hearts stir.


    Many unmarried youngdies in the hall saw the Eldest Prince pull Gu Ying back to their seats, feeling both shy and angry, their hearts shattering.


    Huo Qiyan sat upright in her own seat, her small face cold as she disdainfully nced at Gu Ying.


    Just wait and see, her mother had already discussed with her uncle and aunt that after the pce banquet, she would directly move into the Duke''s residence.


    By then, she would see her cousin every day, so what did Gu Ying amount to?


    Thinking of this, Huo Qiyan could not help smiling smugly.


    She would snatch her cousin back sooner orter.


    ...


    After presenting the gifts, everyone could wander and y freely.


    The men would stay in the hall to feast and discuss politics, while thedies could go sightseeing in the Imperial Gardens.


    There would also be a banquet and fireworks tonight, so the afternoon was practically free time.


    The Emperor had summoned the Eldest Prince to the Hall of Diligent Governance to discuss important matters, which Gu Ying guessed was about the disbanding of the Qilin Army. The earthquake that happened after the snow disaster would ur in half a month.


    The matter of the Qilin Army was quite important after all. The emperor''s heart was hard to fathom, and court politics were unpredictable and deceitful.


    On the surface, the Emperor favored Duke Guo''s residence, but he was actually very wary of their military power. The Eldest Prince''s initiative to disband the Qilin Army maintained the imperial family''s trust in Duke Guo''s residence and the old Duke for a long period of time after this.


    As for the snow disaster and earthquake, she would have toe up with a foolproof exnation before warning the Eldest Prince... Otherwise, not just the Eldest Prince, even others would find it bizarre for a youngdy like her to reveal heavenly secrets.


    Before leaving, the Eldest Prince told her to enjoy herself fully and that he woulde looking for her after he finished his business.


    Gu Ying sat idle and noticed that most of thedies had dispersed from the inner pce. Princess Yueyan, who had been sitting beside the Empress, left first, followed by Prince Duan and Ning Si who were also gone.


    She lowered her eyes in deep thought. In her past life, Princess Yueyan had almost caused a huge embarrassment for the sake of the Eldest Prince. Afterwards, the inner pce had kept the incident very tightly under wraps without letting any rumors spread.


    Jiang Yin had also attended the pce banquet that day...


    Wait a minute!


    She suddenly recalled an extremely important matter!


    Not long after marrying Jiang Yin in her past life, instead of attending the pce banquet, she had gone to a run-down residence that the Jiang family had just purchased. They were preparing to turn it into a Jiang family retreat, which Jiang Ling''er would live in after getting married.


    She had busied herself with rouge there for an afternoon and felt tired, so she took a nap on the couch in the retreat.


    After night fell, she was suddenly pushed awake by a force.


    She opened her eyes nkly and looked around, only to find Yin Lan knocked out on the ground not far away. Meanwhile, a panting stranger was going mad in front of her!


    He broke through her defenses and struck down her guard...


    Somehow, her clothes had been rolled up to her waist.


    Realizing what was happening, she began whimpering and struggling in fright.


    But that man had a strong physique, his arms bulging with veins. With onerge hand, he grabbed both her hands. His dark phoenix eyes locked her in ce tightly like a.


    He was truly too strong.


    She could not break free no matter how she struggled, steadily losing ground until all her defenses crumbled.


    Later, her whole body ached softly as she curled up trembling in the man''s embrace. In the hazy moonlight, she finally saw the stranger''s unparalleled handsome visage.


    As her memories returned, the once unfamiliar face in them gradually became clear.


    She could never have imagined that this person turned out to be the Eldest Prince of Duke Guo''s residence, Zhao Changdu, who had just returned to Bianjing not long ago...


    Thinking back to this point, Gu Ying''s emotions surged and she momentarily did not know whether to feel angry or amused. So this coincidental timing was actually right here!


    In order to get the Eldest Prince, Princess Yueyan had slipped him drugs during the pce banquet.


    The drug took effect on the Eldest Prince... But instead of touching Princess Yueyan, he left the pce. Then by an incredible coincidence, he entered her retreat... And took her as the antidote...


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the more she found it bitterly funny.


    So it turned out that this was the truth!


    Heaven had arranged everything long ago... Her fate with the Eldest Prince was perhaps destined after all.


    That was why she had identally recognized the wrong person when she first transmigrated in this life. Then due to a twist of fate, she married into Duke Guo''s household and became his wife.


    She sat quietly by herself for a while as various emotions roiled in her heart.


    Seeing her mistress smiling one moment and distressed the next, Yin Lan curiously asked, "Mistress, what''s the matter?"


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes to nce at the wine cup on the table. "It''s nothing. I was just wondering whether the Eldest Prince drank anything at this banquet."


    "I saw that he didn''t. The Eldest Prince is a cautious man who rarely eats food casually outside."


    What Yin Lan said was right.


    Gu Ying also felt relieved. She had deliberately reminded the Eldest Prince recently to be wary of Princess Yueyan.


    Fortunately, she had trained the Eldest Prince''s appetite to be increasingly pickytely. He was not very willing to touch other people''s food.


    It would not be so easy for Princess Yueyan to slip something to the Eldest Prince right under everyone''s noses.


    Since the Emperor had summoned the Eldest Prince to the Hall of Diligent Governance where ordinary people could not enter, this crisis should be considered resolved.


    "Is my mistress worried about the Eldest Prince?" Yin Lan teased with a smile. All those flirtatious youngdies in the pce could hardly peel their eyes from the Eldest Prince. Was her mistress finally feeling threatened?


    This was excellent news!


    Gu Ying was taken aback, her face growing hot. "Of course not... I just feel that one can''t be too careful in the pce unlike outside. Better safe than sorry."


    She was doing all this not for any other reason... Only because the Eldest Prince was upright and proper, and could not stand others sullying him.

 Chapter 182: Princess of the Moon

    <h4>Chapter 182</h4>


    "Yin Lan, let''s go out for a walk," said the mistress.


    "dly, mydy. This is actually Yanzhi''s first time entering the pce," replied Yin Lan.


    "Miss, may this maidservant go take a look at that pair of red-crowned cranes? I heard they look very beautiful and elegant! Just like the immortal cranes in heaven!" Yanzhi was even more excited. During theirst visit to the pce, they had fallen into the water outside Chunxi Pce, so the mistress and maidservant had been too afraid to actually go anywhere or do anything.


    But this time, entering the pce, they were in apletely different state of mind.


    Gu Ying''s mouth quirked up at the corners and she reached out to ruffle Yanzhi''s hair. "Alright, I''ll indulge you. There will also be fireworks tonight, do you want to watch them?"


    Yanzhi''s eyes crinkled into crescents. "Yes!"


    Seeing Yanzhi so happy and carefree, Gu Ying felt a warmth in her heart.


    She owed the most to this little maid. No matter what, she had topensate her in this lifetime and let her live a happy, free, and unrestrained life like a child.


    ...


    Outside Qinzheng Hall.


    Princess Yueyan anxiously coaxed Eunuch Guo, "Eunuch, I beg you, please just let me in. I''ll only go in to take a look, I definitely won''t say anything."


    Eunuch Guo helplessly said, "Princess, it''s not that this old servant isn''t letting you in, it''s just that His Majesty and the Prince are discussing important state affairs, no random people are allowed to enter."


    "Does this Princess count as a random person?"


    "The Princess is naturally not considered as such, but without His Majesty''s orders, this old servant truly does not dare let the Princess enter."


    It wasmon knowledge throughout the imperial pce that Princess Yueyan was fond of the Prince. So Eunuch Guo did not think too much of it, assuming that Princess Yueyan only wanted to sneak a peek at the Prince.


    But Yueyan knew that Brother Prince Shu had said that today was her only chance to get close to Brother Prince.


    Even though she couldn''t get in, Brother Prince Shu had said he would help her.


    Even with Eunuch Guo repeatedly blocking her, Princess Yueyan persisted standing outside the entrance to the hall, unwilling to leave...


    She had to stand guard properly outside Qinzheng Hall...


    And wait for the Prince toe out...


    ...


    Inside Qinzheng Hall.


    The extravagant great hall had purple pirs and golden beams. The windowttices and screens were inset with pearls and jade. It was a dazzling spectacle of gold and jade, with fragrant incense coils drifting about.


    The bronze beast-headed censers with gold ovey contained burning hot coals, giving off scorching heat. Zhao Changdu''s brows knitted almost imperceptibly and he sat in the Grand Tutor''s chair that the Tianqi Emperor had ordered to be moved here for him.


    It had been several months since his return to the capital, but he still wasn''t quite used to the extravagance of the pce.


    The bitter cold of the border regions, his grandfather training troops through the winter, fighting through frost and snow without stopping even when their legs were numb from the cold.


    The Qilin Army had fought desperately to retake cities seized by the enemy, with the Zhao family troops rushing ahead without regard for their own lives, spilling hot blood on the battlefields.


    What they obtained in exchange was the waste and decadence of the Bianjing officials and nobility, their singing, dancing, and keeping of dogs and horses.


    The Tianqi Emperor nced at this young military talent from Dong Li.


    The two of them had discussed the fate of the Qilin Army over the past several days. Today was the day Zhao Changdu would make his decision.


    They exchanged some polite conversation. Zhao Changdu could clearly sense that the Tianqi Emperor''s attitude had changedpared to previous days. Things were unlikely to go smoothly.


    There was a tense atmosphere in the hall.


    Suddenly, Eunuch Guo''s voice rang out from outside.


    "Your Majesty, Concubine Wan has sent snow pear soup."


    The Tianqi Emperor raised his brows. "Let it in."


    As Eunuch Guo brought in the snow pear soup, a beautiful shadow shed by outside the doorway. Concubine Wan had always been sensible and knew that women of the imperial harem could not interfere in politics, so she never took it upon herself to enter Qinzheng Hall.


    Zhao Changdu had zero interest in the Emperor''s harem and maintained an impassive expression, pondering over the words His Majesty had just said.


    The Qilin Army could be dispersed to armies on the various borders, but the talismans ofmand must be destroyed.


    Zhao Changdu''s prominent brows knit together almost imperceptibly, and his profound eyes swirled with dark undercurrents.


    The Emperor''s actions made sense, after all the Qilin Army was like an army sent down by the heavens, an extremely fierce and powerful force who only answered to the Zhao n. It was only natural for the Emperor to be wary.


    It''s just that destroying the talismanspletely contradicted their previous negotiations. In the span of two short days, what exactly had gone wrong?


    Snow pear soup was served up. The Tianqi Emperor then had Eunuch Guodle out bowls for both himself and Zhao Changdu.


    This was his preference.


    On cold winter days in Bianjing, snow pear soup was perfect for moistening the throat and dissolving greasiness. Moreover, it was personally made by Concubine Wan, his beloved. There was nothing unsatisfactory about anything she made.


    "Since Sir insists on disbanding the Qilin Army, keeping thosemand talismans would be useless anyway, might as well destroy them."


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips pressed together slightly. His expression was tranquil with no fluctuations.


    He looked indifferently at the Tianqi Emperor. His eyes and the corners of his brows carried an icy chill.


    Themand talismans were a foregone conclusion as decreed by the Emperor. He picked up the porcin bowl and slowly drank a mouthful, not daring to meet Zhao Changdu''s piercing eyes. "Does Sir Zhao find the snow pear soup unptable?"


    This snow pear soup was akin to the words carelessly thrown out by the Son of Heaven.


    Whether or not he would hand over the talismans and disband the Qilin Army hinged on this bowl of soup, and whether or not he would drink it.


    Thunder and rain alike were imperial grace.


    Zhao Changdu''s straight brows and cold eyes were like a keen sword sheathed by his side. He had not missed the displeasure in the Emperor''s tone, yet he only felt empty destion in his heart.


    In contending for power, and fighting the enemy for their lives.


    How much true sentiment did the Emperor on the dragon throne have for those men who rushed ahead to be beheaded and spill hot blood?


    He raised up the porcin bowl bestowed upon him by the throne, frowning as he stared at the snow pear soup within. After a lengthy silence under the probing and profound gaze of the Tianqi Emperor, the edges of his lips quirked up in a cold, faint smile. "This subject thanks Your Majesty for your bounty."


    Zhao Changdu who often tasted blood on the de''s edge always carried a terrifying sanguine aura about him. His powerful bearing and cold, stern features made it so that even the Tianqi Emperor could only force himself to remain outwardlyposed. Hearing Zhao Changdu''s acquiescence, he secretly heaved a sigh of relief.


    The Qilin Army had always been a massive thorn in his side. When Zhao Changdu had voluntarily proposed disbanding them before, he even felt somewhat gratified and agreed to keeping the talismans.


    Yet Prince Shu had paid a suddente night visit to the pce to see him a couple days prior.


    When the topic turned to themand talismans, Prince Shu stirred up feelings of unease in him again.


    If the talismans remained, then even if the Qilin Army was dispersed into the various border armies, wouldn''t they still rise up at the Zhao n''s call?


    He couldn''t take that risk, which was why he had decided the talismans must be destroyed.


    "Ah, the entire Zhao n is filled with loyal and righteous heroes, they really are a model and example of loyal service to ruler and patriotism for us officials of Dong Li." The Tianqi Emperorughed and continued, "Speaking of which, it shames me to admit this Changdu, butst night the Lieutenant Governor of Yueyang memorialized that after months of continuous heavy snowfall, themon people of Yueyang have been suffering from the snow disaster for over half a month already. The snow disaster situation is extremely urgent and requires an experienced and capable person to lead disaster relief efforts. I thought it over time and again, no other in this court is up to the task. Instead, Changdu, you have lived on the frigid bordends for years so you must have abundant experience in dealing with snow disasters. How about taking the Qilin Army on onest mission to share the court''s burden before they officially disband?"


    "You can rest assured, We will definitely reward the Qilin Army''s merits afterwards without shortchanging any soldier."


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips ttened. On the surface the Emperor seemed to be giving the Qilin Army a chance to earn achievements, if he refused it would make the Zhao n seem unappreciative.


    "What does Sir think?"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression barely changed but he was beginning to realize something strange was going on.


    Raising his eyes, he looked at the Emperor seated on the dragon throne. His dark phoenix eyes were as fathomless as the abyss. After a lengthy silence, he heavily replied, "This subject will lead them on a trip to Yueyang."


    The Tianqi Emperor rxed once more and began chatting with Zhao Changdu about family matters, constantly trying to probe his feelings towards Gu Ying.


    Setting up emotional ties was like erecting towering ridges; without desires one would be steadfast and strong. Once a man developed a soft spot, he would be easy to control.


    Zhao Changdu''s jaded and aloof bearing did not let slip a single word about his young wife.


    Deeming it fruitless, the Tianqi Emperor instead brought up the health of the retired Duke.


    Yet at this moment, Zhao Changdu''s brows wrinkled. He suddenly felt a burst of heat surging up from deep within his body.


    ...

 Chapter 183: King Shu’s Harassment

    <h4>Chapter 183</h4>


    Gu Ying did not have many opportunities to enter the pce, and she did not have much interaction with the other youngdies in the mansion.


    His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress rewarded her with a fine set of Changhu Mountain View inkstone and Huzhou Purple Tip brush. It was said these two items were hard to find even if one searched the whole world, and even her maternal grandfather''s Ye family did not own them.


    Other people were jealous and disliked her even more.


    Worried that she would have a difficult life after getting married, Auntie Qin took the opportunity to give her a long heartfelt talk.


    After finding out that the Crown Prince still cared for her quite a bit, Lady Qin stroked Gu Ying''s soft and delicate little hands, pursed her lips and smiled. "I see you look quite well. As I''ve always said, a woman needs a good man to protect her so she can blossom like a flower."


    Gu Ying smiled shyly. In front of elders, she still had to maintain some childlike innocence to put their hearts at ease.


    Lady Qin then asked, "Have you noticed anything going on between the Crown Prince and Huo Qiyun after you married into the household?"


    Gu Ying truthfully replied, "No."


    Lady Qin felt something was odd. Could all those rumors out there be false?


    "Then what''s the Crown Prince''s attitude towards Huo Qiyun?"


    Gu Ying slowly said, "Nothing much really. He just treats her like a close rtive."


    Lady Qin red up instantly. "What? Lover?"


    "Cough cough, Auntie, I said close rtive..."


    Only then did Lady Qin pat her chest to extinguish her rage. "I was saying, if she really was his lover, I''d be barging into his residence right away."


    Gu Ying tugged at Lady Qin''s hand coquettishly, rubbing against her obediently. "Auntie, you really don''t need to worry about me. The Crown Prince treats me very well."


    At least as a husband, he was much better than Jiang Yin by leaps and bounds.


    Ye Qingchi gave a gentle chuckle, looking at his lovely and rosy little cousin with a face full of affection.


    As a man, with one nce he could tell Gu Ying''s current glow was bestowed by Zhao Changdu.


    That sted man actually deflowered his little sister right after the wedding.


    He took a deep breath, keeping an awkward yet humorous smile on his face.


    Nevermind, nevermind.


    After all they were husband and wife. Not consummating the marriage would be stranger.


    But if Zhao ever failed to cherish Gu Ying, he would definitely make him...


    Cough cough, forget it, although he could not touch the Crown Prince''s status, at least he could make some trouble for him at the Censorate right?


    Gu Ying was perfectly fine earlier, but after being probed by Auntie left and right, her face grew hot with embarrassment. "Auntie, stop talking..."


    "Hahaha, the littledy is shy now?" Lady Qinughed merrily. "What''s there to be shy about telling Auntie these things? Gu Ying, you have to answer me truthfully."


    "Is the Crown Prince really inadequate as the rumors say?"


    Gu Ying smiled awkwardly. Thinking of a certain man''s virility in that area, a thinyer of rouge appeared on her cheeks. She did not know how to respond at all. "Um..."


    "Don''t just um, speak up! This concerns your lifelong happiness. What if you end up like Lady Huo over there, guarding widowhood? Your auntie would be worried to death!"


    Ye Qingchi: "......"


    It was as if I don''t exist huh?


    Mother''s words are too blunt!


    It''s nothing but private girl talk from start to finish.


    Oh well, I''m leaving.


    Ye Qingchi lightly coughed and turned away. Gu Ying became even more embarrassed.


    Zhao Changdu was not inadequate...he was too adequate. Sometimes she even felt he had endless vigor on her...


    Most times, it would be her begging and crying for mercy.


    Lady Qin joked, "Gu Ying, too shy now?"


    Gu Ying lowered her longshes, her pretty little face flushed beautifully. "The Crown Prince is fierce...very good. Don''t worry too much Auntie. I may be young but I understand everything clearly in my mind."


    Seeing the shy red little face of the girl, Lady Qin guessed seven or eight out of ten. As a married woman herself, she could discern whether another woman was happy or not after marriage from herplexion.


    Like Huo Qiyun over there, with one look anyone could tell she was not living blissfully.


    Gu Ying was different. Herplexion had rounded out quite a bit and she smiled a lot more, looking very lovely indeed. It would seem this marriage with the Crown Prince was a wonderful thing after all.


    Lady Qin feltpletely relieved, telling Gu Ying to be sure to look for her if anything came up.


    Gu Ying quickly said yes.


    After chatting with Auntie and older cousin, Gu Ying took Silver Orchid and Rouge for a walk.


    The other youngdies all looked down on her and gathered in groups of three or five, chatting andughing, deliberately isting her.


    If she was truly a fifteen year old girl, she might have felt dejected and unhappy. But the her now was indifferent to the winds and clouds of power, not caring for others'' stares at all. It was just that Prince Li Yang''s deep and unfathomable gaze that kept falling on her made her rather ufortable.


    In a remote corner, Prince Li spread open his arms to block Gu Ying''s path. The corners of his thin lips contained a kindly, gentle smile. "Lady Gu, long time no see."


    Prince Li was dressed in splendid court robes today, wearing a purple golden crown. He cut quite the graceful, refined figure, gentle as jade. It was just that underneath that gentleness hid an unpleasant sharp edge and ambition.


    As someone who had lived two lifetimes, if Gu Ying could not discern a man''s ambition by now, her previous life would have been lived in vain.


    However, she would not tantly offend this man who had nearly ascended to the imperial throne in herst life. All she had to do was refrain from provoking him. "Your Highness, please watch your words. I am now the wife of Crown Prince Zhao. It is best for you to address me as Lady Zhao."


    Li Yang hooked the corners of his thin lips, a trace of sinister darkness shing through his eyes. "In this Prince''s heart, you are no Lady Zhao."


    He reached out arge hand, trying to grab Gu Ying''s wrist.


    Gu Ying frowned and retreated backwards.


    Silver Orchid and Rouge immediately jumped in front of her, not permitting Li Yang toe closer.


    Gu Ying said unhappily, "Restrain yourself, Your Highness! Or I shall call for help."


    Li Yang''s lips remained upturned. Seeing Gu Ying''s beautiful face turn pale as she reacted strongly as if facing a formidable foe, resembling nothing more than a startled little bunny, the possessive desire in his heart grew stronger.


    He wanted to obtain a beauty like Gu Ying far too much. All the women in Bianjingbined could notpare to even one of her slender fingers.


    That skin fair as snow, lips red even without rouge, brows dark without need for ink - she was captivating from head to toe.


    Not to mention she was skilled in martial arts, had an impressive memory, and was clever, courteous, strategic and caring in serving her lord.


    His burning gaze was fixed on her bright, cat-like eyes before sliding down tond on her ample, curved bosom and tiny cinched waist. If he could get his hands around that...


    Tsk tsk...


    Simply wonderful beyond description.


    For some reason, his craving for Gu Ying was like an addiction he could not control. Ever since setting eyes on her face, there was a nagging sense of familiarity.


    He stared at her fair, tender cheek, gazing at the alluring hint of red upon the tip of her nose. He smiled indulgently. "Alright, this Prince was merely jesting with Lady Zhao. Why must you be so nervous? Under the eyes of everyone present, this Prince will not do anything untoward to Lady Zhao, so rest your worries."

 Chapter 184: His Royal Highness

    <h4>Chapter 184</h4>


    "If this is a joke, please allow me to leave, Your Highness," said Gu Ying, clenching her fists in her sleeves, preparing to knock him out if he dared to take advantage of her.


    However, Li Yang did not actually make a move on her. Hearing her words, he obediently moved aside andzily raised his eyebrows, generously making way.


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes, not wanting to stay in this man''s presence for a moment longer. She left without looking back.


    Li Yang turned and watched the woman''s retreating figure. In his mind appeared the alluring sight of her writhing beneath him.


    The image was too real...


    The more he thought about it, the more parched he felt, his whole body hot.


    As the son of a beloved imperial concubine, the Prince of the Eastern Lu kingdom, he could have any woman he wanted with a little patient hunting.


    If it wasn''t for Jiang Yin repeatedly reminding him before entering the pce not to disrupt the n, he would have pressed Gu Ying down today to steal a kiss.


    Avoiding Prince Shu, Gu Ying''s eyebrows were knotted into a little mountain.


    In her previous life, she had no connection with Prince Shu at all. Why was Prince Shu interested in her in this life?


    "Mydy, I''m afraid we''ll have to tell His Highness the Heir about this..." said Yin Lan worriedly. "Prince Shu does not seem like a good man."


    What was most worrying was the sense of entitlement Prince Shu had towards herdy.


    Gu Ying sighed and said helplessly, "I know."


    Prince Shu was indeed troublesome... Fortunately, with Adu around, no matter how arrogant Prince Shu was, he could not just seize another man''s wife.


    "Yin Lan, you and Yanzhi stay here and secretly keep an eye on Huo Qiyen, don''t let her make trouble. I''ll go ande back soon."


    Yanzhi pursed her lips worriedly. "Mydy, where are you going?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips turned up. "Be good. I''m just going for a walk to clear my mind. I''ll be back soon."


    She had something important to do today, so she let Yin Lan and Yanzhi stay in the imperial garden to attract others'' attention. She took the opportunity to head towards where Ning Si was.


    Ning Si was the precious eldest daughter of the prestigious Ning family, gentle and delicate, a typical youngdy from a good family - gentle, kind, modest and virtuous.


    At this moment, however, she was being bullied by two unnamed young noblewomen under a rockery not far from the Chifeng Pce.


    The two girls aggressively jabbed Ning Si in the shoulders, pushing her backwards while berating her aggressively.


    "Well, well, if it isn''t Young Lady Ning from the Ning family! How dare you still show your face here?"


    "That''s right, this is where Prince Duan rests when he enters the pce. Don''t tell me you''vee looking for Prince Duan, Ning Young Lady?"


    "Ning Si, how can you still show your face here? Oh I know, Prince Duan is ill so you''re worried he can''t give you a good future. That''s why you''ve set your sights on Prince Shu instead, right? We''re right, aren''t we?"


    "Oh my, we can''t call her Young Lady Ning anymore. We must address her as Prince Shu''s Future Consort!"


    The mocking was extremely harsh.


    Ning Si was so ashamed she nearly cried, ring at the two girls ridiculing her with wet eyes, unable to say a word to defend herself.


    "Oh my, why is the Prince Shu''s Consort not saying anything?"


    In the middle of winter, snow fluttering about, Ning Si swayed unsteadily in the cold wind. Her hair ornament was tangled up in her messy hair, making her frail body look helpless and pitiful, like a trapped beast.


    Not far away, on the covered corridor, a tall, thin figure stood behind a pir, half of his pale, handsome face faintly visible.


    His brows were slightly furrowed, clearly worried that Ning Si would be hurt, yet he remained silently standing there without moving a muscle.


    Gu Ying could bear it no longer.


    She circled around from behind the rockery and pulled Ning Si behind her, shielding Ning Si with her body. Facing the two youngdies coldly, she said, "Regardless of whether she is Prince Shu''s future consort or not, the eldest daughter of Minister Ning''s family is not someone you can reprimand as you like. If you dare cause trouble again, don''t me me for dragging you personally to Her Majesty the Empress and His Majesty to seek justice!"


    The two girls were quite young. Seeing the prestigious Gu Ying who had married into the Duke of Guo''s estate, they immediately fell silent.


    "We didn''t bully her much, just said a couple of things, what''s the big deal?"


    "In that case, I''ll say that at your age, you''re still stuck at home unmarried. Forget about bing Prince Shu''s consort, it would be difficult for you to even find a son from a decent family. Are you happy now? Do you like hearing that?"


    "You--!"


    Gu Ying''s face darkened. "Get lost now, or I''ll call someone."


    The two youngdies were left speechless by her words. They only had a crush on Prince Duan and couldn''t stand Ning Si abandoning Prince Duan for Prince Shu. There was no need to make this too ugly. Muttering resentfully, they soon dispersed.


    Gu Ying turned around and pulled the swaying Ning Si into her arms.


    Ning Si''s face and hair were covered with snow. Although she had a thick cloak on, her little face was still stiff and cold, exuding an icy chill.


    "Lady Ning, are you alright?"


    Too weak to stand, Ning Si leaned against Gu Ying, her long eyshes as thin as cicada wings fluttering weakly. She looked very frail. "Gu..."


    "Call me Little Ying," said Gu Ying. Feeling Ning Si''s burning hot hands, she realized Ning Si had a high fever. "Are you sick?"


    Flushed and ssy-eyed, Ning Si twisted her slender, willowy brows in pain. Her body went limp and she copsed into Gu Ying''s arms.


    As capable as Gu Ying was, she was still just a woman. It was difficult for her to carry such a big person.


    "Lady Ning, Lady Ning?" She held onto Ning Si''s shoulders, about to pull her up.


    A sickly pale, big hand suddenly stretched out from the wind and snow before her. "Let me."


    The man''s voice was low and mellow, like muffled drum beats - not very loud yet serenely dignified.


    He bent down to pick Ning Si up. His thin arms held her legs tightly. It seemed to require some effort, his finger joints turning white from exertion.


    Gu Ying recognized his identity but hesitated to speak.


    The man didn''t say anything either, just gave a few coughs, his neck muscles tightening as he swallowed hard. He stood still for a while to catch his breath before slowly walking towards the Chifeng Pce with Ning Si in his arms.


    Under the pce eaves stood a fat little eunuch, eyes brimming with tears, looking at the thin back of the departing man with heartache. "Your Highness..."


    "Wait outside."


    "Yes..."


    The Chifeng Pce was exceptionally bleak.


    After Gu Ying entered, she realized that in the vast pce hall, only one brazier was burning. Icy winds swirled around the four corners. Outside, goose feather-like snow danced wildly amidst strong gusts. The entire pce was freezing, with only that brazier giving off a hint of warmth.


    She watched as he ced Ning Si on the wooden couch inside. Seeing himboriously moving the brazier, she couldn''t bear it and wanted to step forward to help.


    "So even you see me as useless, don''t you?"


    The man turned his head. His sharp features were sickly pale. His lips were light-colored - clearly someone who had been ill for a long time.

 Chapter 185: She’s gonna Save Him

    <h4>Chapter 185</h4>


    Gu Ying''s actions paused slightly and she smiled, "Your Highness is overthinking, this concubine does not mean that."


    Prince Duan also smiled faintly, his smile as tranquil as him, as tranquil as an unrippledke on an autumn day.


    He was famously good-natured and righteous, much beloved by the elder court ministers. If not for his frail health, Prince Shu would have struggled to vie for the crown prince''s position.


    Prince Duan moved the brazier next to the couch, and took off his own cloak to cover Ning Si, ordering the little eunuch on guard outside to bring water.


    He took out a handkerchief embroidered with orchids from his sleeve, dampened it with cold water, and ced it on Ning Si¡¯s burning forehead.


    Then he hunched his back and sat by the couch, gazing tenderly at the unconscious woman.


    Gu Ying saw a hint of unspeakable greed in his eyes.


    She could also see that he wanted to touch Ning Si¡¯s face, but ultimately restrained himself and clenched his hand into a fist on hisp with a sigh, doing nothing.


    He stared at Ning Si for a while in this manner. Then he turned to nce at Gu Ying, a faint smile on his lips, ¡°You are Du¡¯s wife?"


    Hearing this, Gu Ying remembered that Prince Duan and the Crown Prince were on good terms. The Crown Prince had always sided with Prince Duan.


    She pulled at the corner of her mouth. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Prince Duan nodded. ¡°A good girl.¡±


    He smiled again. ¡°Du has good judgement."


    When he smiled, he was like the first melting spring in the ice and snow, gentle yet warm. Although only in his twenties, he had a maturity and tranquility of a man in his thirties.


    Gu Ying did not see Prince Duan at her wedding. She heard he had suddenly fallen ill and been bedridden for three days before recovering.


    Everyone in the prince¡¯s residence thought he was going to die. White silk was hung up and taken down, bleak and pitiful.


    Looking at the emaciated appearance of this man now, her mood was alsoplex.


    Because only she knew Prince Duan¡¯s serious illness was not innate. It was from the medicine Concubine Wan and Prince Shu secretly put in his food.


    She hade today to save Prince Duan¡¯s life.


    "Cough cough cough!" After sitting for a while, Prince Duan¡¯s body could not stand it. He covered his chest with hisrge hand and coughed violently. Soon, his handsome face flushed crimson as a mouthful of blood surged from his throat.


    Gu Ying looked worried. "Your Highness Prince Duan, are you alright?"


    He was startled for a moment, eyebrows deeply furrowed. He took out a handkerchief to cover his mouth and calmly wiped away the blood stains. He turned his head to see the girl on the couch still unconscious and slightly relieved. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Could you do me a favor and take care of A¡¯Si for me...¡±


    Seeing how calm he was, Gu Ying felt extremely sad.


    In her past life, Prince Duan died young. After Ning Si married him, she was widowed in just a few years.


    Knowing he didn¡¯t have long to live, Prince Duan was unwilling to tie Ning Si down. So after marrying her into the prince¡¯s residence, he treated her with courtesy and respect, never touching her.


    By the day he died, Ning Si was still a virgin.


    Before his death, he prepared an annulment book for Ning Si, freeing her after his death. He even personally prepared a generous dowry for her and selected her next husband.


    Such a deeply devoted Prince Duan never said "love" to Ning Si while alive.


    Yet what he didn¡¯t expect was Ning Si loved him deeply regardless of his indifference... After his death, she naturally refused to marry someone else. Shemitted suicide at Prince Duan¡¯s coffin to apany him in death.


    Although frail on the surface, indifferent and aloof to Ning Si, this man actually loved her to the bone.


    Ning Si was silly, but she also loved Prince Duan wholeheartedly.


    These two star-crossed lovers never had the chance to express their feelings and live peacefully happy for a few days before their untimely deaths, all because of Prince Shu.


    This life, she would never allow such a thing to happen again.


    Gu Ying''s lips curled up slightly as she gently asked, "Does Your Highness have feelings for Ning Si in your heart?"


    Li Hao got up and uncovered his eyes to look at Gu Ying, but said nothing. His bloodstained lips pressed tightly together. ¡°I¡¯m leaving now. Please take good care of her for me.¡±


    Gu Ying pressed stubbornly. ¡°I can take care of her, but the only thing she desperately wants is a word from Your Highness.¡±


    The man who had walked halfway stopped and turned around again. His eyes were tranquil like the autumn, softly looking at Gu Ying as he smiled gently.


    ¡°What word?¡±


    ¡°As long as Your Highness says you will still marry her, she will follow you loyally by your side.¡±


    ¡°What if she follows me and I leave this world ahead of her, leaving her alone?¡±


    Gu Ying was speechless. ¡°......¡±


    Li Hao still smiled faintly. ¡°This time, I''m really leaving. Don''t tell her I came.¡±


    The figure of the departing man was somewhat staggering. The aqua green court attire looked oversized on him. He was very tall with arge frame, but too thin, seemingly as if a gust of wind could scatter him away.


    As sadness gradually spread in Gu Ying''s heart, she secretly swore that she must save him.


    ......


    When Ning Si woke up, her head ached terribly. She was in the familiar Chifeng Pce, its beaded curtains of red agate and green jade swaying gently in the wind.


    Beside the couch sat a beauty in a floral dress. It took her a while to remember what happened before she fainted, and that this woman had helped her.


    The wind continued to howl outside as her mind remained muddled.


    "You''re finally awake," Gu Ying helped prop her up against the soft pillow, smiling gently as she said, "Feeling better?"


    In fact, she and Ning Si had met a few times before.


    In her past life, she had painstakingly married Jiang Yin but was deprived of his favor. Every time she attended banquets, people mocked and sneered at her.


    Several times, it was Ning Si who stood up for her.


    While others avoided her like snakes and scorpions, only Ning Si treated her as a friend. She even gave Gu Ying, who couldn''t afford good rouge then, a box of rouge gifted from the pce.


    Perhaps to Ning Si, she was just a passing stranger who helped her once. But to Gu Ying, she hade to repay her gratitude in this life.


    Ning Si seemed confused. "Lady...Lady Zhao, you saved me?"


    Gu Ying covered her with fox fur and looked at her with joy filling her heart. "It wasn''t really saving you. I just happened to pass by, it was effortless. Don''t worry about it."


    Ning Si remembered that someone ridiculed her for betraying Prince Duan and throwing herself into Prince Shu''s arms.


    She gave a wryugh. "It¡¯s gettingte. I should go back... Thank you for helping me today, Lady Zhao. If there is anything Si can do for you in the future, please let me know."


    After speaking, Ning Si tried to get out of bed.


    Gu Ying pressed her back onto the couch. Her lips curled up. "When those two bullied Ning Si just now, you didn''t fight back... If you don''t mind, could you tell me about Prince Shu and you?"


    If it was a stranger asking this, Ning Si would be wary.


    But the young girl before her was very beautiful and lovely, with a gentle and amiable smile. Although she seemed to be a few years younger, she was like an older sister, difficult to dislike.

 Chapter 186: Is Jiang Yin Reborn

    <h4>Chapter 186</h4>


    These days, she had been holding it in for too long. Now she just wanted to find someone nice to confide in.


    She sighed, "Don''tugh at me when I tell you this. I got to know Prince Duan back in the days, so my heart was set on marrying His Highness...My family also knew about my intentions...Even the Empress was willing to form ties with the Ning family. Many people in Bianjing already knew about my impending marriage to His Highness. We were just waiting for an auspicious date...But a few days ago, when I was on my way back from my hometown Yueyang, I met with an ident. My carriage almost fell off a cliff."


    Gu Ying knew about this incident. In her previous life, Ning Si was saved by Prince Duan on her way back to the capital.


    The two originally harbored affections for each other. After this incident, His Majesty took matters into his own hands and granted them permission to marry.


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly, sensing something amiss. "What happened next?"


    Ning Si''s face turned pale. "It''s embarrassing to say this, but Prince Shu saved me that day. He hugged me in front of everyone...I was scared out of my wits and didn''t realize it was inappropriate...By the time I reacted, Prince Shu had already carried me onto his carriage..."


    Gu Ying''s expression changed. Her heart skipped a beat as she grabbed Ning Si''s icy cold little hand. "Prince Shu saved you?"


    How could it be Prince Shu?


    If she remembered correctly, it should have been Prince Duan!


    "Yes..." Ning Si noticed Gu Ying''s abnormal reaction and said in confusion, "Although I''m grateful to Prince Shu for saving my life...his actions that day caused much controversy. When I returned home, Prince Shu sent someone to propose marriage, saying that since he had made contact with me, he had toe to my family to ask for my hand...My parents have been extremely vexed by this matter and don''t know what to do. Moreover, this news has already spread to the pce...Prince Duan also got wind of it."


    At this point, Ning Si smiled wryly and two streams of tears slid down her eyes. Her heart ached badly. "Ever since then, Prince Duan stopped wanting me...He returned all the gifts I gave him and wrote me a farewell letter, asking me to...go our separate ways."


    Gu Ying''s brows remained furrowed. She exerted more strength into her grip on Ning Si''s hand.


    Ning Si gave a pale smile, thinking Gu Ying felt heartache for her. Despite her own excruciating heartbreak, she still tried to console Gu Ying with a smile, "It''s alright, actually. His Highness enjoys great fame and reputation, gentle and refined. I know I''m not a suitable match for him, so I don''t dare to wish that he would still want me... I just want to enter the pce and see him once, to tell him that I don''t like Prince Shu and have not betrayed him...He''s the only one in my heart..."


    Although she said this, the tears at the corner of her eyes still betrayed her sorrow.


    While Ning Si spoke gently, Gu Ying felt her mind descend into turmoil.


    The predetermined events from her past life had changed. What exactly was going on? Where had things gone wrong?


    Or was it because she had been reborn, some things turned out differentlypared to her past life?


    But that can''t be right...


    Everything that happened at the Bo Manor followed the trajectory of her past life. That''s why she could seize the advantage and take her revenge. No one knew what would happen in the future, only she did.


    But now, Ning Si and Prince Duan''s encounter made her feel flustered.


    Could there be someone else, like her, who also knew the future and was deliberately interfering and meddling in Ning Si and Prince Duan''s marriage?


    Not only did this person have foresight, but they resolutely stood in opposition against her!


    Her face instantly turned deathly pale. She only felt her mind buzz as if thunder had exploded next to her ears.


    Could it be...


    Jiang Yin?!


    No...


    Impossible!


    Gu Ying''s heartbeat abruptly quickened as she shot up from her seat. The exquisite beauty''s fairplexion was instantly drained of color.


    Seeing her drastic change in expression, Ning Si temporarily ignored her own difort and struggled to sit up. She asked with concern, "Zhao furen, what''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying''s entire body stiffened for a good while. Her mind waspletely nk for a long period before she finally calmed herself down.


    She gave Ning Si a ghastly smile. "I''m...alright."


    She could not yet confirm if Jiang Yin had also reincarnated like her...So her mind was in turmoil.


    Despite being unwell herself, Ning Si still sat up out of worry for the woman before her. She grabbed Gu Ying''s hand and asked, "You don''t look well. Are you feeling ufortable somewhere?"


    Gu Ying stroked Ning Si''s hand and swallowed hard. After regaining someposure, she forced a smile and said, "I just suddenly felt a headacheing. It must be from the cold wind."


    In fact, she still could notpletely ascertain if Jiang Yin had reincarnated like her.


    She had to hurry and look for the Crown Prince. It would be best if she could find an opportunity to probe Jiang Yin as soon as possible.


    Otherwise...


    The course of events wouldpletely deviate from the intended trajectory.


    Jiang Yin had been so ruthless to her in their past life and detested her so much. If he really reincarnated, he would likely send her plummeting back into irrevocable misery.


    But she absolutely could not allow something like that to happen again in this lifetime.


    She had to nip this threat in the bud as soon as possible.


    Even if she had to find an opportunity to directly kill him, it would be well worth it.


    Her eyes turned icy cold. She was about to hastily take her leave when she suddenly remembered the purpose for her visit today. She grabbed Ning Si and headed outside while saying, "A Shen, listen carefully to what I''m about to tell you and keep it in your heart."


    Gu Ying walked briskly, forcing Ning Si to keep up with her pace. "Oh...alright, go ahead..."


    Outside the pce, the wind and snow raged violently. Although the Chifeng Pce was far from the Imperial Garden, the lively hubbub from outside could still be heard faintly.


    The pce women were already preparing to light firecrackers in the Imperial Garden while the nobledies chatted happily amongst themselves.


    The pcenterns lining the path seemed like a fiery dragon. Everywhere was brightly lit except for the perimeter around Chifeng Pce. As night started to fall, the pitch ck darkness set off the white snowkes even more prominently.


    Gu Ying pulled Ning Si along as they silently stuck to the wall''s perimeter. This narrow pce avenue was unguarded. She quickly said, "After you fainted earlier, it was Prince Duan who saved you and carried you to Chifeng Pce."


    "Huh?" Ning Si became even more baffled. Her footsteps grew disorderly. "Prince Duan? But he clearly said he doesn''t like me¡ª"


    "If you actually believe his nonsense, that would make you an idiot."


    At this moment, Gu Ying could not be bothered with exposing her rebirth in front of Ning Si. Her only thought was that she absolutely could not let Jiang Yin ruin everything in this lifetime...


    "But..."


    "No buts, A Shen. Prince Duan has feelings for you. It''s just that his frail health leads others to ridicule him as the ''Medicine Jar Prince''. Thus, to some extent, he doesn''t dare let you know his feelings for you. He doesn''t dare marry you because he''s worried you would be a young widow. That''s why he tried every means to push you toward Prince Shu - not because he doesn''t love you, but because he hopes you can have a better life. If he dies in the future, Prince Shu will be the Crown Prince and the future Dongli Emperor. If you marry Prince Shu, you would naturally be the Dongli Empress."


    "A Shen, everything he does is for your sake. You can''t just give up on him so easily."

 Chapter 187: The Disappearance of the Prince

    <h4>Chapter 187</h4>


    Under the pce wall, it was pitch dark, but her eager eyes were shining brightly.


    "Miss Gu Ying, is everything you said true?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "What good would it do me to lie to you?"


    In the night, her reassuring smile finally cleared Ning Si''s worries. No wonder Prince Duan, who had been quite gentle to her earlier, suddenly turned cold.


    She had also heard about Prince Duan coughing blood and lying in bed seriously ill, unable to attend Eldest Prince''s wedding at the Duke''s residence that day. At that time, she had worriedly wanted to rush into the prince''s residence to see him.


    Unfortunately, Si Fu had stopped her at the gate of the prince''s residence. They had also thrown out all the things she had previously given to the prince.


    "Get lost. The prince doesn''t want to see you anymore."


    "Go find your Prince Shu."


    "Don''te to Prince Duan''s residence again."


    That day, she had hugged those things and cried for a long time in the snow outside the prince''s residence. The wind was so cold and the snow was heavy, but he never came out to see her. She really thought Prince Duan didn''t want her anymore...


    She rushed over and hugged Gu Ying tightly, happily crying out, "Miss Gu Ying, thank you!"


    As long as there was still a ce for her in Prince Duan''s heart, she would stick to him like glue!


    She was not afraid that he was weak, or that he might die young. If she became his wife, she would certainly take good care of his health.


    It didn''t matter even if he didn''t be the Crown Prince.


    They could ignore politics, not want wealth and glory, and just be a leisurely couple traveling around the world.


    If he really died...she would cut her own throat and go with him.


    Whether to the ends of the universe or the yellow springs below, she would always be with him.


    Gu Ying stretched out her little hand and patted Ning Si''s slightly twitching shoulders, listening to her suppressed sobs. A soft smile rose at the corner of her lips. "Miss Ning, there is one very important thing you must do as I say."


    At this moment, Gu Ying hadpletely calmed down.


    If it was really as she had expected, if Jiang Yin had also been reborn and returned...


    Then she would fight with him to the end.


    The first thing was that Prince Duan could not die.


    Ning Si raised her head, and her distinctive ck and white eyes shone brightly in the night.


    "Alright, tell me!"


    ...


    At the pce gate.


    A luxurious carriage suddenly raced towards Xihua Pce.


    Today there was a grand banquet in the pce, with the emperor entertaining ministers and their families. It wasn''t time for the nobles to leave yet.


    The guards defending the pce gates immediately stopped the carriage, stern-faced. "Who goes there!"


    A little maid poked her head out of the carriage hurriedly. "Li Guard, it''s...it''s...Princess Yueyan wants to leave the pce."


    The man called Li Guard walked up with antern to get a clear look at Zi Yuan''s face.


    Zi Yuan was Princess Yueyan¡¯s personal maid, and the guards regrly on duty in the pce all recognized her.


    Li Guard was quite familiar with Zi Yuan, only because Princess Yueyan was the emperor''s only daughter. Even though she was born from the Empress''s womb, the emperor still favored this innocent and lovely little princess.


    Princess Yueyan often secretly snuck out of the pce to y. It was always through Li Guard that she slipped out.


    Zi Yuan anxiously twisted her fingers, proficiently taking out the princess¡¯s token and several taels of silver, cing them in Li Guard''s palm. "Princess Yueyan suddenly has urgent business and wants to go to Marquis Yong¡¯an¡¯s estate... Li Guard, please do us a favor."


    Li Guard looked puzzledly at the motionless carriage. "Is the princess inside?"


    Zi Yuan swallowed nervously. "She...she is."


    Zi Yuan was uncharacteristically stammering awkwardly tonight,pletelycking her usual liveliness, inevitably causing Li Guard to look a few more times.


    That the carriage was stopped at the pce gate was also particrly conspicuous. At this time, all nobility were at the pce banquet, but Princess Yueyan suddenly wanted to leave the pce?


    Seeing that Li Guard was still blocking the way, Princess Yueyan suddenly spoke from inside the carriage.


    "Could it be that Li Guard is determined to stop Princess¡¯s carriage tonight?"


    A slender white hand slightly lifted the carriage curtain.


    Catching a glimpse of that sh of yellow in the carriage, Li Guard immediately held his fists and lowered his head. "This subordinate does not dare. It is only that this subordinate is responsible for guarding the pce gates and does not dare to casually allow people to leave. If the Imperial Guards Commander finds out, I fear that my life will be over."


    "What is there to fear? If something happens, Princess will bear the responsibility. My Eldest Brother wouldn¡¯t make things difficult for me, would he?" Princess Yueyan sounded increasingly impatient. "Princess has urgent business at Marquis Yong''an''s estate. Why haven''t you opened the pce gates for Princess to leave yet!"


    Li Guard¡¯s brows wrinkled. Feeling that something was off, he raised his head.


    Just then, Princess Yueyan angrily let the carriage curtain drop. A fluttering corner of the curtain revealed a familiar dark pattern depicting a kirin.


    Li Guard¡¯s heart stirred. He felt as if there was more than one person in that carriage...


    "Why haven''t you opened the gates yet?! Do you have to wait until Princess throws a tantrum before you¡¯ll open them? Or do you require Princess to obtain an imperial decree from Father before you¡¯ll obey?¡± Princess Yueyan sounded aggrieved, her voice brimming with raging anger.


    Li Guard struggled for a while but could find no alternative. He could only wave to have the pce gates opened.


    The carriage began to travel towards the pce exit.


    Bracing himself against the raging wind and snow, another guard walked over, his neck tucked. "Brother Li, did you see that? Ever since Princess Yueyan failed to marry the Commander, her temper has grown more violent. In the future, we should keep our distance from her."


    Li Guard''s brow remained deeply furrowed, waves of unease churning in his heart. "Wang Er, send someone to the pce banquet to take a look."


    Wang Er asked in puzzlement, ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    Li Guard said, ¡°I feel something is off with Princess Yueyan.¡±


    Wang Er said, ¡°What could be wrong with her? Marquis Yong''an''s estate is the family of Empress¡¯sdyship. She is merely using the excuse of going there to y. The pce banquets every year are always the same. The little princess probably prefers the festiventerns and lights outside more."


    Li Guard''s face turned solemn as he pped Wang Er heavily on the shoulder. "I told you to go, so go. Less yapping."


    Cursing under his breath, Wang Er left.


    But Li Guard still felt uneasy, so he dispatched two more pce guards to follow the carriage and promptly pass word back to the pce. After all, it was the little princess whom the emperor cherished. If something really happened to her outside, he would also have to take responsibility.


    Moreover...that corner of clothing looked exactly the same as what he had seen Capital Commander wearing today...


    ...


    In the vast pce banquet, countless nobles and princes toasted over brimming cups. Gorgeous scenes shed by like a dream.


    Yet no matter where Gu Ying looked, she couldn''t find a trace of Eldest Prince. No one told her of Eldest Prince¡¯s whereabouts.


    Instead, some people were looking at her mockingly, handkerchiefs covering grins as they exaggeratedly cried, ¡°Look at her! She really can''t leave Eldest Prince''s side for a moment. Could she be afraid that the prince doesn¡¯t want her anymore?"


    "You think marrying so highly is that easy? What sort of man is the Prince, that she dares cling to him so shamelessly?"


    "Truly a shameless vixen. Just thinking every day of how to seduce men."


    Huo Qiyan also looked scornfully at Gu Ying. She had said it long ago ¡ª her cousin wouldn¡¯t like a woman like Gu Ying who could hardly step onto the public stage.


    She was destined for great things, while what did Gu Ying have over her, other than better looks?


    Her cousin would see her good qualities. Once she entered Duke Guo¡¯s residence, she would fix Gu Ying for good.

 Chapter 188: Out of the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 188</h4>


    Ning Si closely followed Gu Ying, seeing her flustered yet calm appearance, asked in confusion, "Ying, what exactly are you looking for?"


    "Looking for the Eldest Prince."


    "Isn''t the Eldest Prince in the Diligent Government Hall?"


    "But people in the Diligent Government Hall said that the Eldest Prince has alreadye out. Yet now he cannot be found..." Most likely like in the previous life... he was schemed against.


    Ning Si was speechless for a moment. Gu Ying helped her, yet she was not able to help Gu Ying with anything at all, feeling quite anxious.


    She was a kindhearted person. When someone helped her, she would definitely help them back. Hence she directly grabbed Gu Ying''s hand, "There is no one in this pce more familiar than Prince Duan. Let''s go find Prince Duan."


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, seeing from afar the most favored prince, Li Yang, surrounded by people.


    He smiled and looked over, his eyes carrying a trace of provocation and smugness.


    As the most favored prince, Concubine Wan also only had him as her son. Naturally he was doted on and loved. As in the previous life, in order to obtain the Eastern Pce, King Shu Li Yang could be said to stop at nothing. This manpletely did not match his gentle appearance on the outside. His heart was extremely deep.


    Gu Ying knitted her brows. The ominous premonition in her heart grew even stronger. What happened to Prince Duan and Ning Si was definitely not an ident.


    Since someone was secretly scheming, the matter of the Eldest Prince being drugged at the pce banquet... wouldn''t it be the same as the previous life?


    No... If the schemers truly wanted to drug the Eldest Prince, then the Eldest Prince would now definitely be in Princess Yueyan''s hands!


    Gu Ying''s heart panicked all of a sudden. Not waiting for Ning Si to pull her to find Prince Duan, she instead used some strength to fiercely grab her wrist, "Sister Ning, how well do you know Princess Yueyan? Quick, take me to Princess Yueyan''s pce."


    Ning Si was only casually acquainted with Princess Yueyan. Right now she also did not care about anything else, gritting her teeth, "Let''s go, I''ll take you there."


    Princess Yueyan''s bedchamber was not far from the Empress''s pce. When Gu Ying and Ning Si arrived at Fuyang Pce, there were pce maidservants guarding the doors, arrogantly not allowing anyone to enter.


    Gu Ying did not go in, but looking at the deliberately created illusion inside the inner pce, she knew Princess Yueyan was simply not inside.


    Merely relying on Princess Yueyan alone, wanting to drug the Eldest Prince in the pce, then have an intimate rtionship with the Eldest Prince in a well-grounded manner... would not be easy either.


    Just thinking about the scene of the Eldest Prince together with Princess Yueyan, the irritation in Gu Ying''s heart grew greater and greater.


    She pursed her lips, her eyes cold and ruthless, appearing just like a vengeful ghost that crawled out from hell, causing Ning Si by her side to feel apprehensive.


    "You are looking for Little Du?"


    A clear and cold voice suddenly sounded.


    Gu Ying turned around to see Prince Duan standing below the jade steps. He was wrapped very tightly in a thick fox fur coat, making his thin and frail figure appear even thinner. Flecks of white snownded on the top of his head.


    His indifferent gaze looked over towards them.


    Ning Si panicked in an instant.


    Yet his line of sight did notpletely stop on Ning Si. Instead it slowly turned to look deeply into Gu Ying''s tranquil pupils. He coughed a few times, his voice hoarse as he said, "Follow me."


    Gu Ying did not hesitate and directly followed the man''s footsteps with Ning Si. Very soon, they saw a guard-looking man in a small heated pavilion.


    Li Hao found a chair to sit on. The cold wind poured into his throat, unable to restrain it, he started violently coughing. After calming down, he hoarsely said, "Tell the Eldest Prince''s wife where the Eldest Prince went."


    That guard said, "I actually am not very clear either. Just one incense stick ago, Princess Yueyan suddenly said she had an urgent matter and needed to leave the pce... She forcibly made the guard Li open the pce gates. Li felt something was wrong so he asked me toe report to Your Highness."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened. She anxiously asked, "Where did the carriage go?"


    Wang Er hurriedly shook his head, "I don''t know. I only heard the princess say she was going to the Duke of Yong''an''s estate."


    As expected... the Eldest Prince was in Princess Yueyan''s hands.


    The Princess Yueyan of this life was actually so smart. No longer stupidly causing a big joke in the pce like in the previous life... She chose to bring the drugged Eldest Prince out of the pce... No matter what eventually happens, as long as the disheveled princess was by the Eldest Prince''s side...


    The Eldest Prince would be implicated. Not to mention marrying the princess, at the very least she would also have to be taken as a concubine into the Eldest Prince''s estate.


    "When I discovered it, it was already toote." Li Hao''s handsome face was flushed red as he closed his eyes and hoarsely said, "Yueyan only... likes Little Du too much. That''s why she would make this mistake... *cough cough*... the one who helped her administer the drugs today was Concubine Wan... My spy said that right after Little Du left the Diligent Government Hall he had already started appearing drowsy and sleepy. It looks like... he was given hypnotics."


    "Yueyan that child has a personality that is too simple-minded. I''m afraid she was fooled by Concubine Wan and Li Yang."


    "The drugs are nothing serious. Don''t panic..."


    "Little Du''s physique has always been better than an average person''s. For Yueyan to be intimate with Little Du would not be easy."


    Gu Ying''s brows were knitted extremely tightly together. Having roughly made up her mind, she looked at Li Hao, "Your Highness, may I borrow a horse?"


    Li Hao knew of the severity behind tonight''s matters and did not say much. "Si Fu."


    That plump little eunuch hurriedly stepped forward, "Eldest Prince''s Concubine,e with me."


    Prince Duan had some connections built up over his many years in the pce.


    Knowing it was not easy for him, Gu Ying took one final deep look at him before turning around to leave the pavilion without looking back.


    ...


    Remaining in the heated pavilion was only Ning Si with flushed red cheeks. She still had a high fever, the fever''s red flush instead made her look even more enchanting.


    Wang Er nkly stared at the eldest young miss of the Ning family. It was said that Eldest Miss Ning was born beautifully, as clear as a hibiscus. Taking another look now, she indeed had captivating colors and features.


    Especially that pair of bright and lovelyrge eyes, flickering about, simply enrapturing just by looking.


    "Why are you still not scramming out?"


    A burst of cold rebuke sounded by his ears. Wang Er shuddered in fright.


    Prince Medicine Jar rarely became furious, but when angry, it still was not to be looked down upon.


    Wang Er fled helter-skelter out of the pavilion.


    Li Hao silently stood to leave as well without saying a word.


    Ning Si mustered her courage. She walked over and grabbed hisrge hand, "Your Highness, let me help you."


    Li Hao shook her off with a cold expression on his face, "No need for you to help."


    Ning Si bit tightly on her lip. Recalling Gu Ying''s words to her, no matter how Li Hao treated her coldly, scolded her, or got angry at her, she would just cry.


    Thinking as such, tears directly fell.


    She was taciturn by nature. At home she was taught how to be a virtuous, gentle and tranquil youngdy. Such unreasonable bawling and crying was also her first time. Yet watching the weakened figure of the man, a piercing pain throbbed in her heart, like needles pricking - increasingly agonizing the more she thought about it.


    "I know Your Highness does not like me. Today I came looking for Your Highness, merely to bid farewell." Face flushed red, her tears flowed down like broken strings of beads. She walked in front of the man, staring into his deep and aloof eyes, seriously saying word for word, "I will not marry King Shu. The day hees asking for my hand will be the day I die."


    Li Hao''s handsome face froze in astonishment.

 Chapter 189: Blocked

    <h4>Chapter 189</h4>


    Ning Si, however, no longer cared about him and turned to leave.


    Li Hao''s heart skipped a beat and he almost lost his footing. He grabbed her hand and asked in his rich, mellow voice, "Ning Si, what are you talking about?"


    Ning Si felt her insides twist into knots. Facing his heavy, grievous eyes, she also felt bad, but in order for this proud man to ept her in the future, she had to keep up the act.


    "Anyway, I no longer have any rtionship with Your Highness. What I do has nothing to do with you."


    "You¡ª"


    "It was Your Highness who told me to get lost. Now I''m leaving. Please let go of my hand, Your Highness."


    Li Hao spoke urgently as he watched the tears roll down the girl''s face. His heart suddenly burned chaotically and ached unbearably. "When did I ever tell you to get lost?"


    Ning Si unreasonable said, "Whatever Si Fu says is what Your Highness says."


    The man''s eyes reddened at the corners andplex emotions surged in the depths of his eyes. "I¡ª"


    Ning Si looked at him earnestly, hoping he would say something else.


    The many emotions in the man''s eyes could only be turned into a watery gaze that settled on the woman''s face.


    She cried, and it pained him. If she died... what point was there in him still living?


    But with him here, he would not let her have a chance tomit suicide.


    With his current state, he feared there would not be good days left for him to live. Ning Si marrying Li Yang was the best choice for her.


    Knowing he would not speak, Ning Si let out a bitterugh. The rising mist in her eyes made the man''s figure before her look somewhat blurred. "Does Your Highness think I''m just joking around?"


    Li Hao was silent for a moment.


    Ning Si was young. Of course he would feel that a little girl''s temper and angry words were not to be taken seriously. How could she really go so far as to die?


    But in the next moment, Ning Si decisively pushed open the window of the warm pavilion and jumped straight into the cold pond outside.


    At this, the man''s eyes instantly turned red.


    "Ning Si!"


    ...


    Once out of Xihua Gate, Gu Ying immediately mounted her horse.


    "Si Fu, you go back first. I''ll go alone."


    "Does thedy know where to find the Prince?"


    "Yes."


    Seeing the agile figure of the Prince''s wife, Si Fu could not help but exim in admiration. As expected of the daughter of a prominent household.


    Who said the Prince''s wife was useless?


    This figure, dashing and nimble, decisive and confident, was hundreds of times stronger than those delicate youngdies raised in the inner quarters.


    No wonder people said that after the Commander got married, he became extremely henpecked. It made sense¡ªhaving to face such a formidable wife, if the Commander wasn''t afraid that would be strange indeed.


    "But our Commander is the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor. Let alone his martial prowess, just his imposing manner isn''t something ordinary people canpare to. Do you really think he''s henpecked? That''s called loving your wife, understand?"


    "Loving his wife? The Commander looks aloof and detached, not like someone who would like women."


    "You guys don''t know anything. A honey trap is where thedy''s true prowess lies! You bachelors simply don''t understand."


    The corner of Wang Er''s mouth twitched.


    Most of the people here were married. It was not like all of them were henpecked, but every person could hug a woman when going to sleep at night.


    He had heard the feeling was not bad at all, but to this day he still had not experienced it himself.


    But seeing the asional smiles on the Commander''s cold and handsome face recently, he roughly understood that a woman''s influence over a man was definitely significant.


    With her hood on, Gu Ying''s mind raced quickly.


    If she remembered correctly, Princess Yueyan had an estate called Falling Sunset Manor in Bianjing that served as her residence when she went out of the pce to y.


    His Majesty could not bear to have his only daughter move out of the imperial pce into a princess manor, so Princess Yueyan still lived in the pce most of the time to this day.


    Falling Sunset Manor was usually vacant.


    Now that she had brought the Prince out, they would surely head straight for the manor.


    Having made up her mind, Gu Ying whipped the reins and rode forward.


    The sound of galloping hooves cut through the bustling crowds, rushing towards Falling Sunset Manor.


    However, as she passed through a dark alley, a cold arrow carrying an icy gust of wind suddenly came hurtling through the air.


    Gu Ying quickly ttened herself against the horse''s back to dodge the arrow.


    She turned her head to look in the direction the arrow had been shot from and saw a tall figure standing far away at the mouth of the alley. It was too dark to make out his appearance.


    But she still instantly recognized that familiar silhouette.


    Jiang Yin!


    Gu Ying''s body trembled slightly as she clenched her teeth tightly. If it wasn''t for the precarious state the Prince was in right now, she would have certainly stayed to fight Jiang Yin to the death.


    But she could not yet...


    The Prince was waiting for her.


    The galloping sounds were deafening by her ear.


    "You want to run?"


    In the darkness, Jiang Yin casually stroked his sleeve, the corner of his mouth raised slightly as he indifferently watched Gu Ying''s resolute retreating figure.


    Thinking that she would not even spare a nce at him for a Zhao Changdu,


    "Good!"


    He gave a mockingugh. His eyes were sinister and emitted a terrifying cold light.


    "Gu Ying, you''ve fallen in love with Zhao Changdu so quickly?"


    Although he was smiling, inexplicable jealousy kept burning in his heart, making him increasingly ufortable.


    "Since you want to save him, I will make sure not to let you."


    Savage fierceness red in the man''s eyes as he drew his bow again, aiming at the faint purple figure in the night wind...


    ...


    Falling Sunset Manor.


    Looking at the man lying on the couch, Princess Yueyan had never been so nervous.


    She stared fixedly at the handsome and unparalleled face of the man, swallowing hard. "Zi Yuan, you...go out first."


    Zi Yuan was worried and clung to Princess Yueyan''s legs, pleading bitterly, "Princess, please don''t do this. If the Empress finds out that you actually did this to the Prince...she will definitely erupt with rage."


    "What are you afraid of? I''m Mother''s only daughter." Princess Yueyan happily said, "If I manage to get intimate with brother Prince, Mother could make Father order the Prince to marry me. Wouldn''t that be fantastic?"


    How could the Prince marry the Princess? He was the most formidable and respected young war god in Dong Li!


    The more Zi Yuan thought about it, the more afraid she became. She tugged at the Princess''s skirts to stop her. "Princess, please don''t do this. This drug...it''s from Prince Shu. The Empress already dislikes Prince Shu. If she finds out that you conspired with Prince Shu and Concubine Mo..."

 Chapter 190: Farewell to the Sunset

    <h4>Chapter 190</h4>


    Yue Yan''s little face suddenly turned cold, and she let out an annoyed coldugh.


    "Elder Brother Yang is not someone else, he is also My Princess''s royal elder brother. He and Concubine Xuan have always been very good to me. How could we be considered aplices? Mother forbade me from seeing Eldest Prince anymore, Elder Brother Yang and Concubine Xuan were just...helping me fulfill my wish."


    "Princess..." Zi Yuan tried to advise her but to no avail. Worried, she burst into tears.


    More and more displeased, Princess Yue Yan kicked the annoying Zi Yuan away, "Enough, stop bbering. Hurry and stand guard outside the door, do not let anyone in, otherwise, I will skin you alive before Mother can punish you."


    Zi Yuan cried bitterly and crawled out the door. Under the gaze of the princess, she had no choice but to shut the door tightly.


    The room became silent as a needle drop could be heard.


    Princess Yue Yan sat back on the couch, staring at the man''s sharp contours. She slowly reached out her fingertips and stroked his straight bridge nose. Her heart pounded so hard it almost jumped out of her throat.


    "Eldest Prince... To think this day woulde..."


    She was so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. She didn''t expect that one day she could be alone with him like this.


    Since young he had always been cold. At fifteen, he grew even more wise and martial.


    Although his face always seemed a little haggard, it could still calmly steal everyone''s attention.


    He was cold and abstinent, like a touch of snow on top of a mountain, exuding a stay-away aura.


    She had never dared to get too close to him. Every time she got within five steps of him, she would start breathing rapidly, losing control of her mind.


    And now, seeing his face up close, it made her even more dizzy.


    After liking and admiring him for so many years, her biggest wish was to marry him and be his wife.


    And now, her wish was about toe true!


    "Eldest Prince, you''re too handsome. Yue Yan has never seen a more handsome man than you. Neither the royal elders nor Father couldpare to you..."


    In her excitement, she carefully touched his outer robe...


    Her body suddenly felt electrified, with hot flushed cheeks.


    This...


    What should she do when he wakes upter...


    Yue Yan felt her brain had be aplete mess.


    "Eldest Prince..."


    "Do you know...how much I like you?"


    "I... I want..."


    "Open your eyes and look at me..."


    The man on the bed frowned slightly, gradually forming a small mountain character.


    Yue Yan instantly became spirited, fiddling nervously with her clothes as she recalled Elder Brother Yang''s words.


    "The drug will make him fall unconscious for a period of time, don''t worry Princess, the longer he stays unconscious, the deeper the drug can prate his extraordinary meridians. When he shows symptoms due to the aphrodisiac effect of the drug, it will be a great time for the Princess and Eldest Prince to enjoy pleasure. But by then, the Eldest Prince may be someone else, so the Princess must be careful."


    Blurry rays of light spilled in through the windowttices, outlining the elegant profile of the person on the bed.


    Princess Yue Yan''s face grew redder.


    Unable to restrain herself, she reached out and hooked her fingers around his long, slightly curved ones, nervously waiting for the man on the bed to wake up.


    Zhao Changdu''s brows were deeply furrowed. He felt as if his whole body was being roasted in a boundless sea of fire. From deep down, an uncontroble force urgently needed release.


    He slowly opened his eyes, but it was as if ayer of light gauze blocked his vision and he couldn''t see clearly.


    He vaguely saw a woman with blurred features before him. Seeing him open his eyes, she happily snuggled into his arms, babbling something with moving lips.


    "Eldest Prince, you''re finally awake..."


    "Eldest Prince..."


    "Eldest Prince, it''s me, Yue Yan..."


    Zhao Changdu felt very ufortable inside, as if he was forcibly stuffed with a strong inner force that spread through his blood vessels and bones. At first he didn''t have much strength.


    With just a blink, he felt his whole body tense up from the inside out.


    He firmly grabbed the woman''s wrist. His thin lips parted slightly, his voice low and hoarse, "A Ying... is that you?"


    Yue Yan was so startled by his big hand squeezing her that she felt her bones would shatter.


    How could he mistake her for A Ying!


    Enduring the pain with a red face, she snuggled into the man''s arms, "Eldest Prince, it''s me...I''m Yue Yan..."


    Hearing this, the man knitted his brows tightly and narrowed his dark eyes to look at the woman in his arms.


    Although he couldn''t see the face of the woman clearly, as soon as he smelled the sweet powdery fragrance on her, he knew something was off. Instantly displeased, he pushed the woman away, "Who are you?"


    In panic, Yue Yan tumbled to the ground.


    "Eldest Prince, are you feeling very ufortable? Yue Yan can help you detox..."


    Zhao Changdu got up from the couch, sat at the edge with a domineering aura, spreading his sturdy, powerful legs apart. He rested his hands on his knees with two fingers pinching his eyebrows in annoyance as he took off his cloak.


    But it still didn''t feel like enough. Withzy ease, his two fingers casually pulled his clothes apart.


    His broad and mighty chest was exposed.


    Yue Yan''s cheeks grew hot again as she lowered her head, not daring to look at the man.


    ...


    No matter what, tonight, she had to seed, failure was not an option!


    She didn''t rashly move closer. Since the Eldest Prince had mistaken her for A Ying, then pretend to be A Ying it was.


    She just wanted to be the Eldest Prince''s woman, no matter the method.


    Princess Yue Yan patiently waited for a while. She raised her eyes to see the handsome face of the man on the couch getting redder, breathing heavier and gaze turning deeper crimson.


    Mustering her courage, she slowly got up and sat down beside him, gently coaxing, "Du... can you still recognize me? I...I''m your A Ying."


    When the man turned to look at her, his eyes were like those of a fierce, bloodthirsty trapped beast.


    Yue Yan swallowed nervously, staring unblinkingly into his deep eyes, afraid her act would be seen through.


    Scared out of her wits, she instinctively pleaded for mercy, "El...Eldest Prince...I...I didn''t mean to deceive you..."


    But the next second, the man...


    With eyes zing as they locked on to hers, "A Ying..."


    Yue Yan''s eyes instantly lit up. Such an alluring Eldest Prince was truly irresistible.


    She had never seen the usually cold and aloof Eldest Prince be so seductive.


    "It''s me, Eldest Prince..."


    Zhao Changdu mistook her for A Ying, his tone softening slightly, "A Ying, is it really you?"


    She quickly took the opportunity, "Yes...it''s really me."


    Yue Yan nervously swallowed again as waves of unfamiliar fragrance assaulted her.


    The man seemed to regain some sanity again as he forcefully shook his head.


    "You are not A Ying!"


    Scared out of her wits, Yue Yan hurriedly grabbed his cor, "I am! I really am! If you don''t believe me,e take a closer look..."


    Zhao Changdu stared at her intently...


    Yue Yan''s heart missed a beat as she raised her head to look at the Eldest Prince she loved most, whose eyes were no longer clear...

 Chapter 191: Ah Ying, Hug Me

    <h4>Chapter 191</h4>


    Just at this critical juncture, there was a "dong" sound.


    The door was suddenly smashed open by someone, a fierce gale roared in, mixed with snow rushing into the room.


    A wind-swept figure walked in quickly from the doorway, she moved extremely fast, Yue Yan hadn''t seen clearly when the person picked up a porcin vase in the room and smashed it on her head without saying a word, neat and clean.


    Her eyes red widely, everything went dark before her eyes, and she immediately lost consciousness.


    Fortunately, nothing had happened yet...


    Gu Ying patted her hands, silently breathed a sigh of relief, not knowing what was on her mind, she pulled Yue Yan princess down from the couch with a small face, and didn''t care, letting her lie directly on the ground.


    There were broken porcin pieces all over the ground.


    After tidying up everything, she finally had the mind to turn around and look at the listless figure of the prince sitting on the couch.


    The powerful man was still so heroic and cold even under the effect of medicine.


    If it weren''t for the flush of red at the tip of his ears and the bulging veins on his neck, she couldn''t even see that he was drugged.


    Looking at the man sitting quietly on the couch, his handsome face gradually wrinkled, blush rarely appeared on his cheeks, as if drunk, his eyes were misty and blurred, like ayer of mist covered them.


    His chest undted with heavy breathing, his hairpin was disheveled, and arge handful of long ck hair fell along his sideburns onto his smooth muscr chest.


    He was more beautiful than a woman to begin with, now with his red lips, fairplexion appeared even colder under the dim candlelight. Especially that pair of eyes which were so beautiful they were breathtaking, under the effect of the drug, were like fire, so enchanting as if bewitching.


    How to say, the prince at the moment had a kind of thrilling and mesmerizing disorderly beauty.


    Yet because no one could detoxify him, he was ignorant and lost, extremely like an unwanted big dog.


    Gu Ying felt a little likeughing.


    The situation in this life waspletely different from her previous life, she thought, she should also use a different method to detoxify him, she certainly could not surrender herself in front of Yue Yan princess.


    "Prince, how do you feel now?"


    Zhao Changdu lifted his eyelids, staring at her without moving his eyes.


    From her eyes to the tip of her nose, to her lips, continuing down, looking at her graceful jaw, slender white neck, then the slightly undting chest.


    He didn''t stop, his eyes kept wandering down, his eyes gradually bing deep and weird.


    Even Gu Ying''s greatest anger dissipated under the man''s scorching gaze, her face flushed red, helpless to walk over, stretched out her hand to feel his burning forehead, "Prince, how do you feel?"


    This touch made her realize his forehead was frighteningly hot.


    She subconsciously wanted to withdraw her little hand.


    But Zhao Changdu didn''t allow it, his big hot hand grabbed the little girl''s hand. Smelling the familiar fragrance unique to her, he slowly raised his eyes, looking up at the person in front of him. Seeing it was her, his eyes became clear too.


    "Why did you onlye now?"


    Gu Ying was stunned, "I came as fast as I could."


    If Jiang Yin hadn''t always blocked her, she could havee even faster.


    The man leaned towards her. Gu Ying thought his current situation must be very ufortable, so it would be best to return to the Prince''s estate as soon as possible, "Prince, His Highness Prince Dong is handling things on our behalf in the pce. His Highness will report to His Majesty that you are ufortable and have returned to the Prince''s estate to rest first. I apanied you back."


    She didn''t know if the man heard her clearly or not, he rested his chin on her shoulder, and gave a muffled "hmm" sound. His bony fingers fell on the back of her hand.


    A burning heat rushed up, Gu Ying gasped, and her throat tightened involuntarily too.


    The man''s body temperature was frighteningly high. As a person who had experienced it before, she knew this stuff would make people very ufortable, but cold stuff could make him feel better.


    She hurriedly stroked his hot handsome face with her little hand, "Prince, can you still walk?"


    The man put his face in her palm, rubbed it, his voice low and hoarse, "No."


    Gu Ying swallowed, "Uh..."


    Was the prince coquetting with her... This...was too irresistible!


    "I can''t carry the prince..."


    "Then let''s stay here."


    "Prince..."


    "Ying, I''m ufortable, hug me."


    Gu Ying''s heart softened. She stretched out her arms around his solid slender waist, but her heart thumped loudly nonstop.


    In the past, she had fantasized about her husband treating her like this... But Jiang Yin had given her the deepest hurt.


    She was afraid, too afraid...


    Afraid the prince would be like Jiang Yin.


    If she gave her true feelings again only to have him personally destroy her... What would she do then?


    Die again?


    At such a tender moment, Gu Ying''s heart was particrly deste and bleak. The better the prince treated her, the more fearful she became, the more she felt she couldn''t withstand these things.


    The more she thought about it, the more sad and bitter she felt. She was determined to guard her heart no matter what and not hand it easily over to a man.


    The prince was good to her, she would repay equally.


    No anticipation, no disappointment, this way her state of mind could be more peaceful.


    Having made up her mind, she calmed down, "Prince, I''ll bring you back to the estate and find a doctor to detoxify you."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly. By this point, the little girl still hadn''tpletely opened her heart to him...


    He felt somewhat disappointed, but he also didn''t have the leisure to think too much now.


    The drug came on fiercely, making his mind confused.


    He couldn''t possibly leave his sweet soft little wife alone here and go find some damn doctor.


    "Are you just going to watch me suffer?" He held her soft boneless little hand and ced it on his bulging abs, ncing at her arrogantly with his bewitching phoenix eyes, his tone unexpectedly carried a trace of grievance, "You''re my wife. Why would I need someone else."


    Facing the man''s crimson phoenix eyes, Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat, "I didn''t... There''s no... I just feel a doctor would be more... able to prescribe the right remedy, to preventplications."


    After all, there was a high possibility this drug had Jiang Yin''s hand behind it. A vicious person like Jiang Yin, if he really reincarnated, the consequences of this incident would be unimaginable.


    "No need."


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked as he slowly guided her panicking fingers deeper.


    Gu Ying tensed up, turned her head in disbelief to re at him, "Changdu..."


    Hearing this soft Changdu, the evil fire in Zhao Changdu''s belly burned even more vigorously. Out of patience, he simply stretched out his long arm and forcefully pulled the person before his eyes into his scorching embrace to sit on him.


    The two seemed to sit facing each other, breathing lingering, noses touching.


    Zhao Changdu hugged her waist with great force astonishingly powerful that even if she moved a little, she would feel his big hands locking her in an iron grip.


    ...


    Smelling the familiar scent and touching the familiar slender waist, he swallowed hard, leaning against her shoulder like a child, exhaling heavily.


    She was his wife, naturally she could quickly understand his intentions.


    "Changdu, you¡ª"

 Chapter 192: Someone’s Bullying your husband.

    <h4>Chapter 192</h4>


    "Do you know if someone wants to bully your husband?"


    "I..." Gu Ying''s face was red with embarrassment as she listened to his panting. Feeling hot around her ears, she softly coaxed, "Didn''t Ie to save you?"


    The man nibbled on the soft flesh of her neck with his face to the side, and stared at her steadily with his charming phoenix eyes. "Is that enough?"


    After speaking, he increased the strength of his hands.


    Gu Ying''s breathing hitched and her body trembled slightly, "Your Highness, I have something very important to tell you... sober up first."


    The man could not hear anything else at this moment. His mind was in chaos at this time. If the person who came was not his little girl, he was afraid that he would have died from excess.


    He lowered his thick longshes and simply flipped the person over and pressed her back onto the couch.


    Gu Ying let out a "hmm" and it seemed like she returned to the scenes from her previous life.


    That man was like a beast...


    She cried without tears and simply resigned to her fate, holding the man''s strong waist with her shaky little hands. Anyway... this was also a way to detoxify, so let him be...


    It was the middle of the night, and the wind was strong with heavy snow...


    Zi Yuan, who had been knocked out, was lying at the door, while Princess Yueyan, who had been knocked unconscious, was lying inside the room.


    Gu Ying was ashamed beyond words. During the asional moments when he let her go, she thought that she should have dragged them both away...


    But now, regret was useless.


    Zhao Changdu was half sober and half confused. He hugged the soft person in his arms tightly, as if a drowning man struggling in the dark sea had finally grabbed a nk that could save him.


    "Ying..." He realized that he needed her more and more.


    Just thinking that the person in his arms would leave him, he became fierce, not knowing whether it was anger or fear.


    Gu Ying bit her lip and asionally opened her watery eyes to look at the man''s deep and dark phoenix eyes, like a sharp and hot de, leaning down towards her, cutting herpletely in half.


    She couldn''t understand the deep darkness in his eyes.


    After a long time, the sound of snow falling outside the curtain stopped, and the north wind stopped blowing.


    The whole world became quiet to the point of excess.


    Gu Ying could clearly hear the steady and powerful heartbeat of the man. She opened her tired eyes wearily, and felt her body was covered in dripping hot sweat.


    She wanted to see His Highness again.


    But she saw His Highness get up from the couch, his eyes had recovered their rity.


    Gu Ying felt relieved and was finally at ease.


    He was finally alright. He saved her once, and she saved him back, call it even now.


    But in the future... she must be more careful.


    This drug... was really too agonizing.


    Zhao Changdu saw how ravaged his little girl looked and felt distressed. He bent down to hug her in his arms, picked up the thick cloak on the couch, and wrapped the girl up from head to toe. He lovingly kissed the moist redness on the corners of her eyes, "Ying, I was reckless, bite me to appease your anger."


    Gu Ying really opened her mouth to bite him.


    Zhao Changdu readily sent his soft lips forward.


    Gu Ying touched those two soft pieces, and instantly deted, not having an ounce of strength to bite him. This was obviously him deliberately enticing her to fall into his trap.


    She turned away her delicate rose-red small face and closed her eyes; her cheeks were still flushed red and had not yet faded away.


    Zhao Changdu pat-patted his little girl''s chubby face, "Ying, don''t fall asleep, or you''ll catch a cold."


    Gu Ying squinted her eyeszily and mumbled, "Whose fault is that?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly and couldn''t bear to stop kissing the little girl''s blushing face, nose, and pointed chin, "Mine. I''ll put clothes on Ying."


    Of course, Gu Ying felt shy. Although they had been intimate after getting married for so many days, she still wasn''t used to him personally changing her clothes.


    But tonight, he was really too brutal.


    She really had no strength to struggle and could only obediently lie in the man''s arms and whimper, "Du, I''m so tired..."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything, he nuzzled against the top of his little girl''s head, and picked up the clothes scattered on the bed to dress Gu Ying, piece by piece.


    Only during the process of dressing, it was somewhat ufortable.


    He was just a normal adult man. The delicate skin of the little girl in his arms he marked all over; instantly his eyes darkened again.


    Fortunately, he was still rational enough and calmly dressed her, softly saying, "Go to sleep if you''re tired; you''ll be home when you wake up."


    The man''s voice was low and mellow, with an enticing magic power.


    Weariness hit like a tide, Gu Ying grabbed his clothes in her hands, wide ck eyes blinking, originally wanting to say something more, but really couldn''t resist the tiredness, her long eyshes fluttered and she fellpletely asleep.


    Zhao Changdu kissed his little girl''s frown affectionately with amusement, picked up the person in his arms and got up.


    The tenderness in his phoenix eyes disappeared, leaving only gloominess and evil air.


    He condescendingly nced at Princess Yueyan lying on the ground and called out coldly to the outside, "Come in."


    His Lordship''s voice was frighteningly cold.


    Huai An steeled himself and pushed open the door with an awkward smile. He was about to raise his head but worried he would be punished by his master if he saw Madam. He hurriedly lowered his head again, "Your Lordship, tonight was this subordinate''s fault for ipetence... If Madam did not have such quick wits and quicker action, I am afraid that this subordinate would still be searching aimlessly like a headless fly in the pce for Your Lordship''s whereabouts. It was not until Madam left the pce that this subordinate caught up..."


    Seeing that his master didn''t say anything, Huai An nced obliquely, looked at Princess Yueyan lying on the ground with disheveled clothes, his mouth twitched, "This subordinate really did not expect that Princess Yueyan would actually dare to secret Your Lordship a medicine in front of His Majesty... and dare to sneak Your Lordship out of the pce.... This princess really is brazen."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows were furrowed with a cold re at him.


    Huai An knew he was at fault, so he swallowed his saliva and quickly came to a concise conclusion, "Hehe, fortunately Madam was there and was so resourceful and nimble. Otherwise I''m afraid Your Lordship would have been taken advantage of by the princess! Madam is great!"


    When mentioning Gu Ying, Zhao Changdu''s face did soften slightly. He walked out unhurriedly, "Find someone to send Princess Yueyan back to the pce."


    Huai An immediately responded, "Yes."


    Zhao Changdu, "This matter must be done without a trace."


    Huai An said, "This subordinate understands."


    If Princess Yueyan was truly discovered in this state, she would surely suffer criticism. She was also engaged to the young marquis so for the sake of the young marquis, and for Princess Yueyan herself, tonight''s affairs could not be spread for whatever reason.


    Moreover, in order to preserve his master''s reputation, this matter could only be concealed as much as possible.


    Zhao Changdu walked to the carriage Huai An had ordered to be prepared. As he was about to step into the carriage--


    "My Lord." Huai An hesitated to continue.


    Zhao Changdu nced at him, "Speak."


    Huai An pursed his lips, "When this subordinate was chasing after Madam earlier, this was discovered."


    An arrowhead was presented.


    Zhao Changdu entered the carriage and still refused to let go of the person in his arms. With only one hand, he pinched the exquisite short little arrowhead, "Shu Prince''s Mansion''s cold arrow?"

 Chapter 193: Is There Still Poison

    <h4>Chapter 193</h4>


    ¡°Yes, people have tried to intercept the Madam with this arrow on the road, but the Madam has dodged them all,¡± said Huai''an respectfully as he stood outside the carriage, pondering for a while before asking the question that had been on his mind all along, ¡°Master, how did our Madam know about the Luyi Courtyard?¡±


    Princess Yueyan''s residence here was still quite hidden, with few nobles in Bianjing knowing that the Princess had a private property here.


    If it wasn''t for Young Master Su''s Fu Yun Building that searched for news and held the most information in the world, no one would have known that an honorable Princess also had an additional courtyard here.


    However, the Madam was not very old and was an inner courtdy who seldom went out when there was no business.


    How did she know about these things?


    ¡°Also, when the Master''s whereabouts were unknown at first, the Madam went to Princess Yueyan''s Furong Hall with Ning Shen and Ning Nv right away. After finding out that the Heir Apparent was not in the pce, the Madam acted even faster, directly asking Prince Duan for horses anding to the Luyi Courtyard. To tell the truth, I didn''t think of the Luyi Courtyard matter at first, but the Madam... seemed to have expected early on that Princess Yueyan would have ideas about the Master."


    There was silence in the carriage for a long time.


    Huai''an had too many doubts in his mind, but he couldn''t guess what his master was thinking.


    After a while, a clear and cold voice came from inside, "Well, I know."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes and took a look at the little girl sleeping soundly in his arms.


    During the days she stayed at the Duke¡¯s residence, the little girl had be a little rounder, looking much more plump on her face than when she was at the Earl¡¯s residence before.


    As she slept, her lips closed slightly. Her red lips were stained like rouge, crystal clear and lovely. Especially that pair of long, thick and curly ck eyshes under her eyelids outlined two beautiful shadows, making her look extremely pitiful.


    He lowered his head and touched the tip of her straight little nose, and said lightly, "Go and tie up Jiang Yin."


    Huai''an gritted his teeth, "Yes, I will go do it now."


    In the lonely night, Zhao Changdu held the soft body of Gu Ying. His dark eyes were lonely and ruthless, with turbulent undercurrents.


    He had of course noticed that something was wrong with the little girl.


    It was just that he didn''t dare think too deeply about it.


    Just let time stop in this tender moment, even if... it was just to let him hold her like this for a while.


    He asked for nothing more.


    ...


    After the carriage left Luyi Courtyard.


    A ck figure quietly walked out from the corner.


    In the dark night, looking at the carriage going away, anger gradually and slowly emerged on Jiang Yin¡¯s handsome and calm face.


    The anger broke through the thick iceyer sealed in the bottom of his heart, surging up hotly and violently.


    This oing anger almost made him unable to control the killing intent in the depths of his heart, rushing in to hack Zhao Changdu and her to death.


    "Gu Ying!"


    "How could you!"


    "How could you!"


    "How could you give yourself to him!"


    "It should be me who owns you, how can Zhao Changdu deserve to have you!"


    He almost gnashed his teeth, angrily grasping the dagger in his hand, thinking of their passionate moans when they made love to each other. And thinking that Gu Ying was now Zhao Changdu¡¯s wife, maybe the two enjoyed pleasure every day in the Duke¡¯s residence, while he was just an outsider!


    The more he thought about it, the more jealous he became. He fiercely stabbed the de into the wall, and the blood split his palm and flowed down along the de.


    But he seemed to feel no pain at all. He cracked his mouth and pulled up a sinister and terrifying smile.


    "So you never loved me at all. From beginning to end, the only person you loved has always been him, right?"


    "Hahahahaha..."


    "No wonder you guarded your body and refused to give it to me afterwards. So it was for him."


    Jiang Yin''s face twisted as heughed loudly, then his expression instantly turned nk as he stoppedughing.


    "Huh."


    "Since you care so much about him, then I''ll just let him die."


    His tone was light when he spoke, but it carried silent, invisible murderous spirit.


    No matter what, he still had to snatch her back. He wanted to let her know that no matter how hard she struggled, she could not escape from his palm.


    A whileter, his expression calm, he pulled out the dagger, wiped it clean and put it in his boot, then he turned around and left Luyi Courtyard.


    ...


    Gu Ying didn¡¯t know when she was brought back to Changfeng Pavilion.


    When she regained consciousness, she felt that her body had been washed by someone already and changed into the tea white luo yi with winding lotus pattern that she often wore at home.


    The familiar incense, the warm charcoal fire, and the unique heavy sweet water fragrance belonging to that person around her nose.


    Gu Ying no longer had the flustered anxiety of her previous life, and closed her eyes peacefully.


    She was in a deep sleep. Apparently she was extremely tired from that passionate, thrilling sex.


    She moved her body and felt someone caressing her.


    With an iron grip around her waist, she couldn¡¯t catch her breath. She opened her eyes slightly to see a pair of deep and dark phoenix eyes. She wanted to push him away, but really had no strength at all, so she could only let him have his way.


    Dense lingering kisses fell on her lips and neck. She could feel the rpsed heat from the man.


    Gu Ying pushed the man away slightly and struggled to sit up, her cheeks flushed, and her wet eyes looked at the fierce man in front of her.


    "A-Du, what''s wrong with you?"


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips tightened. He rubbed her ck hair with his big hand and sneered, "There is still residual poison burning inside me."


    Gu Ying saw his endurance and asked worriedly, "Is the efficacy of the drug so powerful? Your Highness, do you know what poison it is?"


    Even in her previous life, it wasn¡¯t so vicious.


    After that night, he had solved the poison, and when she was in a panic to escape back to Jiang''s house, it wasn¡¯t as weak as tonight.


    Could it be that this time, Princess Yueyan gave the Heir Apparent a different drug?


    "I don''t know."


    He let Huai''an go to tie up Jiang Yin, but unexpectedly, Jiang Yin had already be Prince Shu''s staff member and was now under Prince Shu''s protection.


    "Then, Your Highness..."


    Did they have to do it once again in order to solve the poison?


    Gu Ying¡¯s face grew hotter. In order to solve the poison, they had already spent a lot of time at Luyi Courtyard. At the moment, she was a little unable to keep going.


    The man''s face was full of endurance and restraint. His big hand held the back of her head, and he kissed her between the eyebrows and said, "Your body is weak, don''t toss around anymore."


    Gu Ying was so embarrassed that her entire face turned red. In fact, it was okay... Together with him wasfortable and pleasurable.


    Zhao Changdu stared deeply into her eyes for a moment, then wordlessly got out of bed.


    Gu Ying watched in confusion as he walked into the clean room, and soon heard the sound of pouring water from inside.


    At this moment she also couldn''t sleep. She patted the heat on her face and took a deep breath. Enduring the soreness in her body, she also got out of bed.


    The two maids Baiyan and Yn were guarding outside the door.


    Snowkes floated in the night sky as the north wind blew again. It was so cold outside, yet the two silly maids were sticking it outside guarding the door.


    Gu Ying hurriedly told the two toe in and then ordered, "Yn, go and cook me a prescription for solving various poisons."


    Yn asked, "Is it the prescription that Miss wrotest time?"

 Chapter 194: Ah Ying, are you serious

    <h4>Chapter 194</h4>


    <Gu Ying>''s face flushed red as she nodded, "Add one more medicinal herb that clears heat and detoxifies."


    She had been reading medical books and previously researched an antidote form that worked quite well in multiple tests.


    is suffering from a strange poisoning, <Gu Ying> thought, in any case, her antidote wouldn''t kill anyone, so she might as well try brewing it.


    <Yin Lan> took the order and went to the small kitchen.


    <Yanzhi> rubbed her little hands, looking at her mistress anxiously, "Mistress, are you and the Prince okay?"


    <Gu Ying> smiled, "Why aren''t you asleep yet?"


    Usually at this time, <Yanzhi> would already be sleeping, it was usually <Yin Lan> who stayed up at night.


    <Yanzhi> giggled and said, "Because <Yin Lan> was worried about you, mistress, so we both kept an eye on the Second Young Lady Hu at the banquet. But when we turned around for a second, you disappeared! It was


    who sent someone to find us saying that the Prince had already taken the mistress back to the Duke''s estate, so we rushed back."


    "Mistress, don''t worry. The Second Young Lady Hu didn''t dare make trouble. It was the Young Lady Ning who jumped into the water."


    <Gu Ying> raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"


    <Yanzhi> continued, "This servant only heard the maids from other households say that


    wanted to propose to Young Lady Ning. But Young Lady Ning also inexplicably jumped out of the window of the pavilion into the water. Then everyone saw


    jump in after her and fished her out."


    <Gu Ying> stared wide-eyed in shock, "They both jumped into the water?"


    <Yanzhi> enthusiastically recounted, "Yes mistress! You wouldn''t believe it. Young Lady Ning was drenched.


    carried her out and her body was almost exposed. Fortunately


    reacted quickly and took off his cloak to cover her, avoiding embarrassment."


    <Gu Ying> didn''t know whether tough or cry. She only suggested <Ning Si> get a firm hold on


    and find a way to tamper with his medicine. But she took such an extreme life-or-death measure without needing to coerce


    yet.


    She didn''t expect this girl to be so proactive.


    To actually dare to make a scene like this at the pce banquet right in front of the Empress and <Concubine Wan>. She decisively cut off


    ''s path to propose marriage.


    This was...undoubtedly what they called, desperate times call for desperate measures, with an unexpectedly positive oue?


    "Mistress, why are youughing?"


    "No reason." <Gu Ying> lifted her lips and picked up the hot tea on the table to take a sip, "Then what happened?"


    <Yanzhi> said, "Then


    carried Young Lady Ning away callously. Everyone gossiped while


    and <Concubine Wan> were clearly furious. But the Empress had a somewhatplicated expression that I couldn''t understand."


    <Gu Ying>''s lips curved imperceptibly.


    The Empress naturally wanted the Ning family''s assistance for


    . But she also worried that her own son''s health couldn''t hold up for many more years, especially since this was the coldest year in East Li with the longeststing heavy snowfall.


    Countless people died during this harsh winter from snowstorms, earthquakes, gues, one disaster after another.


    As


    ''s power grew greater, her son was in increasing danger.


    So in her heart she still hoped most that her son could marry <Ning Si>. But with <Concubine Wan> and


    interfering, this marriage was not guaranteed to go smoothly.


    This was also one of her worries.


    Reborn into this life, <Gu Ying> understood many things she didn''tprehend in her previous life. Thus in this life, she strived to act in good conscience. If she could help, she would.


    The Empress was not wrong, she just loved the wrong person.


    was not wrong, he was just framed by


    . And <Ning Si> was even more innocent.


    She was just a victim in the power struggle.


    <Ning Si> was one of her few good friends. She was determined to let her live a happy life this time.


    "It doesn''t matter. These things are tooplicated. Go think about what to eat tomorrow instead."


    <Yanzhi> pouted, "Does the mistress feel I can only think about eating?"


    "Of course not." <Gu Ying> lovingly stroked the little maid''s face, "I like watching your adorable way of eating."


    She couldn''t let her little <Yanzhi> end up likest life again, nothing but skin and bones on her deathbed, beaten and breaking her ribs just for begging for a bowl of rice to eat.


    That <Yanzhi> was too pitiful and pathetic. She should be happy and chubby.


    <Yanzhi> didn''t understand the deeper meanings in her mistress''s eyes. But she could tell that her mistress liked her and treasured her. Her mood instantly improved greatly as she trotted off happily to rest.


    Soon, <Yin Lan> brought over the medicine bowl.


    <Gu Ying> took the bowl herself and let her go sleep as well.


    Unlike carefree <Yanzhi>, cautious <Yin Lan> tentatively asked, "Mistress, the Prince really has no issues right?"


    <Gu Ying> smiled, "No major issues."


    At worst, she would try her best to serve and satisfy the Prince. She could definitely get him to detoxify without incident.


    <Yin Lan> felt relief and peacefully returned to her own room.


    With the Prince here, the main wife''s attendants did not need to serve in the master bedroom. <Gu Ying> took the medicine bowl and turned behind the screen to the inner room. There she saw the Prince walking out from the pure room.


    He only wore a singleyer, showcasing his broad shoulders, narrow waist and long legs, robust muscles bursting with vitality. It left her blushing.


    She silently stared at him for a while, suppressing the restlessness in her heart. "Adu, drink this medicine and see if it works?"


    <Zhao Changdu> nced up at her. Hisrge hand took the bowl and he drained it in one gulp.


    <Gu Ying> clicked her tongue in wonder, "Aren''t you worried this medicine might be poisonous?"


    <Zhao Changdu>''s lips curved up. His arm circled her slender waist and pulled her to sit on hisp. "Even if the medicine you give me is poison, I would drink it."


    The air was filled with fiery passion. <Gu Ying> sat facing him. Staring into those desire-filled phoenix eyes, her emotions were somewhatplicated...


    No one had ever given her such unconditional trust before.


    <Zhao Changdu> was the first.


    Seeing her stare nkly at himself, <Zhao Changdu> also couldn''t stand it much longer. He had already washed with cold water twice.


    Returning to the bed, the effects still erupted.


    Hearing that sweet soft voice now, the taut string in his heart snapped.


    He happily ced her amidst the brocade nkets. His palm framed her exquisite face, "Ying''er, were you serious?"

 Chapter 195: He’s No Wood.

    <h4>Chapter 195</h4>


    Gu Ying blushed. This was the first time she had taken the initiative, and she was ashamed beyond words. "Um..."


    Zhao Changdu suddenlyughed, a smile blossoming on his cold, jade-like handsome face, as mesmerizing as the first thaw of ice and snow.


    Gu Ying''s face turned redder. She stretched out her little hand to cover his mouth. "Your Highness, what are youughing at?"


    Zhao Changdu easily grasped her cat-like paw in his palm, bringing it to his lips to nibble lightly. His dark eyes gazed at her intensely. "I''m just happy that you''re willing to give yourself to me."


    The man''s voice was hoarse, full of deep emotion, and every word was like strong wine poured on her heart, irresistibly drawing her into his endless tenderness.


    Gu Ying felt her fingertips tingling, and an itch in her heart.


    When she first married into this ce, her aunt had said that all the nobledies of Bianjing, even the Empress in the pce, thought that His Highness was great in every way, except that he had grown up on the battlefields with crude soldiers, and was decisive and ruthless in killing, with a deep and gloomy heart. His mood swings were hard to discern, and he seemed wooden and unlikely to dote on a woman.


    So everyone liked His Highness, but didn''t dare marry their daughters to him.


    Now that she had married him and spent time with His Highness day and night, she finally understood the saying, "seeing is believing".


    Who said soldiers from the battlefields didn''t know how to seduce women and please them?


    His Highness was a big viin in bed, and an outstanding one at that.


    She whimpered, her fingernails digging into his back. "When have I ever refused you?"


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up slightly. "This time is different."


    Gu Ying looked away. "How is it different?"


    The man''s tone was domineering. "You''re still young. You don''t understand."


    Gu Ying couldn''t help retorting, "I''m not that young!"


    Zhao Changdu said earnestly, "Well, I''m ten years older than you. If I try hard, my child could be as old as you. If you darein that your husband is old, I''ll make you regret it."


    Gu Yingughed softly. If they reallypared, who knows who might be older.


    To her, it was just a conjugal act. They had already been intimate, so there was no point being coy about it.


    Besides, they had always been very harmonious in this aspect. Other than that one ident in her past life, she had always enjoyed it.


    "Your Highness, I don''t dislike you."


    "Other than my age, is there anything about me you find distasteful?"


    Sometimes this man was rather narcissistic.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips. Seeing him take off his robe, his broad shoulders and narrow waist in the gauze canopy made her blush to her roots.


    She had to admit...


    He was wonderful in every aspect - a viin at night and virtuously loyal by day, almost the perfect model of a good man since ancient times.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything more. After all, now was not the time for talking.


    He could clearly feel the abnormal energy recklessly rushing through his body. It seemed like the drug was draining his whole body.


    His Adam''s apple rolled as he tightly sped her hand, tenderly gazing into her bright eyes and softly calling out,


    "Ah Ying."


    ...


    In the Changfeng Pavilion, the exquisitendscape screen wasvish and magnificent.


    Red candles had burned all night, and the north wind howled as it blew in through the windowttice.


    The silk curtains were torn down, draping over therge bed. The person on the bed was still asleep, nestled in the thick brocade quilt.


    When Yin Lan came in early in the morning to clean up, this was the chaotic scene that greeted her.


    She and Yanzhi were both greatly shocked, and instantly blushed.


    It looked like the battlest night had been extremely intense. Their mistress was probably still fast asleep.


    His Highness had never liked being waited on intimately by maids, so he ordered them to tidy up the room without disturbing the mistress, then went to bathe and change in the purifying chamber.


    Last night he had mysteriously disappeared, and Princess Yueyan had created quite a disturbance, so today he still had to personally go to the pce to mitigate the aftermath, lest Princess Yueyan stab something irreparable on her own.


    There was only onedy of the Changfeng Pavilion.


    No other woman was allowed toe near the Changfeng Pavilion.


    After bathing, Zhao Changdu wore grand vermilion court attire. He sat by the bed and tenderly watched the sleeping girl, seeing that her flushed face had yet to fade. His heart ached a little.


    But he was also very happy. After all,st night the girl had exerted herself to the utmost limit, and in the end could only insist on staying awake until he assured her he waspletely fine before she was willing to fall asleep.


    Whether or not he was in her heart, at least she cared a lot about him.


    Her concern for him was enough.


    Zhao Changdu had never realized he was such an easily satisfied person. In the past when he was alone, the only person he cared about was his grandfather. As long as his grandfather was fine, even if he alone was full while his whole family starved, it was good enough.


    Now, there was new cause for concern in his heart. He only wanted to give the girl an even better life.


    He would make her the happiest woman in all of Bianjing and Dong Li.


    The man sat silently by the bed. Other than the tenderness in his eyes, his face revealed no hint of emotional fluctuations.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi nervously stood to one side, extremely nervous. Seeing the God of War of Dong Li so attentively watching their mistress, they were afraid he would devour her alive.


    "Yin Lan,ter prepare some food and medicine to nourish vital energy and blood for when the mistress wakes up."


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    "Also, go find Huai An and have him invite an imperial doctor to take the mistress''s pulse for peace of mind, and prescribe some medicine to nourish the body."


    "Yes."


    "Don''t forget the charcoal. Don''t let the mistress catch cold. Always have the braziers, hand warmers and hot water ready at all times. If anyonees looking for the mistress, drive them away. Don''t allow people to casuallye in and disturb the mistress."


    "Yes."


    After a whole string of orders, it was almost daylight, yet the man still kept guard at the bedside without leaving.


    Yanzhi was so nervous she only dared to swallow her saliva. It was a long time before she finally heard the sound of His Highness''s departing footsteps.


    She heaved a long sigh of relief. "His Highness''s manner is so terrifying... I didn''t even dare say a word."


    Yin Lanughed behind her hand. "You''re clueless. His Highness''s cold exterior hides a passionate heart. As long as we don''t make mistakes, His Highness won''t do anything to us. Also, I can see that His Highness loves our mistress dearly."


    "Huh? What does His Highness like about our mistress?"


    "You''ll understand when you fall in love with someone." Yin Lan smiled gently like an elder sister, gently saying, "Often, liking someone has no reason. The moment you meet, your lives connect, no matter how many twists and turns in between, you''ll still end up together in the end."


    Yanzhi said foolishly, "I don''t know why, but when the mistress wholeheartedly wanted to marry Young Master Jiang back then, I felt very ufortable in my heart, really disliking Young Master Jiang. But His Highness is different. I feel that with His Highness here, the mistress''s days are very secure, and I also feel at ease."


    Yin Lan knocked on her silly head, "This is what you call chemistry. Let''s get to work."


    "I understand, Sister Yin Lan." Yanzhi scratched her head. The two swiftly cleaned the room until it was spotless, then lit some soothing incense again.

 Chapter 196: Forgot to Take Your Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 196</h4>


    Yanzhi''s round little face was happily right in front of Gu Ying when she finally opened her eyes after sleeping very soundlyst night due to exhaustion.


    "Mistress, you''re finally awake!"


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped loudly and it took her a moment to react. She red at the little maid helplessly, "Yanzhi, what are you doing here..."


    Hearing the hoarseness in her own voice made Gu Ying pause in surprise.


    She hurriedly covered her lips, suddenly recalling her wild and reckless night with the Eldest Prince.


    It was too embarrassing. She practically had no face to see anyone!


    Like a frightened rabbit, she swiftly buried herself back under the covers,pletely wrapping her head.


    Yanzhi was shameless. Her little hands pulled at the covers, "Mistress, why are you shy? We heard everythingst night!"


    "Shut up!"


    "The Eldest Prince ordered that once the Mistress wakes up, we must nourish your body. Mistress, quickly get up and have lunch. Don''t worry, we won''t say anything aboutst night. Yin Lan sister said it''s normal for a newly wedded couple to be affectionate. It''s just that the Eldest Prince is more valiant than other men, no, much more valiant!"


    "Enough, Yanzhi! Keep quiet!"


    Hearing the noises from the inner room, Yin Lan smiled and lifted the curtains to walk in. "Mistress, hurry and get up. The physician from Ping''an Pulse has already arrived at the manor to wait for you."


    Only upon hearing this did Gu Ying''s small flushed face peek out from under the covers.


    "Ping''an Pulse?"


    "It was ordered by the Eldest Prince. This physician specializes in women''s illnesses and was also found by Lord Huai on the Eldest Prince''s request. He said it''s someone the Eldest Prince trusts."


    Since it was the Eldest Prince''s arrangement, Gu Ying was naturally at ease. With him here, she could patiently wait for his return to discuss Jiang Yin and Ning Si''s matters.


    In her previous life, she was alone without any support. Even after marrying her husband, therge rear courtyard only had Yanzhi to rely on.


    But this life waspletely different.


    She had her brother, Yanzhi, Yin Lan, Yin Zhu, and also the Eldest Prince.


    Her heart was filled with indescribable warmth and gratitude. Even if Jiang Yin was reborn like her, she had confidence in defeating him again.


    She moved her sore little waist, feeling as if all her bones were about to fall apart. It showed just how tormented the Eldest Prince was by that drugst night.


    Yin Lan chuckled and came over to support her. Seeing her young mistress'' bright red cheeks, she was extremely delighted.


    "Be careful, Mistress."


    Gu Ying''s face turned even redder. "I know..."


    Although the Eldest Prince had already cleaned her upst night, when she moved just now, she still felt a bit odd.


    She was startled, suddenly recalling that things progressed too quicklyst night. Afterwards, she was too tired and forgot to take the contraceptive medicine...


    Seeing her frozen in ce, Yin Lan immediately realized what was going on. She quickly said in a gentle tone, "Mistress, could it be you forgot the medicine?"


    In order not to make the Eldest Prince overthink things, the medicine had always been kept with Yin Lan.


    Last night, the Eldest Prince kept herpletely upied and Yin Lan had also gone to sleep. They both forgot about the contraceptive medicine.


    Gu Ying bit her lip regretfully. "It''s already past noon now..."


    Yin Lan said worriedly, "Does Mistress still want to take it? If you do, this servant will go get it right away."


    Gu Ying felt somewhat conflicted for a moment before deciding, "Taking it now is probably toote anyway. Then, I just won''t take it."


    She couldn''t possibly... have gotten pregnant so perfectlyst night...


    Yin Lan nodded andforted her with a smile, "That''s fine. Calcting the days, the Mistress is about due for her monthly cycle anyway. Missing it once this time probably won''t matter."


    Gu Ying thought the same.


    Just as the Eldest Prince said, she was still young and just a child herself. How could she nurture a child?


    Moreover, due to the damage to her body in her previous life, she kept drinking medicine and getting acupuncture but was still unable to conceive. So in this life, she felt that her body probably wouldn''t be able to easily get pregnant either. She likely didn''t have the fate to bear children.


    After silently struggling for a bit, she decided to put the matter aside for now.


    She had gotten upte today and didn''t go greet Cheng. But with the Eldest Prince''s exnation, Cheng naturally didn''t dare make a fuss. She had even specially sent a midwife to ask if Gu Ying was ufortable in her body.


    Yin Lan casually gave an excuse to send the woman away. That midwife left with a smiling face.


    Gu Ying gave her a thumbs up. "Yin Lan, you''re truly amazing!"


    "That midwife is a good friend of Sun Mammy. I heard the Eldest Prince still has Sun Mammy locked up in the firewood shed, so Cheng sent her over likely with other intentions."


    "What did the Eldest Prince say?"


    "The Eldest Prince said not to let her go."


    "Then listen to the Eldest Prince."


    The servants of Changfeng Pavilion had always stood upright and spoken tactfully in Prince Guo''s manor. Ultimately, it was because the Eldest Prince doted on their young mistress. Yin Lan was honored and beamed radiantly, "Yes."


    Yin Lan was truly skilled at dealing with interpersonal rtionships and intrigues in the rear courtyard. She was at least ten times more reliable than Yanzhi.


    Gu Ying was extremely satisfied with her. After getting up and eating lunch, she knew her thoughtful younger brother Gu Ning wouldn''t disturb her since she had woken upte.


    She asked a few questions about her brother''s illness and breakfast.


    Yin Lan answered everything which allowed Gu Ying to feel at ease. She pondered that ording to Imperial Physician Wang, her brother''s legs were actually caused by long-term erosion from poison which led to stagnation of his meridians and channels, resulting in his inability to get out of bed and walk. If the toxins could be removed, he said it wouldn''t even take three months for the child to slowly try walking again.


    She thought that although her brother was already ten years old and had missed the optimal age for training tendons and bones, they were descendants of an eminent household after all.


    In any case, he would still have to learn some martial arts to avoid humiliating their father''s reputation.


    That''s right. It was also very important to write a letter to Father.


    Gu Ying arranged everything neatly in her heart. She enjoyed a nice hot bath and changed into clean clothes. Yanzhi then led the physician in.


    The one who entered was a rather tall ck-veiled woman. Although her appearance could not be seen clearly, judging from her worn brow that seemed nearly forty years old, she had simply tied up her hair and inserted a wooden hairpin. The ck veil was very thick,pletely hiding her face. Only a pair of slightly elongated, slender eyes were visible. From the area under her brow and eyes, some frightening scars could vaguely be seen.


    She was likely disfigured so wore a face veil specifically. It appeared she was also an unfortunate one.


    Huai An said, "Mistress, her name is Yu Gu. A few years ago she saved my Lord at the borders when he was poisoned. Later when my Lord fell ill he sought her for treatment. She is very skilled in women''s illnesses but can also treat other diseases. Don''t worry Mistress, Yu Gu must be one of our own."


    Gu Ying didn''t actually doubt Yu Gu. Since she was just a physician from Ping''an Pulse, Gu Ying wouldn''t stand to lose anything either. So she smiled and said, "I know. Someone the Eldest Prince trusts, I will naturally also trust."


    He had casually drank the drug she gave himst night. Even if she didn''t have a sense of security towards men, she now had a level of trust in the Eldest Prince that ordinary people did not.


    Huai An scratched his head and grinned foolishly. "In any case, even if our Lord harmed himself he definitely wouldn''t harm the Mistress."


    As Huai An finished speaking, Gu Ying''s sharp eyes noticed Yu Gu''s calm eyes move slightly. But they quickly regained theirposure so fast that Gu Ying wondered if she had just seen wrongly.

 Chapter 197: Coaxing a Son

    <h4>Chapter 197</h4>


    This Yu Gu gave her an indescribable strange feeling.


    However, Huai An smiled amiably, and she also suppressed the little doubt in her heart.


    Yu Gu didn''t like to talk, she quietly took out the pulse pillow and made a please gesture.


    Gu Ying put her hand on the small table, and Yu Gu rolled up her sleeves for her, then sat on the chair next to her and carefully took her pulse for her.


    Gu Ying was a little nervous... Probably the aftereffects left over from her previous life, she always felt that her body was still not good, and she was vaguely worried that the doctor would say something bad.


    Yu Gu''s pulse was extremely serious, and the room was silent.


    It was probably the profession of doctor that was inherently intimidating to patients.


    Rouge and the others didn''t dare to speak either.


    It was Yin Lan who rolled up the door curtain and came in, took a look at the quietness in the room, and said to Gu Ying, "Mistress, the old madam hase again. She said she was worried about you and came to see you, but from what I see, that Huody came with a task from Madam Cheng. I heard that early this morning, the old madam''s eyes were red again after she came out of the Treasure Ink Hall, it looked like she had cried."


    Regarding Huo Qiyun, Gu Ying still felt a little sympathy. She thought about it and said, "Let her in, it¡¯s cold outside, don¡¯t let her catch a cold."


    "Yes." Yin Lan bowed and went out to call the person in.


    Huai An''s eyes fell straight on Yin Lan''s back. Yin Lan was dignified and graceful, with clear brows and bright eyes, and more mature charm than a little girl. She often cooked for him and took great care of him ever since he entered the Duke''s Mansion. Now he looked at her more and more fascinated, blushing to the tips of his ears.


    It''s just that he was a little timid in his heart and didn''t dare to casually find someone to confess his feelings.


    He was thinking of finding an opportunity to ask the mistress to help pull some strings...


    Yin Lan didn''t know what Huai An was thinking in his heart. She treated him well purely because she wanted her mistress to live well in Changfeng Pavilion.


    After she led in Huo Qiyun and Lv Zhi, she went to prepare tea and snacks.


    Huai An touched his nose and saw that there was nothing for him to do in the room, so he also followed out.


    Yin Lan smiled and asked, "Lord Huai, what''s the matter?"


    As a captain of the Qilin Army and the left and right arm of the Crown Prince, Huai An was usually arrogant and domineering in front of his subordinates. But now looking at Yin Lan''s slender figure, he didn''t even dare to look her in the eye. "Cough cough, well... The pastries you made for mest time were pretty good."


    Yin Lan smiled politely, "I''m d Lord Huai liked them."


    "Next time I want to eat the mung bean cakes you make."


    "Sure, I¡¯ll make them for Lord Huai."


    "Is it just for me alone, or do the other brothers get them too?"


    "Of course everyone should get them. After I make them, Lord Huai can just take them and distribute them to the brothers."


    Huai An sneered coldly, ¡°Humph, aren¡¯t you generous... Do they deserve to eat the same thing as this captain?¡±


    ¡°Then...¡± This was Yin Lan¡¯s mistake. She was trying to please the Crown Prince¡¯s people, but didn¡¯t think that Huai An was one of those guard captains, so of course his status and position were different. Seeing the man''s displeased face, she smiled flexibly, "Then how about I only make them for Lord Huai this time?"


    Huai An became happy in his heart, following Yin Lan like a little tail, ¡°Anyway the mistress has nothing to do over there, I¡¯lle help you.¡±


    Yin Lan felt that although Huai An looked quite sturdy, he was as easy to coax as a child. "The kitchen is dirty. It¡¯s better if Lord Huai waits somewhere else.¡±


    Watching Yin Lan skillfully put on an apron, her fair little face full of gentleness and wisdom, emitting a mature motherly aroma, he looked more and more fascinated, blushing to the tips of his ears. "I don''t mind it being dirty."


    Yin Lan was a servant and didn''t dare casually drive him away either, so she could only coax him, ¡°Alright then, thanks for the trouble Lord Huai. There is a small stool over there and some snacks and syrups. Lord Huai can help yourself and rest first. I¡¯ll be done quickly.¡±


    As Huai An savored her tone, he found it stranger and stranger. Why did she sound so much like she was coaxing her son?


    No way! Could she be treating him as her son?


    That won¡¯t do!


    ......


    In the side hall of Changfeng Pavilion.


    As soon as Huo Qiyun entered, she smelled a strange warm fragrance in the side hall.


    Then she saw Gu Ying sitting in a rosewood rose chair with some ambiguous marks on her alluring neck that made one¡¯s imagination run wild. Her posture waszy and sexy, her little face flushed, her brows and eyes clear and beautiful, and her eyes were watery like enchanting charms. Huo Qiyun felt a little unhappy in her heart.


    However, she did not show it and walked to the chair expressionlessly and sat down. Looking at the strange masked woman in the side hall, she looked worried and asked, "Is Little Ying sick?"


    Gu Ying smiled at the corner of her mouth and said, "It''s fine. The Crown Prince asked someone toe check my pulse for peace of mind."


    Huo Qiyun''s face froze for a moment, but soon became frivolous again, and sheughed. "Prince Yu is so good to Little Ying."


    Theugh looked quite sincere. In the past ten years, Huo Qiyun had been up and down alone in the Duke¡¯s Mansion. Although she didn¡¯t say it explicitly, she knew in her heart that she hadn¡¯t let go of the Crown Prince.


    Gu Ying felt a little ufortable in her heart and smiled without entangling with her on this issue anymore.


    Just then, Yu Gu had just about finished taking her pulse.


    Gu Ying then turned her head and asked, "Sister Yu, how is it?"


    Only then did Yu Gu open her mouth. Her voice was a little hoarse and dry, "Mistress is fine, just a little deficient in qi and blood. I will prescribe a form. Mistress can take one bowl of the medicine cooked down from three bowls of water to one bowl before bed every night to regte it."


    Gu Ying felt relieved in her heart that at least she was no longer like in her previous life where the doctor would tell her that her body was weak with deficient qi and blood no matter how she tried to nourish it.


    She was in a very good mood and had Rouge bring over reward silver for Yu Gu, while also seeing her off.


    Now only Huo Qiyun was left in the side hall.


    Huo Qiyun smiled and said, "It¡¯s good that Little Ying¡¯s body is alright. Last night at the pce banquet, where did you goter? I looked everywhere for you but couldn¡¯t find you.¡±


    The question was asked carefully. Gu Ying knew that she wasn¡¯t asking about herself, but was just using the question to inquire about the Crown Prince¡¯s whereabouts.


    The matter with Princess Yueyan was tricky and couldn¡¯t be let known by others, so she casually exined, ¡°Last night I drank a little wine and yed around with Sister Ning for a while. Then I felt tired so I told the Crown Prince I would go back first. The Crown Prince didn¡¯te back untilte at night. I guess His Majesty had matters to discuss with the Crown Prince, which was why he came backte.¡±


    Huo Qiyun was stunned for a moment, and alsoughed. ¡°I see, so that¡¯s what happened.¡±


    Gu Ying didn¡¯t disclose more, and Huo Qiyun didn¡¯t dare ask further. But she was very clear that something must have happened between the twost night...


    When Prince Yu left the mansion today, his handsome face had a hint of a smile that had never been there before. There were several small kiss marks scattered on his throat that he showed unabashedly.


    Prince Yu¡¯s doting on Gu Ying had reached an indescribable extent. Now the whole Chengdu knew that the Crown Prince cherished and favored his wife.


    Gu Ying as the Crown Princess Consort made many people look at her with envy and jealousy.

 Chapter 198: Accommodation Arrangement

    <h4>Chapter 198</h4>


    All these were brought out by Du''s extreme indulgence andck of restraint.


    How could a man, especially someone like Du with high status and power, allow a woman to step over his head and throw her weight around?


    She had not slept all nightst night, tossing and turning as she thought hard until she finally figured out sorrowfully what was in Du''s mind.


    It turned out that he had never gotten over her past betrayal of him.


    After he returned to Bianjing from the frontier, everyone thought he would take revenge on her, but he did not and simply remained cold and heartless when facing her again.


    For a time, she also thought he had forgotten her and no longer loved her...untilter when she found out he was going to marry Gu Ying.


    During the time he personally prepared for the grand wedding, she felt so sad and upset that she had sleepless nights whenever she heard of movements in Changfeng Pavilion.


    After the marriage, he deliberately doted on his wife in such a high-profile way...it was simply like stabbing her heart.


    She had wept countless times in silence.


    Untilst night, she finally realized that everything Du did was to get back at her, annoy her, make her jealous.


    He wanted to make her regret her past choice, make her feel pain and sadness.


    She gave a bitterugh, having to admit that he seeded - she now felt extreme heartache and endless regret.


    Seeing Huo Qiyun sitting there silently with wetness gradually appearing in her eyes.


    Gu Ying did not understand what was going on and felt somewhat embarrassed to pick up the thread of conversation, "Sister-inw, is there anything else that brings you here today?"


    Huo Qiyun regained herposure. She still had another task today. After considering for a while, she awkwardly smiled, "Ying, this matter should have been told to you by my mother-inw herself, but since I went to greet her today, my mother-inw took the chance to let me pass on a message."


    Gu Ying said, "Oh? What''s the message? Feel free to say it, sister-inw."


    Huo Qiyun said awkwardly, "My Huo family has a younger sister named Huo Qiyan, who is the daughter of Du''s aunt. You should have seen her before, right?"


    At this point, Gu Ying immediately understood that Cheng was deliberately making Huo Qiyun be the go-between.


    She pursed her lips indifferently, "Seen her. What is it about?"


    Huo Qiyun said gently, "Last time when my mother Zhao Rou also came to discuss with your mother-inw, Ying was also there. After the pce banquet ended, my sister Qiyan will move into our Duke Manor to live for a period of time. Qiyan has been pampered since childhood. My mother-inw thought about it and felt it would be best to have you help arrange a yard for my sister."


    Gu Ying pondered briefly before replying lightly with half a smile, "This...I''m afraid it''s not very good. I''m just a new bride, it''s best if my mother handles such things."


    Huo Qiyun smiled helplessly, "I said the same thing too, but my mother thinks otherwise. You know my situation, I can never have a say in front of my mother."


    She just sighed again and again.


    What Cheng was doing now was deliberately making things difficult for her and Gu Ying. She was quite happy to see the oue, anyway if Gu Ying arranged things poorly, she would still be the one getting plotted against in the end since she was merely a messenger.


    After listening, Gu Ying also clearly knew that Cheng was deliberately stirring up trouble in the back.


    By asking her to arrange for Huo Qiyan, Cheng had already confirmed that Huo Qiyan would be moving in with no room for discussion.


    Zhao Rou was the Duke''s sister, it was reasonable for her daughter to stay at her uncle''s ce for a while.


    If she really did not let Huo Qiyan move in, it would instead let the other madams and youngdies say she was petty. If she arranged the living quarters poorly, there would surely be new usations. Wherever there were people, there would be trouble.


    Right now she just wanted to live in Changfeng Pavilion with the Heir, having other people moving in always felt intrusive.


    She lowered her longshes, secretly weighing in her mind.


    Seeing her silent, Huo Qiyun raised her eyes, "Ying, how do you think should be arranged?"


    Gu Ying thought of the Heir''s anger thest time because of Huo Qiyan. For several hours he tormented her terribly until he made her cry from pain before finally letting her go...


    Sheter also figured out clearly that the Heir was not someone who liked living together with others. Changfeng Pavilion had the fewest servants in the entire Zhenguo Duke Manor, indicating the Heir''s greatest disgust was crowds.


    The Heir definitely did not like Huo Qiyan living too close to Changfeng Pavilion either. Huo Qiyan had high status, requiring no less than a dozen people to serve her, more lively than a pce princess.


    She could not refuse letting Huo Qiyan move in, but also could not arrange her too close by?


    "I thought about it. Fuhua Pavilion to the right of Baomo Hall is very nice, suitable for Miss Huo. Sister-inw, what do you think?"


    Huo Qiyun was surprised. "Fuhua Pavilion?"


    Gu Ying smiled innocently and tenderly, "Fuhua Pavilion is closest to my mother''s Baomo Hall, also not far from where you live. This way my mother and sister-inw can both keep an eye on Miss Huo. Didn''t Miss Huo say she wanted to keep her auntpany more when she moves in? I think this location just happens to be convenient for her to walk around my mother''s yard. It''s the best."


    Huo Qiyun did not know if Gu Ying was really stupid or deliberately pretending to be stupid. She sneered inside but smiled on the surface, "But I see there are still several empty yards near Changfeng Pavilion."


    "That won''t work." Gu Ying rejected without even thinking, "The Heir likes quiet and doesn''t want to be disturbed. If Miss Huo ends up annoying the Heir with her liveliness, the Heir won''t be as easy to talk to as I am."


    Huo Qiyun closed her mouth and did not speak.


    Huo Qiyan''s true intentions, she also did not personally wish for Huo Qiyan to move in. Just asking casually earlier was only to probe Gu Ying''s feelings for Du.


    Seeing how Gu Ying seemed to care quite a bit about Du, she also did not know...Du''s feelings for her...


    Seeing her spacing out again, and seeming to want to overstay her unwee visit in Changfeng Pavilion, Gu Ying politely said, "Sister-inw, it''s quitete now. I want to go check on my brother. If you have nothing else, I will take my leave first?"


    Huo Qiyun''s face flushed red in embarrassment as she hurriedly stood up to say goodbye, "I will let your mother know about your arrangements. Go busy yourself, Ying."


    Gu Ying nodded before seeing her out, then supported her rouged hand to walk towards Wanli Pavilion.


    "Mydy, don''t you feel this Eldest Madam has been frequently running over to our ce recently?"


    Gu Ying sighed. "Her heart still has the Heir in it. She probably hopes the Heir will change his mind."


    With the bone-deep past they once had between them, who couldpare?


    The will to live that Huo Qiyun had given the Heir - no matter what, she was still considered his life-saving benefactor. Gu Ying definitely should not shortchange her.


    Yanzhi had a simple personality and was also lively and cheerful. Adding to that, the generous rewards Gu Ying gave her, she got along quite openly in Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    "Mydy, recently there has been talk in the manor that the Heir dotes on you to get back at Eldest Madam. No one knows if it''s true or false. Anyway, I feel unhappy hearing it and really want to argue with those people. But they all say the Heir was young when Eldest Madam took care of him, and the Heir once drew his sword to charge into the Huo manor for the sake of marrying Eldest Madam. Such deep affection cannot bepared to mydy''s current method of serving him with your beauty..."


    Gu Ying frowned. "Hmph, serve him with beauty?"

 Chapter 199: Did he bully his Sister

    <h4>Chapter 199</h4>


    Yanzhi angrily said, "This servant girl had said she would tear their mouths, but Sister Yin Lan didn''t allow it and said that as people, we should keep a low profile."


    Gu Ying''s lips were cold. "It''s alright. Just let them talk."


    Although she spoke like this, in her heart there was still some inexplicable sourness.


    In the past when she heard these things, she could just casually listen and not take them seriously, but recently...she was increasingly unwilling to hear about the things in the past between the Crown Prince and Huo Qiyun.


    She shrank herself into a safe shell, thinking that as long as she didn''t look too deeply into it, she could pretend those things never happened...and could still live a carefree life with the Crown Prince.


    But now, she also began to doubt whether all the unconditional doting and indulgence the Crown Prince had shown her were truly just to provoke Huo Qiyun?


    In addition, she herself had a simr temperament to Huo Qiyun. Whenever Zhao Changxing was deliberately mysterious in front of her and asionally deliberately brought up Huo Qiyun and Adu''s past, he would smile meaningfully.


    ording to some people in the Fu Residence, it was said that she was Huo Young Lady''s stand-in, it was not known for sure.


    Her heart felt stuffy, as if pressed by a giant boulder.


    "What is elder sister thinking about?"


    Gu Ning''s voice pulled Gu Ying''s thoughts back.


    Gu Ying regained her senses and saw Gu Ning sitting in a wheelchair, staring straight at her.


    Yin Zhu had pushed the wheelchair over. The teenager in the wheelchair was starting to gain some weight on his face, he was delicate-looking, and after hisplexion had regained its healthy, rosy color, his red lips and white teeth made him look even more adorable.


    Gu Ying put aside her troubles and stroked her brother''s head. "How do your legs feel today, Ning?¡±


    Gu Ning quietly looked at his own legs. "It doesn''t hurt anymore."


    Gu Ying felt a little happy. "This shows that Imperial Physician Wang''s medicine is indeed effective."


    "Mm."


    "Have you had any other difort in your body recently?"


    "No."


    "Are you satisfied with what you eat and where you live?"


    "Mm."


    Gu Ning''s voice was indifferent.


    Wanli Pavilion was not big or small, it was cozy and elegant. Gu Ying didn''t mind his indifference. She personally pushed Gu Ning¡¯s wheelchair to the pavilion in the yard.


    Outside, the snow was heavy. Yin Lan and Yanzhi brought over a brazier.


    Gu Ying gathered the thick cloak around her and sat on the soft cushion on the stone pier opposite, ¡°What did elder sister dost night that she got up sote today?"


    Gu Ying''s face turned red from embarrassment. "Um...I didn''t do anything."


    The teenager saw the bite marks on Gu Ying¡¯s neck, and his brows furrowed as he tightly clenched his small hand. "Did he bully elder sister?"


    Gu Ying was utterly mortified. Talking about such matters in front of a young boy was really too embarrassing. "No...no, the Crown Prince treats elder sister very well. He had some matters to deal with in the pcest night which was why he came backte. You¡¯re still young, stop worrying unnecessarily."


    Yanzhi covered her mouth and giggled. Gu Ying quickly red at her.


    Gu Ning¡¯s lips tightened. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me.¡±


    ¡°I''m not lying to you. Be good and take your medicine, listen to the doctor, and when your legs can touch the ground, elder sister will find you a martial arts master to teach you martial arts, to make you as heroic and handsome as our father."


    Gu Ning''s expression was still indifferent. Having gone through all this, he had long lost a child¡¯s innocence. Now he only had two wishes¡ªfirst was for his legs to heal soon, and second was for him to protect his elder sister well, to let elder sister be happy.


    While Gu Ying was still imagining what Gu Ning would look like when he grew up, her biggest regret in her previous life was that her brother had died at the age of ten in the year of her grand wedding. And now, as the new year was about toe, he was still alive and sitting in front of her. There was nothing that made her happier than this.


    "I¡¯m nning to write Father a letter, do you have anything you want to say to Father?"


    Gu Ning spoke in an indifferent tone, "No."


    Gu Ying felt a little sour in her heart when she heard this. Over the years, Ning must really hate Father for not taking care of him, but Father was also helpless.


    He didn''t have it easy in Huang City either. Especiallyter on, in the battle with the Qiang Tribe, blood flowed like a river, and he didn''t manage toe back alive either.


    Gu Ning didn''t want to mention Gu Boqing anymore, so instead he asked, "What made elder sister unhappy just now?"


    Seeing that he kept pestering her about it, Gu Ying was stunned for a moment. "Elder sister is not unhappy."


    Despite his young age, the teenager possessed a sensitivity and maturity beyond his years. He stared solemnly into his elder sister''s eyes and asked, "Is it because of the Crown Prince?"


    Gu Ying gave a littleugh to conceal her momentary panic, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, he treats elder sister extremely well."


    Gu Ning saw through his elder sister''s sophistry. He slowly lowered his eyes and said no more.


    After years of lying in bed ill, it had made him taciturn.


    The siblings sat facing each other, listening to the sound of the falling snow outside. After some time, Gu Ning said, "I''m tired."


    Gu Ying immediately asked Yin Zhu to send him back to rest.


    Wanli Pavilion was very quiet. There was a carved wooden window, a gray curtain, and not too much bright light in the room. Gu Ning said he only wanted Yin Zhu to serve him, no other servants.


    In the past at the Gu Residence, as a child he had suffered too much grievance. Gu Ying had failed in her duty as an elder sister, so of course now she spoiled him in every way.


    Yet looking at his lonely, bleak yard, she still couldn¡¯t help feeling a nameless distress.


    "Yanzhi, have some plum blossom branches cut and put into vases to be sent over."


    "Yes."


    "And the food that Ning likes, send those too." She carefully instructed, "The books he likes to read, bring those as well."


    "Alright, Madam. Don''t worry, Madam. What you have instructed, Yin Zhu has been diligently doing every day."


    Gu Ying said approvingly, ¡°Yin Zhu is really quite attentive to Ning.¡±


    Yanzhi grinned. ¡°Yin Zhu doesn¡¯t like to talk either, so she¡¯s a perfect match for young master who also doesn''t talk. Yin Zhu¡¯s martial arts skills are good too, she can help young master in his recovery, while young master who knows how to read and write can teach the illiterate Yin Zhu. Hehehe. These two are quite harmonious, they¡¯ve never fought or blushed in anger before. After what happened with Cui Ling, young master doesn''t have a good impression of maidservants, but I see that young master is very satisfied with Yin Zhu."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth turned up. "What you just said reminds me, in the next few days I should get a tutor toe in and teach Ning and Yin Zhu how to read and write."


    "Very good! Yin Zhu is too embarrassed about not knowing how read and write. Learning to read and write would be great for her!"


    Seeing her so pleased, Gu Ying''s brow quirked, ¡°You should attend lessons together with them too."


    ¡°Ah? Yanzhi feels sleepy just looking at books!¡±


    ¡°No arguments.¡±


    ¡°Mistress, wuwuwu, Yanzhi''s eyelids will droop when she sees books!"


    "I won''t budge on this. You will study together with Yin Zhu."


    Yanzhi bounced in lively, then trudged out crestfallen. She was almost in tears. She didn''t want to read at all!


    Gu Ying paid no attention to whether she was crying or not. Previously in the Gu Estate, she didn''t have the time or energy to properly teach Yanzhi. And now she finally had the free time to make sure Yanzhi and Yin Zhu learned to read and write, and gained some literacy.


    Reading books won''t necessarily change one''s fate, but one day the knowledge might be useful. It would also make people understand propriety and be wiser, with firmer resilience inside.

 Chapter 200: He and Huo Qiyun

    <h4>Chapter 200</h4>


    It was because in her previous life, she had studied diligently for several years for the sake of Jiang Yin, that she was now able to live such a smooth life. Otherwise, after being reborn, she would still be an illiterate waste, so how could she seek revenge?


    ...


    When Yin Lan came out of Wan Li Xuan, the sky had gradually darkened.


    The setting sun in the west gradually sank, and the snowy fog was vast and obscure. Looking at the time, the Prince should also have returned from the pce.


    She went back to Chang Feng Pavilion and gave orders calmly.


    She also personally went to the kitchen to supervise and prepare some dishes that the Prince often took more of, then warmed up a pot of hot wine, folded a branch of plum blossoms, and put it in the cdon vase in the room.


    The beauty''s slender hand gently stroked the plum branches, and the floral fragrance instantly filled the room, making people feel carefree.


    Not long after, Yin Lan brought in the wind and snow like a curtain, "Mistress, I heard that the Prince has arrived at the front yard. He was going to go back to Chang Feng Pavilion to dine first, but was called to Zheng De Xuan by Butler Zhao. I''m afraid there are things to discuss with the Duke. It will be a while before hees back."


    When Gu Ying heard this, she didn''t know why, but suddenly missed him dearly. She raised her hand to take the fox fur coat from the sandalwood hanger and put it on. "I also have something to tell him. I''ll go wait for him at the pavilion."


    When Yin Lan heard this, she smiled lightly. "Alright, I will apany the mistress."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curved slightly, and she took Yin Lan with her.


    No one knew when the winter days in Bianjing would end. Tonight''s snow was a little bigger, like flying catkins, fluttering down and covering the entire world in white.


    With anticipation and joy in her heart, Gu Ying couldn''t wait to see him. She took a pcentern while Yin Lan held a green bamboo umbre and followed behind her.


    The snowy road was slippery. The master and servant walked slowly for a while. Looking ahead, the pavilion was near.


    But Yin Lan''s face suddenly changed and she suddenly stopped.


    "Mistress..."


    "What''s wrong?"


    Yin Lan hesitated, "It looks like there are people in the pavilion..."


    In the snowy fog, Gu Ying raised her eyes and saw two figures standing in the pavilion from afar, one tall and straight, the other petite and pitiful.


    As the night grew darker and thicker like ink, she still recognized them at a nce.


    A ce in her heart quickly copsed, and an indescribable sourness slowly rose.


    Yin Lan hurriedly looked back at her mistress in panic.


    But she didn''t see any major emotional fluctuations on her face.


    She just looked at them quietly from afar, her exquisite and perfect features seemed to be shrouded in ayer of cold mist, making it unclear to discern her emotions.


    She didn''t say anything, just standing there, looking at them with calm eyes for a while.


    Yin Lan¡¯s heart clenched into a ball. ¡°Mistress...¡±


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips slightly rose, and her eyes were also smiling. ¡°Yin Lan, let¡¯s go back first.¡±


    It would be better if she threw a fit of anger, but such calm pain made Yin Lan feel a little ufortable in her heart. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the mistress want to ask?¡±


    Gu Ying turned around. ¡°No need.¡±


    The casual two words were filled with strongly suppressed pain.


    Yin Lan felt helpless. Countless words of persuasion umted at the tip of her tongue, but in the end she could only sigh and slowly followed her mistress.


    Snow had umted on the stone steps at the door of Chang Feng Pavilion. Gu Ying walked on it slowly as if she was distracted.


    On ordinary days, the short trip took nearly two incense sticks before they returned.


    Yanzhi felt it strange. She was about to call out to ask why the Prince hadn''te back yet, but was red back by a look from Yin Lan.


    She wisely kept her mouth shut and cautiously looked at Gu Ying¡¯s expression with questioning eyes at Yin Lan.


    Yin Lan shook her head, signaling her not to ask further. Yanzhi became even more worried. She anxiously pulled her handkerchief closer to Yin Lan¡¯s side.


    The room was dead silent, with only the harsh sound of the cold wind beating against the window frames outside. Gu Ying closed her eyes. She felt exhausted physically and mentally, too tired to even undo the fox fur coat.


    She just sat quietly in the chair. A chill rushed up from the soles of her feet, quickly spreading throughout her body.


    Seeing her face turn pale from the cold, Yin Lan hurriedly brought over the brazier with Yanzhi¡¯s help.


    ¡°Mistress, are you...alright?¡±


    Gu Ying was distracted for a moment before she came back to her senses with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Seeing this smile, Yin Lan only felt extremely distressed in her heart. She had expected that there would be such a day sooner orter. The mistress looked like a generous and easy-going person, but between men and women, where was there true generosity?


    At the very beginning, when the mistress''s heart did not belong to the Prince, it was fine. But now, as the mistress was gradually growing feelings for the Prince, if the mistress really had to see the Prince surrounded by three wives and four concubines, I''m afraid her days afterwards would be even more miserable.


    And the Grand Mistress was a pitiful and lovely person who had an affair with the Prince before.


    No matter how hard theter mistress tries, I''m afraid she still can¡¯tpare to the former¡¯s ce in the Prince¡¯s heart.


    s...


    The more Yin Lan thought about it, the more depressed she felt in her heart.


    "Mistress, don''t be sad. Actually, for a man like the Prince, three wives and four concubines are to be expected..."


    When she said this, Yin Lan hated that she couldn¡¯t bite off her own tongue.


    But since the mistress had married up, even many girls from small doors andmon families did not have such good fortune. Other things, as long as she does not seek the Prince¡¯s exclusive favor too much, her days would still be much better than those wives in other households who quarrel with their husbands every day.


    She only hoped that the mistress could be more open-minded. Other things can be dealt with in the future.


    Gu Ying took a long breath. "Well, I understand."


    It was precisely because she understood that she did not step forward to ask for an exnation just now. Though he said angrily that he did not love her, there was probably still a ce for Huo Qiyun in his heart. It was right to show more care and concern for her.


    After the grand wedding, the Prince had cherished her day and night, giving her the illusion that he could not live without her.


    At the pavilion, she only realized that she was making a fuss over small things. Now that she had figured it out, she felt that it was herself who overreacted. "You can go down first. I want to be alone for a while."


    Yin Lan pursed her lips. There were no more words of persuasion to say, so she simply said, "Alright."


    After speaking, she pulled Yanzhi out of the inner room, and quietly stood guard in the corridor.


    Not long after, there was the sound of footsteps stepping on the umted snowing from outside Changfeng Pavilion.


    Yin Lan raised her bright eyes to see the Princeing in with Huai An. Her heart tightened instantly. She hurriedly stepped forward with a smile, "The Prince is back. The Mistress has prepared dinner and is waiting for you inside."


    "Hmm."


    Zhao Changdu wore a bright red court robe, covered with a ck gold embroidered unicorn pattern cloak on the outside. Handsome and elegant with knitted brows, his tall ck hat was piled with white snow, setting off his handsome fairness.


    As he walked inside, he saw Yin Lan and Yanzhi with tense faces.


    He stopped in his tracks, his eyes stern, "What''s the matter?"


    Yin Lan pulled the corners of her lips. "No...nothing."


    Zhao Changdu walked to the door and was about to enter when he saw the little girl inside smile and walk out, pulling up the curtains.


    Seeing the person he had been thinking about, there was a smile in the man''s eyes instantly. His big hand clutched her boneless delicate hand tenderly, and his usually cold and indifferent voice was a little lingering, "Why are you wearing a cloak?"

 Chapter 201: Sit Down

    <h4>Chapter 201</h4>


    Gu Ying smiled and nced at his cold and handsome face for a moment. She didn''t take her hand out of his palm and asked, "Prince, have you had dinner?"


    "No," Zhao Changdu held her hand and walked to the flower hall, "Their side always spoils my appetite. What I enjoy the most is having meals with you."


    Gu Ying obediently murmured, "Mm," and said, "There is the prince''s favorite fish for dinner tonight."


    Zhao Changdu covered the girl''s cold little hand with his big hand, stared at her glowing white cheeks, recalled her charmst night in his mind, felt a little itchy in his heart, lowered his head, leaned to the little girl''s ear, and gently breathed, "I love everything you prepare."


    Gu Ying didn''t say anything more and walked into the flower hall silently.


    She didn''t want to tear her face with the prince, but it was still a bit difficult for her to smile at him wholeheartedly as before.


    The dishes were heating on the stove. Seeing the masterse in, several second-ss maids immediately brought the warm dishes to the table.


    Zhao Changdu took a look. Sure enough, they were all his favorites, spicy, sour, sweet, roastedmb and steamed buns with beef soup. His mood instantly improved.


    He had been busy in the pce for most of the day and had just managed to resolve the Yue Yan incident.


    Prince Duan and Ning Si were implicated and infected with a cold. Now both of them were recuperating in Chifeng Pce.


    After what happenedst night, the marriage between Prince Shu and the Ning family was cancelled. On the contrary, the Empress reacted decisively and asked for an imperial decree from His Majesty. With the plea from Ning Da, the official from the Ministry of Personnel, the marriage between Prince Duan and Ning Si was mostly settled.


    The political situation in the court had subtle changes due to this marriage.


    When he returned to the mansion, he originally wanted to catch Jiang Yin to get to the bottom of this. However, as if he had predicted it beforehand, that guy went straight into Shu Prince¡¯s Mansion, leaving him empty-handed.


    He ordered several elite soldiers from the Qilin Army to keep watch outside Shu Prince''s Mansion before rushing back to apany her.


    Gu Ying sat at the table with indifferent eyes. She only thought of picking dishes for him while not eating anything herself.


    He soon noticed the girl''s abnormality, raised his brows, pulled her into his arms to sit, hugged her slender waist from behind with his long arm, kissed her earlobe lightly, and said, "Why don''t you eat? Don''t you like these dishes? I''ll let them take them away and redo them."


    He had always been generous with money.


    Even casual actions could make people feel its enormity.


    Gu Ying''s earlobes flushed slightly. She moved her body stiffly and said, "No... I had lunchte today and sat in Wanli Pavilion with Princess Ning in the afternoon. I have no appetite now."


    Unable to resist her alluring fragrance, Zhao Changdu only felt the girl in his arms was as soft as spring water. He rubbed her lower abdomen with his big hand and immediately had a different appetite.


    The dishes in front of him were not as appetizing as the little girl.


    His eyes darkened slightly, he breathed near her neck, his breathing seemed a little heavier, and his voice was hoarse and sexy, irresistibly ambiguous, "Hmm? What''s wrong, tell your husband properly?"


    Gu Ying could clearly feel the changes in him. At this moment, this action became even more embarrassing.


    But she was really not in the mood. She got up from his arms with a red face and sat on a stool beside her, "Prince... really nothing."


    This was an obvious rejection of him.


    The man''s eyes darkened instantly. He no longer touched her and just stared straight at her dodging eyes with his longshes. He asked patiently, "We are husband and wife. If I did something wrong, you can tell me. Don''t hide it in your heart. I will correct my mistakes."


    As the Commander of the Imperial Guards, he actually said words of admitting mistakes to her, a trivial girl in the inner court.


    Gu Ying was stunned. He treated her so well that she felt even moreplicated.


    She didn''t know what to say about Huo QiYun either, but Jiang Yin''s matter could no longer be dyed.


    "Prince¡ª"


    "I said, call me A Du or husband. A Ying, I have corrected you many times." His phoenix eyes were deep and he looked at her earnestly and solemnly, "I don''t want to say it a second time."


    The man was powerful. With a cold face, he looked very intimidating. Gu Ying paused and barely smiled, "Okay, I will remember it from now on."


    She answered too obediently that Zhao Changdu frowned ufortably, always feeling that the girl was hiding something from him.


    It wasn''t that he insisted on a form of address. He just had a feeling that the girl was always indifferent to him, keeping him at a distance. She didn''t care about him, let alone loved him from the bottom of her heart.


    Even if a form of address didn''t mean much, he just wanted to hear his name from her cherry lips.


    "It''s just that I have something very important to tell my...husband now."


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows. Although she no longer called him A Du, he could reluctantly ept being called husband.


    "Okay, go ahead."


    "Husband, promise me to be careful of Jiang Yin recently."


    "Oh?"


    Gu Ying licked her lips, gauged the man''s expression, and said hesitantly, "You may not believe it if I say it out. A few days ago, I had a dream that Prince Duan and Ning Si got married..."


    She casually told the prince about Prince Duan and Ning Si¡¯s past life in the form of a dream. Then she exaggerated that it was Jiang Yin who manipted everything behind the scenes, which eventually led to Ning Si''s affair with Prince Shu.


    "I also dreamed of some very strange things... The heavy snow that covered the sky formed a snow disaster, burying half of themoners'' houses in less than half a month. Then somehow, the dream scene changed, and there was an earthquake and gue after the snow disaster. In the dream, I was infected with a serious illness in the gue and died after a few days... Husband... The dream really scared me to death... Woo woo woo."


    After speaking, she red her eyes pitifully and weakly pulled his sleeve with her little hand.


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyebrows tightened as he listened intently to the girl''s words with deep eyes. He tightly grasped her cold little hand in his palm, "Come over here and sit."

 Chapter 202: His Deep Feelings

    <h4>Chapter 202</h4>


    Gu Ying did not care too much either, and went back into his arms again, "My lord, do you think this dream is terrible and unrealistic? You know my rtionship with Jiang Yin as well. We did not have much contact to begin with, and after he became my eldest sister''s husband, we have seen each other''s faces even less. But in the dream, he was like a madman, not only wanting to kill me, but also wanting to kill you my lord... I was really scared at that time."


    Gu Ying was too deeply into the y. Perhaps because she thought Jiang Yin would really deal with the Crown Prince, if she and the Crown Prince joined forces but still could not defeat him, then not only would her revenge be hopeless, but the Crown Prince would also lose his life in vain. She felt a little depressed and ufortable in her heart, and tears could not help rolling around in her eye sockets.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows wrinkled slightly. He had spent two nights in the pce without returning to the Prince¡¯s residence. He did not know that when he was not there, the little girl would feel sad because of a nightmare.


    It''s just that the snow disaster, earthquake, gue, these things... are imminent. Would this girl''s dream really foresee what would happen afterwards?


    He looked thoughtfully at the girl''s tears, distressed to wipe away her tears with his fingertips.


    "It''s just a dream, what''s there to cry about?"


    "Yes, it''s just a dream." Gu Ying smiled with tears in her eyes and sighed, "But it still feels scary."


    She was afraid of losing everything in front of her, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, and afraid that he would lose his life because of this.


    Zhao Changdu disliked seeing her cry the most. It was fine on the bed, but usually he doted on her and did not give in much during that matter. Her soft and tender cry could arouse his possessiveness even more. Sometimes he would lose control of himself and want to upy her fiercely until she copsed softly in his arms before he rested.


    When off the bed, the little girl still had to smile to look good.


    He raised his hand to caress the girl''s tender cheeks, leaned over, and rubbed his straight bridge of nose against her nose tip. Heughed gently, "This dream of yours is a bit strange. This month, there was indeed a snow disaster in Yueyang. In previous years, Yueyang would always have disasters such as earthquakes. After this year¡¯s severe snow disaster, I''m afraid it will be inevitable that there will be an earthquake. But A Ying does not need to worry. His Majesty has already made a decision about the snow disaster."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened, "May I ask what His Majesty''s decision is?"


    Zhao Changdu did not hide it from her, and said lightly, "After preparing the disaster relief supplies, I will personally lead the Qilin Army to take a trip to Yueyang. At that time, your cousin Ye Qingchi will also apany me as the Imperial Envoy."


    Gu Ying was stunned. Cold sweats instantly covered her back. "The Crown Prince volunteered?"


    Zhao Changdu said in a deep voice, "It is His Majesty¡¯s holy order."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying''s mind shook. She was so frightened that her whole body turned icy cold. In an instant, she became very unwell.


    In her previous life, during the trip to Yueyang, there were natural disasters and man-made disasters. The earth copsed and the Heavens fell. The people under Prince Shu¡¯smand were almostpletely wiped out, which shows how dangerous the trip to Yueyang was extremely dangerous!


    But in this life, the task of providing disaster relief and saving the people in Yueyang, which should have been done by Prince Shu, suddenly fell on the heads of the Crown Prince and cousin!


    If the matter between Prince Duand and Concubine Ning earlier only made her guess that Jiang Yin might have been reborn like her, then now, she became more and more certain that something was wrong with Jiang Yin!


    Only those who have experienced these things in their previous lives would know about things that would happen nearly three monthster. And he happened to be currying favor by switching to serve under Prince Shu at this time, clearly standing in opposition to Prince Duand¡¯s side.


    It was precisely because he knew what would happen in the future that he knew Prince Duand would die of illness in a few years.


    As long as he arranged the troops for Prince Shu, Prince Shu would eventually ascend to the throne.


    And he would also logically be the new emperor''s right-hand man, once again bing the chief minister of the cab as he did in his previous life, and bing a powerful minister of that generation!


    Gu Ying only felt a chill in her heart, and a burst of cold rushed up her back.


    Her face turned pale. Her hands subconsciously grabbed the man¡¯s big hands in front of her.


    "A Du..." She bit her lips white, stared nkly into his deep dark eyes, mustered up her courage, but still did not dare to tell him the truth about her rebirth. She took a deep breath and asked casually, "Is there any room for maneuver on this matter?"


    Zhao Changdu frowned slightly, looking at the girl''s panicked expression. He said lightly, "No."


    The Qilin Army needed proper cement. It would be good for the Prince¡¯s residence and the Qilin Army if they could aplish merits this time.


    So he did not refuse either.


    Moreover, it was just a snow disaster. There would be small andrge snow disasters in Yueyang and other ces every year.


    Those useless worms raised by the court only knew how to line their own pockets with most of the disaster relief money.


    If he led the troops there, it would take no more than a month to return to the capital and reunite with her.


    After listening to the Crown Prince''s analysis, Gu Ying was speechless with tears. Goodness, the Crown Prince was also willing to go himself.


    She lowered her eyes and thought carefully for a while, then raised her head decisively, "Okay, A Du, you go!"


    As a powerless woman confined at home, she was already worried that she would have no chance to devise ns for this once-in-a-century snow disaster.


    If the Crown Prince really went with the Qilin Army, it might not be a bad thing to change the lives of the people in Yue!


    At worst, she would n everything in advance for him and avoid all the dangerous times and ces of the disaster.


    Jiang Yin could plot and deploy troops. Why couldn''t she?


    She wanted Jiang Yin to know thating back again, she would never failpletely!


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at the girl with ever-changing expressions on her face. He pinched her cheeks andughed, "What''s wrong? Don''t you believe in your husband?"


    "No, it''s not that I don''t believe you..." Gu Ying pursed her lips in pain. Her skin was delicate and fragile. With the man lightly pinching her like this, red marks appeared immediately.


    The little girl was as tender as a flower, looking very tempting and delicious.


    Zhao Changdu could not help but kissed her. He held her lips in his mouth until she was out of breath before teasing her a few words and letting go of his hand.


    Gu Ying was soft all over, slumped against him. Her cheeks were flushed, panting for breath and very messy.


    Zhao Changdu gently hugged the girl in his arms, holding her face to face like this. "A Ying, I''m very happy that you worry about me."


    "What''s there to be happy about? Instead, the imperial physician said today... let us... no... let you pay attention to restraint..."


    The man was stunned, his expression very serious. "Did Imperial Physician Yu say that?"


    Gu Ying swallowed hard and said shyly, "Um..."


    Seeing her shy reaction, the manughed loudly, "Hahaha, alright."


    Only in Changfeng Pavilion, only in front of this person, could heugh so openly and wholeheartedly. He liked her more and more, wishing he could spoil this little girl to the bone and knead her into his own flesh and blood.


    Gu Ying was pressed close to his solid chest. That fiery, scorching heart kept thumping loudly.


    The way he looked at her was profound and full of deep feelings that were hard to describe.


    Being stared at by such a pair of exceptionally beautiful eyes, even the most indifferent fairy in the heavens would probably be moved.

 Chapter 203: Invite My Cousin into the House

    <h4>Chapter 203</h4>


    Gu Ying couldn''t stand his scorching gaze and turned her eyes away, saying, "Adu, can I... invite Cousin into the manor now?"


    "Now?"


    "Mm... and secretly without anyone knowing."


    "That''s easy enough, but¡ª" He sped the back of the little girl''s neck with his big hand, staring fixedly at her, "Can you tell me why?"


    Gu Ying licked her dry lips, not avoiding his gaze, "I said that one day, I would definitely tell you everything about me."


    As for how he would choose in the end... that was his business.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips quirked up slightly and he dropped a dragonfly touch of a kiss on her forehead, "Alright."


    He could probably guess what the little girl was going to do. She couldn''t do this kind of thing without a certain someone''s participation. "Do you want Su He there too?"


    Gu Ying was puzzled. "Su He?"


    Zhao Changdu said lightly, "Mm. He''s the owner of the Fuyun Building."


    As soon as Gu Ying heard, she stared in astonishment, eyes wide. "It''s him?!"


    In the northwest there was a tall building, reaching as high as the floating clouds!


    The foremost intelligence organization in the world, gathering the most detailed and formidable information across all of Dong Li!


    Whether it was the Dong Li people or the Qiang Tribe, whether it was a prominent household ormon folk, as long as it was information that Fuyun Building wanted, there was nothing they couldn''t obtain!


    Yet the esteemed owner of Fuyun Building was unfathomable and mysterious, never revealing himself in public. How could he be the most inconspicuous Young Master Su Su in the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor?!


    And he was even on such good terms with the Heir Apparent?!


    Gu Ying was still immersed in surprise.


    Zhao Changdu rubbed the top of the little girl''s head. "With him there, we might be able to get some useful information."


    Having said that, he set her down and went to the door to call Huai An over.


    Not only was the Qilin Army an elite force, but they were also the best secret guards across all of Dong Li.


    After giving the order, the man turned back around. He saw that his little girl hadn''t eaten a single bite of food. She had run into the study wearing a pair of sopping embroidered shoes. Not long after, she took some paper and a writing brush and came back.


    She drew many strange symbols on the paper and also wrote down words like snowstorm, earthquake, gue, time, etc.


    Zhao Changdu was also in no mood to eat anymore. His brows were furrowed as he stood to the side watching her wet shoes. He had Yin Lan bring over new shoes.


    Gu Ying was still carefully sorting through everything that had happened in her past life during the month of the snowstorm.


    All of a sudden, she felt her body go light. She was swept up horizontally into someone''s arms.


    "Ah..." She gave a soft cry. The emotions she had finally calmed were stirred up once more. Her small hands instinctively hooked around the man''s neck. The tips of her ears swiftly turned a shade of pink. "Adu, what are you doing?"


    The man''s tone was reproachful. "Your shoes are wet and you don''t even realize it yourself?"


    She really doesn''t know how to take care of herself. When he goes to Yueyang for a few months, what will she do in the manor then?


    Gu Ying was taken aback. She really had forgotten. Seeing his meeting with Huo Qiyun in the pavilion and his low mood when he came back, she didn¡¯t have the frame of mind to change her shoes at all.


    Zhao Changdu directly took off her shoes and socks, using his palm to cover her icy jade feet. "When I''m not at the manor, I''ll have some Qilin Army guards secretly watching over Changfeng Pavilion. You have to remember to write me more letters. The Qilin Army has special channels to deliver letters that will get them to me within one to three days. If anyone bullies you in the manor, just threaten them with my name, especially Lady Cheng. No matter what trouble she tries to cause, simply plead illness and refuse to see her."


    The man spoke earnestly, resenting that he couldn¡¯t grab her ear and nag at her directly.


    "Is it warmer now?"


    As the precious heir apparent of the prestigious Prince Jing¡¯s manor, the battle god who struck fear across Dong Li, this cold and ruthless man was now carefully warming her feet.


    Gu Ying''s heart trembled slightly. She stared nkly at him with wide bright eyes.


    Zhao Changdu saw the silly little girl nkly staring at him. He chuckled lightly and helped her put her embroidered shoes back on.


    Gu Ying still had some confusion in her eyes. She didn''t quite understand what kind of feelings the Heir Apparent had towards her.


    To be more precise, she didn¡¯t not understand the Heir Apparent, she didn¡¯t understand all men in this world.


    Forget about a man of such high status and power like the Heir Apparent, or His Majesty in the pce. Even someone of humble birth like Jiang Yin¡ªbefore he became the top schr, his mother had already secretly raised Jiang Ling''er to be his concubine.


    Jiang Yin had long known that Jiang Ling¡¯er wasn¡¯t his sister. So afterwards, when he made great achievements, he quickly brought in many beautiful concubines and made Jiang Ling¡¯er his side consort. He was even able to enjoy all three women in one night...


    Why were men able to have three wives and four concubines? Why didn''t they need love to maintain these romantic ties?


    If she wasn¡¯t the one marrying over, would the Heir Apparent treat another woman the same way he treated her?


    Gu Ying sighed silently in her heart, knowing that this was simply men''s innate nature. If they could get along amicably and trust each other, that would already be quite good.


    It was just that even though she didn¡¯t have any extravagant hopes, she still felt somewhat disappointed.


    Zhao Changdu didn¡¯t know the little girl behind him actually dared to think this way about him. He only saw her staring nkly at himself.


    Like a cat. The purer its gaze, the more alluring it became.


    Seeing her like this made his heart irritated.


    "A Ying, don''t look at me like that..."


    "How am I looking at you..."


    He chuckled and leaned in next to her ear. His thin lips pressed against her tender earlobe, his voice lowered huskily, "Or I''m afraid I won''t be able to restrain myself..."


    Gu Ying''s face grew hot and her heart chaotic. She swiftly regained her senses and jumped out from his embrace, "You can''t. We have to listen to Sister Fish!"


    Her waist was still sore right now.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips turned up and he suppressed that irritation, not forcing her. He simply stood by her side watching her write at the table.


    The little girl was beautiful as a flower or the moon. Every frown or smile was a magnificent painting.


    Although he didn¡¯t know what she was writing, watching her write and watching her was a harmonious, beautiful scene¡ªjust as the ancients said, with zither and pipes yed before them, such tranquility was good.


    He watched her earnestly for a while.


    There was a knock on the door from Huai An outside.


    "Master, Young Master Ye and Young Master Su have arrived."


    "Good. Have them go to the study."


    "Yes."


    At this time, Gu Ying had also just finished organizing the timeline of events during the month of the snowstorm. She smiled and hugged the papers to her chest. "Adu, let''s go over."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was tranquil. He grasped her little hand in his palm. "Mm."


    The couple walked to the study hand in hand.


    Seeing this, Ye Qingzhi and Su He continuously clicked their tongues.


    Zhao Changdu however felt it was nothing out of the ordinary. Completely unperturbed, he pulled the little girl to sit by his side. It was Gu Ying herself who felt her face grow somewhat hot.


    Su He loungedzily against the armrest, smiling mockingly. "Calling us over sote at night, Adu, don''t tell me it''s to show off your lovey-doveyness? Brothers shouldn''t do this kind of thing, you know. Don''t you know that Ye Brother and I are still lonely singles? We''re not like you two, basking in newlywed warmth, mingled like oil and honey, so clingy not even a crack can separate you. If word got out, wouldn''t you lose face? You¡¯re the heir apparent of the prestigious Prince Jing¡¯s manor, Supreme Commander across Dong Li, overseeing tens of thousands of imperial guards!"

 Chapter 204: She’s the one who saved Du’s Life.

    <h4>Chapter 204</h4>


    Ye Qingchi looked at Su He in disgust and automatically moved three inches away from him.


    Su He coughed lightly, his handsome face somewhat embarrassed.


    He was not very familiar with the prodigal young master of the Duke of Yong''an''s manor, nor did he have much contact with his formidable brother-inw.


    It was sote into the night. A long study table, a pot of hot wine, four cups of light tea, three unfamiliar people.


    It made his heart full of doubts.


    "Cousin Ying, did you ask us toe?"


    "Yes, cousin. If it weren''t such an important matter, I wouldn''t call you over sote."


    "And deceive Mother too?"


    "That''s right, deceive Auntie. Not only deceive her, but also deceive all the other dignitaries in Bianjing."


    Having said so, both Ye Qingchi and Su He felt the importance of the matter.


    Su He''s expression became serious as he frowned and looked towards Zhao Changdu, "Brother Du, what exactly is going on?"


    Zhao Changdu calmly raised his brows. With hands crossed in front of his chest and an upright military posture, his mannermanded prestige, "Listen to what Cousin Ying has to say."


    "Pfft." Su He snorted out augh.


    For these brothers to discuss matters, they actually had to listen to a little girl?


    Brother Du, have you been bewitched by this Miss Gu?


    His eyes shifted and he saw Gu Ying sitting next to Zhao Changdu, wearing a crimson long gown with a fox fur cor around her neck. Her hair was adorned with silk flowers and soft white fox fur.


    Zhao Changdu was still in ck robes and jade belt, as sturdy as jade.


    One was gentle as water, the other cold as ice.


    They looked just like a harmless little bunny cuddling next to a ferocious wolf, giving an increasingly bizarre sense ofpatibility.


    "What are youughing at?" Ye Qingchi frowned severely at Su He, "Listen seriously to what Cousin Ying has to say."


    With both men ring fiercely at him, Su He''s mouth twitched. "I didn''t say I wouldn''t listen, I was just expressing my amazement! Why are you two ring at me? I didn''t do anything to your Cousin Ying."


    Hearing Su He''s words, Gu Ying did not have any sense of humor at all.


    She looked seriously at the three men present and spread out the written papers on the long table, "What I''m about to say may sound somewhat far-fetched, but you must remember that no matter what happens in the future, you must listen to me under all circumstances and act ording to my arrangements."


    "You?" Su Heughed. "A little girl?"


    It wasn''t that he looked down on Gu Ying, he just felt it was quite fresh and incredible that the respected Crown Prince and the youngest Minister of the Censorate could be arranged around by a little girl.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, expecting that Su He might not believe her.


    Zhao Changdu casually nced over, and Su He instantly shut his mouth and surrendered with raised hands. "Alright, since you''re Brother Du''s little girl, I''ll take your word for it."


    Gu Ying nced at the Crown Prince, feeling warmer in her heart.


    The lights in the Changfeng Pavilion''s study remained lit until dawn.


    It wasn''t until the first light of day that Zhao Changdu carried the little girl who had fallen asleep on the long table.


    Su He straightened his wide sleeves as he stood up, yawning, "Brother Du, do you really believe Gu Ying''s words?"


    "Why wouldn''t Cousin Ying''s words be believable?" Ye Qingchi retorted first in a cold tone, "Being prepared for danger in times of peace is what clever people do."


    Su He murmured, "It makes sense to say that, but it was just a little girl''s dream. It feels somewhat frivolous."


    Zhao Changdu listened to the two men debating for a while. His gaze was gentle and affectionate as he looked at the girl''s peaceful sleeping face. He said lightly, "Do as she said."


    After all, he was a man who maneuvered on the battlefield. With those words, the other two had nothing more to say.


    Fine then, indulge as you please! The eternally barren iron tree truly wanted to spoil his little wife to the heavens.


    Su He leaned against the door frame of the study, watching Zhao Changdu carefully carry Gu Ying to the master residence. He smiled amusedly at Ye Qingchi standing to the side, "Minister Ye, your sister is quite crafty."


    After this night, Ye Qingchi''s liking towards his brother-inw Zhao Changdu increased manifold.


    He nced coldly at Su He, mocking lightly, "Love between a man and a woman has nothing to do with craftiness."


    Su He smirked, "Alright alright, I wasn''t vilifying your sister either, just expressing my amazement. Brother Du usually has an aloof personality. Other than the old Duke, he has never cared so much for anyone. It shows that he genuinely loves your little sister. Gu Ying, Gu Ying, she is truly amazing."


    He didn''t expect the host of the Fuyun Building to be such a bbermouth. But then again, one cannot gather intel without some loose lips.


    Ye Qingchi''s brows slightly arched, "What about Huo Qiyun then?"


    Su He scoffed, "Her? She merely saved Brother Du''s life when they were young children. Brother Du is grateful to her for saving his life, that''s all."


    Ye Qingchi was puzzled, "Saving his life?"


    The little Crown Prince of the prominent Duke''s manor, who would dare harm him?


    Having been born in the prestigious Ye family, he did not understand the cruel infighting in such families.


    Su He''s mouth curved up slightly, his eyes narrowed, adding a hint of aloof chill. He leisurely walked past the wall of Changfeng Pavilion with Ye Qingchi, unhurried, "It wasn''t a big deal, just something from when Brother Du was a boy who had just lost his mother. His subsequent stepmother couldn''t wait to murder him, quitemonce among prominent families."


    No one dared mention or few people knew about these matters regarding Brother Du.


    When Huo Qiyun first discovered the feverish Zhao Changdu on the floor of Changfeng Pavilion, she gave Zhao Changdu the will to survive. Otherwise, that person called Zhao Changdu probably wouldn''t exist anymore.


    On the long street, heavy snow swirled.


    Ye Qingchi listened carefully, his brow more solemn, yet also more puzzled. "ording to what you said, wasn''t that winter when the Crown Prince had a fever in the third year of Tianqi?"


    Su He hesitated briefly, "Precisely so."


    Ye Qingchi''s eyebrows furrowed, "Didn''t he go to Qingyun Temple then? He had just returned not long ago?"


    Su He''s gaze converged slightly. He turned to look at the handsome man beside him, "How do you know that?"


    Undercurrents surged in Ye Qingchi''s eyes. A bold guess arose in his mind, "That winter in the third year of Tianqi, my aunt Ye Zhuoning, also Gu Ying''s mother, went with my mother to Qingyun Temple to burn incense and pray. Gu Ying recklessly wandered to the back mountain of Qingyun Temple and nearly drowned in the hot spring. At that time, a boy in ck clothes saved her. Afterwards, my aunt and mother originally wanted to thank that little boy, but his mother unreasonably dragged him away, saying he had attempted murder and should go admit his wrong before his father. "


    "Seeing the little boy getting beaten so pitifully, my aunt exined the situation but that nobledy would not listen to any exnation. My aunt could only let the matter go. In her fluster, it was clever little Gu Ying who stuffed a small medicine packet into the boy''s palm."


    As Su He listened on, he felt increasingly uneasy, the cold wind brushing his cheeks yet his heart feeling chilled.


    "What happened afterwards?"

 Chapter 205: Is Huo Qiyun Gone

    <h4>Chapter 205</h4>


    Ye Qingchi said slowly, "Later, Ah Ying worried that the boy would die from his illness like her little rabbits, so she begged me to take her to see him."


    Su He widened his eyes in shock, "There''s this too?"


    Ye Qingchi knitted his brows, "When I came to Changfeng Pavilion tonight, I suddenly recognized some familiar things in this yard. It''s been over ten years since then, time is distant, and I''d almost forgotten some things. But when I saw the dog hole under the high wall blocked by stones, I suddenly remembered this."


    "I still remember that freezing cold night. I wasn''t much older than three or four-year-old Ah Ying then, but I was still more capable than her. So I took her all the way to where the boy lived, found a dog hole, and stuffed the little girl in."


    Su He: "..."


    Ye Qingchi turned to look seriously at Su He, "So why would the lifesaver you spoke of be Huo Qiyun?"


    In the snowstorm, Su He''s face suddenly fell, "How would I know!"


    Ye Qingchi snorted lightly in disdain, "Could it be someone deliberately forgetting their lifesaver''s grace."


    "Ah Du would never be ungrateful!" Su He really didn''t know how to express his feelings now. "Let''s go back and tell Ah Du!"


    Just as the two were about to turn back to the Duke''s Residence, they saw Jiang Yin, the one Gu Ying had warned them about, slowly walking out of the Prince Shu''s residence gate.


    Many princes and nobles lived on Changning Street.


    Jiang Yin naturally wouldn''t have had the qualifications to set foot here before. But now, he stood leisurely at the gate of Prince Shu''s residence, wearing a light green embroidered long robe and a ck fox fur coat. Seeing Su He and Ye Qingchi, he even smiled slightly and cupped his fists in greeting.


    "Good morning, Young Master Su, Lord Ye."


    Seeing Jiang Yin, Su He''s heart tightened.


    Ye Qingchi also slightly frowned.


    Gu Ying had said not to let Jiang Yin know of their close connection with the Duke''s Residence, especially aboutst night''s secret discussion - even more so he shouldn''t know.


    The two had no choice but to temporarily set aside the issue of lifesavers. They bid Jiang Yin a perfunctory greeting and left Changning Street.


    Watching their departing backs, the smile at the corner of Jiang Yin''s mouth gradually faded away.


    With Gu Ying''s rebirth and return, she would naturally be able to see through his schemes and make counter moves.


    "Heh heh, so what?"


    He wanted to stir up some fierce mes to burn Zhao Changdu, the Ye family, the Gu family, and even the Su family into ashes!


    ...


    Gu Ying had slept for a whole day today.


    When she woke up, the sky had already darkened again.


    She opened her eyes. Therge red embroidered golden flower canopy bed was half revealed and half covered. The room was filled with Eldest Prince''s faint scent of ambergris.


    She stretched out her hand. The other side of therge bed was empty.


    After a pause, she remembered that unlike her, Eldest Prince had to go to the pce to attend the morning court during the day. Recently there were many things happening - handing over military tallies, preparing relief supplies, medicine, money and grain. Eldest Prince probably hadn''te back yet.


    Not seeing him after waking up, she felt a little empty in her heart, though she didn''t know why. She had a very unsettled feeling.


    She touched her aching temples. Staying up all night and sleeping for this long still left her with a throbbing headache, as if there were ants gnawing at her brain marrow.


    She closed her eyes andy on the pillow to ease herself for a while. Just as she was about to call for someone, she heard hurried footstepsing from outside.


    Someone swept open the curtains and came in. As the footsteps drew near, Yin Lan''s voice carried a st of icy wind.


    "Mistress! Wake up quick, bad news!"


    Gu Ying sat up from the bed and looked at Yin Lan''s pale face. "What happened?"


    "I just heard something happened at Madam Huo''s ce."


    Gu Ying''s beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly as she got out of bed and listened to Yin Lan. "The past two days have been cold. After Madam returned from Daiyu Pavilionst night, she caught a cold and stayed up all night unsessfully fighting it off - "


    Gu Ying became anxious and herplexion changed. "What? Huo Qiyun is dead?"


    Yin Lan paused, also not knowing whether tough or cry for a moment. She quickly said, "Oh no, it hasn''te to that. If the main madam really died, I''m afraid even Mistress wouldn''t have been able to sleep peacefully for an entire day."


    "That makes sense." Gu Ying let out a breath of relief and her mood stabilized. Sheined, "Can''t you speak without taking huge breaths to scare me half to death?"


    "But this matter is almost the same as scaring Mistress to death!" Yin Lan was truly anxious now, full of worry on her face. "After staying up all night, Madam Huo slept for a day. When she woke up, she felt even more ufortable. So she had someone decoct the medicine for colds we sent over. It was fine without taking it, but after drinking it, she was poisoned!"


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows were tightly knitted. Where could she sit still? "Poisoned?"


    "Yes." Yin Lan swiftly took a cloak for her mistress to put on. "It''s chaos over at Madam Huo''s now. Lady Cheng''s people are already waiting outside Changfeng Pavilion. Without orders from Mistress and Eldest Prince, they can''te in. But this stalemate isn''t a solution either. Lady Cheng is quite ruthless. With Madam Huo lying in bed foaming at the mouth, she still refused to let the doctor see her. She insisted on dragging in Mistress to take a look - to see if you intentionally poisoned Madam Huo! "


    "Hmph, she is quite vicious."


    "Of course she is. Lv Zhi has nearly cried herself into a faint while kneeling and begging the doctor from Lady Cheng and Eldest Young Master."


    "Any clues on who poisoned it?"


    "Unknown. They only said it reacted after Madam Huo took our medicine. She had been sleeping the entire time without eating anything else."


    Gu Ying gave a cold sneer and headed out after tying her sash.


    Outside,rge snowkes floated down. Icicle windnterns hung under the eaves. The winding bluestone te road in the yard was covered byyers of thick snow.


    Zhuzhi had also rushed over, head covered in snow. She was anxious. "Mistress, Lady Cheng said if anything really happens to Eldest Young Lady Huo today, she''ll condemn you as the murderer! What should we do?"


    Gu Ying wasn''t afraid even if Lady Cheng made threats. Even if His Majesty personally came to interrogate her, the poison wasn''t administered by her.


    She was just somewhat worried Eldest Prince would be disturbed upon hearing this and lose hisposure.


    After all, Huo Qiyun was especially important to him.


    A man like him had gone crazy once because of Huo Qiyun before. If something really happened to her now... he would probably hate her to death.


    She hadplex feelings, as if arge hand was fiercely squeezing her heart. Stuffy and unable to breathe for a moment.


    Seeing her mistress'' worries, Yin Lan carefully asked, "Mistress, something so big has happened. Should we send someone to ask Eldest Prince toe back?"


    Gu Ying felt somewhat sour in her heart, but she could still maintain basic rationality and calmness.


    She threw all those messy hurt and anguish to the back of her mind. Knitting her brows in contemtion for a bit, she said, "Naturally someone has to quickly invite Eldest Prince back."

 Chapter 206: Hook Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 206</h4>


    No matter what, it was a matter of life and death. She had to keep the life of his beloved before he came back.


    The master and servants rushed out of Changfeng Pavilion.


    Outside the courtyard gate, several old women and maids were standing guard at the gate. They wanted to mock and ridicule Gu Ying when she finally came out.


    But before they could speak, Gu Ying calmed her face and took the initiative to say coldly, "If you still want Sun Mammy to be released, you should hurry up and take me to the Washing Flower Yard, otherwise, the Eldest Prince will ask you for your crimes when hees back!"


    Someone was not convinced. "What gives you the right to order us around? Do you know who we are? We are the veterans in the Duke''s mansion! Even the Eldest Prince can''t do anything to us!"


    Gu Ying''s cold eyes swept over their faces. She curled her lips in a coldugh, "Are you really beyond his control or just pretending? Why don''t you try it out and see if the Eldest Prince will let you keep Miss Huopany after she dies."


    When it came to this, everyone looked at each other in silence.


    In this mansion, the Eldest Prince''s name carried more weight than the Duke himself.


    He was the killing god who had just returned from the border. He would draw blood without a second thought.


    Although the Eldest Prince seemed to dote on his new wife very much, the old servants in the Duke''s mansion knew about what had happened between the Eldest Prince and Miss Huo. Naturally, they did not take the new wife seriously. But Miss Huo was different.


    The Eldest Prince was a ruthless King of Hell. No one dared to easily challenge his bottom line.


    What if Miss Huo really died? What if the Eldest Prince went crazy again?


    At this point, no one dared to make things difficult for Gu Ying anymore.


    A cold north wind blew by. Gu Ying''s mind throbbed with pain all of a sudden.


    "Mistress, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing...nothing."


    She settled her mind and walked towards the Washing Flower Yard with Yin Lan and Yanzhi''s help.


    She rarely set foot in Zhao Changxing''s ce. Apart from dealing with Cheng, she usually only moved around Changfeng Pavilion. She even rarely went to Zhengde Pavilion where the Duke stayed.


    And now, suddenlying to the Washing Flower Yard,


    she deeply felt what it meant to be out of one''s depth.


    The whole architectural style of the Washing Flower Yard waspletely different from Changfeng Pavilion. Courtyard after courtyard, majestic and splendid. All kinds of pavilions and towers, extravagantly luxurious, utterly breathtaking.


    But even in such an intricately carved and painted ce, the Washing Flower Yard where Huo Qiyun lived was the most remote and narrowest corner of the entire Washing Flower Yard.


    She had just walked to the small bluestone alley at the entrance and already felt extremely oppressed. Not to mention the ufortableyout of this yard, even the withered nts emitted a damp lifelessness.


    Through the wall of the yard, she could hear Lv Zhi''s hoarse cries.


    "Mistress, please save my mistress!"


    "She is dying!"


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened as she quickly pushed open the door and walked in.


    Seeing Lv Zhi kneeling in the snow in the yard, and dozens of onlooking maids and old women, Gu Ying''s face turned icy cold.


    How utterly cold-blooded of Cheng and Zhao Changxing!


    "Oh! Little Ying, you''ve finallye! Come and see what is going on here!" Cheng''s sarcastic voice came from the main room. Not a trace of concern, but rather gloating pleasure.


    At the moment, the carved redwood door was wide open.


    Dressed in brocade robes, Cheng had made people move a chair for her to sit arrogantly in the center like a fox spirit.


    Zhao Changxing was sprawledzily on another chair padded with thick brocade. Hearing that Gu Ying had arrived, his eyes shed with interest, especially when he saw Gu Yinge in wrapped in a thick cloak, her snow-white little face nestled in a circle of white fox fur, like a graceful snow lotus under the moonlight. He narrowed his eyes with a stir in his heart and an instant reaction below.


    As expected of a girl from the Ye family, she had the charm to capture a man''s heart at first sight and make him desire her, much more alluring than the one lying in his room.


    He secretly schemed, thinking to himself that in a few days, Zhao Changdu would be leaving Bianjing right?


    Look, the little girl just married and already abandoned alone at home, truly pitiful.


    As soon as Gu Ying saw this mother and son, she felt ufortable. She frowned, avoided Zhao Changxing''s tant ogling, and surveyed the surroundings.


    Cheng had ordered all the male and female servants attending the Washing Flower Yard to be tied up in the yard.


    Apart from a tearful Lv Zhi, everyone else was beaten ck and blue, bloody and mangled, panting one breath at a time, if they survive the winter it would be a miracle.


    Gu Ying sneered silently and walked steadily into the main room with a frosty face. She gave Cheng a greeting bow, "Mother, where is Yun Elder Sister?"


    "You still have the nerve to ask about her?" Cheng shed the status of being the main mother of the Duke''s mansion. "What do you mean by secretly giving her medicine?"


    "I only saw that Yun Elder Sister''s health was weak so I had someone help supplement her."


    "Supplement her?" Zhao Changxing chimed in meaningfully, his gaze looking obliquely at her, "Does my younger sister think I, the esteemed son of the Duke''s mansion, cannot even take care of my own wife?"


    "That''s not Little Ying''s intention."


    "Then what is your intention?"


    "In a mansion where there are only two daughters-inw like me and Yun Elder Sister, even if we secretly exchanged some things privately, there is no need to let Big Brother know everything right?"


    "Huh, my younger sister really has a sharp tongue. Now that you have admitted you did give her things, what intention lies behind poisoning her?"


    Zhao Changxing pressed her strongly with his questioning, directly pushing this false charge onto Gu Ying.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi were furious at this false usation against their mistress. They protectively nked Gu Ying in the center.


    With just a look from Cheng, two old women silently slipped away to shut the door of the Washing Flower Yard.


    The sound of closing the door was neither loud nor soft, but clearly showed Cheng''s stance. This matter would be settled within this yard tonight.


    Gu Ying''s nerves tensed as she looked straight at Zhao Changxing with clear bright eyes, "Big Brother, you are being too harsh with your words. The urgent task now is to let the medic examine Yun Elder Sister instead of sitting here interrogating servants and interrogating me while waiting for Yun Elder Sister to die."


    Cheng was irritated by Gu Ying''s attitude. "How dare you talk to me like that! As the main mother of the Duke''s mansion you better watch your tone!"


    "A main mother wouldn''t treat people like this. The victim has been poisoned but you don''t let the medic treat her. Instead, you falsely use innocent people here!"


    "What innocent?! I already had people examine the leftover medicine. It contained the poison Hook Lips! If you didn''t put it there, then who?!"


    Gu Ying''s brows tightened. She finally asked a key clue, "Hook Lips?"

 Chapter 207: Why Are You Hurting Me

    <h4>Chapter 207</h4>


    Cheng had finally caught Gu Ying red-handed, and sneered, "This is a highly toxic substance! The medicines in the Duke''s residence are all purchased by specialized personnel, and there has never been such a malicious thing as the hook poison. If it weren''t for you, this venomous viper who married into the family and took control of Changfeng Pavilion, how could the hook poison suddenly appear?"


    Gu Ying wondered in her mind, where did this poisone from?


    The poisons used in the inner residence were always chronic poisons. Cheng couldn''t be stupid enough to directly give Huo Qiyun a vicious drug, right?


    After all, Huo Qiyun was the legitimate daughter of the Huo family. If the legitimate daughter died, it would definitely have to be taken to the government yamen and the Supreme Court.


    Seeing Gu Ying purse her lips without speaking, Cheng taunted, "Ever since you married into here and became Adu''s new wife, you have been pretending to be easy-going on the surface, calling A Yun sister and sister-inw. But in your heart, you must have long been jealous and hated her to death, so you deliberately secretly poisoned her?"


    "Hehe." Gu Ying neither humble nor pushy, casually pulled at the corners of her mouth and leisurely engaged with Cheng, "Since mother already knows hook poison is highly toxic, how can she still sit here so calmly?"


    "What''s wrong with me sitting here? I''m not a doctor, I can''t treat her."


    Gu Ying''s eyes contained coldughter. "No matter how much more A Yun is trampled under your feet and tormented by you, she is still the granddaughter of Old Master Huo after all. If the legitimate granddaughter of the Huo family died after being beaten and insulted by your son for ten years of marriage, and she were to die here tonight, then tomorrow I would go to the public courtroom to have the censorate and the Supreme Courte investigate this case and find out who was the one behind the scenes pulling the strings."


    Cheng was stunned for a moment. "You!"


    "Alright, mother."


    Zhao Changxing raised his hand to stop Cheng''s words. It would be useless to argue here. It would be better to do something practical.


    He slowly stood up, narrowed his eyes to meet Gu Ying''s clear eyes, a trace of almost invisible possessiveness shed in his eyes.


    He smiled slightly and made a please gesture.


    "A Yun is inside. You can go in and see first. The medicine package was personally brought by your maid Yin Lan. No one has touched the medicines inside either. If you didn''t poison her, then it means your maid had malicious intentions."


    Yin Lan''s eyes shrank with worry as she looked at her mistress.


    At that time, she had simply grabbed the medicines exactly ording to the prescription given by the mistress. She had also carefully checked each medicine afterwards, but now she really didn''t know which part had gone wrong.


    If Young Lady Huo really something happened, given the temperament of the prince, would he divorce the mistress over this?


    The couple had just married not long ago. This situation was clearly aimed at separating the two.


    The more she thought about it, the more self-ming she became, and her eyes reddened slightly.


    Gu Ying gave her a reassuring look, calcting the time in her mind. With Xin Zhu''s speed, the prince should be back soon...


    She could drag it out for now. At least go in and see Huo Qiyun''s situation first, don''t let her really die...


    Gu Ying immediately walked into the main room. On the medium-sized canopy bed, Huo Qiyuny weak and pale. Her hands and feet trembled slightly, her chest heaved, and it looked difficult to breathe. Her eyebrows were still furrowed as her little hand clutched her abdomen. Her whole body was painfully curled up.


    Gu Ying sat next to her and saw that her head was sweating all over. She became even more worried in her heart, "Sister Yun, how do you feel?"


    Huo Qiyun opened her red eyes, raised her trembling long eyshes to look at the person sitting on the edge of the bed. When she saw the face clearly, the light in her eyes was extremelyplicated and vignt for a moment.


    She shrank back in terror, angrily trying to push Gu Ying away, but there was not much strength in her body. With a little force from Gu Ying, her wrist was grabbed.


    "Let...let me go!"


    After being reborn, Gu Ying had started seriously reading medical books and learned some basic medical skills.


    Checking someone''s pulse was no problem.


    Huo Qiyun couldn''t break free and could only cry in pain and grief, "Why do you... want to harm me... It hurts so much..."


    "Gu Ying... you..."


    "You are so cruel..."


    "Adu... save me..."


    She spoke incoherently, probably because of the poisoning. She couldn''t catch her breath with her ashen face.


    "My... stomach hurts... ufortable... it hurts so much... Sister Ying... please... save me."


    "I don''t want to die..."


    "Save me, okay..."


    From the initial shock, fear, helplessness, to now only being able to grab Gu Ying as thest lifeline.


    Huo Qiyun used her convulsing little hands to grip Gu Ying''s hands tightly, her nails dug deep into her palms. Her eyes were about to split open, and she was in extreme pain. "Save me... Adu... save me..."


    Gu Ying had already determined that the poison Huo Qiyun had taken was indeed hook poison. She immediately stabilized her mind, first supported Huo Qiyun to prevent her from moving around, and then urgently ordered Yanzhi, "Yanzhi, go hug two ducks now! Geese will work too! Hurry up!"


    Yanzhi didn''t dare ask anything, and was about to rush out.


    But Zhao Changxingzily blocked Yanzhi''s way. "The situation is not clear yet. Sister, your people can''t just walk around randomly."


    He smiled cruelly. "Come, tie up Yanzhi."


    Several sturdy older female servants walked in and dragged Yanzhi out.


    "Mistress! Mistress! Mmm¡ª¡ª"


    Immediately, the older female servant skillfully used a handkerchief to cover her mouth.


    Yin Lan''s face turned pale. She quickly realized that Cheng and Zhao Changxing were targeting her mistress today.


    She swiftly stood in front of Gu Ying and lowered her voice, "Mistress, I''m afraid things don''t bode well..."


    Gu Ying sneered again and again,pletely fearless as she looked at Zhao Changxing, "Big brother, can''t you see that if you drag this out any longer, sister Yun will die soon?"


    Zhao Changxing didn''t have any reaction whether Huo Qiyun lived or died. He smiled as he watched Gu Ying''s cold appearance, and his heart boiled over.


    He walked over, his fingers hooking up her petite chin, "You tried to harm A Yun with poison, there is solid evidence. Let me think carefully about how to punish you."


    Gu Ying red at him irritably, with disgust churning in her eyes.


    She pped his big hand away and pped him across the face as fast as lightning.


    Zhao Changxing''s cheek was pped to the side, revealing a p mark on his pale face.


    He pushed out a mouthful of blood foam with his tongue.


    "Good, you dare to hit me, savage enough."


    He liked her!


    Gu Ying coldly red at him and sneered indifferently, "I don''t care. If sister Yun dies, it will only be a life for a life for me. But if the prince knows that sister Yun died here today because big brother and mother refused to save her, what would the prince do? "


    Zhao Changxing and Cheng''s faces changed upon hearing this.


    They had gotten so preupied with punishing and controlling Gu Ying that they had forgotten about that King Yama.


    Cheng cautiously poked Zhao Changxing with her elbow, "Don''t let Huo Qiyun die...lest that madman goes mad again."


    Zhao Changxing unwillingly looked at Gu Ying. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Release Yanzhi!"

 Chapter 208: Poison, I didn’t do it.

    <h4>Chapter 208</h4>


    Seeing Yanzhi run out in a fluster, Gu Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    She sat back down by the bedside, looking at the dizzy Huo Qiyun, praying in her heart that the Eldest Prince woulde back soon, otherwise, with Cheng and Zhao Changxing guarding her day and night, how could she, a half-baked doctor, cure this hook-lipped viper venom...


    But if the Eldest Prince really came back...


    She was also worried that the Eldest Prince would believe Cheng and Zhao Changxing¡¯s words that she had harmed Huo Qiyun...


    Under her wide sleeve, she clenched her fist tightly, her heart thumping chaotically.


    ...


    Not long after, Yanzhi came running back, panting as she carried tworge white geese.


    ¡°Mistress, I¡¯m back!¡±


    Yanzhi was quite clever, she had tied up the geese with ribbons so they couldn''t p their wings about.


    Gu Ying didn¡¯t care for niceties. With her bare hands she grabbed one of the big geese, drew out her Qilin Dagger from her waist, and cleanly sliced across the goose''s neck.


    Blood instantly sprayed over her face.


    Her originally snow-whiteplexion and exquisite brows and eyes, with these winding bloodstains as contrast, made her look like some bewitching demon of the dark night, stunning everyone in the room.


    Cheng pointed at the bloodthirsty-looking Gu Ying, stammering in confusion, ¡°What are you trying to do!¡±


    Gu Yingpletely ignored her. Time was of essence, saving a life took precedence over everything, she calmly held up the goose''s neck, ¡°Yin Lan, Yanzhi, hold Qiyun down.¡±


    The two servant girls answered in unison, ¡°Yes!¡±


    After speaking, Gu Ying promptly poured all the goose blood down Huo Qiyun''s throat. Caught off guard, she struggled violently, ¡°Mm mm mm!¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyes darkened, not letting her spit it out, only after forcing all the goose blood down did she tightly cover her mouth.


    The onlooking crowd was already shocked speechless. To them, this was clearly not saving someone, it was outright murder before their very eyes!


    Of course Cheng didn''t dare let Huo Qiyun actually die. She cried out anxiously, ¡°Why are you all still standing there stunned! Hurry and save her!¡±


    Only then did people hurriedly rush over to drag Gu Ying and her two servants off.


    ¡°Gu Ying, you daremit murder! Aren''t you afraid Du would find out and have you killed!¡±


    But amidst the chaos, as soon as those words fell.


    The door of the courtyard was suddenly kicked open.


    A st of cold northern wind swirled inside, pure white snowkes flying about everywhere.


    The old maid keeping watch outside, her voice trembling as she looked upon the sinister face of the man standing at the doorway, cried out in fright, ¡°Prince...the Prince has returned!¡±


    Everyone in the room froze, scrambling in panic to move away from the bedside.


    Covered in blood, her hair in disorder, Gu Ying now finally had the chance to look at the man who had appeared at the door...


    But before she could make out his expression, with great swiftness he strode towards the bed in a fewrge steps. His big hands, like iron ws, grabbed her slender arm and pulled her up from the bedside.


    After the recent battle of wits, Gu Ying was already weak all over.


    Being hauled up so forcefully by him now, she was like a fragile doll, the pain in her arm felt as if it would break.


    In panic she raised her eyes, finally seeing the Eldest Prince''s piercingly cold pupils...


    "Du..."


    But he didn''t look at her, instead he turned his head and sternly ordered.


    "Huai An!"


    His eyes were covered by ayer of icy frost, his jawline hard and taut, his expression so coldly ominous it made one gasp.


    After Huai An rushed in,


    he firmly gripped her arm with his big hand, his eyes clouded with prating chill, "Take Huo Qiyun out!"


    "Yes!"


    Huai An carried the bloodstained Huo Qiyun up and swiftly disappeared from the courtyard entrance.


    Cheng was quite displeased with the Eldest Prince''s arrangement, but seeing the bone-chilling expression on the man''s face, in the end she didn''t dare utter a word.


    An oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire courtyard, the killing intent more palpable than the snowstorm outside.


    The wintry cold seemed to assault from all directions. An enormous sorrow, like tidal waves, surged and suffocated.


    Looking into the Eldest Prince''s detached, icy eyes, Gu Ying''s heart quivered lightly...and her eyes instantly turned red.


    She moved her lips, wanting to offer an exnation, but she couldn''t think of what to say.


    Cheng spoke up, hesitating a little before saying, "Du, it''s good you''ve returned...this whole affair today, if you want to me someone you can only me your wife... If she hadn''t poisoned Qiyun, how would Qiyun have ended up like that? What''s more, just now she even nearly smothered Qiyun to death. Just look at the pool of blood on the bed and you''ll know, if not for us, I''m afraid Qiyun would truly be dead."


    "With such a venomous heart, when she''s only been married here a few days, yet daredmit such cruelty against Qiyun. Speaking frankly, my heart is still thumping wildly..."


    "It''s best you divorce such an ill-omened woman early on..."


    Cheng''s voice gradually faded. Gu Ying was at a loss for words, her mind nk,plex emotions tangling and coiling like vines within her heart.


    Zhao Changdu suppressed his anger, fists clenched tight. He turned to look at the woman beside him, his jet ck, murky brows and eyes exuded a chilling aura that made one''s scalp tingle.


    His silent intimidation pressed down on everyone in the courtyard. Many dared not even steal a nce at the Prince''s face.


    Cheng smacked her lips, still wanting to add more venomous words.


    But Zhao Changdu spat coldly, "This matter, I will get to the bottom of it myself, it''s not your ce to gossip so."


    Cheng forced a smile, speaking drily, "I didn''t mean anything by it. The affairs of the inner residence should indeed be my responsibility, or else the Duke would take offense..."


    Zhao Changdu''s icy eyes shifted, pinning Cheng with his bone-chilling stare. "There''s been an poisoning attempt on an esteemeddy of this household. Where is the physician you summoned?"


    Cheng faltered, "I...I haven''t had the chance yet..."


    But Zhao Changdu had no more patience to entertain her. His tone devoid of warmth, "Someonee, give a full ount of today''s events to Zhao Hui!"


    Cheng instantly froze up, vision going dark.


    Zhao Changdu''s face gloomy, he forcefully dragged Gu Ying out of the courtyard.


    The Duke''s Residence had tall enclosing walls everywhere, the heavy chill of winter crept into one''s bones.


    Gu Ying''s back ran cold. Stumbling a few steps in the snow, her legs soon went soft, unable to walk any further.


    Yanzhi and Yin Lan carefully followed some distance behind, anxiously watching their master and mistress up ahead.


    Zhao Changdu sneered. He turned back to look at the bloodstains on her face and her dishevelment. His pair of jet ck, icy eyes stared fixedly at her stubborn expression without blinking once. "Nothing to say to me?"


    Gu Ying knew he must harbor intense hatred for her right now.


    She bit her lip, a sh of sorrow in her heart, still wanting to defend herself, "I didn''t poison her."


    A hint of chilling malice appeared at the corner of Zhao Changdu''s eyes. "If you didn''t, then who did?"


    Gu Ying suppressed the bitterness in her heart, raising her thickshes. Her pair of bright dark eyes, the light in them tenacious yet tender, "When Huo Qiyun''s situation was critical, I didn''t have time to investigate the poisoner."

 Chapter 209: Let’s Leave

    <h4>Chapter 209</h4>


    "But the bowl of wind-cold medicine she drank was definitely the one Yin Lan sent over at my request. Yin Lan and I both confirmed there was no poison in the medicinal ingredients. So the problem must have urred with whoever concocted the medicine for her or attended to her."


    "I never go to the Huanhua Courtyard, and have never been near Huo Qiyun. I''m not familiar with any of the servants who wait upon Huo Qiyun."


    "The only personal attendant at her side was the devoted Lv Zhi. The lower servants don''t normally handle the mistress''s food and medicines."


    "If...I''m guessing right, the one who poisoned Huo Qiyun...is most likely Lv Zhi..."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze focused intently upon her, his tall and upright figure standing before her petite body, surrounding herpletely like a cage.


    Gu Ying still feared the authority of men in the end, and couldn''t help but retreat back a few steps.


    The man''s cold eyes captured her evasiveness, and he spoke frigidly, word for word, "Lv Zhi is the handmaiden who apanied her here. Her well-being is tied to that of her mistress. Why would she poison her owndy?"


    On the pitch-ck night, the sound of the wind and snow howled loudly beside their ears. The man''s questioning felt ten times colder than the wind and snow.


    Gu Ying''s heart quivered...It felt as if her heart had been gouged out by a knife, extremely ufortable.


    She lowered her brows helplessly. "I...don''t know."


    Her head hurt somewhat, and her thoughts were chaotic. She truly couldn''t figure out why Lv Zhi would poison her own mistress.


    There was still one other possibility - that Huo Qiyun had poisoned herself.


    But with a poison like Hook Kiss, if not treated promptly, it could easily lead to death.


    Would she truly risk her own life just to falsely use her?


    Or perhaps Huo Qiyun was deliberately putting herself in peril, in order to cause an unbridgeable rift between the Heir Apparent and herself.


    Once a crevice forms between two people, it bes very difficult to mend.


    As long as the Heir Apparent cared for Huo Qiyun in his heart, then no matter what she said, the only one he would choose to believe was Huo Qiyun.


    No matter how she struggled and exined, it would all be futile...


    An unprecedented feeling of powerlessness swept over Gu Ying. She closed her eyes, and the sourness welled up in her heart. She forcefully pressed it down. Then, amidst the sounds of rustling snow, she raised her head with a faint smile. "Heir Apparent, let''s divorce..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Changdu''s eyes suddenly turned frighteningly cold. He grabbed her small hand again and forcefully sped it, gritting his teeth as he asked, "Gu Ying, what did you say?"


    "I said..." Gu Ying sniffed and raised her head to look straight at him, "Let''s get divorced..."


    A burst of violence swiftly ignited in Zhao Changdu''s eyes. After questioning for so long, she actually gave him this heartless answer!


    This woman, has she lost all conscience?!


    He stared fixedly at her pale and helpless little face, as heughed coldly again and again. He simply stopped debating with her anymore. Instead, he directly hauled her over his shoulder and strode towards the Changfeng Building.


    Gu Yingy nkly over his broad shoulder, her head and feet inverted. She shivered all over from fear.


    Once inside the Changfeng Building, he expressionlessly threw her onto therge bed. His pair of icy sharp phoenix eyes contained endless fury, resembling a provoked and enraged beast as they stared straight at her.


    The sharpness of the man''s jawline betrayed his anger. This appearance of extreme rage was truly frightening.


    Gu Yingnded on the thick brocade quilt and scrambled without thinking toward the corner of the bed. Her eyes stubbornly reddened as tears ceaselessly spun in her eyes, yet she refused to let them fall.


    Seeing her on the verge of crying yet desperately holding back her tears, Zhao Changdu felt extremely annoyed.


    He forcibly suppressed the churning rage in his heart. With one hand, he grabbed her ankle and pulled her out from the bed.


    Gu Ying paled in fright. "Don''t!"


    "Why are you crying!"


    He pressed her down, sping the back of the youngdy''s head as he fiercely kissed her lips.


    "If you keep crying, do you believe I''ll devour you?"


    "I...Mm!"


    Gu Ying''s lips trembled, the mist of tears filling her eyes. For a time, she froze in ce.


    The two were pressed very close to each other, their breaths intertwining. His features were tall and upright, his profile sharp and distinguished. He shamelessly exerted force against her nose, leaving her flustered and panic-stricken.


    The woman beneath him was delicate and pitiable, her apricot eyes big and innocent as they brimmed with moisture.


    No matter how furious Zhao Changdu felt, seeing her raise her head pitiably to gaze at him, much of his anger dissipated.


    "Do you still want a divorce or not?"


    He asked through gritted teeth, enunciating each word clearly.


    Without waiting for her reply, he pressed against her tender lips, overbearingly and forcefully twisting and sucking her uniquely wonderful taste.


    Hisrge hand crept beneath her clothes, the scorching hot palm covering her t lower abdomen. He dangerously narrowed his eyes, capturing every wisp of her breaths amidst his lips and teeth.


    Gu Ying''s body quivered lightly as her small hands weakly pushed against his firm waist.


    "Heir Apparent..."


    The heavy gasps for breath caused her earlobes to burn.


    Her eyes reddened as a pair of tearful eyes looked at him. She grasped hispel with both hands, refusing to let him continue. "I really didn''t poison her."


    With his anger dissipated, Zhao Changdu amusingly watched the earnestness in the youngdy''s eyes. He hadn''t truly intended to do anything to her to begin with. Just now, his anger had gotten the better of him for a moment, causing him to lose control. Now that his mood softened, he simply gathered the youngdy into his embrace, gently persuading her, "Do you think I''m angry over that?"


    Gu Ying was confused. "Huh?"


    Zhao Changduughed at her lovable reaction. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, his phoenix eyes coldly narrowing. "I''ve said it before. No matter the circumstances, what you must do first is preserve your own safety. It''s obvious someone intentionally targeted you tonight. So why would you still put yourself in danger?"


    He didn''t even dare imagine what would have happened if he had returned a few stepster. What would Cheng and Zhao Changxing have done to her?


    A youngdy like her, how could she have ever experienced things like this? She would have been scared witless.


    All he wanted was to teach her how to survive inside this rear court. Yet she actually dared to suggest divorcing him!


    "Master, things are not looking good over at the Grand Concubine''s ce."


    Outside the door, Huai''an spoke with a trace of unease.


    For quite a while, Zhao Changdu didn''t say anything before lightly hmm-ing in acknowledgment. He got up from the bed.


    His clear cold figure stood at the bedside, tidying his robes. He looked down at her from his superior angle. "I''ll go take a look at her situation. You stay here and wait for me to return."


    Gu Ying suddenly felt a chill sweep over her. She pursed her reddened lips. "Alright..."


    Zhao Changdu turned and exited, closing the door behind him.


    Watching the man''s departing figure, Gu Ying gave a bitterugh. She hugged her knees and sat at the edge of the bed.


    Seeing that the Heir Apparent had left, Yanzhi and Yin Lan immediately rushed in to tidy up the room.


    ncing at the mess on the bed, Yin Lan sighed. "My Lady, it''s been hectic tonight. Would you like to bathe first?"


    Lost in thought for quite a while, Gu Ying nodded. "Mm."


    ...


    Huo Qiyun was currently resting in the eastern wing of the Changfeng Building.


    Cheng''s people couldn''t enter. And Zhao Changxing didn''t dare brazenly barge in to demand people either.


    In handling matters, Zhao Changdu had always acted ording to his conscience. Now that a life hung in the bnce, he naturally wouldn''t care about those so-called protocols anymore before tossing Huo Qiyun back to Zhao Changxing.

 Chapter 210: What happened today will never happen again.

    <h4>Chapter 210</h4>


    Huai An brought Yu Gu to see Huo Qiyun and treat her illness in person.


    When Zhao Changdu walked into the east wing with his long legs, Yu Gu had just fed medicine to Huo Qiyun.


    He walked to the bedside with a frown, nced at the extremely pale face of Huo Qiyun, and asked, "How is she?"


    Yu Gu turned her eyes and looked deeply at the man for a while before gently fluttering her eyshes, ¡°There is no threat to her life now, but there is still residual poison in her body that needs to continue recuperating for a few more days topletely expel the toxins.¡±


    Zhao Changdu sat down on the stool next to the bed, his tone indifferent but with considerable momentum, "Hook-lipped?¡±


    Yu Gu said, "Yes."


    Zhao Changdu called Huai An over, his gaze was cold and awe-inspiring, ¡°How is the investigation into the medicine residues going?"


    Huai An solemnly said, "Sir, hook-lipped residues were indeed found in the medicine residues, but there were none in the other medicines sent by thedy."


    After speaking, he handed two oil paper bags to Yu Gu.


    After Yu Gu checked them, she said, "The amount of hook-lipped in the medicine residue was actually very small and would not be fatal. This other package of medicine contains acacia oxyphy, which is extremely simr to hook-lipped, so it is easy for someone unfamiliar with medicine to mix up the two."


    Zhao Changdu frowned, took the acacia oxyphy from the medicine bag, and sniffed it under his nose.


    For some reason, he somehow felt it was familiar.


    He indifferent lifted his eyelids, "Huai An, bring Yin Lan and Lv Zhi here."


    "Yes."


    Soon Huai An brought Yin Lan and Lv Zhi to Zhao Changdu.


    The two maids, one calm andposed, the other drenched and crying with pear blossoms, trembling all over.


    Zhao Changdu had tasted blood from living by the knife all the years. His aura was as cold and bloody as ever.


    He had them lift their heads for him to question each maid¡¯s involvement in handling the medicines.


    Yin Lan looked straight at the master, "Sir, the prescription was written by thedy herself. I went to the pharmacy to get the medicine myself. Afterwards, thedy and I confirmed together that there were no mistakes with the medicines before they were passed into Lv Zhi¡¯s hands."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was indifferent, seemingly lost in thoughts as he looked at the medicine package in his hand. The more he looked at it, the more familiar it seemed.


    Lv Zhi didn''t dare raise her head. She stammered, "I...I just took the medicine from sister Yin Lan...then put it in the box. I only took out a package to decoct for thedy yesterday...I didn''t expect thedy to have an incident after drinking that medicine..."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression turned cold. He sneered, "Oh? What a coincidence? The medicine you took happened to be poisonous? The other medicines weren''t toxic?"


    Lv Zhi was so frightened by the questioning that her face turned deathly pale. "I...I don''t know..."


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s tone was icy cold, his eyes fierce, "Full of mistakes! It seems you are the one who tried to harm ourdy!"


    "I...," Lv Zhi panicked.


    Zhao Changdu frowned, "Take her away to be tortured severely!"


    Lv Zhi''s whole body stiffened as she pleaded anxiously while crying, "I didn''t! Sir has wrongly used me!"


    Zhao Changdu closed his eyes. These tricks might fool the young girl but not him.


    He gave a coldugh. There was not a hint of emotional fluctuations in his eyes as he ordered Lv Zhi to be taken away.


    Lv Zhi''s sad and fearful cries echoed down the hallway.


    Gu Ying was waiting in the yard. When she saw Lv Zhi pulled out by Huai An, her heart quivered lightly...


    She had been too anxious earlier. Upon hearing that Huo Qiyun was poisoned, she had lost her senses and failed to thoroughly investigate what exactly had happened. Later after the prince left, soaking in the tub calmed her down to think carefully about this matter.


    The real culprit in this incident could not possibly be Lv Zhi. It could only be Huo Qiyun.


    Huo Qiyun was thedy and Lv Zhi the maid.


    After relying on each other for ten years as mistress and servant in the Duke''s manor, at such a critical juncture, Lv Zhi had no reason to suddenly poison herdy.


    The truth was already apparent.


    Huo Qiyun must have done this to sow discord between her and the prince. She was even willing to disregard her own life for the prince... It showed how vicious this woman could be, no less than Gu Jia.


    Now that Lv Zhi had been taken away, she was likely convicted...


    Even she could figure out these petty tricks, how could the prince who was used to wielding power not see through this little ruse?


    He must be protecting her.


    A sense of helplesslessness rose in her heart. The corners of her lips pulled up into a faint smile. No matter what the prince might do, as long as Yin Lan was fine.


    She didn¡¯t even dare wish for the prince to reduce Huo Qiyun¡¯s sentence. She could only silently warn herself.


    Huo Qiyun would stop at nothing. From this moment onward, they must not associate too closely with each other.


    In the frigid wind, she swallowed hard and turned to leave...


    ...


    Inside the wing room.


    The man turned to look at the figure sleeping on the big bed. In the mingled dark and bright halo, his sword-like brows were deeply furrowed like a small mountain. The chiaroscuro on his face entuated his three-dimensional and profound features, rendering them ambiguous.


    Yu Gu stood quietly in the room, seemingly invisible.


    Zhao Changdu was still fiddling with the acacia oxyphy in his hand, a slight frown on his forehead.


    "Yu Gu, you said this is acacia oxyphy?"


    As if seeing through his thoughts, Yu Gu said, "Acacia oxyphy is usually produced in Haizhou. Bianjing nobles rarely use such medicines to treat cold."


    Something in Zhao Changdu''s heart stirred inexplicably.


    "Haizhou?"


    "Yes."


    The Ye family of Haizhou was the little girl''s n.


    That little medicine packet back then was given by her. Later, inside Changfeng Pavilion, a fuzzy little face had bit his lips...and told him milkily to stay alive.


    When he woke up, he saw Huo Qiyun keeping vigil by his side and assumed all along that the child must have been Huo Qiyun.


    Could that child not be Huo Qiyun?!


    Zhao Changdu was greatly shocked by his own spection, stunned by it.


    Seeing the cold and grim look on the prince''s handsome face, Yu Gu pondered and still reminded, "Sir, the oral poisoning may make pregnancy difficult for her in the future. Even if she recovers well, it would be hard for her to bear children."


    At this moment, Zhao Changdu no longer had the patience to keep up pretenses with Huo Qiyun.


    He suppressed the turmoil in his heart. His eyes were icy cold yet calm as he stared emotionlessly at Huo Qiyun''s haggard face and indifference stated, "This will not happen again in the future."


    The figure on the bed fluttered her eyshes. The moment the man''s voice fell, she felt unprecedented pressure weighing down on her, making it hard for her to breathe.


    Not daring to open her eyes, she clenched the clothes beside her tightly with both hands.


    Zhao Changdu''s patience was at its end. Without looking at her again, he got up to leave.


    Only after the room became quiet did Huo Qiyun slowly open her eyes bit by bit...


    She had finally moved into Changfeng Pavilion. No need to suffer in Washing Flower Yard ever again.


    After that desperate gamble, cold sweat was all over her face. When she opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar masked woman standing in the room, she was instantly frightened.


    "Who...who are you?"


    Yu Gu nced at her indifferently then silently walked out.


    Huo Qiyun hugged her faintly aching stomach as tears of joy and sorrow trickled down her face.


    A''du still cared for her after all...


    It was a pity for Lv Zhi though...


    But it was fine. Once she became A''du¡¯s woman in the future, she would definitely find a way to save Lv Zhi out.


    ...

 Chapter 211: So It Was Her

    <h4>Chapter 211</h4>


    Yin Lan held up antern and ced it on the table.


    Gu Ying leaned on the table wearily, propping up her cheeks with her hands, feeling a bit cold over her body.


    The Eldest Prince had not yet returned from the wing room, and she felt restless and uneasy, unable to calm down and sleep.


    Seeing her paleplexion, Yin Lan took a cloak and a bowl of ginger soup and handed them to her, smiling reassuringly, ¡°Mydy, don¡¯t worry. I feel that the Eldest Prince is not the kind of person who can¡¯t tell right from wrong. He certainly won¡¯t overthink things and doubt you.¡±


    Gu Ying dispiritedly said, ¡°I hope so.¡±


    She was not worried about this either. The Eldest Prince would not be muddled and confused to that extent yet.


    She just... knew that after the Eldest Prince protected Huo Qiyun, she felt somewhatplicated.


    Yin Lan sighed, ¡°Mydy... the main wife has moved into Changfeng Pavilion today... in name that¡¯s unspeakable, but she was harmed and poisoned... the Huo family also needs an exnation for this matter... I¡¯m afraid the Eldest Prince won¡¯t let her return to live infort for the time being.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°For the main wife to have this status and live in Changfeng Pavilion... if word got out...¡±


    It would surely be aughingstock for all the noblewomen in the capital.


    Gu Ying felt slightly sour in her heart and gently sighed.


    She had also expected that such a day woulde¡ªfrom the time she married into this family, she had nned to take in concubines for the Eldest Prince in the future, and also arrange a ce for Huo Qiyun.


    But she never imagined it would happen in this way or so quickly.


    Huo Qiyun¡¯s move was very cunning and intelligent. As much as she disliked to admit it, it was the best way for her to leave the inner pce.


    "Mydy, let''s broaden our minds first... From ancient times, a man having three wives and four concubines has beenmonce..."


    Gu Ying knew what she wanted to say. She gently smiled, ¡°You always worry about me. Actually, I¡¯m fine. I was prepared early on, so when it really happened, I remained calm. Go rest first. I¡¯ll wait here for the Eldest Prince toe back and have a good talk with him about Huo Qiyun¡¯s living arrangements.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Mydy, please call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°I know. Go on.¡±


    Yin Lan helplessly had to exit the room.


    The room became quiet, and the dim environment amplified emotions many times over.


    Gu Ying nkly held the scalding hot hand warmer, seemingly unable to feel its warmth. She foolishly sat alone on the heated brick tform waiting for a while.


    Sure enough, she soon heard the sound of someone entering through the door.


    The man¡¯s footsteps were somewhat urgent.


    She had just stood up when she was fiercely pulled into a broad embrace.


    The way things were progressing surprised her.


    She was stunned for a moment, and all the words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat. The man''s force was so great that he almost suffocated her.


    "Wha... What''s the matter?"


    "Earlier you said you saw me at the hot spring behind Qingyun Temple when you were young, right?"


    "Yes... yes..."


    "Did you give me medicine afterwards?"


    "I..."


    It seemed like she did, but she was so little at that time. To her, the injured teenage boy was no different from the little rabbit she raised since childhood. The only difference was that the boy was prettier while the rabbit was softer.


    "Did you evere looking for me at Changfeng Pavilion?!"


    The man''s voice was low and hoarse. Red in the eyes, he loudly questioned her.


    Gu Ying couldn''t quite remember. Held in the man''s arms with her lower back forcibly gripped by him, her little face flushed red.


    "Adu... let go of me first... you''re suffocating me..."


    Only then did Zhao Changdu realize what he was doing. He released the little girl in his arms and carefully cradled her petite face in his palms, crying andughing at the same time, "Ying, tell me, did youe looking for me at Changfeng Pavilion when you were little?"


    "Me?" Gu Ying blinked. She didn''t know what this had to do with Huo Qiyun being poisoned today.


    "You were still young then, so you may not remember. But try to slowly recall it."


    Zhao Changdu rarely showed such emotional ups and downs. He pulled the little girl over in one swift movement and made her sit on hisp. His handsome face tensed up as he stared at her bewildered eyes, "Hurry up and remember it. If you can''t remember today, then you''re not allowed to sleep!"


    With such an awkward seating position, Gu Ying''s face slightly reddened.


    Not daring to meet his fiery gaze, she carefully nestled in his arms and truly tried her best to think back to her childhood memories.


    With such an unparalleled handsome appearance, anyone who saw the Eldest Prince once would never forget him. Although she was only three or four years old back then, after seeing that teenage boy in the hot spring, her heart and mind were filled with his beautiful face.


    Afterwards, she even dreamt of him for several days straight, dreaming that he came with a cold expression on his little face to marry her. When she wanted to kiss him, he was disgusted and pushed her to the ground.


    Speaking of kissing him...


    She remembered!


    She remembered that she was worried he would be beaten to death by his mother, so she begged Cousin to take her to find him!


    It was as if finding a thread in a messy ball of yarn¡ªonce she found one lead, everything suddenly became clear.


    She remembered not only sneaking through the dog door to get inside Changfeng Pavilion, but also forcibly prying open his lips when he lost consciousness in order to wake him up. She followed his lead by breathing air into his mouth with great effort, kissing him many times.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying''s face turned crimson. "I was so little back then... I was afraid you would die... so I did that to you... but it wasn''t my idea. Cousin took me there..."


    Could it be that he came to use her?


    Just because she had bitten his lips when she was a child?


    Nevermind, she¡¯ll just shift the me to Cousin first... The Eldest Prince surely can¡¯t take revenge on Cousin.


    Zhao Changdu was extremely pleasantly surprised. After hearing her finish, what else was there left to doubt? It turned out that the little sweet dumpling who saved him was his darling Ying!


    His hot blood boiled and he burst outughing loudly several times. He directly lifted her soft waist and carried the little girl towards the bed.


    Gu Ying only felt restless. She tightly hugged his waist, "Adu, what exactly is going on?"


    Huo Qiyun was still lying poisoned in the wing room, how could he even be thinking of this kind of thing?


    Zhao Changdu pressed down his body and stared at her panicked and helpless eyes with a pair of amorous phoenix eyes. Then he lowered his head to fiercely nip at her delicate lips, as if wanting to pour all the feelings he had suppressed over a decade into her.


    Gu Ying''s pupils suddenly erged. Her cherry lips slightly parted, and her mind was instantly nked.


    The man''s kiss was fierce and violent. His heavy breathing fell beside her ear, mixed with an attractively low chuckle, "Ying, I''m really...very happy."


    Before she could resist, she felt Zhao Changdu''s aura and might ferociously suppress her...


    Gu Ying softly moaned.


    The charming and tender sound made one tingle.


    Almost every time after their wedding night, he left her unable resist. And today he went all out without holding back.


    Gu Ying parted her cherry lips. Her mind was chaotic and she could barely control her breathing.


    In the second half of the night...


    She moved her sore, soft waist and finally rested breathless in his arms after their passion.


    The man''s eyes were dark and deep. He held the little girl''s soft waist lovingly in his arms, feeling like he could never love her enough.


    But looking at the girl''s exhausted state on the verge of dozing off, he indulgentlyughed and carried her into the bathroom.

 Chapter 212: The Joy of Finding Again

    <h4>Chapter 212</h4>


    After a stick of incense, he patiently carried her out again.


    "Are you tired?"


    "Mm..."


    "Okay, then sleep. I absolutely won''t touch you this time."


    "...Liar." Gu Ying mumbled. Her body was covered in his markings everywhere, her cheeks ming red hot, how could she believe his words?


    Zhao Changdu gave a low, sexyugh. "I''m really not lying to you this time." He did indeed put her on the bed.


    But very quickly, he lifted the quilt and slipped in as well.


    Gu Ying could feel the explosive strength in the man''s muscles. His long legs tangled around hers.


    She thought...he wanted her again. She pursed her lips in grievance.


    But the man onlyughed and stroked her hair gently, kissing her forehead lingeringly. It had nothing to do with passion or lust. "Sleep."


    She was exhausted, but still couldn''t sleep. She nestled softly in his embrace, her cried-red eyes fixed upon him.


    After a thorough lovemaking session, the man was still spirited and lively.


    His features were distinct and strikingly handsome.


    Huo Qiyun''s matter still wasn''t resolved. Such a sudden turn of events, she didn''t know what the Prince meant. Was he just glossing over it casually?


    With this woman between them, if her fate wasn''t determined today, no matter what, she wouldn''t be able to rest.


    "I can''t sleep, Adu."


    Zhao Changdu leaned against the headrest, arching his brow calmly. "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying simply endured the soreness and sat up. Her face waspletely serious. "Huo Qiyun is currently living in Changfeng Lodge. It''s somewhat inappropriate. Adu, what do you n to arrange for her in the future?"


    Zhao Changdu waspletely nonchnt. He had just satisfied himself on the young girl and didn''t want to talk about another woman right now. "You''re the main mistress of Changfeng Lodge. How do you want to arrange it?"


    "...Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly. Tonight, Lv Zhi was taken out to take the fall, which could be considered giving outsiders an ount. This was the Prince intentionally protecting Huo Qiyun. Since this was the case, it would be easy to handle.


    "Take this opportunity to blow up the poisoning incident and force Zhao Changxing to divorce Huo Qiyun. With a murder charge over her head, no matter how close the Cheng family and Zhao Changxing are, they wouldn''t dare oppose the Zhao and Huo families. So this is the best opportunity to force them to divorce."


    After calming herself, Gu Ying also thought things through clearly.


    She would have to divorce the Prince sooner orter anyway. Properly arranging Huo Qiyun now would be the right thing to do.


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes narrowed. "Oh? Then?"


    Gu Ying had the air of a proper main mistress as she smiled openly. "After the divorce, I''ll privately arrange for a residence outside for her to live in."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes turned cold, an unnamed anger ring up once more. "Are you trying to make me keep a concubine with your own hands?"


    Gu Ying blinked. "It''s not really a concubine...After things die down, I''ll find a way to change her identity and bring her back to Changfeng Lodge..."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Changdu waspletely enraged. His dark eyes stared at her as he pulled her over forcefully and bit her lips in retaliation. "Gu Ying, are you genuinely stupid or just pretending? Are you trying to anger me? I, an imperial guardmander, have only just served you, and it''s still not enough? You want to treat me like this?"


    "I..." Gu Ying sucked in a breath of cool air in pain. He had bitten too cruelly. Blood bubbled up on her lips swiftly. "How am I treating you? I''m doing this for your own good!"


    She felt more and more aggrieved the more she spoke. He wouldn''t agree to the divorce or letting him properly arrange a woman!


    She had already retreating yieldingly to this extent, what more did he want?


    "I''ve said it countless times. I don''t like her! How many more times must I say it?" Fury roiled in the man''s eyes as he grabbed her cheek meat roughly. "Is your brain full of water?"


    Gu Ying winced in pain. Her small face instantly turned red.


    "Yet you''re perfectly fine with pushing your husband to another woman." The man gave a cold snort. His expression was terrifying.


    "I didn''t...I just thought that for men, isn''t it normal to have three wives and four concubines?"


    Zhao Changdu gritted his teeth. His long fingers stroked the girl''s tender cheeks. "Nonsense."


    Gu Ying''s eyes shifted.


    The man continued. "What would I do with so many women? One of you is already hard enough to serve."


    Gu Ying''s face grew hotter as she swallowed nervously, her eyes hooked onto the man''s refined features. She tentatively asked, "Just me?"


    "Mm." Zhao Changdu''s lips curved into an alluring smile. "One lifetime, one world, two of us. This is what I want."


    Gu Ying stared at him in disbelief, feeling his words were unrealing from him.


    Among Chang''an''s nobility, few men were willing to spend their entire lives devoted to one woman.


    The Prince was of prominent status with great power and limitless prospects.


    A man of his excellence had always attracted women like moths to mes since ancient times. Was he truly willing to dedicate his life to one woman?


    "Today I will make things clear. I have only ever felt gratitude towards Huo Qiyun. When I was young, I did receive her kindness once. But as I''ve told you, her kindness was repaid with my life when I was fifteen."


    "So you don''t need to arrange anything for me and her."


    "As for the woman I truly care for, there is only one." He moved closer, his profound eyes looking deeply into hers.


    His breath carried a lingering fragrance of sunken wood.


    His alluring lips were right before her eyes, parting and closing seductively.


    Bewitched by his beauty, Gu Ying''s heart skipped a fierce beat. Her mind nked for a moment.


    Heughed lightly at the girl''s bewildered expression before leaning to her ear. His voice turned low and husky. "The one I like is that little steamed bun who daringly took advantage of me when she was just three or four."


    Gu Ying stared confusedly at him, taking a long time to recover her senses.


    But she had heard his words clearly.


    He didn''t like Huo Qiyun.


    In that moment, she didn''t know whether to feel happy or awkward that the dark clouds in her heart had dispersed, leaving her mood much lighter.


    But that little steamed bun who took advantage of him in childhood...could that be her?


    She blinked. "Adu, did you like me from back then?"


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved affectionately as he pulled her into his embrace, openly admitting, "What do you think?"


    In those dark days, that blurry little face had always given him the will to live on. He would always remember how that child pulled him back from the abyss. Those soft, warm lips that kissed him painfully again and again on his icy cold mouth until he awoke from unconsciousness multiple times. He also remembered her pleading words in his ear for him to live on, soft and tender like a ray of sunshine, bringing a shred of precious warmth to his heart.


    Over a dozen years had passed...


    He truly never imagined that by a twist of fate, he would end up marrying her...


    He held her tightly. A burst of joy from recovering something lost welled up in him.

 Chapter 213: My Life, Only belongs to Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 213</h4>


    Gu Ying quietly digested all the news, ring at the big hand making trouble on her chest, "So, you bullied kids back then!"


    Zhao Changdu tilted his head and kissed the girl''s red ears, "Hmm? Was it me bullying you, or you bullying me?"


    He chuckled lightly, "At such a young age, you dared to be so bold and kissed me."


    Gu Ying was embarrassed by his words, "I didn''t kiss you, I was trying to save you!"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t care about those things. Anyway, this girl was his now.


    "Hmm, whatever the life-saving benefactor says."


    "So I''m Changdu''s life-saving benefactor."


    "I fought for my life for Huo Qiyun and repaid her kindness. From now on, my life only belongs to Gu Ying."


    Gu Ying''s heart trembled. She looked at him deeply. Thousands of words were conveyed without speaking. She only felt her heart soften like spring water, wishing she could stay in his arms for the rest of her life.


    Now that the two had opened up to each other, their state of mind also broadened.


    Gu Ying simply clung to him and asked about his past days.


    On the long night, Zhao Changdu hugged the girl and slowly talked about his dark past.


    The more Gu Ying listened, the deeper her frown became. Cheng and Zhao Changxing were so vicious. The Duke was cold-hearted. The Crown Prince lost his mother when he was young... How did he get through all that?


    No wonder he had always been cold and merciless without warmth in his eyes. He always looked aloof and detached.


    A person who had never experienced parental love, how could you expect him to understand feelings?


    "Luckily I have you now," Zhao Changdu rested his chin on the girl''s shoulder and murmured in a low voice, "Don''t leave me."


    Please.


    Gu Ying was stirred on the inside. She hugged the man back tightly, her small hands gripping his waist.


    She didn''t dare give him a definite answer. If one day he found out about her rebirth...


    If he didn''t mind, she would stay by his side for life.


    If he harbored doubts... she would go far away.


    Burying him deep in her heart as well...


    ...


    The next day, a verdict was reached on Huo Qiyun''s poisoning incident.


    Under brutal interrogation, Lv Zhi soon confessed.


    It was Zhao Changxing who tempted her with the position of wife to the Heir Apparent of the Duke''s residence. He ordered her to poison Huo Qiyun.


    She couldn''t resist the temptation and harbored evil intentions against her mistress.


    The news that Huo Qiyun was poisoned and the victim of murder spread overnight.


    The Huo family soon found out about this. Not only the Huo family, even the Censorate submitted a memorial, delivering this matter to the Emperor''s ears.


    After hearing about it, His Majesty was furious.


    Elder Marquis Huo was a minister who had served three reigns. His aplishments spanned thousands of years. How could his granddaughter be so humiliated and murdered?


    Zhao Changxing killing his wife was simply outrageous!


    He immediately issued an imperial decree, ordering Zhao Changxing and Huo Qiyun to divorce swiftly.


    Not only divorce, but also stripping him of his position and ordering the Ministry of Justice to investigate the case.


    When Cheng saw the decree, it was like being hit on the head with a rod. Her vision went ck and she fainted straight away.


    Zhao Hui was even more angry. He personally tied up his eldest son and sent him to the Ministry of Justice.


    Huo Qiyun woke up overnight and found the letter of divorce she had waited ten years for on the table in her room. Her family also came to pick her up that evening.


    She looked at Gu Ying with a nk gaze, her fingers stiffly pinching the divorce paper, "What is going on?"


    "Isn''t this what you wanted?" Gu Ying smiled slightly, "This is the letter of divorce that Changdu promised to get for you. Now you have finally gotten your wish."


    Huo Qiyun was still very confused. She had just taken a nap and was expecting Changdu to be sitting by her bedside caring about her when she woke up. But now...


    "How could this be..."


    "Zhao Changxing has been taken to the Ministry of Justice for poisoning his wife."


    "What?" Huo Qiyun''s eyes sharpened, "Wasn''t it you who poisoned me?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth curved up coldly, "Sister-inw, what joke are you telling?"


    Huo Qiyun asked in panic, "Where is Lv Zhi?"


    Today, Gu Ying came specially to send off Huo Qiyun. After this experience, she no longer had any good feelings towards Huo Qiyun.


    The affection she had for the Crown Prince was gonepletely due to Huo Qiyun''s framing.


    She sneered lightly, "Sent to the yamen in Bianjing Prefecture."


    Huo Qiyun''s face turned pale. She used, "Gu Ying, how could you do this? She''s just a child!"


    Gu Ying''s smile faded. "You also know she''s just a child?"


    Huo Qiyun choked on her words, as if choking on a mouthful of blood. She couldn''t breathe for half a day. "I...I want to see Changdu..."


    "The Crown Prince won''t see you again. Everything today allows you to break free from misery and return home to your maiden family. This is already the Crown Prince''s greatest benevolence and righteousness towards you."


    Huo Qiyun cried out hysterically, "No! He will see me! Now that I have divorced Zhao Changxing, I can be with him again!"


    "Do you think that''s possible?"


    "Why not! Gu Ying, stop monopolizing Changdu! He belongs to me! We grew up together since childhood, what are you counted as?!"


    As soon as the vicious words came out, Huo Qiyun was also stunned. Tears of pain welled up in her eyes.


    How could she be like this...


    What had the past ten years done to her...


    Gu Ying looked coldly at the deranged Huo Qiyun. The gentle and schrly temperament she once had was long gone, leaving only the resentment of unrequited love.


    Such a woman was truly frightening.


    Her entire life''s feelings were invested in love. Without it, she would be a paranoid lunatic who had nothing else left.


    The previous Gu Ying was like that too.


    But after rebirth, she had be smarter. She wouldn''t be obsessed with love anymore and live for herself instead.


    So today, she would not give in anymore and allow Huo Qiyun to meet the Crown Prince.


    "Come, take her away."


    "Gu Ying!" Huo Qiyun screamed desperately, "Let me go! I want to see Changdu! You poisonous woman! Don''t you dare stop me!"


    The old maid from the Huo family immediately covered the young mistress''s mouth. She looked at Huo Qiyun distastefully and said apologetically to Gu Ying, "Madam, please don''tugh. It''s our Huo family''sck of discipline. We''ll bring her back and let Grandfather properly discipline her."


    The ones who came were all old servants raised in the Huo family. They knew Huo Qiyun inside and out.


    They also didn''t expect the once gentle, virtuous, knowledgeable young mistress to be like this today. If you had to me someone, you could only me the Duke''s residence for ruining her temperament these past ten years.


    A few old maids carried Huo Qiyun and put her in the carriage.


    Not long after, she disappeared from the gates of the Duke''s residence.


    Now, it could be considered the best arrangement for Huo Qiyun. As long as she behaved herself in the Huo family in the future, they would not mistreat her either.


    Gu Ying sighed and turned to go back.


    "Madam, do you still care about those rumors outside?" Yin Lan said unpleasantly, "Now there are still people spreading that you are the mastermind behind the poisoning. I don''t know what they are thinking. Madam is the Crown Prince''s principal consort. No matter what, you wouldn''t calcte over such trivial matters like Sister Huo."

 Chapter 214: To Gu Frost

    <h4>Chapter 214</h4>


    People in this world are all alike. They never care what the truth is; they only want to hear what they wish to hear.


    She married into a prestigious family, and didn''t know how many people were jealous and envious of her.


    It was normal for her to be framed.


    Gu Ying smiled gently, "It''s fine. They''re just baseless rumors spread by outsiders. Why would I care?"


    What she cared about was the Prince''s feelings alone.


    As long as he believed her, why would she care what others thought?


    At her age, she no longer cared what outsiders thought.


    Seeing her mistress'' calm smile, Yin Lan felt relieved. The mistress was very young, yet lived with such insight.


    ...


    After the incident of Huo Qiyun being poisoned, rumors spread rapidly throughout Bianjing.


    No one believed that it was Zhao Changxing who tried to poison Huo Qiyun.


    Some said that Huo Qiyun seduced the Prince, incurring Gu Ying''s resentment.


    Others said that Huo Qiyun was unchaste and had not conceived in ten years, so her barrenness was understandable for Zhao Changxing''s dislike.


    Even more oundishly, some said Gu Ying was extremely jealous and vicious, with the heart of a snake. She couldn''t stand Huo Qiyun living in the Duke''s manor as the Prince''s concubine, so she devised a n to kill the youngdy Huo and monopolize the Prince.


    From beginning to end, women were always the subject of gossip, while men remained out of sight. In everyone''s minds, Zhao Changxing was merely a scapegoat pulled out to take the fall.


    Everyone sympathized with Zhao Changxing for no reason, while secretly vilifying Gu Ying as a vicious demon, portraying her as a cruel, heartless, and hateful monster.


    When Qin heard this, she became anxious and hurried over to the Duke''s manor, worried that Gu Ying had suffered injustice.


    She also worried Gu Ying was too young to handle such a big matter, so she rushed over to give her niece some advice.


    That''s why she urgently summoned a carriage and went with her son to pay respects at the Duke''s manor.


    The Gu family naturally also sent someone, but upon hearing Old Madam Gu had released Gu Jia to be taken by a sage to treat her illness, they only sent Aunt Zhao over to inquire.


    Gu Shuang hadn''t seen Gu Ying in a long time. Hearing of this opportunity, she hurriedly changed her clothes to apany her mother in the carriage.


    When they arrived at Changfeng Pavilion, the two families happened to meet.


    Gu Shuang was anxious to see her sister and ran ahead heedlessly, crashing into a tall, sturdy "wall of meat". Her petite body bounced back. If not for the man lightly grabbing her, she surely would have fallen inelegantly into the snow.


    Gu Shuang gratefully looked up to meet the man''s clear, cold eyes, and her heart tightened. "Brother Ye...why is it you?"


    Ye Qingchi raised a brow, his voice clear and pleasing, "I came with my mother to see Gu Ying."


    Only then did Gu Shuang see Madam Qin walking ahead,pletely ignoring her son in her haste, seemingly even more anxious than herself. Gu Shuang couldn''t help giggling. "I also came to see my second sister...I''m sorry about earlier...Brother Ye...I didn''t mean it."


    She carefully eyed the small mud stain on the man''s clothes, suddenly recalling his obsession with cleanliness. She became even more embarrassed, unsure what to say.


    Fortunately, Brother Ye was in a good mood today, without a hint of me. "It''s nothing. I''ll just wash it when I get home."


    Gu Shuang''s heart clenched with trepidation. Ye Qingchi was famously Bianjing''s elegant gentleman, exceptionally handsome and talented. At his young age, he had already entered the Censorate and was bound for great things in the future.


    His only ws were his inability to tolerate others in his space and dirty, disorderly things.


    At the winter huntst time when she fell into the mud pool and he pulled her out, she caught a glimpse of his disgusted expression. She hadn''t dared to speak for a long time afterward.


    Now, she became even more awkward, unsure what to say.


    Fortunately, Brother Ye seemed to be in a good mood today, without a hint of me. "Shall we go in together?"


    Gu Shuang hurried to catch up. "Alright..."


    The man had long legs, making it very difficult for her to keep up. Soon, she broke out in fragrant sweat.


    Noticing this, Ye Qingchi deliberately slowed his pace. His nose caught the faint scent of plum blossoms from the girl.


    He tilted his head slightly for a passing nce at the red-cheeked girl. An anomalous feeling rose in his heart.


    "Be careful, take your time on the slippery road," he said gently.


    "Thank you, Brother Ye."


    Gu Shuang brushed the heat from her cheeks. Her heart warmed to find the famous Duke''s son not as unapproachable as rumored...


    The two entered Changfeng Pavilion together.


    Qin and Aunt Zhao were already seated on either side of Gu Ying, bombarding her with questions about the Huo Qiyun incident.


    "The Prince truly agreed to send Huo Qiyun back to the Huo family?"


    "Yes."


    "He won''t try to bring her back afterward, right?"


    Neither elder believed in the Prince.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "No, I''m certain the Prince is not that kind of person."


    Aunt Zhao stroked her slightly rounded belly a few months along. "Men are never up to any good."


    Qin said, "Except for my son."


    Aunt Zhaoughed. "Pardon me, I was just speaking casually, not about Young Master Qin."


    Gu Ying knew they meant well for her. She patiently exined, "Auntie, consider the Prince''s temperament. What woman does he not possess? If he truly wanted Huo Qiyun, there would be no need for anyone''s approval. He could directly seize her back. Why go through so much trouble to send her away?"


    Only then did Qin breathe easier, moving on from the matter. She became concerned again about Gu Ying''s womb.


    "Ying, have you used the things your auntie sent over?"


    Gu Ying''s ears burned. "No..."


    Aunt Zhao urged, "Why ever not? Those are excellent things I wouldn''t give to just anyone. Ying, you must capture the Prince''s heart."


    Gu Ying cried inside. With the Prince''s intense virility, she had no use for those things...


    Besides, he took the lead in all bedroom matters.


    After breaking the taboo, the Prince had shown extensive skills. She needed no other tools to enhance their intimacy.


    Sensing something, Qin meaningfully smiled. "Now that you''re married, the Prince treats you well. Ying, you should still bear the Prince an heir early on."


    Gu Ying blushed at her aunt''s words. "Auntie, my younger sister is still here."


    Only then did Qin notice her son and another demure girl sitting together. She didn''t even know when they had entered. At a closer look, although the girl was ordinary, she was fair and delicate, quiet and pleasing. Qin asked, "Zhao, is this your daughter?"


    Hearing his mother''s voice, Ye Qingchi''s brow twitched. A bad premonition emerged.


    At his age, could Mother be getting ideas again?


    Pregnant with child, Aunt Zhao''s face glowed with health and maternal love. "Yes, her name''s Shuang."


    With no madam in the Gu household, Aunt Zhao managed the inner courtyard, nowcking only the madam''s title. In another few months, Elder Martial Brother would honor her as the legal wife, and she would be the Highest Lady of Dongping Earl Manor. Naturally, her Shuang would also be the daughter. Marriage prospects would be far better than now.


    "She''s almost of age but still unwed. Esteemed Lady Qin, you are so well-connected and experienced. Might you help my Shuang find a good husband early on?"

 Chapter 215: Four Sisters, Must marry Fu Childe

    <h4>Chapter 215</h4>


    Gu Shuang''s small face flushed anxiously, "Mother, what are you saying?! I''m still young now, no rush to get married... Oh dear, sister, please help exin to Mother on my behalf."


    Young Master Ye is sitting here... Talking about marriage feels so embarrassing with an outsider around.


    She carefully nced at the expressionless handsome face of the man, feeling inexplicably nervous and shy in her heart.


    "It''s time for a man to marry when grown up, and a woman to marry when matured, what''s there to feel shy about, there''s no outsider here, let your Aunt Qin take a good look at you."


    Gu Shuang''s two red lips seemed to almost bleed, her originally fairplexion blushing attractively from shyness.


    The more Qin looked, the more she liked her. She nced at her own son with his proper and gentle tight-lipped face, secretly making up her mind in her heart.


    Gu Ying smiled faintly, not saying anything directly, only reminding, "Auntie, I feel that my fourth sister''s marriage should be more prudent, the other party''s background and status are secondary, but they must definitely find a family that dotes and pampers her."


    After all, fourth sister''s matter with Fu Xunzhi has not beenpletely settled yet, now is not the right time to reveal things.


    She would stabilize Aunt Zhao first, and when Lantern Festivales, Fu Xunzhi will propose marriage to the Gu family. It happens that she can return to the Gu family then, and settle fourth sister and Young Master Fu''s engagement together.


    Aunt Zhaoughed, "What Eldest Miss Gu said makes sense. Status and position are indeed unimportant. The main thing is to find someone who loves my Shuang''er to take good care of her for life, and not let her suffer any grievances." As a mother, I have no other thoughts, just hoping she can live safely and peacefully for life."


    Gu Ying deeply agreed.


    Her fourth sister must marry Fu Xunzhi.


    Qin and Aunt Zhao havee to know each other through unexpected events. From initial dislike toter obtaining her medicinal ointment from Qin and using it after returning home, the cough cough... effects were quite good indeed, so interactions between them increased.


    Sheughed, "The youngdy looks very lovely. I will take a look around the major familiester and see if there is anyone suitable and let you know."


    Aunt Zhao was delighted, "With Madam Qin making a move, this is really my Shuang''er''s blessing."


    After all, given the Ye family''s status here, although Madam Qin''s temperament and character are disliked by noblewomen, once she steps in, it would be the daughter-inw of the prestigious Ye family and the legal wife of the Imperial Censor.


    If she helps to negotiate, she will definitely be able to find a good family with high status and power for Shuang''er.


    Hearing this, Gu Shuang became even more anxious, looking nervously back and forth between Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying gave her a reassuring look, telling her to rx and that she has this matter at heart.


    After thedies finished exchanging family matters, Aunt Zhao told Gu Ying about the recent situation at the Gu residence.


    Gu Ying listened attentively for a while and told the servants to prepare a table of dishes.


    After lunch, she left her aunt and Aunt Zhao to chat for a while longer and pulled Gu Shuang aside to talk.


    Back in the main room, Gu Shuang looked extremely flushed, "Sister, what to do now... I didn''t expect Mother to suddenly tell Madam Qin about marriage arrangements. You know what Mother is like, she always says status doesn''t matter but actually cares most about the other party''s background and wealth... Mother would definitely look down on someone like Young Master Fu..."


    "Alright." Gu Yingforted and patted the little girl on the back, telling her to sit down and pouring her a cup of hot milk. "You just rx for now and wait first. We''ll decide after Fu Xunzhies to propose."


    She naturally had confidence to persuade Aunt Zhao to agree to this marriage.


    Hearing Gu Ying''s words, Gu Shuang finally calmed down. "Alright, I''ll listen to Sister."


    Gu Ying asked with a smile, "After the New Years, Lantern Festival is approaching soon. Has he looked for you again?"


    Gu Shuang shook her head coyly, "No, he''s an honorable man who said before the rtionship is announced, he will note see me. But he also said he has arranged everything and will righteouslye to marry me."


    Gu Ying rubbed her temples helplessly. To think the Crown Prince can hardly be called a gentleman based on this. If just putting aside his jade-carved handsome face, he probably has very little difference from some uncouth bandit.


    Still, sweetness filled her heart as she looked at the setting Golden Crow sun and fluttering snow outside the window, suddenly missing him.


    Not knowing what time will he return this evening. He promised to bring back Osmanthus wine and red bean dessert for her from Luoshen Pavilion.


    She was already looking forward to seeing him.


    "Sister?" Gu Shuang waved her hand in front of Gu Ying''s face.


    Gu Ying returned to her senses, her lips curling into a smile. "What''s the matter?"


    "Is Brother-in-Law leaving before or after Lantern Festival?"


    Hearing this, Gu Ying felt slight loss in her heart. "Before Lantern Festival."


    Everything needed in the residence has been prepared, Qilin Army''s final training arrangement have also been done recently.


    In three or two days, the Crown Prince should depart for Yueyang with them.


    This going away, with uncertain dangers ahead, who knows when he woulde back.


    Knowing how difficult parting will be for a newly married couple, Gu Shuangforted with a smile. "Don''t worry Sister. When Brother-in-Law leaves, I''ll talk to Mother ande live with you for a while, alright?"


    Gu Ying curved her eyes with a smile. "Good."


    After the sisters finished talking, Aunt Zhao had sent someone to urge them over.


    Gu Shuang hugged her sister, feeling that this Ying sister has be more and more soft with tender flesh, her figure plump and curvy, delicate and lovely, not just Brother-in-Law, even she as a woman couldn''t help liking as well.


    Sheughed and nuzzled into her sister''s embrace, sniffing the alluring scent and said, "Sister, I''ll go first. You must remember ande back for Lantern Festival."


    Gu Ying nodded, sending off Aunt Zhao and Gu Shuang.


    Turning back, she saw her cousin still standing behind her, his gaze distant and staring into space, seeming to be looking at Fourth Sister''s back view.


    Gu Ying noticed the ck stain on his white robes, feeling slightly surprised. "Cousin, you didn''t realize your robes were dirty?"


    Ye Qingchi drew his attention back, still gentle and refined. "No matter, I''ll wash it when I get back."


    Gu Ying walked towards the residence while asking withughter. "Where''s my aunt?"


    Ye Qingchi replied, "She just woke from her nap and left straight away."


    "I see." Gu Ying further asked, "How is Jiang Yin recently?"


    "As you expected, he became Prince Shu''s follower and is relying on Prince Shu as his backer. He secretly pulled some ministers to his side under this cover and seems quite capable, not sure how, but able to swiftly grasp certain old ministers'' handles."


    Gu Ying was not surprised at all. For Jiang Yin who got a new lease of life through rebirth, these people were merely his pawns from his previous life that he could make use of again. Perhaps, even Prince Shu was unimportant to him.


    She gave a cold mockingughter. "What a clever man."


    Ye Qingchi asked in puzzlement, "Why is Eldest Miss Gu so concerned with him?"


    Gu Ying lifted her eyes to look deeply at him.


    In her previous life when Cousin was ripped apart by Jiang Yin, he wasn''t even of age yet... If Jiang Yin were to rise again, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    The man bent his finger and tapped the little girl''s forehead,ughing, "Don''t look at me with those eyes. Be careful your husband bes jealous andes to make trouble with me."

 Chapter 216: I want to be good to Ah Ying

    <h4>Chapter 216</h4>


    Gu Ying stroked her eyebrows irritably and red at him, but her heart was sweet, "What''s there to be jealous about, you''re my brother, not someone else."


    Ye Qingchiughed lightly. This girl still didn''t understand men.


    "Alright, I''ll remember what you said. Su and I are also keeping a close eye on Jiang Yin''s every move. He has a Zhang Liang n, and we have our own way. You''re just a young girl, just focus on being the future mistress of the Duke''s mansion, leave the rest to us men."


    Gu Ying felt a warmth in her heart, and her eyes moistened slightly, "Cousin, how is uncle?"


    Ye Qingchi''s mouth curved slightly, "Very good. With his health, he can easily live another seventy or eighty years. When you have time,e back to see him."


    "Yeah..."


    She owed her uncle too much that even now, she didn''t dare to see him.


    "After going to Yueyang, the Prince and I will work together ording to your reminder and n our actions. Don''t worry too much, nothing will go wrong."


    "I know cousin and the Prince are heroes of their time, they definitely won''t get into trouble." But she still couldn''tpletely let go of her worries. After all, Jiang Yin had the upper hand and was backed by Prince Shu. Who knows what he would do. "I''ll keep in touch with you. If there''s any change, we can respond ordingly."


    "Alright." Ye Qingchi naturally had absolute confidence in Gu Ying. Although he didn''t know why she knew so much about the future blizzard, he didn''t doubt anything. He reassured Gu Ying for a few sentences, "Mother and I will leave first ande see you when we return."


    "Okay."


    ...


    After leaving the Duke''s mansion,


    Ye Qingchi ran into the elusive Jiang Yin.


    At the corner of the long street by the teahouse, the man in blue robes and gown smiled slightly and bowed with his hands sped, "Is Young Master Ye going home with Madam Ye?"


    Ye Qingchi took one look at his clueless mother sitting in the carriage, and got off to let the servants take her back first. He was going to properly meet this man whom his sister said was sinister and ruthless.


    Watching the carriage leave into the distance, the faint smile on Jiang Yin''s face remained emotionless.


    She was just a pathetic middle-aged madam that he threw into a brothel to be yed with by thousands in hisst life. Not even worth mentioning.


    It was the youthful talent before him, Ye Qingchi, who was more worth his time to take another look at.


    Ye Qingchi stood with his hands behind his back, carefully looking at Jiang Yin. For some reason, he didn''t like this man with refined features that could even be considered handsome and had topped the imperial exam.


    His tone was very indifferent. "Master Jiang, did you need something?"


    The corners of Jiang Yin''s lips rose, "No, I just happened to run into Young Master Ye, so I wanted to say hello."


    Ye Qingchi was born into the Ye family, ingrained with innate arrogance. He especially despised those who did whatever it took to gain power through crooked means. "We don''t seem very familiar with each other."


    Jiang Yin was very patient. "We''ll slowly be familiar. I''m quite close with your sister. May I ask how she''s been recently?"


    Disgust shed in Ye Qingchi''s eyes as he coldly nced at him, "My Ye family''s people and matters have nothing to do with Master Jiang."


    Jiang Yin''s eyes narrowed slightly, and that irritation rose in his heart again.


    In hisst life, this was how Ye Qingchi had always looked at him disdainfully, like he was unworthy.


    Even after he married Gu Ying, the Ye family not only didn''t assist them, but looked down on him.


    Especially that old Ye Zhuohua. When he went to their door to ask for assistance and promotion, he had scolded him in front of outsiders, saying that he was unworthy and would eventually backfire.


    Not one of them liked him. They tried to make him divorce Gu Ying many times.


    Even when heter became Prime Minister,


    the Ye family never changed their view of him.


    In their virtuous eyes, he was just a worthlessmoner, unworthy to stand with them as equals.


    Hahaha...


    But what happened in the end?


    In the end, he made the entire Ye family die without a ce to be buried. He personally cut off Ye Zhuohua''s tongue that scolded him and stuffed it into his mouth, making him unable to speak for the rest of his life!


    He also threw all the maids in his wife''s residence, the daughters of the Ye family''s side branches, into brothels and let countless men torment them!


    He chopped the condescending Ye Qingchi who always tried to make him divorce Gu Ying into eight pieces and hung him on the city wall for themon people to curse every day.


    So what was Ye Qingchi so cocky about?


    In his eyes, he was just a defeated underling who was long dead and rotten.


    In this life, he would still make the Ye family fall apart with nothing left, uprootedpletely. By then, he would once again make Gu Ying watch her loved ones die before her eyes one by one.


    Thinking of this, Jiang Yin''s mood improved a little.


    He raised the corners of his lips, but there was no smile in his eyes. "The Gu family has a family banquet on Lantern Festival night. Shan''t Miss Gue back to the Gu family then?"


    Ye Qingchi''s brows furrowed. "What are you trying to do?"


    Jiang Yin raised his brows slightly, the smile at the corner of his lips deepening. "I''m the son-inw of the Dongping Earl Manor. What could I do? I just want to get an appropriate big gift for my wife''s sister when she returns home to her maiden family."


    "Jiang Yin, are you looking to die?" Ye Qingchi was irritated inside. He coldly nced at him, "You think backing Prince Shu means you can do whatever you want in Bianjing?"


    "Am I doing whatever I want?" Jiang Yin revealed a trace of innocence. "I only want to treat Miss Gu well."


    Of course Ye Qingchi knew about her improper rtionship with him before she married Prince Zhao. He was instantly cold. "Miss Gu''s name isn''t fit for you to say."


    A sinister glint shed in Jiang Yin''s eyes as hatred rose in his heart. "Does Young Master Ye still think I''m unworthy of Miss Gu?"


    "Still?" Ye Qingchi sneered contemptuously. "Even if you cultivated for several lifetimes, you still wouldn''t be worthy of our Miss Gu. Stop fantasizing."


    As soon as this was said, it struck Jiang Yin''s sore spot.


    Jiang Yin''s entire handsome face darkened, ck clouds swirling in his eyes filled with killing intent.


    Ye Qingchi had never been afraid of this man, even though Miss Gu had stressed multiple times that this man was cunning and sinister and to be careful dealing with him.


    But in his eyes, Jiang Yin was just a despicable petty man who didn''t hesitate by any means for fame and profit.


    Not to mention making a move on him, even the Prince wouldn''t let him covet Miss Gu again.


    He smiled and couldn''t be bothered to beat around the bush with him. He expressionlessly left from Jiang Yin''s side.


    But just to be safe, after returning, he specially sent someone to the Duke''s mansion to remind Miss Gu to be careful of Jiang Yin herself while she was in Bianjing.


    He also secretly sent several capable men to drag Jiang Yin into an alley and beat him up.


    However, the men he sent back said that Jiang Yin was actually secretly protected by Prince Shu''s hidden guards.


    "Yo, they didn''t manage to beat him up huh. This Jiang Yin has some skills, no wonder Du''s men haven''t been able to catch him."


    The one who said this was Su.


    Ever since they met, Su would often visit the Ye family. Now seeing Ye Qingchi sitting quietly at the desk in white clothes like an elegant gentleman, he really couldn''t associate him with the ruthless demon who just sent people to beat someone up.


    But it was pretty interesting. The gentle and refined handsome gentleman actually had the heart of a bloodless grim reaper inside.


    He''s a good match for Miss Gu indeed. No wonder they could be family.


    Ye Qingchi said, "And you''re stillughing?"


    Suughed very annoyingly. "Of course! Prince Shu secretly keeping guards, isn''t that explosive news? If the Emperor finds out, it would be enough to get him executed."

 Chapter 217: Do you like it, Du

    <h4>Chapter 217</h4>


    Ye Qingchi''s eyes were deep, and he poured hot tea for himself and the person opposite, saying lightly, "Since this is the case, it would be best to resolve Prince Shu early. Having Prince Duan being suppressed like this all along is not a good thing."


    Su He said, "If Concubine Wan was not stationed in the pce and the garrisonmander Xia Zixi was not protecting him, could Prince Shu have lived until now? Prince Shu''s intention to seize the throne is as clear as day. It''s just that His Majesty dotes on Concubine Wan and turns a blind eye. Besides, didn''t younger sister say to hold off our troops first?"


    Ye Qingchi thought, "It¡¯s not unreasonable to refrain from taking action, but I¡¯m afraid Prince Duan¡¯s health cannot wait."


    Su He''s mouth slightly moved as he slowly said, "His Majesty truly loves and favors Concubine Wan immensely. The imperial physician in Prince Duan¡¯s residence was also rmended by Concubine Wan, no? His son has always been of poor health, yet he refuses treatment by the imperial doctors and instead believes in quack physicians. This emperor..."


    Ye Qingchi red at him, "How dare you discuss the affairs of His Majesty?¡±


    Su He smiled charmingly with his peach blossom eyes. "Why not? If you don''t say it and I don''t say it, then who would know?"


    The Su family were inws who assisted Tianqi Emperor in ascending to the throne. They were once very powerful and extremely wealthy. Countless people in Bianjing envied them.


    But after Concubine Wan gained favor, they gradually declined.


    In the entire Su family, only Su He was considered an outsider and raised as such. In regards to fame and official career, Su He always stood aloof.


    In the eyes of others, Su He was just a carefree young master who toyed with the human world. And since he did not have any favor, besides having money, he also did not have the power to inherit the property of the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor in the future.


    Because others did not value him and did not take him seriously, it allowed him to stand apart from the political situation, thus enabling him to see the big picture clearly.


    Ye Qingchi always felt something was not right. "Speaking of Concubine Wan, how much does your Hanging Clouds Brothel know about this person?"


    Speaking of this, Su He suddenly remembered a pce secret from that year.


    When Concubine Wan had just been brought back to Bianjing, she had already given birth to Li Yang. Li Yang''s one year birthday celebration was even held in the pce.


    Concubine Wan said she had carried Li Yang to full term, but when she took him back, he was shrivelled up like a raisin, weighing only five catties.


    At that time, many people were already spreading rumors that the child was not His Majesty¡¯s.


    But His Majesty cherished Concubine Wan in his heart, so of course he did not believe those rumors.


    Because of this matter, Concubine Wan had even fallen gravely ill in the pce. His Majesty felt so distressed that he did not hold court for half a month, staying by her side to personally attend to her.


    There were many malicious rumors circting in the pce. His Majesty was furious and killed a group of pce maidservants before the matter finally died down.


    Afterwards, no one dared to bring it up again.


    "But don''t you really think that Prince Shu looks nothing like His Majesty?¡± Su He said, ¡°When he was young he resembled Concubine Wan, so it was hard to tell. But now that he has grown up, his facial features have sharpened, and he looks nothing like His Majesty no matter how you look at him."


    Ye Qingchi said in a deep voice, "Go investigate Concubine Wan."


    Su He''s peach blossom eyes slightly narrowed. "Alright. Since Eldest Master Ye has spoken, I¡¯ll reluctantly take it upon myself to personally go investigate."


    ...


    Zhao Changdu said nothing when he knew Su He was going to Jiangnan in person. He secretly sent a team of men to protect him.


    Gu Ying pondered the words Su He had left with. She also remembered that in her previous life there were rumors that Prince Shu was not His Majesty¡¯s biological son.


    But in the end, His Majesty publicly did a blood recognition in front of all civil and military officials with Prince Shu.


    It confirmed their blood rtionship.


    After that, anyone who dared say anything more would be immediately imprisoned.


    "What are you thinking about so intently?¡± The man hugged her from behind. ¡°So engrossed in your thoughts?"


    Gu Ying could hear the man''s low and sexy voice by her ear. Her earlobes itched slightly. She smiled and said, "It¡¯s nothing. I was just thinking Su He makes sense that Prince Shu really looks nothing like His Majesty."


    Zhao Changdu nuzzled the girl''s neck with his chin. "Everyone says he resembles Concubine Wan."


    Gu Ying¡¯s breathing became erratic, and her cheeks flushed slightly. "Although that''s the case, I still feel that his appearance resembles Concubine Wan¡¯s at most...if you look closely, their facial features don''t actually match that much..."


    Zhao Changdu gazed at her eyes attentively. He turned her body to face him, put his big hand around her slender waist, and carefully examined her appearance. He meaningfully said, "It would be best if Ah Rong can give birth to a son for me who resembles his mother."


    Somehow the topic had turned to this.


    Gu Ying red at him resentfully, but her face turned somewhat pale. "It''s still early to talk about having children..."


    She was not ready to have children for him yet.


    Deep down, she always felt that she would not be able to conceive.


    The disgusting things that happened and the medicine she took in her previous life made her nauseous. She was unwilling to make herself be neither ghost nor human just for the sake of having a child again.


    Zhao Changdu gazed deeply into her eyes. Seeing her avoidance, he did not continue to entangle her with this topic.


    He had always known that she secretly took contraceptive medicine behind his back.


    Although he was unhappy about it in his heart, he would not say anything. He would wait until the day the little girl was willing to have children for him.


    He lightly kissed the tip of the little girl''s nose. "Let nature take its course."


    Gu Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."


    The man turned and entered the pure room. She stiffly sat on the incense burner, knowing that the Crown Prince was probably unhappy.


    Although he never said anything, she could feel it¡ªthe Crown Prince had a special yearning for children.


    She sat there and waited for a while, until her body warmed up before she slipped under the quilt.


    In the room, themp looked like red beans.


    Zhao Changdu came out after his bath, rubbed his slightly damp hair dry, and walked to the bedside. Seeing the slight bulge of the little girl''s figure under the quilt, the corners of his lips lifted up slightly as he smiled. He probably thought she was too tired and had fallen asleep.


    He turned off thentern and got into bed.


    But as soon as he got under the quilt, he felt a soft body rustling closer on her own initiative.


    It was rare for the little girl to take the initiative like this.


    In the darkness, the man calmly lifted his eyelids open.


    The little girl''s head cautiously leaned against his arm. He moved his chin and pressed it against her hair, asking gently, "Not asleep yet?"


    The little girl muttered, "No."


    Zhao Changdu habitually put his arm around her slender and smooth waist. "Can''t sleep?"


    "Mm...waiting for you toe back before sleeping."


    "Being so obedient?"


    "Haven''t I always been quite obedient?"


    Listening to the little girl''s gentle voice, Zhao Changdu''s heart gradually became restless.


    "Ah Du, are you tired?"


    "I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll chat with you for a while if you can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    "Okay."


    Gu Ying moistened her lips and nervously snuggled up closer to his chest.


    She had mustered up her courage before daring to reach down with her hand.


    Moonlight like frost and snow shone in through the windowttices. Zhao Changdu was caught off guard by the little girl''s actions. He gritted his teeth, and his voice quickly turned hoarse. "Who taught you?"


    Gu Ying''s lips and tongue were dry, and she was mentally tense. Hearing his suppressed voice, she lightly lifted her thick and long eyshes. For the first time taking the lead under the hazy canopy, she looked towards his handsome face. Her eye sockets grew damp. "Ah Du, do you like it?"

 Chapter 218: The Goblin

    <h4>Chapter 218</h4>


    Zhao Changdu held her nape tightly, closed his eyes for a moment, and felt hot and tense all over.


    Moreover, the little girl had grown into an enchanting beauty. Her eyes were wet, and the charm between her brows was enough to take one''s breath away.


    Gu Ying leaned against him. Her slender, fair fingers gradually became damp with sweat and extremely hot.


    Zhao Changdu''s breathing grew heavier.


    That slender waist would be the end of any man.


    He heaved a muffled sigh, caressing the smooth, jade-like skin on her waist. His voice was low and hoarse to the extreme.


    "Gu Ying, you really are a witch."


    ...


    A few dayster, the court had prepared supplies and Zhao Changdu took the Qilin Army to depart for Yueyang.


    Ye Qingchi, the youngest imperial censor from the Censorate, also went along.


    Before leaving, Gu Ying specifically made him a pair of boots and a sachet, and put in a talisman for safety.


    After the man received the gifts, he was extremely reluctant to part with her and kept asking her to make love.


    Gu Ying already had feelings for him so she naturally did not reject such passionate intimacy.


    She had experienced indifference in her previous marriage and neglect from Jiang Yin. This was the first time she met someone as... for a while, she felt somewhat unustomed.


    She had always believed that she would no longer feel anything for men.


    But whenever she was with him... she could deeply feel that her heart was burning hot.


    She was willing to bloom for him, and willing to let her heart be warmed under his fiery kisses.


    On the day the two men departed, Gu Ying went to see them off.


    In the carriage, the man stroked her tender cheeks.


    Gu Ying''s face was slightly red, but she still remained rtively calm. In the small space, she nestled in his arms and could feel his heavy breathing.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were dark and profound. He said hoarsely, "I will be back in a month at most. You must be careful at home. I am leaving Huo Qiyun to you. For any matter, you must consult him before making a decision, do you understand?"


    "Mm... I understand."


    "You must protect yourself well. Nothing else matters."


    "Alright, I know."


    The man looked at the girl''s sensible eyes and gave a lowugh. "And remember to miss me."


    "Okay..."


    "Take good care of yourself. When Ie back, give me a big, fat son."


    Gu Ying looked up at him with watery eyes. Her heart softened a little. She paused and said, "I''d like a daughter..."


    Hearing this, Zhao Changdu was overjoyed. He held her face and deepened the kiss. "Ah Ying, did you just promise me?"


    Gu Ying''s breathing grew chaotic, her little face red. "I guess... I guess so."


    Anyway, she had forgotten to take her medicine several times already.


    If she did get pregnant, she would keep the child. If not... it was fate.


    The carriage rattled as it traveled. Soon, they reached the outskirts of the city.


    Several dozen Qilin Army soldiers were standing neatly on the highway outside the suburban ry station. Behind them was an endless stream of grain, forage and supplies.


    After getting out of the carriage, Gu Ying''s face was still red.


    Ye Qingchi nced at her and silently scolded Zhao Changdu. *That dog of a man really knows how to take advantage of people.*


    And at a time like this, he still couldn''t forget about that!


    However, regarding Huo Qiyun''s matter, Zhao Changdu''s arrangements aligned well with his own intentions.


    Not just him - Father and Mother also looked at the Crown Prince in a new light. Everyone in Bianjing City was saying that Gu Ying had married well!


    The Crown Prince''s reputation for doting on his wife excessively has been firmly established.


    The wind and snow were even more deste outside the city than inside. Gu Ying smiled and bid farewell to Ye Qingchi.


    Just before leaving, Ye Qingchi wanted to ruffle the little girl''s hair but seeing the Crown Prince''s cold gaze, he decided against it. "Ah Ying, take good care of yourself alone in Bianjing. Remember to visit my parents often."


    Gu Ying''s mouth curved up. "Who said I''m alone? I still have my brother, Yin Zhu, Yin Lan, Yan Zhi and the people the Crown Prince left to protect me."


    Ye Qingchi smiled slightly. "Then I won''t worry."


    Ye Zhuoning was Father''s only daughter. Now Gu Ying is Auntie''s only daughter too. Of course the entire Ye family dotes on her like a precious jewel.


    After discussing with Zhao Changdu, Ye Qingchi had specially arranged for Ye family guards to secretly protect the Duke''s Residence and ensure this youngdy''s safety.


    Gu Ying wore a thick fox fur coat but still felt she couldn''t stand the piercing north wind. Her little face was reddened by the cold, like a spring honey peach. "Alright Cousin, you and Ah Du are equally naggy!"


    Ye Qingchi was dissatisfied. "How am I as naggy as him?"


    Gu Yingughed andined, "You are! Both of you are not that old but you act like my dad!"


    Zhao Changdu and Ye Qingchi smiled at each other. He authoritatively gathered her under his cloak and after repeatedly exhorted her, still felt uneasy.


    Especially regarding Jiang Yin.


    "I know," Gu Ying''s eyes turned cold. "I''ll be careful around him."


    Not just careful, she wanted to properly meet with him too.


    She wanted to know if he really reincarnated like her.


    After sending off the Crown Prince and Cousin, Gu Ying took the carriage straight to the Ye residence.


    Uncle is temperamental. Knowing she hade, he didn''t enthusiastically wee her butter when Auntie said, "You know, he was overjoyed in his room! He changed his clothes three, four times beforeing out to see you!"


    Gu Ying''s nose turned sour when she heard this and her eyes grew wet.


    "Uncle... Ah Ying was in the wrong before. I won''t distance myself from the Ye family anymore in the future."


    Ye Zhuohua red at Qin. "Nonsense! Who said I was overjoyed! Ah Ying is my Ye family''s child. Coming home is just like any other normal visit. Why would I be especially happy!"


    "Don''t listen to your Auntie. She''s always been brazen and loves to exaggerate!"


    Qin retorted unhappily, "It''s just your temperament, I don''t even know why I was attracted to you back then! Hmph!"


    "If you weren''t attracted to me, who else could you be attracted to?"


    "I can be attracted to whoever I want, what''s it got to do with you?"


    "You dare! Who else dares marry you apart from me?"


    "Ye Zhuohua! How bold of you!"


    The couple quarreled aggressively, neither willing to back down.


    Gu Ying, with red-rimmed eyes, alsoughed. "Alright Uncle, stop pretending to be tough."


    Qin held Gu Ying''s little hand excitedly andughed. "That''s right, however silver-tongued you may be in the imperial court, can you win against me at home?"


    Ye Zhuohua held his forehead, feeling that he hadpletely lost face in front of his niece. "You, you, Ah Ying is still here! Can''t you give me some dignity?!"


    Doting on one''s wife seems to run in the Ye family bloodline judging by how afraid of madam this is.


    Gu Ying heard that paternal grandfather is already ny years old but he still fears paternal grandmother!


    After the meal at the Ye residence, Gu Ying''s heart felt soft and warm. Apart from marrying the Crown Prince, she felt that nothing was happier than reuniting with family.


    Just before leaving, Ye Zhuohua was on the verge of tears.


    As an elder, he couldn''t lose face. If Gu Ying had not taken the initiative to visit today, the knot in his heart would remain unresolved.


    Now that they have cleared up the misunderstanding, all is well.


    ...

 Chapter 219: Madman

    <h4>Chapter 219</h4>


    After the Eldest Prince left, Gu Ying stayed in Changfeng Pavilion all the time without going out much. Whenever other families held banquets and invited her, she always declined due to illness and only sent gifts over.


    Later, she asked Huai An to find a tutor from outside to teach Gu Ning.


    After the Eldest Prince left, she spent more time apanying her younger brother. Yu Gu was also kept at the Prince''s residence to specially help her.


    Before the tutor arrived, she taught Gu Ning to read and write by herself. During her free time, she would also learn medicine from Yu Gu.


    Yin Lan''s martial arts skills were good so she could also teach Gu Ning some basic mantras and techniques.


    Nowadays, Gu Ning''s legs were getting better and better, and the atrophied muscles on his calves had grown back. Gradually, he was even able to stand on the ground.


    Although he still couldn''t walk, being able to stand firmly on the ground had already brought tears to this proud little boy''s eyes.


    Gu Ying clenched her fists as she watched him lean on crutches under the eaves, with moist eyes, "Good job, Ah Ning!"


    For the first time, there was light in Gu Ning''s eyes. "Sister, I want to learn martial arts."


    Gu Ying naturally agreed. "Alright."


    In order to find him a good martial arts master, she spent a lot of money to have Huai An hire a master in the Jianghu.


    That master is now a shabby beggar, but during theter great turmoil in the world when wars were about to break out, with his lone efforts, he guarded the Bianjing City gates and resisted the rebel forces from invading.


    He is still wandering outside now. She has to ask someone to invite him earlier.


    ...


    After Zhao Changxing was imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice for a period of time, Prince managed to get him out after running around. It was said that after he got him out, he almost lost half his life. Cheng was so angry that she smashed down pots and vases.


    Who dared to physically punish the eldest young master of the Prince''s residence?


    Other than that man, she really couldn''t think of anyone else.


    Zhao Changxing was half-lying on the bed, not angry at all. He had ancent smile at the corner of his lips.


    Cheng sighed and cried, "You still have the mood tough! That brute Zhao Changdu, how could he be so cruel to you! I really regret being too kind to him in the beginning. I should have killed him when he was still young!"


    Zhao Changxing nced sideways at his mother and said, "Mother, don''t cry. Now that he is gone, only his little wife is left in the family. I will get back all the torture he inflicted on me, from his little wife''s body."


    Speaking of Gu Ying, Cheng was even more furious. "Her? You still care about her? Xing''er, what exactly are you thinking? Back then, just to make Zhao Changdu angry, you went through great lengths to obtain Huo Qiyun. And now, you want to possess Gu Ying too?"


    "What''s wrong with that?" Zhao Changxing said disdainfully, "Women are just ythings. Gu Ying''s mother was the greatest beauty in Bianjing. Her beauty surpasses that of Huo Qiyun. Not to mention me, even Prince Shu covets her. With Zhao Changdu gone, Gu Ying has lost her backer and will sooner orter be obtained by me."


    Cheng felt uneasy, yet happily said at the same time, "Prince Shu? My son, how did you get acquainted with Prince Shu?"


    The Prince''s residence remained neutral and treated the two royal princes equally, so it didn''t get any benefits.


    But her thoughts were different from the Prince''s. She actually wanted to establish ties with Prince Shu¡¯s residence, since Prince Shu was doted on by His Majesty. She was just vexed that there was no opportunity.


    Zhao Changxing narrowed his eyes, recalling in his mind when Prince Shu and Jiang Yin came to visit him in the prison of the Ministry of Justice.


    Prince Shu looked for him for only one purpose, which was to obtain Gu Ying.


    As long as he helped Prince Shu get Gu Ying, there would be endless benefits in the future.


    But then he thought again, Gu Ying had long be Zhao Changdu''s woman. It wouldn''t matter if he yed with her a few times before presenting her to Prince Shuter on. Prince Shu wouldn''t be able to tell.


    Thinking of this, Zhao Changxing sneered softly. The lust in his eyes grew thicker and thicker.


    "Nothing much. It was just Prince Shu coveting Gu Ying¡¯s beauty and wanting me to pull some strings for him secretly."


    Cheng said solemnly, "My son, you must not touch Gu Ying. She is not the same as Huo Qiyun."


    Zhao Changxing looked provocatively. "What if I insist on touching her? Who can stop me?"


    Cheng was so angry that her whole body trembled. She was speechless for a long time as she pointed at her unfilial son.


    "Madman!"


    She didn''t like Gu Ying. Not only because she felt that Gu Ying was not easy to deal with, but also because she, as a woman herself, could feel Gu Ying¡¯s attractiveness to men as a woman.


    She was born too beautiful. That kind of attraction was irresistible.


    No man could resist the bewitching that was ingrained in her bones.


    If her son was obsessed with her, there would only be a road leading to death!


    ...


    Gu Ying heard that Zhao Changxing had returned, and also heard that he had sent gifts to the Huo residence to apologize to Huo Qiyun.


    However, there had been no news about Huo Qiyun after she returned to the Huo residence.


    Gu Ying was not too concerned with how things would eventually turn out between them.


    Anyway, the Prince''s residence was huge. Everyone could just mind their own business. She would not go near Zhao Changxing day and night even half a step.


    Although the Eldest Prince was not at home, Huo Qiyan still shamelessly moved in.


    After she moved in, she couldn''t seduce the Eldest Prince anymore, so she stayed by Cheng¡¯s side every day, sweet-talking her.


    Cheng was displeased by her many times due to her not paying morning and evening greetings as a daughter-inw should. But there was nothing she could do with her.


    She still had to speak nicely to ask someone to plead for Sun Mammy to be released.


    Yin Lan wondered, "My Lady, don''t you find it strange? Cheng cares too much about Sun Mammy."


    She was just a servant after all, not an elder in the Prince''s residence. On the contrary, she was a maid whom the Prince casually bought to serve his concubine back then.


    Although she had followed her for decades, Cheng was not someone who would be sentimental towards a servant. Logically speaking, she would not care so much about a servant like this and repeatedlypromise to ask for her release.


    Gu Ying was sitting at the desk writing a letter to the Eldest Prince. Her mind was still thinking about those sweet words the Eldest Prince wrote in his letter that made her blush with embarrassment. Her heart pounded like crazy. Upon hearing this, her face flushed as she calmed down from her thoughts, ¡°How is Sun Mammy now?¡±


    Yin Lan said gently while grinding ink, "She''s still in the wood hut. The Eldest Prince''s men are guarding it so that no one can enter or she cane out. That Sun Mammy has quite a bad temper. She¡¯s making demands for food and drinks even while being locked up inside. She eats exotic delicacies and drinks good soups and broths simmered in Cheng¡¯s courtyard. Cheng doesn¡¯t seem like someone who would indulge her servants to act so unreasonably. But she is clearly spoiling Sun Mammy. It looks rather suspicious in this ve''s eyes."


    Gu Ying fell into deep thought as she wrote another line on the paper, "I miss you. Hurry there ande back soon. I''ll be waiting for your return."

 Chapter 220: A Visit from Ningsi

    <h4>Chapter 220</h4>


    "I''ll go and take a look," she said.


    Finishing her words, she carefully folded the letter in her hand and handed it to Yin Lan. "Deliver it."


    "Yes, madam."


    Yin Lan and Huai An had been in contact more and more often, all because of this task of delivering the letters.


    Lately, Huai An''s gaze towards Yin Lan had be increasingly intense.


    Yin Lan was experienced and naturally understood what it meant when a man looked at a woman with such infatuation. However, she had been hurt in love and would never be moved by a man again in this lifetime.


    Thus, she could only disappoint Lord Huai.


    With a faint expression, she ignored the burning desire in his eyes. "Lord Huai, here is the letter."


    Huai An took the letter, smiling as he looked at the person in front of him. He felt an intense longing for her after just one day of not seeing her. "Good. By the way, Yin Lan, the Lantern Festival is approaching. Do you have any preferences¡ª"


    "No."


    "Yin Lan, you¡ª"


    Yin Lan gracefully curtsied, her expression somewhat aloof. "Lord Huai, I must take my leave. Madam still needs me."


    "Hmm, what''s going on?"


    Every time Yin Lan finished delivering a letter, she would leave without saying much.


    Huai An scratched his head in confusion. Could it be that she disliked him?


    ...


    After lunch, Gu Ying took Yin Lan with her to the firewood room.


    Looking through the window, they indeed saw Nanny Sun snoring loudly, lying in a pile of grass. She was covered with a silk quilt, cushioned by a velvet mattress, and there was a well-burning charcoal fire on the ground, along with the unfinished hot wine from noon.


    Gu Ying furrowed her brows. "Are these things all sent by the Cheng family?"


    The two hidden guards guarding outside replied, "Yes, madam. Nanny Sun makes many demands, and the Cheng family always meets them. We are here on orders to guard, and the Crown Prince never said to let Nanny Sun die here, so we turn a blind eye."


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, sensing that something was amiss. "Go and investigate Nanny Sun''s background."


    "Yes, madam."


    Gu Ying had just returned to the main hall of Changfeng Pavilion from the firewood room. She had taken a fur coat and was sitting by the incense burner to warm herself when Yanzhi rushed in, her face flushed. "Madam! Miss Ning is here! She''s waiting outside!"


    Gu Ying was delighted. One of her few good friends hade to visit her at the mansion. She put on the fur coat and hurriedly went out to greet her.


    After a while, she saw Ning Si entering Changfeng Pavilion wearing a crimson hood.


    From a distance, Ning Si smiled and said, "Sister Ying, how have you been?"


    Gu Ying held up an umbre and quickly walked over to shield her from the snow. However, she was walking too fast and felt a sudden cramp in her abdomen. She endured it and didn''t pay much attention, smiling as she asked, "Si, I heard you jumped into the water that night. It startled me."


    "Didn''t you teach me that?" Ning Si replied.


    "I didn''t ask you to jump into the water on a freezing winter day."


    Ning Si remembered the time she spent in the pce, with Prince Duan by her bedside day and night, despite his ailing body. She blushed and said, "If I hadn''t jumped into the water and pushed Prince Duan to his limits, how would he have shown his true feelings for me? Gu Ying, despite being younger than you, you are much wiser."


    Gu Ying smiled and replied, "I was just an impartial observer, Ning Si. How are you feeling now?"


    Ning Si, two years older than Gu Ying, took her hand and smiled. "Much better. My dizziness and blurred vision are gone, and my mood has improved."


    The two of them chatted andughed as they entered the main room.


    Gu Ying instructed Yanzhi to take Ning Si''s maid, Qing Yun, downstairs to warm herself by the fire. She also asked Yin Lan to prepare some hot tea and pastries.


    Since the Crown Prince left, Ning Si had been living alone in the spacious Changfeng Pavilion, and it was not just lonely, but also filled with reminders of the Crown Prince at every turn.


    She managed to keep herself busy, but in her moments of leisure, she couldn''t help but reminisce.


    Now that Ning Si was here, it brought some relief to Gu Ying''s mncholy, and the Changfeng Pavilion became lively for a change.


    The two of them took off their cloaks and sat happily around the charcoal stove. Yin Lan and Qing Yun brought the pastries, and then discreetly closed the door.


    The maidservants were enjoying themselves in the adjacent room, and even Yin Zhu, who had been halfway through reading a book, joined them in ying cards.


    Only the two of them remained in the room.


    In addition to their connection from their past lives, Gu Ying''s feelings for Ning Si in this life were different from other girls.


    She admired Ning Si''s appearance¡ªa face shaped like an oval, delicate eyebrows the color of shallow green, a straight and slightly upturned nose, rosy cheeks like snow, beautiful eyes that were clear and gentle, exuding an air of grace and virtue.


    Ning Si also had an excellent temperament, and when she loved someone, she did so with sincerity, remaining faithful until the end, never causing harm to anyone.


    When Gu Ying was suffering in Jiangyin Prefecture, Ning Si was the only person who came to visit her. At that time, Ning Si''s life in Prince Duan''s residence was not good either, but she still gathered the strength tofort Gu Ying, always saying that things would get better and urging her to live well.


    It was a pity that the girl who had encouraged her to live well took her own life in front of her lover''s coffin.


    And Gu Ying, trapped in a dpidated temple, endured ten years of torment, unable to live, yet unable to die.


    Their tragic lives could be considered evenly matched.


    Gu Ying hadn''t reminisced about her past life for a long time, but now, seeing Ning Si, she felt a surge of emotions. She held Ning Si''s small hand tightly and didn''t want to let go.


    No matter what, Ning Si must be happy with Prince Duan.


    Ning Si smiled and took a few nces at Gu Ying, sighed, and said, "Ever since I saw you at the pce banquet, I was amazed by your beauty. And now, seeing you up close, it''s like you''re made of water¡ªpure and ethereal, like a celestial fairy. The more I look at you, the more I like you."


    As a young girl, she blushed and her heart raced just by staring at Gu Ying''s beauty. If a man saw her, who knows how weak he would be?


    There were rumors that the Crown Prince had fallen under her spell, and it was not merely baseless gossip.


    This exquisite beauty, who used to be hidden and kept by the Gu family, is now exposed to the public eye. It''s unknown whether that''s a blessing or a curse.


    She looked around and saw that the room was gorgeously decorated and cozy, clearly showing that it had been carefully arranged. "Huh? I''ve heard people say that the Crown Prince loves Huo Qiyun. After you married into this family, you even poisoned Huo Qiyun to vie for favor. Gu Ying, is this true or false?"


    She had been worried about this while in the pce, and now that she had finallye out, she naturally wanted to rify things.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly and replied, "Rumors are not trustworthy. I didn''t administer that poison; she did it to herself."

 Chapter 221: An Opportunity Presented to You

    <h4>Chapter 221</h4>


    Ning Si was incredulous, "She actually did such a thing? Could it be just for the Eldest Prince and you?"


    "Mm," Gu Ying nodded. Seeing her reveal a worried look, she smiled, "But the Eldest Prince won''t be fooled. The Eldest Prince found an excuse, tricked Zhao Changxing, and sent Huo Qiyun back to the Huo family."


    Ning Si stroked her chest and took a deep breath of relief, "I''ve seen her a few times before. She looked gentle, I really didn''t expect her to do such extreme things. Ah Ying, fortunately the Eldest Prince believes you."


    "Yes," Gu Ying happily curled the corners of her mouth, "Him believing me is enough."


    Seeing her whole face full of happiness, Ning Siughed and asked again, "The Eldest Prince has been in Yueyang for four or five days, do you miss him?"


    Gu Ying nodded, "Mm, counting the journey, he should be halfway up the slope."


    Missing him goes without saying, but more is worrying.


    On February 15, 1623, there was an avnche in the valley halfway up the slope. Dozens of people under Prince Shu were buried alive in the snow.


    But she had already reminded the Eldest Prince of the route. This time, they would change the route, or go through the valley ahead of time.


    Anyway, nothing would happen.


    Ning Si saw a hint of sorrow appear between her brows when she talked about the Eldest Prince. She teased, "You''ve only been married for a short while, yet His Majesty made you separate from your husband. It really is difficult for you. But you, don''t be too sad. I will oftene over to chat with you. Ah Ying, would you like to go appreciate thentern lights together during the uing Lantern Festival?"


    Gu Ying sincerely thanked her, "Ah Si, you''re the nicest to me."


    She was imprisoned by Jiang Yin all her life and had almost no friends. She was really grateful that Ning Si did not abandon her.


    Still?


    Ning Si was puzzled, "It seems we didn''t know each other before?"


    Gu Ying meaningfullyughed, "Maybe we were good friends in our past life?"


    Ning Si also didn''t know why she felt such a strong sense of closeness towards Gu Ying. Anyway, she was happy to make this friend.


    But she was no fool either. When Ah Ying talked to herst time, she felt something was off.


    "Ah Ying, I should be thanking you for helping me and His Highness Prince Duan this time."


    Gu Ying chuckled, "As long as you and His Highness Prince Duan are fine, I''ll feel at ease."


    If Prince Shu''s health was good, he wouldn''t think of separating Ning Si anymore.


    It would be the best ending if they could be together happily in this lifetime after suffering for a lifetime.


    Yet Ning Si suddenly asked seriously, "Ah Ying, tell me honestly, how did you know Prince Shu put drugs in His Highness Prince Duan''s food?"


    Gu Ying was stunned. She hadn''t expected Ning Si to ask her this.


    She nkly stared at Ning Si. A strong urge made her want to tell Ning Si everything she had experienced... After thinking twice, she still didn''t want to drag her into this painful abyss.


    The corners of her lips curved up into a gentle smile. She came up with a reason and said, "It was the Eldest Prince who told me. The Eldest Prince''s people found some clues. I just thought to give you a reminder to be careful not to fall into Prince Shu''s trap."


    Ning Si gazed into her eyes for a moment without doubting her words.


    After all, with the Eldest Prince''s power and influence, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to find out some things.


    Moreover, the conflict between Prince Shu and Prince Duan over the crown prince''s position was intensifying.


    It was time for the position of Crown Prince to be determined.


    Thinking of the days and nights she had spent with His Highness Prince Duan recently, she shyly smiled. "After changing his diet as you advised, his health has improved a lot. Although he still coughs, he doesn''t cough blood anymore. I believe he will get better and better. Ah Ying, I really have to thank you. His Highness said that when the Eldest Princees back, he must treat you to a nice meal."


    Gu Ying met Ning Si''s clear eyes. She wanted to tell her so much about her rebirth.


    She was carrying too heavy of a burden. She really hoped there was someone who could share it with her and change fate together.


    She unconsciously gripped Ning Si''s soft little hand with some force.


    If Ah Si knew those things, would she look down on her?


    Ning Si looked up puzzled, "Ah Ying, what''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying swallowed and let out a dryugh. She pulled the corners of her lips and said, "No...nothing. It''s just our road ahead is still arduous. Ah Si, you must take good care of His Highness Prince Duan."


    In the end, she didn''t have the courage. She sighed and decided to continue hiding it.


    Ning Si nodded. She would naturally think of ways to protect His Highness Prince Duan.


    It was just that his health hadn''t fully recovered yet. Although he had anxiously jumped into the water with her that day, after tirelessly taking care of her day and night, he was still stubborn towards her, refusing to say that he liked her and was willing to marry her.


    But to be able to be like now, she was already very happy and satisfied.


    After the Lantern Festival, she would go to Qingyun Temple to pray and make a wish for His Highness Prince Duan''s peace and safety. If he still refused to marry her, she would wish for him to soon find a princess consort that he liked and soon have children.


    Gu Ying didn''t know what Ning Si was thinking. She happily kept her to dine together.


    It wasn''t until the evening meal that Ning Si left Prince Guo''s residence.


    Outside the moon gate at the end of the nine-bend corridor in the rear garden, Huo Qiyan watched Ning Si and Gu Ying leaveughing and chatting. She curiously asked, "Since when were they so close?"


    The maid Cui Yu standing behind Huo Qiyan said, "Eldest Young Miss wasn''t back from her hometown previously. It seems they got acquainted at the imperial banquet."


    Huo Qiyan let out a contemptuous snort. A master diviner had told her she was born with the fate of great fortune and prosperity and was destined to be an imperial consort.


    With her status and identity, she had never looked upon Ning Si.


    Yet His Majesty the Empress Dowager''s eldest son, Prince Duan, only had Ning Si in his heart, which often made her feel uneasy.


    Although she liked cousin, why didn''t Prince Shu and Prince Duan like her?


    What was sheckingpared to Ning Si?


    "She and Gu Ying look very close. Didn''t Gu Ying always note out of Changfeng Pavilion? This good opportunity has delivered itself to the door," the corners of Huo Qiyan''s lips slightly curved up in a smile. "Eldest cousin said to wait for the right time, but isn''t this the perfect chance?"


    "Second Young Lady, you can''t be..."

 Chapter 222: A Pain in the Stomach

    <h4>Chapter 222</h4>


    Huo Qiyan red at her in annoyance, "Keep your mouth shut. You can''t do anything right. What use are you?"


    "Maidservant..." Cui Yu said aggrievedly, "Mydy, those two Yanzhi and Yin Lan are truly hard to get close to. This servant has tried to get on their good side several times to no avail. They arepletely indifferent. Also, everything in Changfeng Pavilion is strictly guarded. We don''t have enough people to infiltrate it... Not to mention slipping something into the Crown Princess''s food, even getting close to Changfeng Pavilion is no easy feat..."


    A sh of resentment went through Huo Qiyan''s eyes. She waved her sleeve angrily, "What makes her a Crown Princess!"


    "This servant misspoke..."


    "Come, let''s go find cousin and discuss this."


    "Yes, mydy..."


    ...


    After sending Ning Si back, Gu Ying happened to see Huo Qiyan storm off in the distance.


    Yin Lan told her about Cui Yu''s recent attempts at ingratiation.


    Gu Ying said helplessly, "Don''t get too involved with those Huo sisters. Neither of them are good news."


    Yin Lan smiled, "Mistress, don''t worry. This servant knows better."


    Gu Ying was naturally reassured by Yin Lan, but still felt uneasy, "My close rtionship with Ning Si can''t be kept secret. If someone tries to use her against me, I''ll be in a very passive position. Yin Lan, tell Yanzhi to go find Huai An. Ask him to arrange two guards to secretly protect Ning Si."


    Yin Lan hesitated, slightly taken aback, "Mistress..."


    Gu Ying smiled and took her cold hand to warm it up in her palm, "I''ve said it before. If you don''t want to, I''ll find an opportunity to exin things clearly to Huai An. Don''t be scared. If you don''t want to marry, I''ll support you for the rest of my life."


    Touched, Yin Lan''s eyes reddened slightly, "Thank you, Mistress."


    "What''s there to thank..." Gu Ying''s voice trailed off as her brows furrowed.


    Yin Lan quickly supported her and asked worriedly, "Mistress, what''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying suddenly felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen, which almost made her break out in a cold sweat.


    She gripped Yin Lan''s hand tightly and stood still for a while to ease the pain. She slowly let out a breath, "Just now...I felt a pain in my stomach..."


    Yin Lan became anxious, "It''s windy and snowy outside. Did you catch a chill?"


    "Maybe..." Gu Ying took a few careful steps in the snow and felt something warm flowing out between her legs. She said awkwardly, "It''s probably my monthly perioding. Yin Lan, let''s hurry back."


    Yin Lan rxed, "Alright, I''ll make some Four Substances Soup for you to drink when we get back."


    In her previous life, Gu Ying was used to enduring pain until she could barely get out of bed when her period came every month after they took shelter in the dpidated temple.


    In this life, she had always taken good care of herself and her periods were painless at first. She didn''t expect it would be irregr after the Crown Prince left.


    Especially after their wedding night, the Crown Prince would often insist on physical intimacy...


    Her first period after their marriage was off schedule, but it was a lot smoother and her stomach didn''t hurt at all.


    But as soon as it was over, the Crown Prince would be all over her like a tiger, almost wanting to spend every night with her.


    She also took birth control pills from time to time. She wondered if the changes in her period had something to do with the medicine.


    Sitting in the bathtub, the warm water soaked every inch of her skin, and the pain slowly faded away.


    Yin Lan brought her a sanitary pad.


    "Mistress, are you feeling better? The Four Substances Soup is cooking."


    Gu Ying pursed her lips awkwardly, "Yin Lan, do periods change after marriage?"


    Her period was quite rted to the Crown Prince. Especially after their wedding, the Crown Prince would often insist on intimacy...


    The timing of her first period after their marriage was off, but it was much smoother and her stomach didn''t hurt at all.


    But as soon as it was over, the Crown Prince turned into a beast, almost wanting to spend every night with her.


    She also asionally took contraceptive pills. She wondered if the changes in her period were rted to the medicine.


    Yin Lan smiled, "Sometimes there are changes. A woman''s emotions can also affect her period. Sometimes when my husband angers me, my stomach would hurt a lot more that month, even some ck blood. If I''m not angry and in a good mood, my period isn''t too bad and my chest won''t hurt either. Actually it''s fine as long as the timing doesn''t shift too drastically every month. Don''t worry too much, Mistress."


    "I''m not worried," Gu Ying got out of the water. "I just feel like there''s less blood this time..."


    Yin Lan brought a towel to dry her mistress clean before helping her put on warm clothes, "Do you want me to ask Doctor Yu to take your pulse?"


    Gu Ying thought about it and decided not to make a big fuss out of a small issue, "No need. It was probably the chill from being out in the wind and snow today that caused my body''s imbnce. Just a minor issue. Drinking your soup will help."


    "Alright."


    After the hot soup, Gu Ying feltfortable all over.


    But her temples still ached slightly. With Lantern Festivaling up, she would need to prepare herself to face Jiang Yin. So she hurried to bed to rest.


    After the Crown Prince left, Yin Lan slept on the couch inside the room to serve her.


    Gu Yingy there for a while but couldn''t fall asleep. The quilt still held the Crown Prince''s scent. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could picture him holding her to sleep.


    Yet she also thought about how he had gone off to Yueyang with Cousin at this moment. She didn''t even know their exact situation.


    If Jiang Yin had transmigrated as well, how could he let the Crown Prince and Cousin have an easy time?


    Unease lingered in her heart. Staring at the dark canopy above her bed, she said softly, "Yin Lan, I''ve made a list of gifts. Go take them from my private treasury tomorrow and bring them back to the Gu residence."


    Although Yin Lan was puzzled why Mistress and the Crown Prince kept their assets so clearly separate, she tactfully smiled and replied, "Alright."


    ...


    Five dayster on Lantern Festival.


    The sounds of phoenix flutes and jade chimes filled the air as fishes and dragons danced throughout the night.


    On this snowy night, the magnificence of Bianjing City was like an exquisite picture scroll with nothing left out.


    There was no curfew today. Every household had started cooking tangyuan balls early in the morning and prepared sumptuous meals to entertain guests.


    Restaurants and shops lined the streets. Vendors had set up their stalls early and filled them with all kinds of snacks and beautiful papernterns.


    The streets were full of children''sughter and firecracker sounds.


    Men, women, adults and children were all out on the streets celebrating.


    As usual, the festival in the suburbs was even livelier than in the city, withntern riddles, appreciating decorativenterns, lion and dragon dances.


    Early in the morning, Ning Si had taken her servants to the temple to pray for luck.


    As Gu Ying was going back to the Gu Residence for the festival today, she didn''t join her but secretly ordered people to protect her well.


    Gu Ying went to pay respects to Madame Cheng and Duke Zhao Changxing early in the morning.


    She hadn''t seen Zhao Changxing for a long time. He spoke to her amiably as if nothing had changed between them despite Huo Qiying''s matter.

 Chapter 223: Retrospector

    <h4>Chapter 223</h4>


    Gu Ying did not have any affection for him at all. Especially the trace of possessive desire in his eyes made her very ufortable. Back in the ruined temple, she had seen far too much of that kind of look from every man.


    Zhao Changxing meaningfully curved his lips. ¡°Sister, the snow is heavy and the road is slippery. How did you walk so fast?¡±


    Gu Ying frowned in annoyance. ¡°I have nothing to say to Eldest Brother.¡±


    Zhao Changxing looked over Gu Ying¡¯s frown. Originally, he only wanted to possess everything that Zhao Changdu owned, including his woman.


    But now, he only felt that this girl, under the flying snow, had an appearance of ice and jade, truly as beautiful as a celestial being.


    He couldn¡¯t help revealing an obsessed look. His tone became frivolous and aggressive. ¡°Since Adu is not here, as the eldest brother I should take good care of you. Why do you avoid me? Sister, you want to go back to the Gu residence today right? Let me apany you on the way?¡±


    Gu Ying looked at him in disgust. She slid out the unicorn knife that Adu had given her from her sleeve and ced it against his lower abdomen. She threatened in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t think you can do whatever you want just because Adu is not here. If you dare to take another step forward, I can thrust it in. Do you believe it or not?¡±


    The de was icy white, the cold light glinting.


    Zhao Changxing¡¯s eyelid twitched. This girl was really fierce.


    ¡°Alright, alright, sister, I admit defeat.¡± Heughed and raised his hands to surrender. ¡°Why get so angry? Be careful of hurting yourself.¡±


    Gu Ying expressionlessly nced down at his crotch. Her face was nk as she put the dagger back into her sleeve.


    Zhao Changxing thought he had concealed himself well, but in fact not at all.


    In front of her, he was like a clumsy clown.


    She sneered coldly, ¡°Do you think no one knows what you did to Huo Qiyun back then?¡±


    Zhao Changxing raised his brow.


    Gu Ying said lightly, ¡°You didn¡¯t even like Huo Qiyun. Back then, in order to deal with Adu, you deliberately snatched Huo Qiyun¡¯s chastity, forcing her to marry you. Your only goal was to strike Adu down and humiliate him. Of course you seeded. You made Adu lose face in front of all the powerful officials in Bianjing. And during the time he was disheartened, you even sent assassins to kill him.¡±


    Gu Ying¡¯s expression was cold. She had long seen through Zhao Changxing¡¯s motives. ¡°Zhao Changxing, heaven is watching what men do on earth. Don¡¯t think you can use the same tricks again.¡±


    Exposed, Zhao Changxing did not show an ounce of shame. ¡°How does sister know it won¡¯t work?¡±


    ¡°I''m not Huo Qiyun. I will never ept your maniption.¡± Gu Ying slightly hooked her lips. ¡°If you don''t believe me, feel free to try.¡±


    Zhao Changxing sneered. This was getting more and more interesting.


    The colder she was, the more he wanted to break herposure and press her under him to ravage her ruthlessly until she cried out loud.


    Now, he had ample patience.


    Gu Ying did not entangle with him for too long. She directly had Huai An block Zhao Changxing while she bid farewell to the Duke and Lady Cheng. Then she had Huai An prepare the carriage to take her back to the Gu residence.


    Watching her leave, Zhao Changxing waved his hand to summon a capable subordinate. ¡°Send someone to investigate which temple Young Lady Ning is praying at today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Eldest Young Master.¡±


    That person turned and left the residence.


    Zhao Changxing closed his eyes, hooked his lips, and sniffed the air in front of him, as if remnants of Gu Ying¡¯s soft and sweet fragrance still lingered, truly too mesmerizing.


    Very soon, he would be able to taste her charm.


    ...


    Gu Ying¡¯s expression was nk as she boarded the carriage. Disgust shed in her eyes.


    In her previous life, she did not get involved with the Heir Apparent¡¯s life, so she naturally did not know that the Eldest Young Master was so deeply jealous of the Heir Apparent, to an almost paranoid extent.


    It was not easy for the Heir Apparent to grow into his current wise and martial state after his mother passed away early.


    Gu Ying sighed deeply, feeling indignant for the Heir Apparent and heartache over his experiences.


    Yin Zhu was thest to exit the residence. Seeing the furtive figure turning the street corner, she said in a low voice, ¡°Mistress, the Eldest Young Master¡¯s man has left the residence.¡±


    Gu Ying realized what he intended to do. She rubbed her brows in annoyance and muttered, ¡°Yin Zhu, take the Heir Apparent¡¯s token to Prince Duan¡¯s residence. Tell Prince Duan about Young Lady Ning¡¯s whereabouts today.¡±


    Yin Zhu took over the token. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Then she swiftly disappeared from the entrance.


    Only then did Yin Lan and Yanzhi ask, ¡°Mistress, shall we set off?¡±


    Gu Ying took a deep breath to calm her irritation. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Half a momentter, the Guogong Residence¡¯s carriage stopped at the Dongping Earl Residence entrance.


    Aunt Zhao was leading Gu Shuang and others, already prepared to wee her bright and early at the entrance.


    Gu Ying lifted the carriage curtain and descended from the carriage. Yin Lan and Yanzhi cleverly waited upon her on both sides. The rest of the servant girls and guards remained neatly lined up behind Yin Lan andpany, still carrying boxes of gifts.


    With such a lineup, aside from the Duke Who Pacifies the State Residence, no other house was this ostentatious.


    Rtives and neighbors, who wouldn¡¯t admire and envy the Dongping Earl Residence for having the Heir Apparent as the son-inw and the Duke Who Pacifies the State as the inws?


    Aunt Zhao, her mid-sized belly protruding, immediately broke intoughter. She affectionately grabbed Gu Ying¡¯s hand. ¡°Ying, you¡¯vee quite early today. Have you eaten breakfast?¡±


    ¡°I have.¡± Gu Ying smiled. With a nce, she saw the sealed lips on Wang, as well as Gu Wan¡¯s unwilling expression.


    Her eyes blinked. ¡°Hmm? Is this Madam Wang?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You haven¡¯t seen her in a while right? She¡¯s quite interesting now. The Heir Apparent said from that day Madam Wang randomly ndered you after your grand wedding, aside from eating and drinking, she is not allowed to speak at other times. I think this method is great. Now no one at our Earl Residence dares to gossip.¡±


    Gu Ying chuckled.


    The seal that the Heir Apparent had put on Wang¡¯s mouth on their wedding day was actually still there?


    The Heir Apparent was indeed...cough cough...ruthless enough.


    An awkward look shed over Wang¡¯s face. The light in her eyes flickered.


    Although she felt indignant in her heart, at least she could endure it on the surface.


    She would let Zhao make trouble for now. When her belly grew bigger in theing months, it would be Zhao¡¯s turn to suffer.


    Receiving Gu Ying¡¯s gaze, Gu Wan felt extremely upset in her heart. She twisted her handkerchief in her hands, biting her lips red.


    She resented her ipetent mother for failing to seize the limelight, letting Gu Ying, Zhao Shuang and the rest steal all the glory.


    Gu Ying took in Gu Wan and Wang¡¯s expressions into her eyes, coldlyughing to herself once.


    Gu Wan¡¯s ambitions exceeded her abilities. It was a pity that no matter how she tried, she could never climb up the high branches.


    ¡°Auntie, where is Grandmother?¡±


    Aunt Zhao said, ¡°Wasn¡¯t your grandmother apanying Eldest Young Lady to see the doctor? They happen to being back today. Your brother-inw has gone to fetch them. Considering the timing and travel, they should arrive by noon. Just in time for the family reunion meal.¡±


    Gu Ying sneered internally. No wonder she didn¡¯t see Jiang Yin and Gu Jia earlier.


    It was just as well they were not here for now. It savedplications for Fourth Younger Sister Gu¡¯s wedding affairs today.


    Gu Shuang had been looking forward to Gu Ying¡¯s arrival.


    The entire household entered the main hall. ording to etiquette and propriety, Gu Ying¡¯s current status was higher than Zhao¡¯s by a rank. She sat in the head seat, exchanging pleasantries for a bit with Gu Boyan and several aunts.

 Chapter 224: Fu Jia to propose a family

    <h4>Chapter 224</h4>


    It was almost noon when Gu Ying said that she felt tired and wanted to go back to Yu Xue Zhai to sit for a while.


    Only then did Aunt Zhao let her leave. She hurried to the kitchen to prepare lunch.


    After Mrs. Liu passed away, the Earl manor was still rtively peaceful and lively. Since this was the first time Aunt Zhao was organizing the Lantern Festival party, she was trying even harder.


    The entire manor was filled with a joyful atmosphere.


    After leaving the main hall, Gu Shuang secretly pulled Gu Ying¡¯s arm, ¡°Sister, I¡¯m so nervous...¡±


    The young girl¡¯s red lips parted slightly as she let out a soft sigh.


    Gu Ying smiled andforted her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as he is willing toe propose marriage, sister will have a way to make mother agree to his proposal.¡±


    Gu Shuang had heard sister say this many times, but she was still anxious. Noon was approaching and she started worrying again whether that blockhead Young Master Fu would show up or not.


    She also wondered if Young Master Fu''s family would look down on her and not allow Young Master Fu toe propose marriage.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips into a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he won''t.¡±


    The person he wants, he will definitely try his best to pursue, just like in their past life, when he defied his family for a merchant woman ofmon birth.


    Young Master Fu Xunzhi¡¯s courage and fearlessness was much more preciouspared to other rich heirs in Bianjing.


    ¡°Wuwu, sister...¡± Gu Shuang sat restlessly, barely speaking a few sentences when Yanzhi, who had been waiting in the front hall for news, rushed in excitedly and loudly announced, ¡°Mistress, there are people outside blowing suona horns and beating drums! From the looks of it, it¡¯s people brought by Young Master Fu. They are currently at the gate of the Earl Manor. The Earl has already invited Young Master Fu in!¡±


    Gu Shuang immediately stood up, her heart thumping anxiously in her throat. ¡°Sister, he really came!¡±


    Everything was going as expected.


    Gu Ying pressed her onto the embroidery stool. ¡°You¡¯re still an unmarried youngdy. Be more demure. First, calmly sit down and let uncle and Aunt Zhao talk to him.¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Gu Shuang¡¯s face turned red as she kept swallowing saliva. Her pair of dark, bright eyes shone with dazzling stars. ¡°Sister, I¡¯m so happy!¡±


    At first there was tension, but afterwards there was only joy left.


    In this life, being a daughter from a concubine, she had never been well regarded by the nobledies. Thus, she had always upheld the principle of keeping a low profile and being prudent and discreet, carefully living in therge residence.


    She rarely fought for anything for herself.


    Only Fu Xunzhi was the one person she wanted to try her best to reach for.


    Gu Shuang brushed aside the hair by her ear, a blush slowly creeping up her cheeks.


    No matter how her parents responded, as long as he was willing toe, she would be very content.


    Gu Ying decided to wait and see first.


    For Young Master Fu to be able to persuade his parents toe propose marriage, it meant that half the deed was already done. Although he was only a fifth-rank ministerial clerk now, there was still room for advancement in the future.


    Moreover, he was very talented himself. He simply didn¡¯t understand the sinister scheming and fawning needed to get ahead in officialdom, thus he was marginalized by others.


    With the Crown Prince¡¯s help in the future, he would certainly rise rapidly.


    Gu Ying sat steadily like Mount Tai, and took out the military books from her room that she had been reading to flip through. ¡°Yanzhi, go listen in on news from the front hall again.¡±


    Yanzhi responded indignantly, ¡°Fourth young mistress, just wait, this servant will go right away!¡±


    Gu Shuang was extremely shy. Clutching her skirt, she would asionally peek out the window.


    Not long after, Aunt Zhao came straight to Yu Xue Zhai with a dark expression on her face. ¡°Ying, you¡¯re here too. That works out well. Come give your opinion on this.¡±


    Gu Shuang instantly turned pale and stood up. ¡°Mother, why have youe?¡±


    As soon as Aunt Zhao entered the room, she went over and sat on the embroidery stool. She looked at her bright and clever daughter, then at Gu Ying who was sitting leisurely by the bookcasepletely unruffled. Her expression grew even darker. ¡°This is just unbelievable. Today, the Fu family from the corner of Yanliu Alley actually came to propose marriage to my Shuang¡¯er!¡±


    Gu Shuang pressed her lips tightly together, her heart thumping quickly.


    She didn¡¯t dare reveal that she had long known Young Master Fu Xunzhi, and only feigned confusion. ¡°Ah?¡±


    Gu Ying smiled. She went over and sat next to Aunt Zhao, gently saying, ¡°Auntie, isn¡¯t this good news? Why are you so angry?¡±


    Aunt Zhao frowned. ¡°I know of this Fu family. In the past, everyone in their family were officials, and their status was quite established, with the head of the family even bing third-rank at one point. But when it reached Fu Xunzhi¡¯s grandfather''s generation, the family declined. Although they¡¯re an official family, but... he''s just a fifth-rank minor official. How can he match my Shuang¡¯er, a proper daughter of the Dongping Earl Manor?¡±


    Hearing the man she loved belittled, Gu Shuang pouted angrily. ¡°Mother, you have that wrong. I¡¯m not a proper daughter, at best I¡¯m just a daughter of a concubine...¡±


    Aunt Zhao was furious. ¡°Keep your mouth shut. Just days ago I had Lady Qin look everywhere for a good match for you, hoping to find someone outstanding in status and looks for you. That Fu Xunzhi is ordinary-looking and has no outstanding talents. He¡¯spletely unworthy of you. I¡¯ve already told your father to turn down the proposal after chatting with him.¡±


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips and lowered her eyes without speaking, feeling very aggrieved inside. Yet no matter how aggrieved she felt, she didn¡¯t dare defend that blockhead Fu further, only looked pleadingly at sister with her eyes.


    Seeing Aunt Zhao¡¯s darkened expression, Gu Ying had already expected today¡¯s situation in her heart.


    After all, given the differences in background between the two families, along with Aunt Zhao¡¯s arrogance, her looking down on the Fu family was to be expected.


    She pulled Aunt Zhao¡¯s hand over and slowly said, ¡°Auntie, do you hope that sister finds great wealth and nobility in marriage in the future, or that she lives a good life?¡±


    Aunt Zhao said, ¡°As her mother, I naturally hope that she gains both great wealth and nobility as well as a good life.¡±


    A trace of a smile appeared in Gu Ying¡¯s eyes. Sheughed, ¡°Auntie, you also married highly. You¡¯ve lived over ten years of ups and downs in this Earl Manor. I believe auntie understands just how difficult life inside noble households is for women, no? Even with my aunt¡¯s status, hasn¡¯t she still been suppressed for many years by the main wife Mrs. Liu? Although auntie is favored, what use is that? In the end, aren¡¯t you still a servant who can be casually ordered around by the main wife? If Mrs. Liu didn¡¯t die, your daughters could still only allow themselves to be arranged by the main wife, with no idea who they would marry in the future. Now that there are options, naturally auntie must choose a good match for her daughter.¡±


    ¡°Well... not so. Take the Ye Family for example¡ª¡±


    At this, Aunt Zhao faltered.


    What kind of status was the Ye Family? How could she dare set her sights on their eldest son?


    She sighed deeply.


    The truth was, in the end, she was still just a concubine. After all the years as Earl Gu''s concubine, she had been suppressed by the main wife Mrs. Liu for so long.


    Although she was favored, what did that matter?


    Did it change the fact that in the end, she was still just a servant-girl that the main wife could order around casually?


    If Mrs. Liu didn¡¯t pass away, her daughters could still only allow themselves to be arranged by the main wife. Who knew what kind of family they would marry into in the future?


    Now there was some freedom of choice, so naturally she had to carefully select an excellent marriage prospect for her daughter.

 Chapter 225: He’ll give her all his attention.

    <h4>Chapter 225</h4>


    Aunt Zhao stroked her belly and nced at Gu Shuang. Seeing tears in the corners of her eyes, she didn''t know what was going on and why she looked so sad. She was puzzled.


    Just then, Gu Ying gently said in her soft voice, "Auntie, Qi Dafeng is not a coincidence. Is the Ye family really suitable for my fourth younger sister? I sincerely feel that Fu Xunzhi is a good choice. If you believe me, my fourth younger sister will definitely have a happy, peaceful and smooth life."


    Aunt Zhao was stunned. Ever since Gu Ying publicly fell into the water, she had be a little different from before.


    Moreover, because of the two''s joint effort to calcte Mrs. Liu and Gu Jia''s actions, she still had some trust in Gu Ying.


    Besides, she had also helped her keep the child in her belly.


    In her heart, Gu Ying was possessed by a fairy who could foresee the future and arbitrarily change a person''s destiny, and should not be desecrated.


    "Ah Ying... it''s not that Auntie doesn''t believe you, it''s just that this Fu Xunzhi..."


    When she went out and saw him once, she only felt that he looked too ordinary. His temperament was gentle and honest, and at first nce he was a good-tempered person.


    But what''s the use of being good-tempered?


    Can he give her Shuang''er good days?


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly and whispered a few words in Aunt Zhao''s ear.


    Aunt Zhao''s eyes lit up.


    "Is what Ah Ying said true?"


    "Of course it''s true."


    "That''s good." Aunt Zhao stood up leaning on her waist. After struggling for a while, she seemed to have made up her mind andughed, "I''ll listen to Ah Ying this time. Since Gongzi Fu hase to propose marriage in good faith, he should be given a chance."


    Gu Shuang suddenly raised her head, and her long curled eyshes trembled slightly. She said incredulously, "Mother..."


    My second sister is really amazing.


    I wonder how she persuaded my mother.


    Aunt Zhao thought her daughter was aggrieved and unwilling to marry down, and she gently touched Gu Shuang''s hand and sighed softly, "Oh, Shuang''er, mother may have to wrong you... But you have to believe your mother and second sister, we must be doing this for your own good. Your mother is still a madam now, and your status as an illegitimate daughter is here. Since Gongzi Fu is willing toe and propose to you in person and take you as his proper wife and mistress, your mother thinks he is a reliable and trustworthy person."


    After she finished speaking, she smiled again and said, "Let''s just listen to your second sister on this marriage. I''ll agree to it."


    Gu Shuang still hadn''t reacted. She wasn''t aggrieved at all!


    She was so happy she couldn''t even react properly.


    Where would she feel wronged?


    Gu Ying was worried that Aunt Zhao would see something amiss, so she directly took her out the door, "Let''s go, Auntie. Today the other family came over for a joyous asion, so we might as well keep them for lunch. By evening, thentern festival in the city will start, and I will take my fourth younger sister and Gongzi Fu out for a walk to let them get acquainted with each other first."


    Aunt Zhao epted it very quickly, "I just don''t know if Shuang''er likes Fu Xunzhi''s type. Meeting him will be good too."


    "At the winter hunt I did have some dealings with him. Gongzi Fu looks decent enough, with a honest and steadfast appearance. Hisplexion is also fair, only his features are not as delicate. But he looks quite schrly."


    Aunt Zhao also thought that people from a family of schrs and officials for generations, who can read and write, will have a good future.


    The Lantern Festival in Bianjing is very lively every year.


    Although there is a taboo between men and women, on the night of the Lantern Festival, young unmarried men and women can also go out together to enjoy thentern lights and secretly express their feelings to each other.


    Aunt Zhao consented to Gu Ying''s suggestion. With Gu Ying around, she was not worried that Fu Xunzhi would do anything improper.


    The two returned to the front hall together and met Fu Xunzhi and his family.


    Looking again at the dozen or so red wooden gift boxes ced in the flower hall, and the neat folds of silks and satins on thecquered trays, as well as the exquisite and luxurious gold and silver jewelry.


    It was evident how sincere Fu Xunzhi was in proposing to Gu Shuang.


    This was the first time Gu Ying had seen him since the grand wedding.


    He wore a clean, soft, bright red straight-cut robe, with warm gray squirrel fur trim on the cuffs and cor, and a shy smile on his face. He looked very amiable and loyal.


    He looked at her frankly and openly, his eyes were clear without any flirtatiousness like other men.


    Gu Ying remembered that when she had just reborn, she wanted to marry him. At that time, she valued his sincerity and faithfulness.


    Now looking back, it turned out that she and the prince, as well as her fourth younger sister and him, were all matches made in heaven.


    She was moved, and smiled at him.


    He also bent his lips.


    The prince''s wife was the bright moon in the sky.


    He was just mundane dust and dirt. Having seen her once in this life was an immense blessing.


    In the future, he would wholeheartedly treat Gu Shuang well.


    In the afternoon.


    The Marquis''s residence was set up with several tables.


    The Fu family and the Gu family had a lively family reunion meal.


    The women were behind the screen, and the men were in front of it.


    Fu Xunzhi was not good at scheming and ttering in the political arena, but in the Gu family, he left Gu Boyan quite impressed.


    Through the hazy light silk screen, Aunt Zhao let Gu Shuang take a look for herself at Fu Xunzhi''s appearance and build.


    She thought that if her daughter did not agree, she would have to say something nice about Fu Xunzhi anyway.


    Unexpectedly, Gu Shuang was quite satisfied with Fu Xunzhi. She shyly nodded, agreeing to it.


    Although Aunt Zhao was very puzzled, thinking that there must be something wrong with her daughter based on her expression, Master Gu was a weak-willed man, but he was handsome in his youth, elegant and dashing.


    This Fu Xunzhi was just an ordinary man without any distinctive features.


    But looking at her shy expression, she didn''t say much.


    She ordered the servants to prepare the carriage and hand warmer so that the youngdies and gentlemen of the household could go out to enjoy thentern festival in the evening.


    What puzzled Gu Ying was that Gu Jia and Jiang Yin had not yet returned.


    But she didn''t think too much about it either. After lunch, everyone chatted for a while.


    By then, it was evening.


    In the dusk, snowkes fluttered.


    Gu Wan imed to be sick and refused to go out. She directly returned to her own courtyard with Wang.


    When she left, she couldn''t help looking scornfully at Gu Shuang and Aunt Zhao. She mocked sarcastically, "I thought when the one surnamed Zhao took over the family, she would arrange an incredible marriage for her own daughter. It''s just this Fu Xunzhi? A petty official of the fifth rank is nothing."


    There was a sh of hatred in Wang''s eyes. She couldn''t speak, but her expression said it all.


    She also looked down on Fu Xunzhi, and her eyes were full of ridicule towards Aunt Zhao.


    Gu Wan indignantly said, "A vulgar woman only deserves a husband like that. Mother, you''ll see, I must marry better than Gu Shuang."


    Wang said nothing.


    Gu Wan also felt it was meaningless to talk to herself, irritably biting her lips before flinging her sleeves and leaving.


    Seeing Wang and Gu Wan''s departing backs, Gu Shuang pouted her lips happily and said excitedly, "It''s good they''re not going... we sisters can have fun."


    Gu Ying nodded.


    Seeing Aunt Zhao busying about, she held her and said, "Auntie, just let my fourth younger sister ride in the same carriage as me, don''t bother about it. I''ll send her back myselfter."

 Chapter 226: Ah Ying, Long Time No See

    <h4>Chapter 226</h4>


    Aunt Zhao was overjoyed, as that was the carriage of the Duke''s manor, an entirely different ss from their family''s carriage.


    She immediately pushed Gu Shuang, "Go on, go with your second sister."


    Fu Xunzhi stood not far behind her, and Gu Shuang shyly murmured "um".


    Gu Ying held out her hand from inside the carriage.


    Gu Shuang''s tender, fair little face was hidden under her hood, gentle and tranquil, looking gentle and demure.


    She had never imagined that life could be sofortable and happy.


    After her second sister fell into the water, it wasn''t just her second sister herself, the days of the Fu manor and her had also be much more bright and open.


    She got on the carriage, sitting in the spacious, warm carriage box, curiously looking left and right.


    This carriage was too big, inside it was like a small room, not only spread with a thick goose down velvet nket, but also equipped with an animal head brazier, the seat cushions exquisite and gorgeous, the rosewood side table held all kinds of beautiful, delicious snacks, and there were also new types of tribute fruits she couldn''t name.


    Gu Shuang looked at it enviously, tears almost flowing from the corners of her mouth. "Second sister, he treats you so well, this tribute fruit, I''m afraid it was an imperial reward right? I haven''t even seen them before."


    "This is a raspberry, little fourth sister, try it," Gu Ying only wanted the fourth little sister to enjoy good things, smilingly said, "It''s still alright...I guess."


    His good treatment of her was not limited to these things.


    Before leaving, he had already arranged everything for her, she almost didn''t need to worry about anything.


    No need to serve the inws, no need to watch her mother-inw''s facial expressions to get through the days, also no need to go pay respects every day, and even more no need to care about the eyes of other people in the Duke''s manor.


    Sleep aste as she wanted, when she wanted to get up she could, eat whatever she wanted, just have people go buy it.


    This kind of married life was what she hadn''t even dared to imagine before.


    "The Heir Apparent is really a rare kind of man, much better than Young Master Jiang from back then," Gu Shuang said without thinking, "Second sister you were lucky to promptly cut your losses, and dump that Young Master Jiang."


    Gu Ying faintly curled the corners of her lips, a few minutes of crypticughter in the corners of her eyes.


    "Why hasn''t Jiang Yine back today?"


    "Second sister..." Gu Shuang''s lips paused as she ate the raspberry, "You can''t still be thinking about that Young Master Jiang right?"


    Gu Shuang also knew a little about how her second sister had stubbornly and desperately pursued that one surnamed Jiang back then.


    At the time, she hadn''t liked that one with the Jiang surname very much, always feeling that although he came from humble origins, he always put on lofty, self-important airs, and liked to pretend to be extraordinary.


    A man like this, even if he achieved meteoric sess in the future, his temperament was already set, it wouldn''t get much better.


    Gu Ying sneered coldly, "How is that possible?"


    She opened the curtain inside the carriage window, lightly nced outside at the bustling, lively main street, destely said a sentence, "I never liked him before."


    At that time her life was too narrow, as small as a palm-sized courtyard.


    Seeing a handsome and beautiful as jade person, she had thought he was that beautiful older brother she had seen in her childhood, loving him desperately in her heart, and then only having him in her heart.


    Ruining her entire life for him, for him giving up all of her dignity, for him losing her life.


    After being reborn, she only then knew she had recognized the wrong person from the very start, giving her heart to the wrong person.


    All of this had been wrong from the very beginning.


    Thinking of it now, had she really loved him?


    Probably hadn''t counted as love at all, it was just unwillingness.


    Gu Ying smiled bitterly in her heart, somehow, she thought of the Heir Apparent again, wondering if they had safely passed the Half Slope.


    Gu Shuang became happy again, "That''s good then. Second sister, you have to spend your whole life together with the Heir Apparent!"


    In her heart, aside from Fu Xunzhi, there was no better man than the Heir Apparent in this world.


    A trace of haziness andplex emotions floated through Gu Ying''s heart, she and the Heir Apparent...whether they could make it to the end also depended on their affinity.


    Fu Xunzhi''s carriage slowly followed along after theirs.


    Once they were on the street, crowds of people flowed about.


    Gu Ying thus wanted to get off the carriage and stroll around thentern festival.


    After getting off the carriage, Fu Xunzhi walked up to Gu Ying and Gu Shuang, greeting them with a silly bow.


    Gu Shuang''s little face flushed red, carefully raising her eyshes to nce at him, also not knowing what to say that was good, "I...we''ll go...go for a walk over there."


    Fu Xunzhi gently smiled, "Alright, I''ll listen to Fourth Young Lady."


    The two looked at each other, happiness and joy in both their eyes.


    Seeing their intimate appearance, Gu Ying also felt happy in her heart.


    With female servants and maids as well as guards following along behind them, there was nothing much to be overly concerned about either.


    She slowly followed along behind those two, watching them y, watching themugh, quietly thinking about the Heir Apparent in the snow, peacefully walking.


    After strolling on the bustling streets for a while, the few had also gradually warmed up to each other.


    Gu Shuang rarely went out, seeing those things glittering on the street appearing novel to her, and had bought quite a few things.


    Now seeing arge group of people crowded together in front not knowing what they were ying off in the distance, she excitedly said, "Young Master Fu, can I go y that?"


    "You can, Fourth Young Lady," Fu Xunzhi agreed with a smile, his ordinary brows and eyes faintly shining in the night.


    Gu Shuang had never been valued so highly by someone before, him looking at her caused her little face to flush red and ears burning, she turned back, "Second sister, do you want to go together?"


    Gu Ying shook her head, she actually felt a little tired, "You guys go y, I''ll walk around here myself for a bit, ande find youter."


    Gu Shuang grinned happily, extremely delighted, "Second sister, then we''ll go over first!"


    Gu Ying smiled with a slight nod, "Mm."


    After Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi left, Gu Ying smiled as she slowly walked beneath a row of decorativenterns for a while, if the Heir Apparent was also at her side right now it would be wonderful.


    Hand in hand enjoying the decorativenterns, guessingntern riddles together, writing soulmate signs together, these sorts of things were also a huge delight in life.


    Yin Lan helped snatch one of the soulmate signs from under the giant affinity tree for Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying carefully wrote her and the Heir Apparent''s names on the paper, "Don''t speak nonsense about dying or not, you live properly for me, and live for a good long life of one hundred years."


    Bian Zhi pouted and curiously peeked at the soulmate sign, "Did Mistress write the Heir Apparent''s name?"


    Yin Lanughed, "Are you silly, who else could it be besides the Heir Apparent?"


    Bian Zhi said, "I just asked!"


    Yin Lan said, "Silly girl."


    Gu Ying smiled lightly ncing downwards, time passed innocently now, thinking of the Heir Apparent her heart also softened.


    She sincerely hung the soulmate sign on the tree.


    Raising her head, she suddenly saw a sh of blue clothes leisurely standing on the opposite bank of the river.


    Her body violently froze in ce, her eyes swiftly condensing frost.


    Across the width of the river, Jiang Yin hooked the corner of his mouth, a deep bottomless ck gaze looked towards Gu Ying through the endless moring, lively noise.


    He moved his lips, calling out to her, "Ah Ying, long time no see."

 Chapter 227: Jiang Yin Reborn

    <h4>Chapter 227</h4>


    Gu Ying understood his words, and her heart choked. The cold of the snowy wind crept into her bones like wandering silk threads. She almost lost her bnce, her mind in turmoil, as countless past memories rushed toward her like floodwaters bursting through a dam.


    All of those bloody grievances between her and Jiang Yin, Jiang Yin''s fickleness, Jiang Yin''s ruthlessness, made her brain throb with pain.


    She painfully clutched her temples, the corners of her mouth drawn tight, and a fierce light suddenly ignited in her distinctive ck and white almond eyes.


    ¡°Mistress, what''s wrong with you?¡± Yin Lan supported her, looking worriedly across to the other bank, but didn¡¯t see any familiar figure there, ¡°Who is the mistress looking at?¡±


    Gu Ying felt the qi and blood churning within her. She clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and forced herself to calm down.


    She was no longer the Gu Ying of her previous life. In this life, even facing him again, she would bepletely fearless!


    Her face sank as she swiftly said, "You guys stay here. I''ll be right back."


    After speaking, she turned and walked back onto the bridge without looking back.


    Soon, she saw Jiang Yin again in a small alley on the opposite bank.


    She gave a coldugh and called out to stop him, "Leaving so soon?"


    This was the first frank meeting between the two since their rebirth.


    Jiang Yin stopped and turned to face her, wearing a green robe hidden in the dim light of the alley.


    He still looked as refined as thest life, dressed in exquisite robes without a single crease, hair tied up neatly with a jade crown, appearing as beautiful as jade.


    However, beneath this exterior that looked to be in his early twenties, was a mature and steady soul, a pair of eyes that had seen through worldly affairs.


    With rising hatred churning within her, Gu Ying recalled the day she died, when Jiang Yin hade to visit her not long before that.


    He would always silentlye to the broken temple, and seeing that she still drew breath, he would keep herpany for a few hours, cold as ice.


    Watching as she suffered, as she agonized, as her face went from being drenched in tears to not being able to produce another tear.


    Other than the deathly silence between them, there was nothing more.


    On the day she died, her body ached terribly, her throat slit by stones, gushingrge patches of bright blood.


    At that time, she wondered to herself that she was nearing death, so when would he, after all the evil he hadmitted, after harming her to this extent, when would heaven punish him?


    Humph, the evildoer with the golden belt was rewarded, while the bridge builder was left without even bones buried.


    She feared that after her death, he would still live on, happy, for a very long time.


    Across the wind and snow, their gazes collided in midair, sparks flying in that instant.


    The corners of Gu Ying¡¯s mouth twisted up mockingly. All the resentment hidden in her heart swarmed into her chest. Face flushed, she walked toward him one step at a time.


    Yet Jiang Yin still seemed rather calm, just watching lightly as Gu Ying walked toward him.


    Because he had already fully regained the memories of his past life.


    He knew that Gu Ying had tried every trick in the book to marry him. He knew that she had once loved him recklessly. He also knew about all the silly things she had done for him, and that she kept taking medicine in order to bear him a child.


    Facing a woman like this, what did he have to worry or fear?


    She had deliberately married someone else after being reborn, scheming to frame Gu Jia, including harming him. Everything she had done was merely to take revenge on him.


    The more she hated him, the more she couldn¡¯t let go of the enmity of their past life. It just showed that she still cared about him.


    Thinking of this, the corners of Jiang Yin''s mouth slowly curled up into a smile.


    But in the next second, his eyes tightened, and the smile on his face froze stiffly.


    A unicorn dagger was steadily and viciously pressed against his lower abdomen.


    His gaze tightened as a hint of coldness rose in his eyes. "Ah Rong, you want to kill me?"


    Gu Ying raised her calm and beautiful face. Her bright eyes stared unwaveringly at him. "Yes, kill you."


    After speaking, not waiting for his reaction, she forcefully plunged the dagger in with a flick of her wrist.


    The sound of the de cutting through cloth and piercing flesh was particrly grating.


    Jiang Yin looked incredulous, frowning. His body shed back swiftly to dodge.


    How could Gu Ying give him a chance to escape? Mustering all her strength, eyes fixed intensely on his dark ones, she seemed determined to expend her lifelong efforts to kill him.


    She looked cold and severe, her gaze profound, as she relentlessly turned the hilt of the dagger embedded in him.


    Blood seeped out from within the thick robes. Jiang Yin could feel the rolling pain of the de within his flesh, tearing at him until his face turned pale.


    His gaze chilled as he raised his head to meet Gu Ying¡¯s merciless eyes, as frosty as an avenging goddess.


    At this moment, his heart quailed.


    ¡°Gu Ying, you¡¯ve eaten a bear¡¯s heart and leopard¡¯s gall, to actually dare kill me!¡± Hisrge hand grasped her slender wrist, trying to prevent the dagger from prating deeper, but the woman''s eyes were taut, her strength immense, as if determined to expend all her might to kill him.


    "Don''t forget, I''m still your husband!"


    He red furiously, raising a hand to strangle her neck, and stretched out his long legs to kick her abdomen.


    Gu Ying casually tilted her neck to the side, pulling out the dagger. Her body spun nimbly midair, avoiding his attack, then steadilynded.


    She looked at him again with no expression, condescendingly, enunciating word for word through gritted teeth, "You are not."


    "Hahahaha." Jiang Yinughed. "No matter what you say, it won''t change the fact that I slept with you in our past life."


    He covered his bleeding abdomen with one big hand, leaning against the wall in embarrassment as he panted heavily for a few breaths. The corners of his lips curled up mockingly. "Speaking of which, does Zhao Changdu know that I slept with you before?"


    He was familiar with every part of her body, and had held her in his arms through entire sleepless nights before.


    At that time, she had still been charmingly delicate and innocent, her entire body exuding a girlish aura that hooked one¡¯s soul.


    He had indulged in her gentleness before.


    What a pity. Her first time hadn¡¯t been given to him.


    Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been so hung up on her for a whole lifetime.


    Gu Ying¡¯s face was cold as ice. Her five fingers tightly gripped the dagger, knuckles white from force.


    She only wished she could tear him limb from limb!


    Jiang Yin''s smile only deepened as he looked at her panicked expression and stood up again, adding, "You didn''t expect that I''d be the same as you either, right?"


    Gu Ying''s face was deathly pale.


    "I also didn''t expect such a preposterous fantastical event to exist in this world. I said, you clearly liked me, so why did your attitude suddenly change, urging me to be matched with your eldest sister instead?"


    He raised his eyebrows at her, looking at her lightly. "Turns out you were sabotaging things secretly. Ah Rong, for you to do this, were you truly willing to give me up?"


    Listening to Jiang Yin''s smug words and looking at his still arrogant expression, Gu Ying finally calmed herself. She gave a cold mockingugh. "What''s wrong, not satisfied? A woman like me isn''t worthy of Lord Jiang''s ruthlessness. You and Gu Jia were a match made in heaven. You weren''t able to be together in your past life, so I matched you up as husband and wife in this life. Isn''t that fulfilling your wish? Prime Minister Jiang?"


    Jiang Yin walked toward Gu Ying,ughing. ¡°Ah Rong also knows that I will attain the highest position, so why treat me like this?"


    Gu Ying stood ramrod straight, hair flying loosely. Her noble and pretty silhouette swayed ceaselessly in the wind.

 Chapter 228: Give Her Away

    <h4>Chapter 228</h4>


    She was holding a dagger in her hand, with blood dripping from the tip of the knife. She was dressed in magnificent clothes that showed her noble status, but it did not detract from her beauty at all. Instead, it made her look all the more free and elegant.


    She looked into his eyes. "What happened in our past life is in the past. In this life, whose hands the deer dies in has yet to be seen."


    Jiang Yin spread out his palms covered in bright red and said gloomily, "Since Heaven has allowed you and I to be reborn, it must be giving us a chance. Gu Ying, why don''t we join hands and take over the entire Dong Li kingdom, what do you think?"


    Gu Ying snorted in ridicule. "Your ambition is still so big?"


    Jiang Yun walked even closer, looking very pleased with himself.


    He grabbed the de in Gu Ying''s hand at once. The viscous blood rolled down along the de and dripped onto the snowy ground, but he was still smiling. He did not care at all about the pain. Instead, it made him look even more unrestrained.


    "You died early in your previous life, so you probably don''t know, right? The Dong Li royal family declined and their fortune ran out. By the end, the Zhao family took over the throne and I joined the cab and became the prime minister. My power reigned all over the kingdom and I was only a step away from that position."


    "Now all those arrogant nobles who used to look down on me have to address me as Minister Jiang. When they see me they have to bow down and kneel. Whoever I want dead disappears from Bianjing."


    He pressed down the dagger and suddenly pulled Gu Ying into his arms by the waist. He leaned towards her soft and tender neck feverishly, smelling her body fragrance, still feeling unsatisfied. "Gu Ying, you and I were always meant to be together..."


    "Do you still remember our grand wedding, when you wore your bridal gown and looked so beautiful..."


    "Later, we were also passionately in love. I treated you well too, didn''t I? Back then, I was the only one in your eyes and heart. You made clothes for me, took care of the household for me, taught me how to read and write. Just to give me a child, you damaged your own body. Gu Ying, I remember all these things."


    Disgust rose in Gu Ying''s eyes and her heart twisted painfully.


    She hated her former pathetic and weak self!


    Yet now this man was mercilessly tearing open her shameful past and exposing it to others!


    He had gone mad!


    She felt she would go mad too!


    Jiang Yun continued, "I know I wronged you. Now I truly repent. Why don''t we start over in this new life? I swear I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance. I will make you the most honored woman in the entire world."


    "Gu Ying, we haven''t seen each other for so many years. Do you know how much I missed you? Did you miss me too?"


    As he spoke, hisrge hand slid down, wanting to intimately hold her little hand like in their past life.


    However, Gu Ying''s face remained cold. She retreated back forcefully.


    She looked at him in utter disgust, as if he was filth. "Jiang Yun, what are you talking about?"


    Jiang Yun smiled crookedly. "Didn''t I make myself clear enough already?"


    Gu Ying only felt nauseous and sick. At that moment, she felt her stomach churning violently and could not help but heave dryly.


    Jiang Yun''s eyes narrowed dangerously as he looked towards her t belly.


    Could it be... she already carried Zhao Changdu''s child?


    He was not aware of his face swiftly bing ugly. A surge of inexplicable anger also rose uncontrobly in his heart.


    Gu Ying covered her chest and collected herself for a moment before breaking into a smile that did not reach her eyes. "What a pity. You want to start over but I don''t wish to anymore."


    "I want to watch you die without even a ce to be buried. I want to watch you ruined and disgraced. Most of all, I want to watch you unable to reincarnate even in death!"


    "Between you and me, it''s either you die or I live. There is no second path."


    Jiang Yun''s smile froze slightly. "How could you bear to?"


    Gu Ying knew too well how to puncture the pride and arrogance of someone like Jiang Yun. Those days where she allowed herself to be tormented by him were only because she liked him.


    What if she told him she never actually liked him at all?


    "Do you really think I liked you?"


    Jiang Yun''s brows knitted tightly together. "If you didn''t like me, why were you crying and throwing tantrums to marry me?"


    Gu Ying''s lips curved up lightly. "Because when I was young, I saw a ten year old boy fall into a hot spring. I wanted to save him but I was too small. Instead he was the one who saved me. From that moment, I liked him in my childish heart. It was only that I didn''t understand love back then. When I grew up and met you, I mistook you for him."


    Jiang Yun''s handsome face darkened. He shouted angrily, "You''re spouting nonsense!"


    Gu Ying smiled. "You guessed right. That boy was my Changdu. What a coincidence, isn''t it? You gave me to the prince and it turned out he and I were already bound by marital fate. We didn''te together in ourst life but we still ended up married in this life somehow. What does this mean? He and I were destined to be together. As for you..."


    Her eyes turned cold as she nced at him indifferently. "You were nothing more than the prince''s substitute."


    "Gu Ying, you''re talking rubbish! Rubbish!" Jiang Yun frowned in disbelief. His grip on her shoulders tightened fiercely, his eyes filled with madness and gloom. "Impossible! You clearly loved me so deeply¡ª"


    Gu Ying denied categorically, "The only one I ever loved was Changdu."


    Jiang Yun''s eyes sank deeper and deeper, as if falling into an abyss.


    How could it be... He clearly never gave her to Zhao Changdu.


    After the incident between her and the prince, he began to despise her for losing her purity... So he never touched her.


    Later, Shu Wang took a liking to her beauty and he slipped her a drug in order to gain favor. He delivered her into Shu Wang''s bed.


    When Shu Wang returned her afterwards, her entire body was covered in the marks left by a man''s caresses.


    He sat by her bed the entire night, filled with anger, jealousy and hatred.


    He also swore to kill Shu Wang to avenge her once he seeded in his grand n.


    But how could she have fallen in love with Zhao Changdu...


    A turmoil ofplex emotions rose in his heart. He stared fixedly at Gu Ying''s exquisite face again. Pulling his lips back, he let out a few eerieughs.


    He swiftly suppressed his feelings and found Gu Ying''s weakness. "Gu Ying, you died early so you don''t know that Zhao Changdu married Huo Qiyan afterwards, right?"


    His shrillughter felt like needles stabbing painfully into her heart.


    Gu Ying clenched her fists tightly, trembling all over.


    Yes, she did die early.


    So she didn''t know what happened to the prince afterwards...


    Jiang Yun seemed to have guessed her thoughts. His smile deepened. "Gu Ying must be wondering what ultimately became of Zhao Changdu. I can tell you, but shouldn''t you offer me some sincerity first?"

 Chapter 229: Meet Shang Jiao

    <h4>Chapter 229</h4>


    Gu Ying''s body suddenly tensed, her fingertips curled, and she lowered her longshes.


    Jiang Yin thought he had grasped her, moved closer again, wanting to take her into his arms, "Ying¡ª"


    Gu Ying raised her eyes, in a sh, neatly raised the dagger, taking advantage of his unwariness, and sent the de into his body again.


    There was a shallow, indifferent smile at the corner of her mouth, "What happened in the previous life of A Du is not important. What''s important is that I want you to die. This life, I will protect A Du myself."


    Jiang Yinughed self-deprecatingly, "You protect him? How do you protect him?"


    Gu Ying sneered coldly, "Do you think only you can seize the advantage?"


    Jiang Yin knew what she was going to say, smiled lightly, "You are in the inner courtyard, everything you know came from my mouth. Ying, aren''t you too naive? On February 28, 1623, there was an avnche at Banmapo, and an earthquake urred in Yueyang in early March. As for the epidemics that followed... "


    Gu Ying''s face changed. "What!"


    Did she remember the wrong dates?


    Jiang Yin pulled his mouth wide,ughing wildly, "After all, it had to be reported to the imperial court, at that time all the dates were after our discussion. The death toll from the natural disasters was more than ten times what you imagined."


    Gu Ying shivered all over, angrily said, "Jiang Yin! Do you know that those were all human lives! You could have saved them!"


    Jiang Yin smiled arrogantly, "Just some ants, why should I save them? Letting Zhao Changdu and the Qilin Army be buried in Yueyang is the greatest benevolence I can give him."


    Gu Ying was furious, and pped him hard.


    "p!"


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth tightly, her eyes filled with surging hatred, "If anything happens to him, I won''t let you die in peace!"


    The smile at the corner of Jiang Yin''s mouth faded a little, looking at Gu Ying''s exquisitely beautiful face against the light, his throat choked with bitter like gentian.


    Gu Ying mercilessly pulled out the dagger again.


    Blood spurted in front of her eyes, but she didn''t even blink.


    Just as she was about to stab the dagger into Jiang Yin''s heart, a sh of cold light suddenly appeared and stopped her action.


    The neer had extremely high martial arts skills, his figure was like smoke, instantly snatched away her dagger, and instead held it against her neck.


    A strong murderous aura came face-to-face.


    Jiang Yin, who was lying on the ground, called out hoarsely, "Han Lin! Stop!"


    Han Lin?


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly, a look of surprise shed in her eyes, but she soon let it go, after all, Jiang Yin had reincarnated, and it was normal for him to find his loyal servant Han Lin prematurely.


    In Han Lin''s moment of stunnedness, Gu Ying had already retreated from under his hand.


    After reincarnation, she had been diligent in practicing martial arts, and under the teaching of the crown prince, her skills had improved a lot. Although she was no match for Han Lin''s superb martial arts, it was still very easy for her to retreat from himpletely unharmed.


    She didn''t linger, snatched back the dagger, turned and jumped onto the wall, and after a few leaps she left.


    Jiang Yiny on the ground, panting quickly for a while, covering the wound on his palm.


    The big snow fluttered on his face, snowkes clung to his thick longshes, and his feelings of being close to death made his eyes dull.


    He was full of sorrow, raised his eyes, looked nkly at her neat departing figure, and had countless thousands of words in his eyes but didn''t know how to articte them properly.


    Ying, do you know that the one I always loved is you?


    He didn''t say this.


    He just sneered self-deprecatingly, "I brought this on myself, I don''t deserve to live."


    After saying that, everything went dark before his eyes and he finally passed out.


    ......


    On the other side.


    Gu Ying returned to the bustling main street, with still wet blood staining her head.


    Her footsteps faltered for a few steps as she thought of what Jiang Yin said, and her fingers holding the dagger trembled.


    Her face was pale, her lips trembling.


    After walking on the street in a daze for a while, many people saw the blood stains on her and talked about her while trying to avoid her as much as possible.


    Not far away there was someone who had set up a ring toss game, 10 cents to toss 10 times.


    The stone b covered with felt cloth was ced with many cute little animals such as chickens, ducks and rabbits. The boss was a petite and cute girl with a brilliant smile. Her voice was as crisp and pleasing as pearls colliding when she talked.


    "Come on and y, everyone! If you get 10 rings on target, you can get today''s mystery grand prize!"


    "Little girl, what exactly is the mystery grand prize? Give us a hint!"


    "No, I''ll naturally tell everyone when someone gets it!"


    A huge redwood box stood at the side of the street, and no one knew what was inside.


    Out of curiosity, arge group of people crowded noisily around it, surrounding the person ying ring toss game at the center.


    The wind and snow were too strong, and it was extremely cold. The cold wave pped people''s faces like knives, stinging people''s cheeks.


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes and looked ahead with difficulty.


    The splendid and gorgeousnterns shone as bright as daylight, illuminating the rows of people.


    She saw Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi happily trying hard there for a little white rabbit.


    Suddenly, the rabbit in the ring suddenly jumped out chaotically for some reason.


    Once it got out of control, the other little animals followed suit.


    It was a small business with little profit to begin with. Those little animals were perhaps the little girl''s wealth for the entire year. The little girl was suddenly panicked and pleaded, "Please help me catch them! Thank you all!"


    Gu Shuang was also anxious and pulled Fu Xunzhi''s sleeve, "Xunzhi, hurry up and help the boss catch that rabbit! Hurry!"


    Fu Xunzhi naturally agreed to her request and immediately rolled up his sleeves to catch the rabbit.


    In the chaotic and noisy scene, Fu Xunzhi, holding the fidgety little white rabbit, identally bumped into the little girl holding the hen.


    They held their foreheads, looking at each other in confusion, but also as if reunited after a long separation, smiling at each other.


    The surroundings seemed to suddenly slow down tens of times. All the people andnterns turned into a silent background.


    As if pushing away the clouds and mist, Gu Ying could now clearly see the little girl''s face.


    Her face was like a silver te, her lips slightly plump, her eyes were as ck and bright as grapes, shimmering with cleverness.


    It was her!


    Shang Jiao!


    Fu Xuzhi''s wife in his previous life, the daughter of that ordinary merchant!


    Gu Ying''s breath hitched, it felt like a stone had suddenly dropped to the bottom of her heart.


    How could they meet at this time!


    Originally the two would have no intersection?


    She suddenly thought of Jiang Yin who inexplicably appeared on the street today...


    It was him... all was manipted behind the scenes by him!


    He knew too well what she wanted to get, so he deliberately shattered and destroyed them one by one.


    He wanted her to continue to suffer, to still lose everything she wanted, he wanted her to copse again, fall into the abyss again?


    How could there be such a ridiculous thing in this world?


    Why was the fate so unfair?


    Gu Ying felt likeughing for a moment, then she felt five vors mixed in her heart the next moment. Her consciousness seemed to be pulled away and she was extremely sad. Coupled with anger to the extreme, her stomach churned again.

 Chapter 230: His Love Affair

    <h4>Chapter 230</h4>


    She couldn''t hold back and bent over to dry heave for a while, clutching her belly. Nothing came out, but her lower abdomen was excruciatingly ufortable. She closed her eyes, and when she looked up again, her eyes were already half red.


    Gu Shuang was the first to notice her. Forgetting all about the little rabbit charm and Young Master Fu, she hurried over to help her up, "Second sister, what''s wrong with you?"


    She tiptoed to brush the thick snowkes off her head, and her fingers touched the cold blood scabs on her face, frightened into silence.


    She held her second sister in her arms in inner panic, hurriedly taking off her cloak to wrap her up, calmly saying, "The wind outside is strong. Second sister, let''s go back now."


    "Come here, go find Hong Zhu and Yin Lan quickly!" She was about to take her to find the Marquis''s carriage.


    Gu Ying mped her wrist, hoarsely saying, "Bring Fu Xunzhi too."


    Only then did Gu Shuang react slowly...


    "Alright, second sister, wait for me."


    Soon, Hong Zhu, Yin Lan and Fu Xunzhi had gathered around.


    Gu Ying''s lower abdomen hurt so much that her forehead was covered in sweat. Leaning weakly against the carriage, she watched Shang Jiao bid farewell reluctantly to Fu Xunzhi''s back from afar.


    Although she did not believe in gods or Buddhas, nor believed that Shang Jiao would be reborn and return in the same way.


    But with Jiang Yin here, she didn''t know what Jiang Yin would say or do to Shang Jiao, so she deliberately orchestrated their "coincidental" encounter here tonight.


    At least she could see that Shang Jiao had special feelings for Fu Xunzhi, which made her feel even more ufortable.


    With a worried look on her face, seeing her mistress'' pale little face, Yin Lan said, "Mistress, get on the carriage first. The snow outside is too heavy, your body can''t stand the cold air. Whatever it is, we can talk in the carriage."


    Staring at Fu Xunzhi, Gu Ying fell silent for a good while.


    Fu Xunzhi felt his scalp tingle ufortably under her gaze. After thinking it over, he still couldn''t help asking, "Princess consort, is there anything I have done wrong? If I was being improper, the princess consort can teach me. But I beseech the princess consort to not jeopardise your own health."


    He could also see that she was unwell, but etiquette prevented him from continuing to watch her face and pained frown.


    With so many pairs of eyes looking at her so eagerly, Gu Ying no longer pretended to be strong. She turned her head and got on the carriage, but kept everyone else out.


    Leaving only Fu Xunzhi alone standing by the carriage side.


    She had something to tell him.


    Fu Xunzhi stood upright and straight outside the carriage, maintaining a gentlemanly distance, "Princess consort, please go ahead, I''m all ears."


    The carriage was very warm. Gu Ying hugged the hot water bottle to her palm, and the numb, dull ache in her head finally showed signs of relief.


    She paused, then said, "Master Fu, do you truly like my fourth sister?"


    Fu Xunzhi answered without hesitation, "Yes."


    "Master Fu is determined to marry her and will not change his heart in the future?"


    "I will not. I, Fu Xunzhi, once I decide to marry someone, I will definitely be with them for life and never let them down."


    Fu Xunzhi did not speak loudly, and his voice was not particrly pleasant.


    But his attitude was extremely determined, which was quite admirable indeed.


    Gu Ying was a little surprised. She hadn''t had close contact with Fu Xunzhi before, only having vaguely heard of his loyalty to his wife.


    Now, hearing him say this and linking it back to his previous life, she couldn''t help but feel endless emotions welling up inside.


    After all, Shang Jiao was innocent too. Without her interference, Shang Jiao could have had a happy life too.


    For a moment, Gu Ying didn''t know if she should mention Shang Jiao.


    If she did, it might make him overthink.


    But if she didn''t, she wouldn''t feel at ease.


    After thinking about it, she opened her mouth, "Master Fu, since you have proposed to my fourth sister today, and I believe in your character too, so we can be considered family now. There''s something I want to casually mention today... whether you and my fourth sister have fate between you, that is for you to see yourself."


    Not understanding, Fu Xunzhi paused before answering, "Alright."


    After a stick of incense...


    Fu Xunzhi''s eyes outside the tightly shut carriage curtain stirred slightly, incredulous. He turned to face the curtain.


    Gu Ying seemed tired and sighed, "Master Fu, let my fourth sistere up, I''ll send her back to the Fu residence."


    Fu Xunzhi was still dumbfounded. Coming back to his senses,


    he moved his numb, cold body and walked over to Gu Shuang with his head raised for the first time to openly look at Gu Shuang''s gentle brows and eyes.


    His heart was filled with countless doubts.


    He heard everything the princess consort said, he just didn''t understand how it could be so.


    The princess consort said he had an emotional tribtion in his fate that might entangle endlessly with a girl called Shang Jiao.


    She told him to steady his mind and not be calcted by others.


    But if he truly liked that Miss Shang, the Gu family would not make things difficult for him and their marriage could be called off. It all depended on how he chose.


    "Xunzhi, what''s wrong? How is my second sister?"


    Gu Shuang''s crisp voice rang out. The tip of her flushed nose and the slight happy smile on her lips.


    Only then did Fu Xunzhi avoid her gaze, his handsome face slightly red, "The princess consort is fine. She asked me to call the fourth young miss back."


    Gu Shuang''s brows and eyes smiled brightly. Her fair little face was gentle and moving against the snowy backdrop.


    From today onwards, she would be his fianc¨¦e.


    He had long made up his mind to treat her well for life. Not to exaggerate, he just hoped to always see a smile like tonight''s on her face to be satisfied.


    Fu Xunzhi''s heart softened. He gently said, "Fourth young miss, go over quickly, be careful of catching a cold."


    "Then... I''ll go home first." Seeing the man staring straight at herself, Gu Shuang shyly lowered her head and stuffed an exquisite little sachet into his palm, "This... I made it a long time ago... The snow outside is getting heavier. Brother Xunzhi, you should head back sooner too... I... I''m going."


    With that said, she didn''t dare linger and hurried towards the Marquis''s carriage without looking back.


    Fu Xunzhi dumbly stared in the direction of that luxurious carriage.


    Before long, the grand carriage disappeared into the vast snow.


    Somehow, the liveliness of Bianjing city quieted down.


    He tightly sped the lily magnolia sachet in his palm. It contained medicinal herbs for calming the nerves and aiding sleep, emitting afortable soothing herbal fragrance.


    He smiled, standing in ce for a while, thinking that the princess consort''s words were a little too rmist after all.


    How could there be any emotional tribtions, any Miss Shang?


    The only one he liked was Gu Shuang, Miss Gu.


    Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard crisp female voice like a spring oriole behind him, "Sir, thank you for catching my little rabbit back. This rabbit, I''ll give it to you!"


    Startled, he turned around to see the hawker girl standing prettily behind him somehow, still holding a fluffy white little rabbit in her hands.


    Fu Xunzhi knew she came from poor beginnings and it was hard for the youngdy to do business, so he said, "Ah? I don''t need the rabbit, miss, you should keep it for yourself."


    The youngdy smiled and stuffed the little rabbit into his arms, "I, Shang Jiao, like gentlemen like you the most! So the rabbit is for you!"


    With that said, she left, leaving Fu Xunzhi alone and confused in the wind.


    What?


    She''s called Shang Jiao?!

 Chapter 231: The Accident to Ningsi

    <h4>Chapter 231</h4>


    After returning to the Prince''s mansion, Yin Lan rushed to make ginger tea.


    Gu Ying had just taken off her cloak and before she could organize the chaotic thoughts in her mind to write a letter to the Prince, she saw Yin Zhu walking towards her in haste.


    "Mistress!" Yin Zhu called out loudly.


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows. Her face was tired and she asked, "Yin Zhu, what''s the matter?"


    Yin Zhu was dressed in in clothes. Worried that the cold from her body would make the mistress ufortable, she stood outside the beaded curtain and said, "Mistress, your prediction was not wrong. Zhao Changxing did send some local ruffians to harass Miss Ning. This servant went to Prince Duan''s mansion with the token the mistress gave. But Prince Duan was held up in the pce and could not leave. This servant has already asked the people in the Prince''s mansion to send word to the pce."


    Yin Zhu was usually soft-spoken, but today she said so much in one breath.


    Gu Ying sensed something was wrong. Ignoring the twinge of pain in her stomach, she put on her cloak hanging on the rosewood hanger again and asked, "Where is Ah Shen now?"


    Yin Zhu quickly replied, "This servant walks fast. By the time I arrived at Qingyun Temple, those local ruffians had already bullied and harassed Miss Ning. After seeing Miss Ning cry and return to her room, I secretly took her out and ced her in another small courtyard. Before I left, I saw Miss Ning had fainted and herplexion did not look right, so I asked Qing Yun to keep watch over her. However...."


    She paused for a moment and her tone became heavier. "Zhao Changxing and those local ruffians are still at Qingyun Temple."


    Gu Ying sneered coldly, "He deliberately set such a big trap to lure me in. Naturally, he wants to wait for me personally."


    By doing this, Zhao Changxing must be trying to get rid of Ah Duo''s trouble once and for all!


    Prince Duan was still in the pce. She didn''t know if he coulde out now. After all, Jiang Yin was the biggest variable. He dared to arrange for Prince Shu to get close to Ning Si early on. There¡¯s no telling what other outrageous things he might do.


    She had to go and bring Ning Si back herself to feelpletely at ease.


    Gu Ying put on her cloak again. Her small face was cold as she said, "Let''s go to Qingyun Temple now, Yin Zhu."


    Yin Zhu asked: "There are still many people in the temple now. Should the mistress wait for a while?"


    "No need," Gu Ying narrowed her eyes and the corners of her lips curled up coldly. "It is better that there are more people. It makes it easier for me to do things."


    Tonight, she wouldpletely get rid of Zhao Changxing, this scourge, for Ah Duo!


    When Yin Lan came out with the ginger tea, she only saw her mistress'' lonely back.


    She sighed with one hand on her forehead. What was happening? The Prince had just left not long ago, why was the mistress busy like a spinning top?


    These days, she saw that the mistress was always holding her belly, seemingly ufortable. She was worried and wanted to ask Aunt Yu the physician to take a look.


    Who would have thought that before she could say a sentence, the mistress ran off again.


    She looked at Aunt Yu standing next to her awkwardly and said with an embarrassed smile, "Aunt Yu, why don''t you go back first?"


    Aunt Yu didn''t say anything. She seemed dissatisfied and her eyebrows furrowed slightly, her eyes dim.


    Being looked at by such a pair of eyes, Yin Lan always felt uneasy for some reason.


    She didn''t know why, although Aunt Yu was an outsider, she had a strange sense of familiarity with the Prince¡¯s mansion.


    Yin Lan didn''t dare to say too much to Aunt Yu. After all, she was a highly skilled doctor. Yin Lan spoke politely and said with augh, "I have bothered you today. When the mistresses back, I wille to find you again and apologize."


    Aunt Yu suddenly said, "She doesn''t care about her own body like this. In the future, she will inevitably fall ill. Does the Prince know that this is her temper?"


    Yin Lan smiled dryly, "I will remind the mistress."


    Aunt Yu frowned without saying anything further, then turned and walked towards the back courtyard.


    Only then did Yin Lan breathe a sigh of relief. But when she returned to the room, she saw a few drops of bright red blood stains where the mistress had stood earlier. Her heart jumped wildly again.


    ...


    The inconspicuous ck carriage travelled overnight at full speed before finally arriving at Qingyun Temple.


    Another luxurious carriage followed slowly behind.


    Gu Ying put on her hood and got off the ck carriage first. She quietly entered the temple through the back door.


    Tonight was the Lantern Festival. Dong Li had no curfew set up.


    Many wealthy families who came to the temple to pray and burn incense would choose to stay in the temple to listen to the abbot¡¯s Dharma lectures.


    Therefore, many carriages were parked at the foot of the mountain. The temple was bustling with pilgrims and the incense was flourishing.


    Following Yin Zhu¡¯s instructions, Gu Ying walked towards the small courtyard where Ning Si was located.


    The buildings in the temple were majestic and covered an extremelyrge area. There were countless exquisite courtyards dotted around, with lush trees and heavy snow in the yards.


    The ce where Yin Zhu hid Ning Si was rtively remote.


    When Gu Ying arrived at the door of the small courtyard and was about to push it open, she saw another figure quickly following behind her.


    Her heart tightened and she was about to pull out her dagger. Then she heard the person cough lightly a few times and whispered in a low voice, "Gu Ying, it''s me."


    In the dim light of the corridor, Gu Ying saw Prince Duan''s handsome pale face.


    He hade in a hurry. His dark eyes were tense, and there was anxiety and worry between his eyebrows.


    Gu Ying said, "Why did Your Highnesse sote?"


    Li Hao covered the corner of his mouth. His eyebrows were filled with awe-inspiring coldness. He let out a coldugh, suppressing his cough, "This king was held up by Princess Yue Yan for a while."


    Gu Ying frowned. "Princess Yue Yan..."


    Li Hao was clever. When he learned that Ning Si was in trouble, he realized that what Princess Yue Yan did today was deliberate.


    His sister was actually working with Concubine Qi and Prince Shu. She deliberately obstructed him.


    Ning Si was her future sister-inw!


    If it hadn''t been for Gu Ying, he didn''t dare to think about what would have happened to Ning Si tonight!


    "This king will be wary of Yue Yan in the future." He softened his voice slightly, which shook imperceptibly, "The most important thing now is her safety. How is she?"


    Gu Ying said, "My maid hid her in this courtyard."


    "Good, good, let''s go in and see." Prince Duan spoke eagerly and impatiently entered the yard, pushing open the door.


    Gu Ying looked at him, then followed along into the room.


    On the simple white gauze canopy bed, Ning Si''s eyes were closed tightly, and her face was slightly red.


    Qing Yun was guarding at the side. Seeing Prince Duan and Gu Ying arrive together, she finally eased her worries. She cried, ¡°Your Highness, Madam, you are finally here... Our young miss has been unconscious. I reckon it was due to that cup of tea in the room... This servant is ipetent in taking care of the young miss.¡±


    Prince Duan''s eyes were full of distress. He stroked Ning Si''s hot forehead gently with his big hand and said, "Ning Si, wake up."


    Ning Si felt someone shaking her. Her red lips pursed slightly as she mumbled, "Mm...Merciful Buddha...your devout believer Ning Si...is willing...to not marry for life...and pray for a good marriage...for His Highness..."


    "Your Highness...mmm...Have a precious son early...The prince¡¯s consort shall give birth to...many fat sons for you."


    "Your devout believer...is willing to apany themps and Buddha for life...to pray for blessings for Your Highness."


    The Prince''s handsome face was filled withplex emotions as he listened to her sleep talking. Hearing her words, his tight face showed a look of amusement and distress.


    Silly girl. If she doesn''t marry, how can he have a good marriage?


    If she doesn''t give birth to children for him, where would he get his heirs?


    "Foolish words," the corners of his lips curled indulgently as he said in a low voice, "It''s better to just remain asleep when speaking nonsense."


    Gu Ying sat on the edge of the bed and frowned as she examined Ning Si''splexion, "It looks like she was drugged unconscious. Your Highness, please take her away first. I¡¯ll handle the rest."

 Chapter 232: I’ll Hurt You

    <h4>Chapter 232</h4>


    Prince Duan held Ning Si''s hand in one hand, raised his eyes, and looked at the woman with a calm expression sitting on the edge of the bed. His face was full of worry. "What are you going to do?"


    Gu Ying sneered coldly. Her tone was indifferent, but carried a weighty implication. "Today Zhao Changxing took advantage of Ning Si to plot against me. I can''t let him off easily."


    "He plotted against you?" Prince Duan narrowed his eyes as if recalling something. His eyes darkened. "That''s right. Speaking of which, as the elder brother, Zhao Changxing has always been very jealous of Du. You should know about the incident between Du and Huo Qiyun back then, right?"


    Gu Ying nodded. "Um."


    Prince Duan said, "I had someone investigate. Huo Qiyun was drugged. When she woke up, she was with Zhao Changxing. She really had no choice but to marry him. This incident gave Du no small blow, almost costing him his life."


    Gu Ying''s slender eyebrows gently knitted together. "I already know most of these things. Zhao Changxing is vicious and unscrupulous. He is a disaster if kept around. I don''t have the patience to deal with him in the long run. I n to take this great opportunity tonight and get rid of him directly."


    Prince Duan looked unexpectedly at the calm andposed Gu Ying. He didn''t expect that a young girl without her husband around would have such intelligence and ability.


    The fierceness in her eyes was exactly like Du''s.


    Her exquisite, palm-sized face was bathed in the dim candlelight, cold and aloof, appearing to have steadiness and self-control beyond her years.


    Having grown up in the royal family, Prince Duan had seen enough of sinister scheming and plots. Of course he wasn''t some true living Buddha or saint either.


    His kindness and righteousness simply meant he didn''t want to harm or kill people.


    But if someone really crossed his bottom line, such as viting Ning Si, he wouldn''t show great mercy to that person either.


    He calmly nced back, his cold gaze falling on Ning Si''s slightly flushed cheeks again. His tone turned cold. "I will assist you."


    Gu Ying hmm''d and took Qing Yun out first, instructing her to quietly return to the dormitory where Ning Si originally lived.


    Qing Yun bowed and left crying.


    Soon she ran out crying again.


    Gu Ying took a look at the still sleeping Ning Si. "Your Highness Prince Duan, I''ll leave Ning Si to you."


    There was a surge of darkness in Prince Duan''s eyes. His big hand held the hand of the sleeping woman tightly. "Alright."


    ...


    Gu Ying turned around and left the yard, sneaking out again through the back door and onto the carriage with the Duke''s Residence que that Yin Zhu had prepared early on.


    The carriage had just stopped at the gate when Qing Yun came rushing and threw herself on. "Consort! Something happened to my young miss! Please help my young miss!"


    Gu Ying poked her head out of the carriage. She held up Qing Yun and pretended to be anxious. "Don''t panic Qing Yun. Hurry, take me to find your young miss!"


    Qing Yun wiped her tears and, along with Yin Zhu, helped Gu Ying down from the carriage. The three hurriedly walked into the temple.


    The few local ruffians guarding the temple gate exchanged nces and went into the temple to report.


    After Qing Yun left, Zhao Changxing waited in Ning Si''s yard.


    Hearing the news, the corners of his mouth hooked up slightly. "When theye in, knock out those two meddlesome maids first."


    "Yes, young master."


    Zhao Changxing''s eyes curved up. "Tonight, in this quiet, secluded temple, it happens to allow this young master to properly hear her cries in bed."


    Gu Ying''s voice had always been soft and pleasant. Even just hearing her speak made one tingle all over. Her cries in bed must be very arousing.


    Just thinking about that scene made him restless and hot all over. "How wonderful! What are you guys still waiting for? Go stand guard!"


    The ruffians had taken his money and would naturally follow orders. They went to hide in the corners of the yard with clubs in their hands, ready to strike at any time.


    To get Gu Ying, Zhao Changxing had made preparations long ago.


    He had specifically found local ruffians who often roamed around Qingyun Temple. If Gu Ying was sensible and didn''t make a big fuss out of this, it would be fine. But if she had a fiery temper and insisted on crying and making trouble, it would be easy for him to slip away afterwards by pushing everything onto the ruffians.


    Just as he was thinking about how to deal with her, he heard Qing Yun crying and a series of footsteps outside, mingled with Gu Ying''s soft, pleasant voice.


    Seeing this, Zhao Changxing was thrilled. His eyes instantly lit up. He rubbed his hands in anticipation, waiting for Gu Ying to willingly walk through his door.


    The yard door soon opened, but things seemed a little off.


    The first one to enter was a red-clothed maid. The two ruffians who rushed out to attack were sent flying into the wall by her swift kicks.


    Zhao Changxing walked out from under the eaves with narrowed eyes. "Sister, what is the meaning of this?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips. "Qing Yun, close the door."


    Qing Yun obediently went to close it while Yin Zhu took the chance to knock down the other two ruffians.


    In a moment, the four men were lying on the snowy ground facing the sky and crying out in pain.


    Seeing this, Zhao Changxing was delighted. He had never felt such excitement through all the years of womanizing. For the first time tonight with Gu Ying, he experienced the pleasure between a man and a woman without any intimacy.


    The colder she was, the more he wanted to crush her aloofness. With this thought, he stretched out his finger and hooked Gu Ying''s chin. "My dear sister, shall Ifort you well?"


    Gu Ying raised her chin, looking up at him. "How about Ifort you instead?"


    Hearing this, Zhao Changxing felt his bones turn soft. "Oh?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head, curving her lips into a smile. "Come, let''s go inside?"


    Zhao Changxing''s heart started pounding rapidly. Having been through so many romantic entanglements over the years, he had never felt such excitement before. It was the first time tonight to feel the thrill between a man and woman with Gu Ying without any intimacy at all.


    He wiped his lips, watching as Gu Ying walked inside.


    That slender, deadly waist. Those round, plump buttocks... That delicate, upright back, and those straight legs hidden under her skirt.


    He swallowed and immediately followed her in.


    The ruffians were still unwilling to leave even after the door closed.


    Qing Yun started worrying again. "Yin Zhu, will your mistress really be alright?"


    Yin Zhu calmly shook her head. "It will be fine."


    Not to mention Prince Duan''s hidden guards all around, there were already two top experts from the Prince Consort waiting outside the yard.


    If anything really happened to the consort, none of them would live either.


    Although Yin Zhu said so, Qing Yun still felt afraid and worried in her heart.

 Chapter 233: Nightmares about the Son of the King

    <h4>Chapter 233</h4>


    Zhao Changxing, the notorious yboy son of the Zhao family, was the most well-known rogue in Bianjing City. He loved to toy with women the most. Eldest Prince''s Consort, Lady Hu, had married into the Zhao family for ten years, yet the concubines in Zhao Changxing''s backyard were too numerous to count on both hands.


    No one knew what sins Eldest Prince''s Consort hadmitted to provoke such an oppressor. She looked so fragile, hope she''s not really being bullied by Zhao Changxing.


    She was struggling internally on whether she should push the door open to take a look.


    Not long after, she saw Gu Ying walking out of the room again.


    Qing Yun was stunned.


    Gu Ying''s cold gaze swept over the few people in the yard. She rotated her wrists and said to the local ruffians below, "You bullied Lady Ning just now. Byw, that is punishable by death. But now, I''m willing to give you a chance to redeem yourselves. Do you want it?"


    Those ruffians were merely hired hands. ncing carefully into the room and seeing no movement from Zhao Changxing, they did not know if this beautiful Madam had killed him or what.


    Sizing up this young yet formidable beauty, they were already scared witless. They quickly smiled, "Rep...replying to Madam, what...what chance is there to make amendments?"


    Gu Ying sneered and told them toe into the room.


    Once in the room, everyone was shocked and stared wide-eyed. Qing Yun was even more frightened, not daring to utter a word.


    They saw Zhao Changxing bound tightly with bedsheets on the floor, thrown into an embarrassing posture. Two smelly socks were stuffed into his mouth. He stared furiously at Gu Ying.


    "Mmpf! Mmpf!"


    "Mmpf!"


    Though no one understood him, everyone knew he was swearing.


    Zhao Changxing''s gaze could kill. Helpless to speak, he could only re at Gu Ying with bloodshot eyes.


    The few ruffians felt rather awkward. Head lowered, they dared not meet Zhao Changxing''s furious stare.


    Gu Ying faintly knitted her brows without a word. She took out the Qilin Dagger from her deer leather boots.


    Right before them, she lifted Zhao Changxing''s clothes, exposing his manhood brazenly.


    Zhao Changxing''s expression changed. Scared witless, his body shuddered violently as he struggled vigorously.


    "Mmpf! Mmpf mmpf! Mmpf! Mmpf mmpf!"


    Gu Ying nced at him indifferently, showing not a shred of mercy. She directly shed downward with the dagger.


    With a soft puncture, Zhao Changxing''s body almost bounced off the floor, sweating profusely from extreme pain as his eyes turned red.


    He could not scream. Arching his neck back with protruding veins, his angry and terrified eyes red fixedly at Gu Ying.


    He simply could not believe Gu Ying would do something so ruthless to him!


    Without any apprehension, Gu Ying had made her decision and would never regret it. She neatly retrieved the blood-stained dagger from his pants.


    "I''ve warned you. Don''t provoke me. You can''t afford to."


    Zhao Changxing looked at her as though looking at a fiend, fury and agony burning in his crimson eyes.


    Gu Ying remained nonchnt. "I severed your source of disasters today. Behave yourself from now on. Stop thinking of harming youngdies."


    Zhao Changxing''s body shuddered violently, his pupils already somewhat distracted.


    With the pants soaked with blood, everyone in the room was frightened out of their wits, their faces all deathly pale.


    Even Qing Yun was quivering from Gu Ying''s shocking move. Only Yin Zhu watched her Mistress admiringly with appreciative eyes.


    The few ruffians wanted to escape immediately but were seized back in by Prince Duan''s guards.


    Wiping the Qilin Dagger clean of fresh blood, Gu Ying looked down at those cowering ruffians and said, "Didn''t he say he wants me to have some fun tonight? Why did I keep all of you back?"


    Too frightened to think properly, the gang leader cautiously replied, "For...for us to let Zhao Gongzi have some fun too?"


    "Quite clever. Regarding tonight''s affairs, I presume you''ve seen nothing?"


    "No...Nothing! Madam can rest assured, we won''t breathe a word of this!"


    Satisfied, Gu Ying left atst.


    The rest could be left to Prince Duan...


    ...


    Exhausted after a long night, Gu Ying slept in the carriage. On the way back to the estate, shey curled up on the cushion as a dull pain tingled in her lower abdomen.


    Jiang Yin is reborn.


    She had not felt at ease.


    Recalling what he said, she became even more worried and apprehensive...


    About Eldest Prince''s ending in his past life...she actually cared a lot too. Though professing to protect him all the time, she actuallycked confidence deep down.


    It would be better if she knew Eldest Prince had a good ending in his past life. But now with Jiang Yin''s reminder, she instead felt restless and uneasy.


    Eldest Prince absolutely must note to harm...


    Noticing herplexion, Yin Zhu slowed down the carriage out of concern.


    Back at Prince Duan''s estate, it was Yin Zhu who piggybacked her straight into the estate.


    The moment Gu Ying returned to Changfeng Lodge, she abruptly awoke from her dream with eyes red and swollen, tears clinging onto her thick dampshes looking extremely pitiful.


    The yard was deathly still, only the howling wind and dancing snow could be heard.


    Only now did Yin Lan bring in freshly brewed ginger tea. "Mistress, finish the tea and go back to sleep. It''s been an exhausting night..."


    Yes, physically and emotionally drained throughout the night.


    "I don''t want it..." Gu Ying was in no mood for drinks, totally devoid of appetite. Drinking would only make her vomit.


    On the way back she dreamt of Eldest Prince leading the Qilin Army ording to her timeline, but halfway they still met with a snow avnche...


    The huge mass of snowpletely buried Eldest Prince underneath.


    In the pitch ck beneath, Eldest Prince had his eyes shut tightly without a breath, his body also turning cold.


    She shuddered in fear, bawling as she tried to dig him out from below.


    But in the end, what she excavated was only his icy corpse.


    He would never open his eyes again, never take her into his embrace again, never kiss her lips again, never whisper gently to her again.


    Without a breath, hey quietly in the snow with his handsome face deathly pale like paper.


    She held him and wept in the snow, crying with gut-wrenching sobs until she jerked awake. But a lingering dull pain still remained in her heart.


    "Why the tears, Mistress? Did you have a nightmare?" Yin Lan asked worriedly. Ever since the Lantern Festival tonight, Mistress had not smiled once.


    Gu Ying shook her head, stroking her heart. "I''m fine."


    Wiping the tears from eyes, she got up to hastily write Eldest Prince a letter.


    Then she passed it to Huai An and urged him to deliver it to Eldest Prince as fast as possible.


    Seeing Mistress'' rare solemn expression, Huai An delivered the letter without dy that very night.


    Sitting in a daze, Gu Ying finally felt the tense string in her mind rxing. But the moment she ckened, a sense of fatigue washed over her entire body while her spirit sagged. Yet her lower abdomen continued throbbing.

 Chapter 234: The Moon is Strange

    <h4>Chapter 234</h4>


    She lowered her eyes and said to Yin Lan, then propped herself up and entered the bathroom.


    The clean room had already prepared hot water. Gu Ying took off her clothes...and was stunned for a while when she saw the blood on her skirt.


    Her period this time was very light...but tonight it was a little heavier than usual.


    She didn''t think much of it and told Yin Lan to get her a new pad again. She washed herself clean of the blood stains and felt much morefortable aftering out of the warm water.


    Yin Lan brought in the medicine that Yu Gu had previously prepared for her. Seeing that her mistress had finished drinking all of it, she still worriedly wanted to say, "Mistress, shouldn''t you ask Yu Gu to take your pulse? One cannot be careless about health issues."


    "Didn''t I already drink the medicine? Anyway, it was the prescription given by Yu Gu." Gu Ying put on her undergarment and outer garment, went out to the outer room, and smiled reassuringly, "It''s sote, no need. I''m fine, just that my emotions have been unstable recently, so my health has suffered a little. I''ll be fine after some good rest."


    She had just taken care of the troubles of Jiang Yin and Zhao Changxing tonight, so her mood was not bad.


    After bathing, she went straight to bed. She was really tired and fell fast asleep.


    Yin Lan went to the canopy bed and lowered the curtains, looking at the sleeping woman, sighing softly and imperceptibly.


    I hope the Prince returns soon so that the Mistress doesn''t have to worry so much.


    ...


    The next day, big news came out of Bianjing City.


    The eldest son of the Duke of Zhen Guo, Zhao Changxing, was carried out from the Qingyun Temple.


    Although the servants and guards who came to carry him were all loyal subordinates of the Duke''s mansion, and the carriage was surrounded by curtains all the way down the mountain and directly headed downhill after Zhao boarded, there were still some ws that leaked out somehow.


    It was said that he was covered in blood with his manhood cut off, and was vited by some people all night.


    The perpetrators were some local ruffians and hoodlums near Qingyun Temple. Those people usually liked to harassmoners around there.


    Last night, they probably mistook Young Master Zhao for an ordinary servant boy and bullied him.


    After recognizing who he was, they immediately fled Bianjing overnight.


    When Zhao Changxing was sent back to the Duke¡¯s mansion, Madam Cheng took one look at him and froze in ce.


    Her mind went nk for a good while before she reacted. The man lying in bed taking shallow breaths, injured all over, castrated, and vited by a few hoodlums was her son...


    She screamed in disbelief, her legs went weak, "My son!"


    "Who the hell did this!"


    "Find those people for me quickly! I want them to have no ce to be buried!"


    Her son had grown up with great difficulty and had not produced an heir yet. Now he was mutted like this!


    How could she go on living!


    Madam Cheng fainted from extreme grief on the spot.


    Gu Ying woke up in the afternoon.


    Yanzhi had finished her investigation and came excitedly to tell her about it.


    "Mistress, you didn''t see Madam Cheng''s expression. It was truly overcast and stormy. Whoever encountered her would be unlucky. The servants and maids in Baomo Hall were all punished. Those serving inside are now living in fear, worried that breathing wrongly would implicate them."


    Madam Cheng was beside herself for the first time and went to the Duke. I heard the Duke scolded her harshly.


    Zhao Changxing was half dead, now lying in bed unconscious.


    This matter could not be spread outside. Externally, it could only be said that he identally injured his leg, so it was unlikely that the local government yamen would give him justice, as it would be humiliating for the Duke¡¯s mansion¡¯s reputation if the truth came out.


    No matter how much the Duke doted on Madam Cheng and Zhao Changxing, what he valued most was still his own face.


    Madam Cheng cried and wailed, but what could be done?


    Those vagrant ruffians could not be found at all. In this kind of situation, one could only admit their bad luck and swallow the blood and teeth.


    Sending a few guards to privately look for those people again would be extremely difficult, as the pugilistic world was vast and boundless, and finding a few homeless vagrants would be extremely difficult.


    Hearing that Madam Cheng was so angry that she could not eat, Gu Ying felt gratified just picturing her and Zhao Changxing¡¯s bitter plight that they could not tell anyone about.


    Moreover, Zhao Changxing had be an eunuch. In the future, no one would make trouble for the Prince again, and Madam Cheng could no longer rely on having a son to show off her power and prestige.


    Her mood improved slightly, and her face showed a smile.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi cheered up, ¡°It¡¯s good that Mistress is smiling. We saw Mistress gain some weight recently, but she lost it all again thesest two days. Mistress should eat more.¡±


    Gu Ying looked at the two maids gratefully.


    She had suffered blood and qi deficiency these days. Today, Yin Lan specifically cooked her nutritious ck chicken soup to replenish her qi and blood. She slowly drank it mouthful by mouthful, asionally asking, "Yin Lan, how is Ah Zhen?"


    Yin Lan smiled slightly, ¡°Mistress, don¡¯t worry. Miss Ning only came down the mountain today and doesn¡¯t know anything after waking up. But I heard Lord Huai say that Prince Duan apanied her all night at Qingyun Temple yesterday and only secretly returned to Bianjingst night. It seems Miss Ning still doesn¡¯t know it was Prince Duan who saved her yesterday, she thought she just slept for one night."


    Although Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, sheter felt that Prince Duan''s approach was very good, and the corners of her mouth curled up. "Well, I won''t worry about her and Prince Duan. Now there''s only my fourth younger sister left."


    "Is Mistress worried that Young Master Fu is fickle?"


    "It''s not that I worry about him, it''s just¡ª" she was worried about the tricks of fate.


    Under Jiang Yin¡¯s meddling, Shang Jiao had appeared suddenly. I wonder if Fu Xunzhi would still be entangled with her like in their past life. After all, in theirst life, Fu Xunzhi and Shang Jiao''s love story was regarded as an eternal legend in Bianjing.


    Not having seen Shang Jiao before, now that she had met her, she realized that the girl was indeed likable.


    She had an unfortunate background, but was stubbornly strong-willed like a lily clinging to a cliff edge striving to grow.


    Graceful and generous, adorable and enterprising, optimistic and cheerful.


    Her eyes seemed to be able to speak, clear and limpid.


    No wonder Fu Xunzhi was held tightly in this girl''s grasp in his previous life.


    Gu Ying¡¯s mind was still a little groggy. She furrowed her brows and thought for a while, then felt a headacheing on.


    "Yin Lan, have Huai An investigate the background of that Miss Shang Jiao, then have someone send her some silver and money to see if her family is in financial difficulties. If she is truly in dire straits, then find a way to help her out."


    Yin Lan asked in puzzlement, "Why is Mistress so concerned about that girl?"


    Gu Ying pinched her brow, "I can''t exin it for now, I just find her pitiful. It¡¯s not easy for a girl to do business alone, so I want to give her some assistance."


    Yin Lan blinked and did not ask further, "Okay then, I will go with Lord Huai this afternoon personally."


    Gu Ying had always been at ease leaving matters to Yin Lan. It would be even better if she handled it herself.


    "Yin Lan, also, subtly warn her. If she has difficulties she cane to me for help and must not harbor inappropriate thoughts to seek out irrelevant people."

 Chapter 235: I’m Not clean, I’m not clean.

    <h4>Chapter 235</h4>


    Yin Lan then understood. Her mistress was doing this probably for Young Master Fu and Fourth Young Lady. She smiled lightly, "This ve will refrain."


    "I''m going to sleep for a while..." Gu Ying put down her bowl and chopsticks, stroked her belly, and the corners of her lips curved up. "Yin Lan, if there''s a letter from the Heir, you must wake me up."


    "Mistress, just go to bed with ease. This ve and Rouge are here watching over you."


    With the two of them in the yard, as well as Huai An and the guards the Heir left behind, Gu Ying felt at ease. After the meal, she went upstairs to rest.


    In the afternoon, Huai An went out with Yin Lan.


    Shang Jiao lived in a broken courtyard under a crooked tree on Chunyang Lane in the west city of Bianjing.


    When Huai An arrived, she was feeding chickens and ducks in the yard. Seeing the two nobly dressed young master and youngdy outside the fence, she put down the leftovers in the bowl and wiped her hands on her clothes before going to the door. She gave the thick-browed, big-eyed Huai An a smile, "Young Master, Young Lady, do you have business with me?"


    Seeing her lovely and delicate, Huai An''s stern tone softened a little. "We''vee to see the situation in your home. My mistress met you on the street on Lantern Festival night and took great liking to you. Seeing a young girl like you working hard to make a living, she wanted toe help."


    Shang Jiao''s long eyshes fluttered as she looked at Yin Lan. "Mistress? This mistress of yours?"


    Huai An''s handsome face reddened in embarrassment. "Cough cough..."


    He wanted to go along with it, but Yin Lan just smiled and exined, "No, it''s the mistress of the Heir of the Duke of Zhenguo''s residence."


    Huai An turned his head and saw the politeness and aloofness on Yin Lan''s face. His heart sank a little.


    So she was drawing a clear line with him?


    As a rough fellow, he didn''t really understand Yin Lan. Seeing Yin Lan enthusiastically invited into Shang Jiao''s yard, he could only lower his head and follow them in.


    Shang Jiao was very warm to them, especially him.


    She still had a pair of parents at home with littlebor power. Her mother was often bedridden with poor health, while her father could only do odd jobs. Otherwise he worked as a cook''s helper at the restaurant.


    The little girl was very articte with a sweet mouth. She kept looking up at him with bright, innocent eyes - the angle that best showed a woman''s innocence and purity, very appealing to men.


    Huai An frowned unhappily. Though he didn''t like the girl''s slyness, he couldn''t bring himself to dislike her either. After all, she looked like a young girl. He couldn''t mistreat her.


    But Yin Lan...


    He turned to look at her again, but she didn''t even nce his way.


    Huai An felt discouraged. Yin Lan handled everything afterwards while he only provided the silver.


    The two of them then left Shang Jiao''s home.


    He called to the leadingdy in front and stopped her, his heart feeling stuffy, even more annoying than losing a battle. "Yin Lan, what''s wrong with you recently? Suddenly so cold to me?"


    Yin Lan turned around and saw Huai An''s frowning handsome face. She smiled, "No, why does Sir Huai feel that way?"


    A surge of irritation rose in Huai An''s heart. She was ying Tai Chi with him.


    He was the kind of person who spoke his mind directly without beating around the bush.


    Today, he would tell her outright that he liked her.


    "Do you believe that yourself?" He went right up to her, his tall frame enveloping her.


    Yin Lan quietly retreated back a little.


    Huai An''s brows sank heavily. He forced her back against the wall in amanding manner, staring at her moist eyes intently with his own thick brows and eyes. "Let me be blunt with you today. I''ve liked you for a long time, from the first time I saw you I wanted to marry you. Although I''m just a minor captain in the Kirin Army now, as long as I follow the Heir and work hard, I''ll surely rise high in five years and give you a happy life. Are...are you willing?"


    Yin Lan stared at him in a daze, not expecting him to say it outright.


    She swallowed and her nose soured. Her emotions wereplicated. "I..."


    "Just say if you''re willing to marry me or not!" Huai An gritted his teeth, fists clenched tightly. It was apparent that while he lookedposed externally, he was still somewhat nervous inside.


    In all his years, this was the first time he had confessed to a girl, and he worried greatly that she would flee instead of epting him.


    Under Huai An''s burning gaze, Yin Lan''s heart raced.


    Snowkes drifted down under the crooked tree.


    She gathered her cyan cloak tighter and moistened her lips before giving a bitterugh. "Sir Huai, I''m unwilling."


    Huai An''s heart lurched. The snowkes fell on his eyshes, stinging his eyes. "You, what did you say?"


    It felt very difficult before saying it, but once uttered, everything became easier.


    She had no reason to conceal her past.


    Sir Huai was sincere. She didn''t want to lead him on.


    Yin Lan smiled through her tears and held out her callused hands to Huai An.


    "In others'' eyes, I''m an elder maid in the Censorate, of good background and status, even esteemed. But only I know what I''ve gone through."


    "These are hands stained with blood."


    "I''m neither innocent nor clean."


    Huai An clenched his fists tightly until the veins on the back of his hands protruded. He looked at her in disbelief.


    What Yin Lan feared most was that kind of look. It felt like a blunt knife gouging out a piece of her heart, aching dully. Fortunately there was no contempt or disdain in his eyes.


    But that hint of doubt still pierced her deeply.


    She knew no man could ept her past, so when she decided to speak out, she was already prepared to sever ties with him.


    She retracted her hands and gathered them in her sleeves, sniffling. White mist puffed from between her lips in the cold air.


    She narrowed her eyes, unable to discern Huai An''s face in the mist. She smiled and continued, "I killed my own husband and have borne children. Sir Huai, are you still willing to marry someone like me?"


    Huai An''s lips drew tightly into a line. Things werepletely different from what he imagined.


    His mind felt rather chaotic and he didn''t know how to respond or what to say now.

 Chapter 236: Her Child

    <h4>Chapter 236</h4>


    However, Yin Lan gave a self-deprecatingugh, pressed down the sour feeling in her chest, and walked directly away from him, boarding the carriage of the Duke''s Mansion.


    In a short while, she faded from sight at the street corner.


    Huai An''s heart was suppressed with indescribable anger. He stared deadly at the carriage, his eyes full of distress.


    When they returned to the Duke''s Mansion, it seemed there was suddenly estrangement between them.


    Although outsiders couldn''t see anything wrong as they still talked and worked like before, giving each other letters to and from the Eldest Prince and his wife.


    But Yin Lan knew that Huai An had reservations towards her in his heart.


    Perhaps he was very disappointed with her as a person after knowing she was a murderer, so he became aloof towards her.


    It wasn''t exactly disappointing, she had expected this early on. After telling him, she actually felt somewhat more rxed.


    She still treated him well like before.


    She regarded him as her younger brother.


    That was all, nothing more.


    ...


    After Lantern Festival, Gu Ying became more and more fond of sleeping.


    In early March, on a sunny spring day, there was asionally a snowy day.


    Later, the peach blossoms were in full bloom as the weather turned slightly warmer.


    People becamezy. She was even less willing to move around.


    Cheng was devoted to taking care of Zhao Changxing, and was also less temperamental. She only secretly gritted her teeth in resentment towards Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying felt that a woman''s mindset was truly hard to guess.


    Cheng firmly believed that it was because of her that her son became like this, cursing her as a demon, a scourge.


    Gu Ying helplessly raised her eyebrows. What does it have to do with me?


    If you want to me, then me her son for having something inappropriate between his legs that is restless.


    After the fallout with Cheng, Gu Ying was even more unwilling to leave Changfeng Pavilion. She was content to recuperate within the pavilion, and incidentally, locked Granny Sun, severing Cheng''s connection with Granny Sun.


    Ning Si and Gu Shuang often came to see her. Especially Ning Si, who had some unpleasantness with the Prince, simply came to stay in Changfeng Pavilion for a few days.


    Gu Ying¡¯s Changfeng Pavilion became lively again.


    But most of the time, she was asleep in bed, for some reason, once she fell asleep, she couldn¡¯t wake up no matter what. Even asleep, she would have all kinds of dreams, about her past and present lives, Jiang Yin and the Eldest Prince, as well as the child she had lost.


    Counting the days, that child should have been conceived when her body was still well, it should be from that time at the separate courtyard when the Eldest Prince took her body.


    At that time, Jiang Yin hadn''t touched her yet. Other than the Eldest Prince, she didn''t have any other men.


    Speaking of which, her first child...was the Eldest Prince''s.


    Jiang Yin loathed her for having an unclean body. He rarely touched her. After knowing she was pregnant, he directly had Jiang Ling''er feed her abortion medicine.


    On an stormy night.


    That medicine nearly tore her lower abdomen apart...the pain made her see stars, and the blood and amniotic fluid flowed out from between her legs...


    She was young and hadn''t experienced this before, she was so scared she cried straight away.


    But Jiang Yin just stood at the door, watching coldly as she struggled in pain. There wasn''t the slightest ripple on his face.


    Later, he left.


    On such a cold day, he left her lying on the icy floor. When she woke up with a paleplexion, touching her t lower abdomen, she knew in her heart that the child was gone...


    She didn''t even know if it was male or female.


    If it had been born, what would it have looked like...


    Later, her body deteriorated and it became very difficult to conceive.


    Upon dreaming to this point, Gu Ying cried awake from the dream, leaning against the bed. Her gaze was obscure and confused. She was sleepless until dawn.


    If she could conceive the Eldest Prince¡¯s child again in this life, that would be good...


    She would definitely give birth to the child, take a look at its appearance, know if it was male or female, and make up for the regrets of her previous life.


    Thinking this way, her hand slid down lightly and gently covered her abdomen.


    ¡°Child, will youe into mother¡¯s belly again?¡±


    No one answered. In the tranquility of the night, there was only a lone flickering candle light outside the curtains.


    The corners of Gu Ying¡¯s mouth rose. She knew early on that she should not have taken contraceptive medicine if she knew she would have loved the Eldest Prince like so.


    ...


    Sitting solitary from dawn, she felt sleepiness overwhelm her.


    She turned around and sank back into sleep.


    Recently, she often slept. When she woke, if not to see Ning, then to read or practice calligraphy in the study, asionally chatting with Ning Si.


    Upon receiving the Eldest Prince¡¯s letter, knowing that the Eldest Prince and Qilin Army were safe, her heart eased a bit.


    It was a pity that despite the two stabs she gave Jiang Yin on Lantern Festival, it didn''t take his pathetic life. Shu Prince still promoted him to be a staff member in the Prince¡¯s mansion.


    She felt annoyed and hated him in her heart.


    Thinking that ultimately she cannot let him appear before the Eldest Prince and tell him of her past.


    Still need to find another way to kill him.


    In mid-March, Gu Ying gradually lost contact with the Eldest Prince.


    Previously, the twomunicated by letter every three days,ter gradually to four to five days before she could receive a letter from Yueyang.


    In thest letter, the Eldest Prince said they and the Qilin Army had safely arrived in Yueyang, asking her not to worry.


    Since then, she stopped receiving the Eldest Prince¡¯s letters.


    Huai An also didn¡¯t know the reason, nor did the messenger returned. Changfeng Pavilion was uneasy.


    Until March 15th, the telegram reporting Yueyang¡¯s earthquake was delivered from Yueyang to the court. The deaths and injuries were countless, the Eldest Prince missing, and Qilin Army halved.


    The entire court and public were shocked.


    No one had expected that just a small snowstorm could lead to such heavy losses.


    Gu Ying''splexion turned stiff upon receiving the news, before turning ghastly white.


    After seeing the telegram from Huai An, just seeing the four words of ¡°Eldest Prince missing¡±, she darkened before her eyes, the world spun as she heavily copsed into the chair, almost unable to breathe.


    Ning Si anxiously rubbed Gu Ying¡¯s heart,forting her, ¡°Ying, don¡¯t panic first. This is likely a mistake in the telegram. The Eldest Prince is wise and martial. Even amongst thousands of soldiers and horses he can emerge victorious in hundreds of battles. This is just a small snowstorm and earthquake, and will surely turn misfortune into a blessing.¡±


    Gu Ying felt a stabbing pain in her heart, her five viscera and six bowels twisted into a ball.


    She knew she couldn''t fall apart, so she steeled herself with red eyes, ¡°I know... I was just shocked for a moment. The Eldest Prince must be fine...¡±


    She couldn''t continue. Her lips were pale, her throat choked up.


    Ning Si hugged her tightly, feeling her trembling shoulders, also feeling uneasy in her heart, ¡°The telegram said that the Eldest Prince was just missing? What¡¯s the reason for this?¡±


    Huai An frowned, ¡°It said there were Qiang assassins, taking advantage of this opportunity to assassinate the Eldest Prince in Yueyang. The Eldest Prince was struck by an arrow and fell off a cliff, disappearing without a trace.¡±


    Gu Ying closed her eyes. Her tears slid down her cheeks. What else was there not to understand?


    Jiang Yin knew Yueyang was dangerous, so he deliberately persuaded Shu Prince to let him have this opportunity to establish merits in disaster relief, wanting to bury the Eldest Prince and the Qilin Army entirely in Yueyang¡¯s earthquake.


    As for the so-called Qiang assassins, it was still unknown whether they were really people sent by Shu Prince and Jiang Yin.


    Gu Ying gave a cold mockingugh. Her heart ached badly, hating that she couldn¡¯t hack Jiang Yin into thousand pieces!


    She couldn¡¯t sit still for a moment, and abruptly stood up.


    Huai An was also anxious, ¡°My Lady, I want to personally go to Yueyang.¡±


    Gu Ying looked up at him with eyes filled with tears, gritting her teeth, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

 Chapter 237: Go to the Sun Together

    <h4>Chapter 237</h4>


    Huai An was stunned, "My Lady, your health is weak¡ª"


    Gu Ying did not give Huai An a chance to persuade her, her eyes were serious and solemn, "I am his wife. No matter what he is like, I have to see it with my own eyes to feel at ease."


    The words that filled Huai An''s mouth were blocked in his throat. Seeing the determined expression on hisdy''s face, he had no choice but to agree. He turned around to arrange the trip to Yueyang.


    Gu Ying meant what she said, she immediately asked Yin Lan to prepare her luggage.


    Ning Si had wanted to persuade her again, but whatever she said was stuck in her heart by Gu Ying''s words.


    "If Prince Duan was in danger now, could Ning Si still wait so calmly in Bianjing?"


    Ning Si was silenced, "I¡ª"


    Gu Ying pulled her mouth slightly, smiled helplessly and said, "Since this is the case, Ning Si should not stop me anymore. I am determined to go. I must go to Yueyang before I can rest assured."


    Ning Si sighed. Knowing that she couldn¡¯t persuade Gu Ying, she simply asked Qing Yun to prepare her courtesy visit preparations as well and sent a message back to the Minister¡¯s Mansion, preparing to go to Yueyang with Gu Ying without telling anyone else.


    "You..." Although Gu Ying was moved, she was more worried, "Why are you going with me? Yueyang is very dangerous now, just stay in Bianjing and wait for me toe back."


    Ning Si smiled bitterly, "Has Ying forgotten? My hometown was in Yueyang. I lived at my grandmother''s house until I was ten years old. No one here is more familiar with Yueyang than me."


    Gu Ying was still hesitating. Yueyang was the most dangerous ce now with its ever-changing disaster situation.


    She didn¡¯t want Ning Si to take the risk and go together.


    So Ning Si said, "When I came back from Yueyang, I took the official road. At that time, the snow disaster was not serious yet. Now the heavy snow has blocked the mountains and it is afraid that the official road is not essible. If we have to wait for the official road to reopen, who knows when that will happen. But I know there is another way to get to Yueyang. Ying, do you believe me or not?"


    Gu Ying looked very tangled, "But if you go with me, what about Prince Duan¡ª"


    Ning Si smiled bitterly, "Although I have provoked Prince Duan as Ying said, His Highness still does not have any clear response to me. I actually... am not sure if His Highness really likes me..." He has a deep mind this time, keeps everything in his heart, and I don''t know what to do with him." It is said that the emperor''s mind is hard to predict. He is the heir of the Dong Li Imperial Family. Who knows if he will be the lord of this world in the future... I don''t dare to be self-righteous and self-indulgent. So I thought, take this opportunity to let us calm down between each other. When Ie back from Yueyang, if His Highness still treats me so ambiguously, then I will reject this marriage."


    Gu Ying grabbed Ning Si''s little hand, "Ning Si, don''t say that."


    Prince Duan would not possibly not love Ning Si. Even if he could ascend the throne in this life, he would surely marry Ning Si.


    Ning Si blinked with red eyes and squeezed Gu Ying¡¯s hand hard. She looked like nothing had happened, "Don''t worry, I''m not as fragile as you think. I will take you to Yueyang to find the Eldest Prince."


    Gu Ying''s voice was hoarse for a while, "Okay."


    ...


    After settling this matter, Gu Ying imed to the outside world that she had fallen ill after hearing the bad news of the Eldest Prince and could not get up. Then she prepared to sneak to Yueyang secretly.


    First, it could confuse Jiang Yin and Prince Shu. Second, it could avoid a lot of dissuasion and trouble.


    So except for Ning Si, she didn''t tell anyone else.


    The Eldest Prince was the pir of the Duke¡¯s Mansion. Although the Duke did not love this son, now that something had happened to him, it concerned the safety and survival of the entire Duke¡¯s Mansion.


    He naturally shuttled back and forth to the pce every day, asking His Majesty to send someone to find him.


    His Majesty felt extremely distressed in his heart. In front of the ministers, he covered his face and cried bitterly, ordering heavy money tofort the Qilin Army''s family members, and building a Qilin Monument outside Bianjing City to show condolences.


    The Qilin Army was his heartache, and now it was wiped out overnight. He was also a little emotional for a while. It was fine that the Qilin Army was gone. Dong Li still had four major garrisons that could guard Bianjing.


    But Zhao Changdu was an outstanding general of a century.


    The Old Duke was still at the border resisting the invasion of the Qiang Tribe.


    He could not chill the Old Duke''s heart at this time.


    Therefore, first, he sent someone to appease the Duke¡¯s Mansion, and even let the Empress personally visit the Duke¡¯s Mansion to see Gu Ying.


    Then he sent an imperial envoy to Yueyang, first to find the whereabouts of the Eldest Prince, and second to continue with the disaster relief efforts and appease the disaster victims.


    At this time, Prince Shu and Prince Duan took the initiative to stand up.


    "Father, your son is willing to go to Yueyang."


    "Your son too!" Seeing that even Prince Duan, the weak crown prince, stood up, Prince Shu hurriedly said, "Father, your son is stronger than the imperial brother. This trip to Yueyang is full of dangers. It is better to let your son go."


    When Emperor Tianqi looked at Prince Shu, there was a hint of gratification on his face.


    Prince Duan''s eyebrows slightly contracted, and the corners of his mouth tensed slightly. In his heart, he felt worthless for both himself and his mother.


    In Father¡¯s heart, there were only Concubine Wan and Prince Shu.


    No matter what he did, his father would never see him after all.


    He didn''t say anything more, put his hands down in front of him, lowered his head and listened to the arrangements of the person on the dragon chair.


    After thinking twice, Emperor Tianqi still handed over this matter to Prince Shu. After all, Prince Duan was a sickly crown prince. Going to Yueyang would probably be useless, and might even drag down the imperial envoy.


    Prince Duan was indeed disappointed as expected and pulled at the corner of his mouth.


    At the moment, Prince Shu bent his lips meaningfully at his eldest imperial brother.


    How could a feeble crown princepete with him for the crown prince¡¯s position?


    When he came back from Yueyang, it would be the time of Li Hao¡¯s death.


    Prince Duan still looked gentle and harmless. It¡¯s just that his body was emaciated, pale and slender, too weak to wear clothes. He lowered his face expressionlessly, and no one could see through what he was thinking in his heart.


    ...


    Gu Yingy in bed, for the first time in her room, she had an audience with the Empress of Dong Li.


    For a woman, it was simply a great honor.


    If it wasn''t for the Eldest Prince''s ident, how could she receive such treatment?


    The wives and youngdies of Bianjing''s powerful circles had spread the news everywhere, saying that she climbed onto the Eldest Prince and got a good life.


    But Gu Ying felt it was ironic.


    The royal family was ustomed to these superficial skills. If His Majesty really trusted and valued the Duke¡¯s Mansion, valued the Eldest Prince, how could he refuse to delegate power to the Eldest Prince and deliberately suppress the Qilin Army?


    It was feared that ordering the Qilin Army to go to Yueyang this time was also deliberately taking the opportunity to eliminate the hidden danger of the Qilin Army and break the Eldest Prince¡¯s arm.


    And disguised it beautifully as heartache and grief, building monuments and distributing relief money. When the money came downter, I wonder how many coins could reach the hands of the Qilin Army''s family afteryer byyer exploitation.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying was even less interested. She leaned weakly on the pillow, respectfully greeted the Empress.


    The Empress let her dispense the formalities. So she didn''t get out of bed.


    The Empress was ordered by His Majesty toe andfort Gu Ying. Seeing Gu Ying''s emaciated appearance overnight, her heart was also extremely sorrowful.


    After all, the two were newlyweds who had just married for a few months, but now they were separated, not to mention this happening. Which new wife could be fine after experiencing this?


    The Eldest Prince was talented and brilliant. If he fell one day, who in Bianjing would not feel regret?

 Chapter 238: Is Zhao Changdu dead or not

    <h4>Chapter 238</h4>


    Since the winter hunt, the Empress had taken quite a liking to the girl Gu Ying. She had originally wanted to bring her into the Prince Shu''s manor. If it were not for the Zhao Prince acting first and marrying her, she might have be her own daughter-inw by now.


    Thinking of this, the Empress sighed again. "You must have already heard about the happenings in court. His Majesty also feels grieved upon hearing the news of the Eldest Prince''s disappearance. He has already sent people to Yueyang to look for the Eldest Prince''s whereabouts."


    Gu Ying did not speak. Her face was slightly pale and her eyes were red, looking as if she had cried all night. She did not seem to be in good spirits.


    The Empress did not me her. It was understandable for a woman to feel this way in such circumstances. Gu Ying was not heartless after all, so the Empress sympathized with her. "I wanted to go to Yueyang to look for the Eldest Prince, but His Majesty did not agree and sent Prince Shu instead."


    Gu Ying forced a pale smile. "Your Majesty, do not worry. The Eldest Prince has the fortune of a noble person. He will surely be fine."


    The Empress looked deeply at Gu Ying a few times. She had not expected that at this time, Gu Ying would insteadfort her.


    It was obvious she was an extremely sensible and tactful girl.


    The Empress smiled. She asked someone to ce His Majesty''s rewards in the room and said, "You should rest well. His Majesty has already sent people to look for the Eldest Prince. Although Prince Shu is useless, Imperial Envoy Zhou Yan has quite a reputation in court. I believe they will surely find the Eldest Prince. As soon as there is any news of the Eldest Prince, I will immediately send someone to inform you."


    That was what she said, but whether or not they could find the Eldest Prince was another matter.


    After all, it was a once in a century heavy snow disaster, coinciding with the misfortune of an earthquake... No one was prepared. So many youths of the Qilin Army were buried underground. No one knew if anyone could dig them out and properly rebury them.


    When people could barely feed themselves during such a natural disaster, who would still care about the Eldest Prince and the army?


    Everyone knew that hoping for the safe return of the Eldest Prince was nothing but a fool''s dream.


    Gu Ying med herself for feeling distressed. There was a stifling pain in her chest and the tears in her eyes fell.


    Seeing this pained the Empress as well.


    She sighed and persuaded Gu Ying a few times. In the end, she could not say anything more and returned to the pce.


    After the Empress left, Gu Ying wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and got out of bed.


    She understood what the Empress had said. The imperial family would naturally send people to save the Eldest Prince in order to pacify the old Duke. But they did not guarantee they could save him back.


    Humph.


    If she left the Eldest Prince''s safety to these people, how could she feel at ease?


    She must personally go to Yueyang. She must see with her own eyes whether the Eldest Prince was alive or dead!


    All the people from the Changfeng Pavilion came to the main hall to await instructions.


    Gu Ying''s gaze swept over everyone in the room. She slowly said, "A Ning, Bai Zhi, and Silver Orchid will stay at Changfeng Pavilion. Silver Pearl and Huai An will go with me to Yueyang. Those who remain in Bianjing must guard Changfeng Pavilion well and must not let anyone know I have left Bianjing. A Ning, understand?"


    Gu Ning''s eyes were deep and his eyebrows tightly knitted. "Sister, do you have to go?"


    Gu Ying smiled through red eyes. She half crouched in front of his wheelchair and stroked his cheek. "Sister must go."


    Gu Ning clenched his fists. His small face was full of disapproval. He raised his head straight and looked at his most beloved sister. "What if Sister cannote back as well?"


    Had she never considered him at all?


    If she did not return, how heartbroken and sad would he be?


    Gu Ying was taken aback. She had never thought of this before. After finding out what happened to the Eldest Prince, the first thing she wanted to do was to rush to find him...


    It seemed that for his sake, she had thrown everything else out of her mind, even death.


    Hearing Gu Ning say this now, she felt self-me spreading through her heart. "A Ning, I''m sorry... Sister did think of you and has arranged everything for you."


    Even if she did not return, he would still receive the best care.


    By then, his uncle and aunt would bring him back to the Ye family to raise him. When he grew a bit older, they would send him to his maternal grandfather.


    Seeing that Gu Ning still looked unhappy, Gu Ying gently smiled. "Don''t worry. Sister will definitely return safely with the Eldest Prince. By then, I will personally watch you stand up. Won''t I?"


    Gu Ning mocked his mouth into a smile but did not speak. He turned his wheelchair around and left directly.


    His back was lonely and deste, silently resisting her decision.


    Gu Ying''s heart ached. She pressed her lips together and did not move for a long time.


    Finally, she sat down on the chair listlessly. "Still follow the original n... As for A Ning, Bai Zhi and Silver Orchid will take good care of him... There must not be any negligence."


    Silver Orchid gritted her teeth and walked over. "My Lady, I want to go with you too."


    Gu Ying looked up. "Silver Orchid, Yueyang is dangerous."


    Silver Orchid said, "I can take care of my Lady''s and Elder Sister Ning''s living arrangements on the road. And I grew up begging on the streets, not pampered in boudoirs. I am not a delicate girl¡ª"


    Bai Zhi immediately said, "My Lady, I want to go too! I am not afraid of danger, hardship or even death! Even if I die, I still want to be with my Lady!"


    "Bai Zhi, stop this nonsense! Finding the Eldest Prince is the most important matter. Taking care of A Ning at home is also very important." Gu Ying hated hearing Bai Zhi mention death the most. She red at her and sternly said, "You even have to cleverly handle Madam Cheng and other madams or nobledies whoe looking for me. Your responsibility is even greater."


    Bai Zhi did not know what to do and blinked anxiously, with eyes instantly turning red. "My Lady..."


    Gu Ying advised heavily, "Listen to me."


    Bai Zhi was at a temporary loss for words, not knowing what to say.


    But Silver Orchid stood firmly behind Huai An with a determined look. She nced at Gu Ying then nced at Huai An''s broad back. Her eyes lowered and she continued, "Silver Pearl should stay as well. The young master''s legs are inconvenient. It would be dangerous without someone skilled in martial arts by his side. With Silver Pearl here, she can protect Bai Zhi and the young master. My Lady, please bring me along. I definitely won''t drag you and Master Huai down."


    "Silver Orchid, I''ll only feel at ease with you staying at Changfeng Pavilion."


    "My Lady worries too much. When Bai Zhi and the rest were still toddlers, I was already begging on the streets. Please bring me along, my Lady. My heart cannot be at ease in Changfeng Pavilion. I won''t be able to eat or sleep well. It''s better to follow along to watch over you. At least I''ll know everything that''s happening."


    Gu Ying looked at herplicatedly before finally agreeing.


    That night, Gu Ying made all the preparations. She travelled light with Huai An, Ning Shen and Silver Orchid, as well as a few highly skilled Qilin Army cavalrymen. They left the city.


    ...At the same time.


    Prince Shu''s entourage also set off from Bianjing.


    Imperial Envoy Zhou Yan was a student of Lord Ning from the Ministry of Personnel and currently worked in the Ministry of War. As an advisor under Prince Shu this time, he would go to Yueyang together to handle disaster relief matters.


    Jiang Yin, a guest at Prince Shu''s manor, also left Bianjing with Prince Shu.


    Although Gu Ying had stabbed him twice, he managed to survive under the imperial doctor''s treatment.


    Inside the spacious and luxurious carriage...


    Prince Shu satfortably on the soft cushions and looked down condescendingly at Jiang Yin who was kneeling below. Displeasure shed across his eyes.


    "Is Zhao Changdu really dead or not?"

 Chapter 239: Zhao Changdu was Poisoned

    <h4>Chapter 239</h4>


    Jiang Yin lowered his eyebrows obediently and said, "After being shot and falling off a cliff, even if he had nine lives he would have had a hard time escaping. Our men are still searching around the bottom of the cliff. He was poisoned and couldn''t have gone far."


    Prince Shu''s body leaned on his knees, and he looked at Jiang Yin gloomily, "It''s been so long and you still haven''t found the corpse?"


    Jiang Yin frowned without saying a word.


    It had already been ten days since they received the news that Zhao Changdu had been shot. They still hadn''t found the corpse yet, afraid that Zhao Changdu had escaped another disaster.


    Fortunately, he had the arrow smeared with poison at the right time. Even if Zhao Changdu survived the fall, he may not be able to detoxify quickly.


    This poison was called Bone-Prating Fragrance, the most fierce drug in legend.


    Back when he took the seat of Prime Minister, he found an ancient medical book from the imperial medical department that listed all kinds of poisons that he had never seen on the market before.


    After bing Prime Minister, he had organized countless medical books and secretly took that book back to the Jiang house for his own use.


    Although that book was still in the Medical Department now and he couldn¡¯t get it with his current status, it didn¡¯t matter. He could still remember a few poisons, especially the two that left the deepest impression ¡ª Lovesickness Emaciation and this Bone-Prating Fragrance.


    Those who were poisoned by this, if they did not detoxify within three days, the poison would seep into the bone marrow little by little, eventually reach the internal organs, and be incurable. The victim¡¯s skeletal structure would emit a strange fragrance as they took theirst breath, and their whole body would turn to dust and vanish without leaving behind aplete corpse.


    No matter where Zhao Changdu ran, the result would still be death in the end.


    As he thought of this, he looked up again with a faint smile, "Don''t worry, Your Highness. He won''t live long after being poisoned."


    Prince Shu looked at him distrustfully for a few moments, but Jiang Yin remained as steady as Mt. Tai.


    Since Jiang Yin had volunteered to be his advisor, he had done a few things that were quite satisfactory.


    Prince Shu didn¡¯tpletely distrust Jiang Yin, it was just that this person exuded a strange sense of stability all over.


    He was a nobody, a child of an ordinary family. Because his reputation was so bad that the court abandoned him. But in his eyebrows and eyes, he faintly revealed the demeanor of a poised ruler.


    Prince Shu felt irritated in his heart, "You said it would take a month, but now it''s almost two and a half months. Why hasn''t Gu Ying taken the initiative toe to me yet?"


    Jiang Yin lowered his chin and said, "Don''t be impatient, Your Highness. The medicine may not have taken effect yet. What¡¯s more, even if the effect of Lovesickness Emaciation starts, she still needs to see Your Highness as soon as she opens her eyes to truly fall in love with you."


    Li Yang was extremely unhappy, "Jiang Yin, you¡¯re not deceiving me, are you?"


    Jiang Yin smiled slightly, "I dare not deceive Your Highness."


    Li Yang snorted coldly, "I suppose you don''t dare. Just that I¡¯m eager to get Gu Ying now. After Zhao Changdu dies this time, you¡¯d better make her love me quickly. Otherwise, when I return to Bianjing from Yueyang, I will tear you into pieces."


    Jiang Yin''s expression remained unchanged. There was only a lingering domineering aura hidden at the bottom of his calm and unfathomable eyes, like the deep and unmeasurable sea.


    His calm gaze belonged only to those who had control over everything.


    Sometimes Prince Shu felt that Jiang Yin was the one who looked like the ruler, while he himself was just a despicable clown.


    As he thought of this, Prince Shu raised his foot and kicked Jiang Yin hard in the chest.


    "Get out!"


    Jiang Yin clutched his chest with squinted eyes, then bowed and retreated from the carriage.


    Han Lin was waiting outside. Seeing his mastere out, he frowned, "Young Master, are you alright?"


    Jiang Yin raised his hand with a look of forbearance in his eyes. He nced coldly at Prince Shu''s carriage, "It''s nothing serious. Have you found the person I asked you to look for?"


    Han Lin said, "Yes, I found him."


    Jiang Yin''s mouth curved up slightly, "Bring him to me in a few days."


    Han Lin said, "Yes, Young Master."


    The master and servant had just turned to leave when they ran into Zhou Yan walking towards them.


    "Master Zhou."


    Zhou Yan was from the Zhou family, not a top family but a century-old noble family.


    He was eight feet tall with an imposing appearance. Wearing a long light blue gown, ck jade belt, he had a handsome face that was cold and elegant. With bright and clear eyes, he looked just like a gentleman under the trees.


    He nodded indifferently to Jiang Yin as a greeting, then walked straight into Prince Shu¡¯s carriage.


    Jiang Yin¡¯s eyebrows tightened.


    Han Lin asked puzzledly, "Young Master, what¡¯s wrong with this person? Is there a problem?"


    Jiang Yin was silent for a while. Zhou Yan didn''t stand out much in his previous life. He was just a military officer who was loyal to the Eastern Li imperial family without taking sides.


    Later he became the minister of the Ministry of War, and of course Jiang Yin had helped with that.


    Zhou Yan was a talented man, but he was not easy to fool around. He was the disciple of Lord Ning and had great respect for the Ning family. The Ning family belonged to the line of Prince Duan. Although Zhou Yan didn''t take sides, he was biased towards Prince Duan in his heart.


    In his previous life, if it hadn''t been for Zhao Changdu, Zhou Yan probably wouldn''t have cooperated with Jiang Yin.


    Now they opposed each other as enemies.


    As Jiang Yin thought of this, he still felt a little annoyed.


    "Zhao Changdu''s life can no longer be spared."


    Han Lin said expressionlessly, "This subordinate will personally go to kill him."


    The icy stars danced in the north wind. Jiang Yin stood in the wind, remembering Gu Ying¡¯s indifference when she tried to assassinate him. He lowered his eyes and the corners of his lips curled up slightly, "That''s good too. However, if you find him, don''t take his life directly. Break his limbs and tendons and bring him to me. I have something to say to him."


    An old friend he hadn''t seen in two lifetimes.


    It would be a pity if he didn''t get to see Zhao Changdu¡¯s face.


    When the time came, after seeing him, Jiang Yin had to tell Zhao Changdu well about the things from theirst life when Gu Ying married him.


    Jiang Yin got excited again with satisfaction and triumph in his eyes as he returned to his carriage.


    ...


    End of March.


    A ck carriage rattled into the Yueyang region.


    The heavy snow had stopped and green clouds were gathering on the horizon.


    All the official roads leading into Yueyang were destroyed. In the valley of Banma Slope, there was a pile of rubble mixed with ten disordered corpses.


    Gu Ying and Huai An checked the clothes and ornaments on the corpses.


    Huai An''s expression was grave and his eyes turned red. He choked with sobs, "Mistress, it''s the Qilin Army!"


    Every corpse lying among the rubble had the ming mark of the Qilin Army and wore the exclusive tokens of the Qilin Army around their waists.


    Huai An clenched his fists tightly until the veins popped out, wanting to draw his sword and kneel in front of those corpses.


    Gu Ying grabbed him.


    "Huai An."


    Huai An looked up with bloodshot eyes, "Mistress!"


    Gu Ying said in a deep voice. "How does the Crown Prince treat the Qilin Army?¡±


    Huai An said in deep sorrow, "The Crown Prince treats the Qilin Army like his own brothers!"


    Gu Ying smiled brightly, and her tender and fair little face was filled with radiance, adding some charm to her grieving eyebrows from the past ten days or so, "Then it¡¯s very likely that these people are not the Qilin Army¡¯s brothers."


    Huai An was stunned, "Huh?"


    Gu Ying said, "The Crown Prince''s corpse is not here, meaning that he must still be alive. If the Crown Prince is still alive, would he just watch the Qilin Army¡¯s brothers¡¯ corpses being abandoned in the wild?¡±


    Huai An awkwardly scratched his head, "What the Mistress said makes sense... But these..."


    Gu Ying cleverly said, "Maybe this is the Crown Prince''s n."

 Chapter 240: How Can I Have a Baby

    <h4>Chapter 240</h4>


    At this time, Ning Si also walked over with a smile, "What A Ying said is right. I examined those me marks carefully just now. It seems like they were imprinted on instead of carved, which means someone deliberately wanted to make it look like these dead people were from the Qilin Army."


    Gu Ying''s heart stirred slightly. Beforeing here, she had already prepared for the worst.


    All the way here, after witnessing these disasters and dead people with her own eyes, the anxious heart in her chest gradually calmed down.


    A strong intuition told her that the Prince must be alright.


    In her previous life, although she didn''t have much contact with him, she had heard of his reputation for being extremely cunning and his unparalleled strategies.


    He was the God of War of Dong Li, the cold-faced King Yama who struck fear into the hearts of the Qiang Tribe. How could he be defeated by a mere Jiang Yin?


    Tears rolled in Hui An''s eyes. He hurriedly looked up to stop them from falling. Upon closer inspection, he realized that some of the corpses did look unfamiliar.


    He angrily wiped away his tears. "Nonsense! I said... How could our Qilin Army brothers die here? If we were to die, it would be on the battlefield!"


    Not far away, when she heard this, Yin Lan''s heart trembled slightly. For some reason, she suddenly felt ufortable.


    After passing Banma Slope, Gu Ying''s group headed east.


    Sinkholes caused by the avnche could be seen everywhere, with broken walls and remnants of buildings everywhere. Many discedmoners on the road were slowly fleeing towards Bianjing.


    Most people they encountered along the way were fleeing towards Bianjing. Very few were going against the flow towards Yueyang like them.


    The road was rugged and difficult. In the end, Gu Ying''s group had no choice but to abandon their horses and proceed on foot by climbing the mountain.


    Only when they arrived in Songyang County did they see some more lively crowds.


    The few of them rested in the county for a while, purchased some supplies, and finally spent a lot of money to buy a carriage to continue towards Yueyang.


    Although the heavy snow had stopped, the carriage still had some difficulty moving on the road.


    Gu Ying slept in the carriagest night. The stabbing pain in her stomach finally eased a little.


    Yin Lan and Ning Si sat by her side. Seeing her awake, Yin Lan quickly brought the water dder to her lips, "A Ying, are you thirsty? Drink some water first and take your medicine."


    This medicine was prepared by Aunt Yu before they left. She said it could prevent cold and protect their inner Qi and blood from dispersing. If they encountered poisonous bugs, snakes or ants, it could help them detect and avoid them in time.


    One kind was jet ck. It was specially prepared for Gu Ying to better nourish her body. The other brown pills were for Yin Lan and Ning Si to take.


    Aunt Yu''s medicine was quite effective. When they felt low on energy, taking one pill could restore a lot of vitality.


    Gu Ying nodded, sat up from inside the carriage, leaned against the carriage wall, tipped her head back and swallowed the ck pill handed over by Yin Lan, then guzzled arge gulp of water.


    As the icy cold water entered her stomach, she could clearly feel a stab of pain in her lower abdomen.


    Seeing her frown, Yin Lan hurriedly leaned out of the carriage, "Lord Huai, let''s stop and take a break before moving forward. My Lady is ufortable and may need to rest a while."


    Ever since the two of them cleared the air, Yin Lan felt that Huai An was somehow different from before when facing him.


    He no longer spoke gently to her, nor was he joking around. In work matters, he was strictly professional and businesslike, no longer intimate, always appearing as a stranger.


    They returned to the rtionship dynamic when they first met - he was the Prince''s attendant and she was a pce maid.


    It seemed like there was now ayer of hazy gauze between them. Other than polite aloofness, there was nothing more.


    Seeing Huai An ignoring her, Yin Lan''s heart ached. She called out to him again. Only then did Huai An react slowly, his indifferent gaze turning towards the carriage as he nced emotionlessly at Yin Lan''s pale little face.


    In the past dozen days or so, the horses were exhausted from traveling long distances while everyone had been missing meals and living poorly.


    Yin Lan had also visibly lost a lot of weight that could be seen with the naked eye.


    He suppressed the heartache in his heart and expressionlessly pulled on the reins to stop the carriage, finding a rtively clean location to start a fire. Then without saying a word, he turned and left to find some dry firewood.


    After the carriage stopped, Gu Ying''splexion did get much better.


    She closed her eyes to adjust for a while, then held onto Yin Lan and Ning Si as she got off the carriage.


    This was a rare snow-free open space. Yin Lan brought over some rocks andid down cushions.


    Gu Ying and Ning Si sat down in session. "Yin Lan, don''t be busy. Come sit with us and take a break."


    Yin Lan was not pretentious and sat down, listening to her two mistresses chat while pouring cold water into a kettle to boil over the fire.


    It was not easy to drink something hot in the wilderness. Moreover, her Lady''s body was deteriorating day by day for some unknown reason.


    She had to keep a closer eye on her and not let her body copse before they could find the Prince.


    Seeing Yin Lan busying about silently, Gu Ying smiled helplessly, "Yin Lan, didn''t I say, when we''re outside, there''s no need to pamper us so much. I can also drink cold water and eat cold buns."


    She and Ning Si were both dressed as men with thick padded jackets thatmoners wore in winter.


    Ning Si rubbed her flushed cheeks and poked at the fire with a wooden stick. "Me too. I wasn''t raised as some young noble daughter in my grandmother''s house. I know how to climb mountains, climb trees, dig mud and dig out bird eggs. My grandmother always said I was a naughty monkey, and I only started behaving properly after growing up."


    Yin Lan grinned. "This servant just had nothing to do, so I wanted to heat up the water and buns to warm my Lady and young miss''s stomachs."


    Sitting by the fire, Gu Ying cupped her hands around her mouth and breathed out a few puffs of air. The corners of her lips curled into a smile as she took the bun and toasted it over the fire. After a while, she started feeling somewhat worried.


    Since her rebirth, she had started practicing martial arts and strengthening her body, without cking off for a single day after marrying into Prince''s manor. During breaks, she would diligently take medicines to nourish her body.


    Yet when she went out this time, it turned out that she was the one dragging everyone down... Her stomach pains were bing more and more frequent... If they traveled overnight for too long, she would faintly bleed down there...


    Her menstruation period had passed, so by right there shouldn''t be this situation.


    Yin Lan had asked her once if she was pregnant. But how could she possibly conceive in her condition?


    Her period had ended, and after that she did not sleep with the Prince again, so it was absolutely impossible for her to get pregnant.


    Moreover, when she conceived in her previous life, in the first month, she felt all kinds of nausea, dry heaving and wanting to vomit all the time. In severe cases she couldn''t eat anything, and the smell of oil fumes from food would make her want to throw up, not to mention being listless in spirit, only able to stay in bed every day to rest.


    Now in this situation, she was also very helpless, only able to force herself to stay spirited every day, relying on the belief of finding the Prince to persevere.


    "Sister Si, how much further is it from here to Yueyang City?"


    Ning Si looked ahead. "Not far. If we travel by carriage, we can reach Yueyang City after another full day and night."

 Chapter 241: Once Upon a Time

    <h4>Chapter 241</h4>


    ¡°That means we must be getting close.¡± Gu Ying felt slightly more at ease, breaking the tcake in two and giving half each to Ning Si and Yin Lan. ¡°All along the way, it seemed like the snow disasters and earthquakes were very serious, but I could see that the losses were not nearly as bad as the memos imed. Just judging from the few viges we passed through¡ªalthough some houses had copsed, there were no corpses around. That shows that someone had evacuated themoners in advance.¡±


    She had reminded the Prince and older cousin long ago that there would be an earthquake, urging them that the first thing to do upon reaching Yueyang would be to evacuate themoners.


    Although Jiang Yin said she had remembered the timing wrong, a brilliant strategist like the Prince would definitely have made preparations in advance.


    Therefore, the natural disasters in Yueyang were not as serious as she had envisioned beforeing.


    All along their journey, they had encountered many refugees.


    Many said that a god-like general had saved them and that the general was currently in Yueyang City, telling them to go directly to the government offices there to find him.


    Hearing news of the Prince ted Gu Ying.


    She and You Rongyan shared a smile. Yes, he was a godly man.


    No matter how much of a head start Jiang Yin had with his rebirth, how could hepare to the Prince¡¯s sagely wisdom, divine martial arts, noble ideals, loyalty and peerless valor?


    She gazed longingly in the direction of Yueyang City, increasingly eager to hurry up and find him.


    After barely a month apart, she was already lovesick...If only she could sprout wings and fly to his side!


    Ning Si said in a low voice, ¡°I figured the Prince must still be alive, but since we haven¡¯t received any news, I don¡¯t know what happened to the royal troops.¡±


    Gu Ying mused, ¡°Prince Shu must have taken the official roads with his relief troops to search for survivors, so they would have to clear debris and assist refugees all along the way. They couldn¡¯t have reached Yueyang this quickly. We should get there before them.¡±


    Ning Si made a sound of agreement, nibbling on the rations. A thought struck her and she asked curiously, ¡°Ying¡¯er, when did you learn to treat illnesses?¡±


    Wherever they encountered sick refugees along the road, Gu Ying had been able to treat them.


    What¡¯s more, she had a box full of medicinal pills and didn¡¯t even need to take their pulse before being able to cure illnesses directly with the pills.


    For those with coughs or fevers, they would recover after taking her pills for less than a few days¡ªit was truly mystifying.


    Gu Ying faltered. Although she had read some medical texts, she was nothing but a quack physician. How dare she im to actually treat anyone?


    But in her previous life, she had seen the annex Jiang Yin brought home, which contained records of the Yueyang snow disasters and the resulting gue.


    She had memorized the medication form painstakingly developed by countless Yueyang doctors over two months.


    Before the Prince left, she had specially written down the form for him.


    She had also recreated the medicine pills ording to the form in preparation for eventual need.


    She hadn¡¯t expected them to actuallye in handy now. Smiling faintly, she said, ¡°I prepared these medicines back in the Zhenguo Duke Manor. They, uh, were given by Aunt Yu.¡±


    Ning Si gaped at her, dumbfounded. This was her first time hearing of such miraculous medicine. ¡°I see! So Aunt Yu¡¯s medical skills are truly formidable. She reminds me of the Prince¡¯s mother, Mrs. Lin. Have you heard of her, Ying¡¯er?¡±


    Gu Ying''s brows ticked up slightly as she shook her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard much about her since the Prince doesn¡¯t like to mention his mother, so I haven¡¯t asked too many questions either.¡±


    It was his most painful subject, and she didn¡¯t want to see him distressed.


    Ning Si sighed deeply, her expression tinged with regret. ¡°I heard this from my mother. The Prince¡¯s mother, Mrs. Lin, was the young miss of the Lin Family, generations of renowned physicians. Old Master Lin was once a famous wandering doctor, traveling everywhere with his wife to heal others. Later they were employed by the Imperial Medical Bureau and he became a junior medical officer of the Imperial Medical Academy¡ªnot a very high position, but Old Master Lin was exceptionally skilled in medicine. Many powerful officials in Bianjing would plead with him for house calls, so Young Miss Lin also became the sweetheart in the eyes of elite sons in the capital...surpassing even my own mother back then.¡±


    Gu Ying listened quietly. Perhaps due to the Prince, she was quite fond of Mrs. Lin and felt even morementful over her fate.


    Ning Si continued, ¡°Young Miss Lin was as beautiful as a flower. Although she was from an insignificant family, she was graceful and elegant with charming confidence. At a young age she had already inherited her parents¡¯ work, possessing miraculous medical skills that attracted attention from many prestigious ns. The first to propose marriage was Old Marquis Yong¡¯an, but for unknown reasons, the Old Marquis broke off the engagement after just a few months and married the young miss of the Xie Family instead. With her previous broken engagement, rumors flew in Bianjing and no one else dared pursue Young Miss Lin anymore.¡±


    Gu Ying''s fine brows knitted together. No wonder when Old Marquis hade to dissolve his son¡¯s engagement, Grandmother had mocked him over failing to cherish Young Miss Lin.


    Ning Si said, ¡°My mother said Old Marquis harbored feelings for Miss Lin, but was fickle in the end, marrying another and abandoning her. She doesn¡¯t know the exact reason. All she knows is thatter, the Zhenguo Duke Manor came calling for Miss Lin¡¯s hand in marriage.¡±


    ¡°After marrying into a prominent household, Mrs. Lin did not have good days. With a broken engagement sullying her reputation, she was often ostracized and mocked by noblewomen in the capital. In the Zhenguo Duke Manor, she was also disfavored by the Duke. There were also rumors that the Duke had married her solely to obtain a medical prescription from her, specifically to treat his concubine, Cheng...the same concubine who is now your stepmother.¡±


    Gu Ying gave a coldugh. ¡°So that¡¯s why Cheng already had a son before the Prince was even born.¡±


    Ning Simented, ¡°Despite Mrs. Lin¡¯s miraculous medical skills, she had the misfortune of a bad marriage...and could only meet the fate of a faded beauty. Ying''er, your experiences are so simr¡ªif not for the Prince¡¯s deep love and care for you, I¡¯m afraid...¡±


    She trailed off, but Gu Ying already understood with a start.


    Indeed, her circumstances were far too simr to Mrs. Lin¡¯s.


    No wonder the Prince cherished her so much, indulging and shielding her without regard for reputation or propriety, promising to support her even if the sky fell. Even if she made huge blunders, he would help cover for her.


    It turned out this was also his way of making amends for what his mother had endured...


    A turmoil of emotions rose in Gu Ying. Her heart felt clenched by an invisible hand, distressed over both Mrs. Lin and the Prince.


    On the verge of tears, she was about to reply when Huai An strode over, face grim.


    ¡°Mydy, we must leave this area quickly.¡±


    Gu Ying suppressed her anguish. ¡°What is it, Huai An?¡±


    Huai An said worriedly, ¡°I just met a refugee from Yueyang and asked about the situation. He said all government forces are garrisoning Yueyang with the epicenter of the quake in Xianyang County. The Prince had led arge contingent of soldiers there, so this area has bewless with many refugees turning to banditry and abducting wealthy merchants and beautiful women fleeing the disaster.¡±


    Ning Si and Yin Lan¡¯s expressions shifted.

 Chapter 242: Silver Orchid, My Stomach Hurts

    <h4>Chapter 242</h4>


    They were not stupid or foolish women without brains. They knew this was not the time to act tough. The refugees were rioting, extremely vicious and evil. Just for money, silver, and women, they could do anything. Moreover, there were four people here, three youngdies, all of outstanding beauty. If this was Bianjing, it would be fine, but in such chaotic times outside, beauty had be an ominous sign.


    With no one managing things above, if disaster struck in the end, they would only have themselves to me.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips and made a decisive decision to put out the fire. "Let''s go. Before it gets dark, let''s find a safe ce to stay for the night and continue our journey tomorrow. The day after we''ll be able to enter Yueyang City."


    "Yes."


    The few boarded the carriage again.


    In the evening, when dusk had fallen, they finally found an abandoned temple under Ning Si''s guidance.


    Ning Si got off the carriage, smiled and said, "No onees here often. I used to often sneak out here to y with my brothers. Tonight, let''s make do and stay here for the night. Tomorrow at daybreak we''ll set off again."


    Gu Ying lifted the curtain and got off the carriage. Standing at the entrance of the dpidated temple, she broke out into a cold sweat all over.


    She trembled as she raised her thick longshes...and swept her gaze across the broken signboard at the entrance of the temple.


    The memories of her being raped in a dpidated temple shed through her mind, stabbing her heart tightly.


    She tried taking a step but her face went deathly pale. Her whole body seemed to be ced in an ice cer, shivering from the cold.


    Yin Lan hurriedly took out a cloak and wrapped it around her, puzzled as she asked, "Mydy, what''s wrong? Is there something inappropriate about this ruined temple?"


    Feeling the warmth of another person, Gu Ying''s whole body shuddered as if suddenly waking from a dream. She pulled the corners of her white lips and said, "I''m fine. We''ll spend the night here tonight."


    Ning Si suspiciously held her cold hand. "Ying Ying, are you really alright?"


    Gu Ying''s small face was white. She swallowed and said, "I''m fine."


    She could ovee this.


    She was no longer the Gu Ying of herst life. What was there to be afraid of entering a ruined temple in this life?


    She mustered her courage, took a step forward, just about to enter the temple, when a sharp scream of a woman came from inside.


    "Help! Help!"


    "Save me!"


    "Is anyone there!"


    The woman''s voice was extremely miserable, ear piercing, mixed with the lewdughter of several men.


    Gu Ying''s body stiffened, as if instantly transported back to the moment in herst life when she had been thrown into the dpidated temple.


    Her whole body seemed to be beaten red. Her tendons had also been cut off by Gu Jia...In the ruined temple, the Buddha statues were solemn and dignified, but the wind was cold and the floor was hard. Shey in unbearable pain on the floor...Without anyoneing to save her.


    Several hooligans walked towards her with drool dripping, their eyes filled with desire.


    They tore her clothes and skirt...


    Speaking vulgar words andughing wickedly while their lustful gazes roamed all over her body.


    She was soon dragged onto the grass pile and pressed down by them one by one. They bit her lips and neck. She felt as if the flesh on her body was being eaten by them. She couldn''t tell where she hurt anymore...


    Finally she fainted unconscious, her vision blurred. She seemed to see Gu Jia and Jiang Yin''s figures faintly at the entrance of the ruined temple.


    Desperate and helpless, she crawled towards Jiang Yin, shouting his name in her heart, begging him to save her...


    But he kicked her back in.


    He kicked her back into the pile of beggars and rogues, kicking her into the endless abyss of hell...


    Gu Ying closed her eyes again, trying hard to dispel those cruel and frightening memories from her mind.


    Ning Si and Yin Lan also heard the voices from inside. After all, they were youngdies who had not experienced such things. Both their faces were grave, lips bloodless, holding Gu Ying''s hands on both sides.


    Huai An immediately shielded the fewdies behind him. "Mydy, I''ll go in and take a look."


    Gu Ying''s voice was bitter, but still said, "Huai An, you must save that girl."


    "Yes." After speaking, Huai An shed into the temple.


    Ning Si and Yin Lan wanted to pull Gu Ying back to the carriage. "Ying Ying, let''s just wait in the carriage. Seeing you like this wouldn''t be good if someone saw."


    But Gu Ying stood still, shaking her head. "I want to go in and take a look too."


    She was worried that something might happen to that girl.


    Having suffered before, she didn''t want another innocent to walk down the path she took and have her life ruined in the end.


    Ning Si and Yin Lan stopped her at once. "Mydy, you can''t go in! It''s dangerous inside!"


    Gu Ying bent down and grabbed a handful of dust from the ground, wiping it on her face. Sheughed. "With Huai An inside, I''ll be fine. And have you forgotten I know martial arts too? Ordinary rogues are no match for me. Now it''s dark outside with seemingly no one around, it''s in fact more dangerous. We might as well follow straight in."


    Yin Lan still hesitated a little.


    Ning Si said, "What Ying Ying said makes sense. We don''t have extra guards around us. It would be more appropriate to stick together with Huai An."


    Only then did Yin Lan nod.


    Gu Ying led the two into the ruined temple. The moment she stepped in, she deeply felt the innate fear and horror that seeped out from her bones.


    She stood at the broken entrance of the main hall and saw a girl in in clothes with disheveled hair sprawled on the floor.


    Huai An fought fiercely with several refugees.


    How familiar was this scene...


    Those endless days and nights in the ruined temple...that wickedughter and vulgar ridicule...as well as her own helpless and desperate cries...


    Every memory reminded her how undeserving she was back then.


    Gu Ying stood stiffly there as tears welled up in her eyes little by little


    "Miss, please...save me..."


    She heard the girl''s pleas for help and lowered her head to see her somehow crawling to her feet, grabbing onto the hem of her clothes with a pitiful hand.


    Meeting that pitiful pleading gaze, she finally came to her senses.


    Gu Ying squatted down and firmly grasped her small hand. Her gaze instantly turned sharp. "Ning Si, protect her."


    After speaking, she stood up with the dagger sliding out of her sleeve.


    Her eyes were like swords. Holding the dagger in reverse grip, she charged into the inner hall with three quick steps, bringing those few refugees down swiftly in just a few moves. That wasn''t enough. Amidst their screams for help, she ruthlessly swung her dagger without mercy, slitting their throats.


    Blood spurted out like a fountain.


    Yet Gu Ying seemed to have left her soul behind, expressionlessly stabbing the dagger repeatedly deep into those people''s hearts.


    Until a long, long time had passed...so long that the entire dpidated temple was deathly silent without a hint of sound.


    Ning Si and Huai An stared at Gu Ying in disbelief.


    They had never seen her so ruthless and merciless before. She was ady from a distinguished family...How could she have it in her to take all those lives...


    Yet Yin Lan''s expression remained tranquil as before, only the tenderness in her eyes as she gazed upon Gu Ying''s back.


    Disregarding Ning Si''s tugs, she resolutely stepped towards herdy and knelt to hug her from behind. "Mydy...don''t be afraid, they''re dead..."


    Gu Ying was stunned motionless before sadness spread through her body.


    She stiffly raised her head to look at the dpidated statue of Buddha in the main hall.


    A fog of blood obscured her vision and she couldn''t see clearly. Only feeling a spell of dizziness overtaking her as pain churned in her belly.


    "It hurts so much...Yin Lan..." Clutching her lower abdomen like a child, she leaned powerlessly into Yin Lan''s embrace, her face ghastly pale as white paper.


    Shortly after, her body tilted to the side as she fainted.


    Yin Lan was frantic with anxiety as she held her tightly. "Mydy!"


    ...

 Chapter 243: One Month Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 243</h4>


    It was an extremely long dream, in which there was an endless road.


    Gu Ying dreamed that she was barefoot, walking on a cold, damp, narrow path. It was dark all around, and she was running desperately alone on the path.


    It felt as if she could never escape from the darkness no matter how hard she tried. She was exhausted, her whole body went limp, yet she could not stop.


    Finally, a childish, milky voice called out to her, "Mother!"


    She gave a start, and abruptly woke up from the dream, her small hands tightly clutching her belly.


    She had gotten up too abruptly, her head was a little dizzy, and she only felt that there were several blurry figures and dim candlelight in front of her eyes, and asionally, she could hear people talking.


    She could not hear clearly, her mind was groggy, and she felt a pain in her lower abdomen, so she could only curl up to feel slightly better.


    "Madam, you are finally awake. How are you feeling now?" someone asked gently.


    "She was probably having a nightmare. Smelling this incense I have should help wake her up," another voice said.


    "Very well, Miss Shen, thank you so much for your help. It''s very fortunate that you happen to be a female doctor and can take a look at my wife''s illness."


    The female voiceughed, "Please don''t mention it. As a doctor, treating illnesses and saving lives is my duty. I should be the one thanking your wife for saving my life."


    There were all kinds of noises around Gu Ying¡¯s ears. From time to time, there was also the childish voice calling her "Mother".


    Gu Ying only felt extremely cold. Her whole body shuddered as she looked at the blurry figure sitting next to her.


    After a long while, she could finally see the person''s face clearly in the firelight.


    It turned out to be the woman she had saved, the one with the goose egg face. She had washed her face clean. With pretty, gentle features, arching willow brows, slender and delicate phoenix eyes full of tranquility and indifference, as if she was used to seeing life and death. Even her smile was light.


    At the moment, she sat beside Gu Ying with her small hand on Gu Ying¡¯s wrist, appearing to be taking her pulse.


    Gu Ying finally felt a little clearer headed and frowned slightly, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The girl gave a faint smile, ¡°My surname is Shen and my name is Ruxu. I¡¯m a doctor. Today, I was fortunate to be saved by the youngdy, otherwise I''m afraid I would have...¡±


    She smiled and did not go on. After all, it was not a very honorable matter. There was no benefit in saying more about it. Fortunately, she still had her chastity, and she really had this beautiful madam to thank.


    Seeing Shen Ruxu¡¯s slender, white fingers on her wrist, Gu Ying sucked in a breath painfully.


    Yin Lan and Ning Si immediately gathered around.


    "Ying, are you alright?" Ning Si asked.


    When Shen Ruxu heard the name "Ying", her expression flickered almost imperceptibly, but soon returned to normal.


    Gu Ying shook her head with a smile, "It''s nothing serious, just...my stomach hurts a little...down there..."


    She also felt a little embarrassed. It felt wet there, as if she was bleeding again.


    Hearing Gu Ying say this, Yin Lan and Ning Si were also very puzzled in their hearts.


    Ever since they left Bianjing, Ying hadn¡¯t been well. If not for the medicine from Lady Yu, they didn¡¯t know what would have happened.


    Today, they happened to meet a female doctor by chance. It was really like heaven helping her.


    "Miss Shen, you have to take good care of Ying. She wasn''t this physically weak before... Now her stomach is always hurting like this, it''s not right. No matter how much silver, when we arrive at Yueyang City, we will pay you."


    Shen Ruxu continued resting her hand on Gu Ying''s pulse. Her mind lingered on the "Ying" Yin Lan had just mentioned...


    She had only heard this name from the Prince of Zhenguo Mansion who came to Yueyang for disaster relief. She wondered if this Ying in front of her was the "Ying" the Prince had mentioned...


    If so...


    Shen Ruxu''s heart skipped a beat, suddenly feeling chaotic.


    She didn''t say anything, her longshes drooping slightly. Her face was tranquil as she casually asked, "May I have the honor of knowing your respected name?"


    Gu Ying smiled gently, "You can call me Gu Ying."


    Shen Ruxu raised her eyes. A trace of almost imperceptible panic shed in her eyes, "Gu Ying?"


    Wasn''t Gu Ying the Prince''s wife?


    How could she be in Yueyang?


    Gu Ying looked at her doubtfully, "Does Miss Shen know me?"


    Shen Ruxu quickly let out an embarrassedugh and lowered her head, focusing on the smooth, fair wrist before her, "I don''t know you. I just think your name sounds very nice, so I lostposure for a moment just now. Please don''t take offense, Madam."


    Gu Ying noticed the panic in Shen Ruxu''s eyes. They had just happened to meet in this remote, dpidated temple, so there was no reason she should know who Gu Ying was.


    Yet from her expression, she seemed to recognize Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying secretly became wary and asked with a smile, "Miss Shen, what illness do I have?"


    When Shen Ruxu heard that she was called Gu Ying, her mind was in turmoil. But now that she focused her senses to take Gu Ying''s pulse, she quickly felt a pulse indicating pregnancy.


    She was already pregnant for over a month...yetpletely unaware?


    It made sense when she thought about it. Gu Ying had abundant yang energy in her body and was in good health. She had also gone through special conditioning, so she didn''t have the usual symptoms of early pregnancy and hadn''t noticed anything.


    Besides, the child was only over a month old... It was reasonable that she didn''t know, but for her to have traveled such a long distance from Bianjing to Yueyang while pregnant, and the child was still steadily growing in her belly, it really was a bit strange.


    "Miss Shen?" Gu Ying asked puzzledly.


    Shen Ruxu curled and uncurled her fingers in that instant, her mind racing.


    If this Gu Ying really was the Prince''s wife...she couldn''t let her know she was pregnant...


    The best way would be to quietly get rid of the child in her belly without anyone noticing.


    She was a doctor after all, she could do it cleanly without anyone finding out.


    But she had no enmity or grievance with Gu Ying... To just take the child''s life for no reason...it would...make it hard for her heart to be at peace.


    Yet the Prince... Such a wise and martial man, how could he be constrained by a youngdy from a boudoir?


    If the Prince knew his wife was pregnant, he probably wouldn''t want her anymore, right?


    No...


    She was the one who would be the Prince''s wife in the future...


    She would not allow anyone to steal her position.


    Thinking thus, Shen Ruxu steadied her mind. With an unconcerned smile, she gently said, "My expertise is in external injuries and orthopedics. I''m not very knowledgeable about gynecology. However, the madam''s condition is not umon. You must be very anxious and stressed, leading to liver qi stagnation and blood stasis. This is why your menstruation has be irregr. After all, most married women will experience minor pains and illnesses to some degree. Your condition is not serious at all. I will prescribe some medicine for you, Madam. After taking two to three doses ording to my prescription, you will recoverpletely."

 Chapter 244: The Prince can be well

    <h4>Chapter 244</h4>


    She didn''t mean to harm her child either, she also had her difficulties... Who told Gu Ying to have such bad luck tonight, just to run into her.


    She sat by the fire for a while, then turned around to fetch her medicine box and took out brush, ink, paper and inkstone to write a prescription by the firelight.


    Yin Lan took it and Gu Ying looked at it under the firelight. It was a prescription to activate blood cirction and dissipate blood stasis, nothing wrong with it.


    Besides, they didn''t directly give her medicine to take either, only asked her to fetch the herbs herself. She was slightly relieved and told Yin Lan to take the prescription, nning to find an herbal medicine shop to get the medicine once they entered Yueyang City.


    Yin Lan carefully folded the prescription and put it inside her inner garment, patting it with her hand.


    Shen Ruxu watched their movements between mistress and servant. Her expression was calm but a storm raged in her heart.


    I''m sorry...


    That child cannot be kept...


    Tormented inside, she really could not sit any longer. She got up and squatted on the ground to pack up her medicine box.


    Gu Ying looked up and saw Shen Ruxu''s actions. "Miss Shen, are you leaving?"


    Shen Ruxu''s actions froze slightly, but still put on a smile. "Madam, I came here today to gather herbs and have received your kind help... I don''t know how to repay you. I only wish madam''s health will recover soon. Now it''s gettingte, I shall take my leave first."


    Perhaps she couldn''t bear to look at Gu Ying''s extremely beautiful face even without makeup, or perhaps she couldn''t face her own guilt, she didn''t want to stay here a moment longer.


    Gu Ying asked her to stay, "It''s alreadyte, wouldn''t it be even more dangerous for Miss Shen to go out now?"


    Ning Si said, "That''s right, Miss Shen, please stay with us and leave tomorrow morning when it''s bright."


    Shen Ruxu forced a smile. "To tell the truth, I''m working for the government. With the snow disaster in Yueyang, many people were injured. I''m responsible for treating those victims. Usually my s...er...superior would send people to protect me specially. But today when I went out to gather herbs, there weren''t enough people, so I encountered this danger... But don''t worry madam, people wille to receive me soon."


    The Prince cares about her. As soon as he finds her missing, he would definitely search for her soon.


    She can''t let Gu Ying be seen by the Prince''s people. It''s better to leave quickly.


    Gu Ying knitted her brows. Seeing that Shen Ruxu insisted on leaving, she didn''t keep persuading her.


    She let Huai An send Shen Ruxu off and didn''t rx until she saw Shen Ruxu was safely received away.


    ...


    The next day at first light, Gu Ying couldn''t fall asleep anymore.


    She really couldn''t rest well sleeping in the worn-down temple. She was also worried about the Prince. As soon as the fish''s stomach white appeared on the horizon, she urged everyone to set off.


    With the carriage, they hurried towards Yueyang City nonstop.


    Finally they arrived at the city gate before sunset.


    Once they entered the city, Ning Si pulled Gu Ying''s hand. "Ying, just stay at my grandmother''s house directly. Our Ning family has some power in Yueyang. Even the Yueyang Prefect has to listen to my grandfather. My grandfather''s people can also help investigate news."


    Gu Ying thought about it. Currently there seemed to be turmoil in Yueyang. The situation in Yueyang City was slightly better but they alsocked money and food due to the natural disaster, with disturbances everywhere.


    They came from other ces without much money with them either. Nothing was better than staying at the Nings.


    She sincerely said, "That makes sense. Then please trouble Elder Ning."


    Ning Si smiled. "What trouble. You''re like my sister. Your business is my business. My grandfather is a hospitable old man. Seeing youe as a guest will liven up the house. He might even be very happy."


    Gu Ying looked at Ning Si thoughtfully. After what happened at the broken temple, she could feel Ning Si''s fear of her. But Ning Si still didn''t abandon her and wholeheartedly brought her to Yueyang.


    She couldn''t form a rift with such a nice girl. So Gu Ying stopped standing on ceremony with Ning Si and directly stayed at the Ning residence in Yueyang.


    Everyone in the Ning family was very surprised seeing the young miss who had just gone to Bianjing so soone back.


    The servants quickly brought them inside.


    Entering the main hall, Elder Ning took one look, seeing the 3 girls'' faces pitch ck like little beggars, blew his moustache angrily. "What are you waiting for, hurry and bring them in to get cleaned up! How can you let them remain so indecent!"


    Maids swarmed over and swarmed away.


    Soon, Gu Ying with her true visage revealed dazzled the eyes of everyone in the Ning family.


    "This is the Prince''s Madam, Second Miss of the Gu family?" Elder Ning asked. "This old man only heard that the prince''s wife is as beautiful as a goddess. Now seeing her, it is true indeed."


    Gu Ying''s entire body felt ufortable standing in the middle of the great hall with everyone staring at her. She had no choice but to smile embarrassedly. "Elder tters me too much."


    "You can call me grandfather, just like Si." Elder Ning''s eyes gleamed as he looked at Gu Ying''s unparalleled clear and beautiful little face. He truly liked her very much. "It''s not this old man ttering you. The Prince himself has said before that his wife is the number one beauty in the world. That''s why the people of Yueyang were so curious."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened. She immediately stood up from her chair anxiously. "Grandfather, has the Prince been in Yueyang City before too? I wonder where he is now. I came here specially to look for him! Please tell me the Prince''s whereabouts!"


    Upon hearing this, Elder Ning saw the young girl''s anxious expression and knew that as a newly wedded young couple, they must be reluctant to part from each other. He nced around and quickly called over his grandson.


    "What a coincidence! Ying, my grandson Changan works under the Prince. It''s perfect. You can ask him anything you want to know!"


    Very soon, a youth was pushed into the inner hall. Before he could ask what had happened, he saw the smiling face of his cousin Ning Si and an exquisite face he had never seen before yet was so beautiful it was unbelievable.


    He was stunned for a moment, standing in the doorway. "Grandfather, this youngdy is¡ª"


    Elder Ning smiled. "She''s the Prince''s Madam who rushed over specially from Bianjing. Changan,e quickly pay your respects."


    The youth was startled for a moment, then quickly walked up and bowed to the woman as beautiful as a painting. "The Prince''s Madam? Why would the Prince''s Madam be here?"


    Ning Si pulled her grandfather''s arm happily. "I brought her here from Bianjing."


    Ning Changan helplessly smiled, the corners of his lips arching indulgently. "You, don''t you understand proper etiquette at all? The Prince''s Madam''s status is noble. How could she suffer such discement and disorder from your nonsense."


    Ning Si said, "What does brother know? Ying came specially for the Prince this time. We received bad news about the Prince in Bianjing. We couldn''t wait and came ourselves to investigate."


    Only then did Ning Changan lift his head, though he didn''t dare look straight at Gu Ying''s eyes either. "Did the Prince''s Madame to meet His Highness?"


    Gu Ying was anxious throughout the journey. The moment she heard that Ning Changan had seen the Prince, she looked at the refined youth opposite her with unconcealed pleasant surprise. "Master Ning, I wonder if His Highness is well now?"

 Chapter 245: Ah Ying, You seem to have gained weight.

    <h4>Chapter 245</h4>


    Ning Changan looked at his grandfather, then at the eager gaze of the woman in front of him. He wanted to speak but hesitated, "Madam, don''t worry... the Eldest Prince is fine."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying''s eyes were almost filled with hot tears. Her anxious heart finally settled down firmly.


    As long as he was fine, everything she had gone through to get here was worth it.


    "Young Master Ning, where is the Eldest Prince now?"


    The Eldest Prince''s wife had travelled thousands of miles to find her husband. Ning Changan did not dare to conceal anything, "The Eldest Prince is in Xianlin Town, where the disaster hit the hardest."


    Gu Ying''s eyes shone brightly, "I want to go find him. I wonder if Young Master Ning can take me there?"


    Ning Changan pursed his lips. He felt a little bad inside, "Well..."


    Afraid that he would not agree, Gu Ying quickly said, "If Young Master Ning agrees to this, I will agree to anything Young Master Ning asks of me."


    Ning Changan frowned slightly. He sighed softly in the end, "I still have one more day to buy supplies. I hope Madam can wait for me for a day. Tomorrow evening, Madam can set off with my carriage. It won''t even take a full day to reach Xianlin Town."


    Since it concerned the disaster and themon people, Gu Ying naturally agreed readily, "Alright, alright."


    ...


    That night, Gu Ying stayed at Ning Si''s courtyard.


    Ning Si was the legitimate daughter of the Ning family''s Madam. The Ning family had always doted on her greatly. Her courtyard was built like a fairnd, with fresh and elegant furniture and decorations, yet not without a young girl''s lovely vibrance.


    Gu Ying really liked this kind of courtyard. It had exotic flowers and nts, pavilions and towers, a spacious study, and a cozy bedroom. Every de of grass, every piece of furniture showed Master Ning''s love for his daughter.


    Unlike her, who had never received much doting from her father and grandmother since she was little.


    So Ning Si loved those she cared about ardently and bravely, unlike her who had suffered the pain of love and didn''t dare open her heart to others anymore after being reborn.


    Coming all the way unconditionally this time to find the Eldest Prince was the bravest thing she had done since her rebirth.


    Gu Ying suppressed the loss in her heart.


    She asked Ning Changan about the Yueyang snow disaster and the Eldest Prince''s disappearance.


    Only then did she know that when the Eldest Prince and Cousin arrived in Yueyang, they split their forces. They ordered people everywhere to evacuate themoners in order and built emergency shacks in the suburbs for themoners to live in. They also distributed free food, cotton clothes, medicine and other supplies. If they encountered disobedient people, they would be forcibly taken to the safe shacks and camps.


    Therefore, Yueyang City and the surrounding towns were not severely affected by this snow disaster.


    Only a few remote towns like Xianlin Town, which was located deep in the rugged mountains with winding roads and long distances, made it difficult to provide timely assistance. Thus the disaster was more severe there.


    Afterwards, Master Ye stayed near the Li River South of Yueyang to handle the aftermath, while the Eldest Prince took Yuezhou City''s men all the way to Xianlin Town, where the earthquake caused by the snow disaster was even more devastating.


    It was true that the Eldest Prince had encountered an assassination attempt and was shot by a poisoned arrow fired by the assassin, causing him to fall off a cliff. However, the Eldest Prince was fortunate and managed to escape from the bottom of the cliff.


    Since then, he had continued to im to the outside world and the imperial court that he was missing.


    This was to confuse the enemy so that he could focus on rescuing disaster victims.


    Gu Ying listened with pounding heart and trepidation. Her heart was crushed into a ball, "What happened then?"


    Seeing the worry on thedy''s face, Ning Changanforted her, "Later the Eldest Prince was...was saved by a doctor. That doctor was highly skilled. He removed the arrow and detoxified the Eldest Prince. The Eldest Prince is strong and healthy. After a few days he could get out of bed and move around. Madam need not worry too much."


    Gu Ying smiled. How could she not worry? He was someone who had fought his way out of thousands of soldiers and horses. His body already had many terrible scars. And now there was a new injury... She didn''t know if his body could withstand it.


    Since it was a youngdy''s boudoir, Ning Changan did not dare to stay for long. He got up to take his leave, "Madam, I''ve said what I needed to. Changan shall take my leave first."


    "Thank you, Young Master Ning." Gu Ying saw Ning Changan off.


    Ning Si, who was lounging on the carved nanmu couch iid with gold threads, rubbed her cheeks and looked at the person walking back. "I said that with the Eldest Prince''s good fortune, there was no need to worry, right? Now you don''t have to worry anymore, do you?"


    Gu Ying curved her lips. Shey down side by side with her on the couch. The tension built up over the days eased slightly. Her voice was bright and cheerful, "I''m relieved. Cousin and the Eldest Prince are fine. I can finally sleep well tonight."


    Ning Si turned her face towards her and looked into her bright eyes. Gu Ying pinched her cheek yfully, the corners of her mouth blossoming into a faint smile, "What are you looking at me for?"


    Ning Si simply rolled over to face her and looked at her carefully, "I always feel that we''ve both lost weight on this trip, but you look a little fatter."


    Gu Ying was taken aback, "No way."


    Ning Si pointed at her chest, curling her lips upward wickedly, "Especially here, it''s bulging, a whole size bigger than when you left Bianjing..."


    "You little rascal, what are you doing!" Gu Ying red at her shyly and pped her hand away from her chest, then took a closer look herself.


    It did look...much fuller...


    But she had gotten thinner everywhere else.


    Maybe it''s because...after being with the Eldest Prince...there was some further development...and the food at the Prince''s manor was pretty good too...


    Ahem, she blushed and didn''t think about those passionate affairs anymore.


    She poked Ning Si''s forehead seriously, "It''ste, we should rest."


    "I was just joking around. Why are you angry, Gu Ying?" Ning Siughed for a while by herself, then said, "Xianlin Town is very remote, and the journey will be difficult. Do you want me to go with you?"


    Gu Ying smiled at her, "No need. From what your brother was implying, he wants to advise me not to go either. This shows that it is not easy to take a trip to Xianlin Town. You are physically weak. Just stay in Yueyang City and wait for me toe back."


    Ning Si was reluctant, "Gu Ying."


    Gu Ying pulled her up, "No discussion. Go to sleep."


    Ning Si, "Hmph!"


    ...


    The disaster in Xianlin Town was extremely severe. Ning Changan did not dare to ck off for a moment. He bought supplies without stopping and more than ten carts set off from Yueyang City like a long dragon.


    Gu Ying and Yin Lan sat in the carriage in the middle.


    Huai An rode on horseback alongside to protect them.


    As her mental strain eased, Gu Ying''s habit of dozing off returned.


    As soon as she got on the carriage, she started rocking back and forth to sleep.


    Yin Lan had originally wanted to find some free time to brew the medicine for her to drink, but there was never a chance. The convoy rarely stopped after setting off. During the brief breaks to rest, they had to get going again after just enough time to drink a cup of tea.


    For the sake of Xianlin Town''s disaster victims, Yin Lan also knew not to ask Ning Changan. She sighed despondently several times along the way.


    Gu Ying woke up half asleep a few times. Sheforted Yin Lan with a smile, "It''s fine. We can brew the medicine at the Eldest Prince''s camp when we arrive. My condition has improved. I won''t die in a short period of time."


    After speaking, she fell asleep again.

 Chapter 246: The Prince and the Shen Maiden

    <h4>Chapter 246</h4>


    Yin Lan was at a loss whether tough or cry as she looked at the person lying on the soft cushion. The tender, fair skin was pressed into a peach-blossom-like flush. The kingfisher-feather-like eyebrows and the curled, dense eyshes made the person look just like a beauty. Even she, the maid who waited on her day and night, felt her heartbeat quicken, let alone other men.


    She didn''t have any other wishes, she only hoped that the Prince would cherish and love the Princess even more.


    Having thought this, she silently stood guard at one side.


    By evening, the carriage had rushed all the way to the relief camp in Xianlin Town that took in disaster victims.


    Night gradually fell, enveloping the world in ink-ck darkness.


    From time to time, cold winds blew in through the gaps in the carriage windows.


    Gu Ying felt a little cold, and curled up. She only felt the sound of the carriage stopping by her ears.


    There were chaotic noises outside.


    She slowly opened her eyes, and heard the hurried footsteps of Ning Changan walking over.


    "Princess, we''ve arrived at the camp. I''ve already sent someone to report to the Prince earlier. Would you like to alight first?"


    "Alright, I''ll alight."


    Gu Ying was not delicate. Her spirits were lifted in an instant. She got up from the soft cushion, and lifted the carriage curtain to get off the carriage with Yin Lan.


    Looking around, she saw that the camp was built in a ce sheltered from the wind. It was spacious and t. There was still some bright white snow on the grasnd. More than a dozen camps of various sizes were scattered within the campsite. Palisades were erected around the outskirts to ward off beasts. Magnificent Qilin Army gs hung from the tall entrance gates on both sides.


    Perhaps they had heard the noise of the baggage trains outside.


    More than a dozen disaster victims ran out and stuck their heads out at the entrance gates to watch the lively scene, while discussing something.


    "Everyonee and see quickly! A fairy hase to our camp!"


    "Really? Where? Who hase?"


    "Right at the entrance gates! She just got off Young Master Ning''s carriage. I don''t know who she is, but looking at that country-toppling, city-toppling beauty, could she be a woman Young Master Ning bought to present to our Prince?"


    The camp was severely cold. With so many soldiers gathered, it wouldn''t look good if the Prince at the vigorous age didn''t have a woman to warm his bed.


    Everyone was grateful towards the Prince for saving their lives, so naturally they hoped that the Prince could live an even better life.


    So they gathered around to watch the lively scene.


    "That can''t be right. Doesn''t our Prince already have Lady Shen?"


    "That''s right, what about Lady Shen?"


    When Lady Shen was mentioned, everyone unanimously kept silent, not daring to speak.


    Gu Ying was standing far away and didn''t hear the chattering discussion.


    A few officers in armor walked out from the main entrance of the camp and chatted with Ning Changan, before getting people to orderly transport the baggage train into the camp.


    She didn''t recognize these officers. Judging from their looks, they didn''t seem to be from the Qilin Army.


    Hui An also shook his head imperceptibly.


    Gu Ying understood in her heart, and became a little more vignt. After all, they had slipped away from Bianjing, which was improper ording to etiquette. If others were to catch them and use it against the Prince, it wouldn''t be good. So they would stick to the previous story that she was from Yueyang and hade to look for her own disaster-stricken rtives.


    Such a great beauty had nevere to the camp before.


    That officer in charge caught sight of Gu Ying at first nce.


    Among so many men, Gu Ying''s face was the most eye-catching.


    His gaze turned hot. His eyes lingered on Gu Ying as he asked with a smile, "Young Master Ning, who is this?"


    Ning Changan smiled. "General Zhang, this is Lady Yin Ying. She married to Yueyang and heard that her father met with disaster in Xianlin Town, so she hase specially to look for her rtives."


    He then introduced, "Lady Yin, this is General Zhang, defender of Yueyang City. He has currently been borrowed by the Prince to be in charge of setting up relief efforts here."


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly and curtsied slightly. "It''s nice to meet you, General Zhang."


    General Zhang meaningfully said, "How pitiful. If there is anything I can help with, Lady Yin must be sure to tell Old Zhang."


    Gu Ying awkwardly smiled. She didn''t have a good impression towards this profound General Zhang. "Thank you for your kindness, General Zhang."


    General Zhang was very pleased. He couldn''t help letting his eyes linger on Gu Ying''s face. "It''s windy outside. Lady Yin, you look delicate. Why note to my tent first to wait for the Prince to return?"


    Gu Ying''s shapely eyebrows knitted slightly. "The Prince isn''t in his tent?"


    On her way here, she had already found out.


    There had been ugly incidents here in the past where high-ranking officials had abused their power to privately seize women.


    Thus afterwards, the Prince had personally taken action. For those poor families who came to the camp looking for their rtives without money or valuables and didn''t know who to ask, they could directly go to his tent to find him for the rosters.


    So her n was to directly head to his tentter under the pretext of looking for rtives.


    General Zhang said, "The Prince isn''t here now. He went out today with Lady Shen. I''m afraid it''ll be a few more days before he returns."


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly. "Lady Shen?"


    She asked this question anxiously, causing General Zhang''s suspicions to arise.


    Gu Ying noticed the change in his expression and smiled. "I''m just curious. I wonder who this Lady Shen is¡ª"


    Before General Zhang could reply, Ning Changan said awkwardly and guiltily, "Lady Shen is a divine doctor stationed here together with us, responsible for helping to treat those disaster victims dug out from the earth... Hus... Lady Yin, I didn''t exin things clearly to you earlier... Lady Shen was the doctor who saved the Prince. She''s staying in this camp now. Everyone says that..."


    After hearing Ning Changan''s words, Gu Ying just nked out for a while. Her chest then felt slightly stuffy.


    "Says what?"


    Ning Changan paused. He looked at the woman with the calm expression worriedly. There were some words he couldn''t bring himself to say.


    He had been following the Prince for a period of time.


    The Prince was heavily injured by assassins before being saved by Shen Ruxu. After that, the Prince was somewhat different towards Shen Ruxu, whether more or less.


    Themoners in this camp were all saved by Shen Ruxu one by one.


    They all regarded Shen Ruxu as a deity they provided offerings to.


    Even though everyone knew the Prince was already married in Bianjing, in their hearts, how could a flower vase Princess far awaypare to Shen Ruxu''s kindness towards them?


    Therefore, in this camp, themoners had long regarded Shen Ruxu as the Prince''s woman.


    "Naturally, it is said that the Prince and Lady Shen are a match made in heaven," General Zhang said impatiently, seeing Ning Changan''s hesitant and roundabout way of speaking. "Lady Shen has graceful looks. The Prince is wise and martial. The Prince was only able to escape death thanks to Lady Shen''s medical skills. Isn''t that a perfect match?"


    Gu Ying looked at General Zhang doubtfully, her tone faintly mocking. "A perfect match? So is General Zhang aware that the Prince already has a wife in Bianjing?"


    General Zhang coldly snorted. "So what if he has taken a Princess? The Prince can still bring Lady Shen in as a concubine."


    Gu Ying''s brows were tightly knitted. As long as the words didn''te from the Prince''s mouth, although she felt ufortable in her heart, she was still rtively calm.


    "What, you little wench also wish to be the Prince''s woman?" General Zhang nced at Gu Ying contemptuously. "You only have some looks. But let Old Zhang give you some advice¡ªdon''t have unrealistic expectations. Compared to Lady Shen, you are still farcking. If you are willing to stay by Old Zhang''s side, I can consider... consider..."

 Chapter 247: To Find the Son

    <h4>Chapter 247</h4>


    Huai An could not stand it anymore. He drew out his long sword furiously, "Shut up!"


    Seeing that Huai An actually dared to take out his weapon, General Zhang was not polite either. He raised his eyebrows and drew out his saber, "Who are you that you dare to be so presumptuous here!"


    Huai An had this kind of temperament that except for the Heir Apparent, he had never yielded to anyone. He was immediately furious and said, "I''m your grandfather!"


    After he finished speaking, he started fighting with General Zhang.


    As soon as they started fighting, the guards and soldiers in the military camp surrounded them directly, trying to subdue Huai An.


    Huai An alone was more than a match for a dozen or so soldiers in this camp.


    Ning Changan helplessly said, "Everyone stop fighting! Stop fighting! Stop quickly!"


    But no matter how he persuaded, he could not stop them. He had no choice but to turn to Gu Ying, ¡°Madam... You see... This is getting out of hand... Wouldn''t it be better to wrong Madam first... We¡¯ll wait until the Heir Apparent returns, then we can talk about this, alright?"


    Gu Ying felt a little choked in her throat. The cold wind blew on her face, stinging like a knife, and the chilliness crept into her heart in an instant.


    She let out a long breath, trying to put on a smile, but she couldn¡¯t smile at all. She could only turn her eyes lightly to look at the flustered Ning Changan, "Master Ning, when will the Heir Apparente back?"


    Ning Changan faltered, "The Heir Apparent went out with Miss Shen, and he usuallyes back after a day or two..."


    "I see." Gu Ying pursed her lips, she didn''t know what to feel. She took a look at Huai An and said lightly, "Huai An, stop fighting."


    These in words made Ning Changan feel sour in his heart.


    Huai An gritted his teeth, "Madam!"


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "I said, there is no need to fight them anymore. We''ll wait for the Heir Apparent toe back."


    Huai An frowned tightly, and stopped his actions.


    General Zhang was furious with shame. He asked his men to take down Huai An, Gu Ying, Yin Lan and the other troublesome thugs.


    Gu Ying was a little absent-minded, her thin body swayed unsteadily in the cold wind.


    Yin Lan supported her distressedly, seeing her expressionless look, her eyes slightly red.


    Ning Changan pleaded anxiously and pulled General Zhang aside, not knowing what he said.


    After a while, General Zhang with the surname Zhang came back with a ck face.


    "Since Counselor Ning has vouched for you, you cane in. If you dare to make trouble again, be careful or I¡¯ll chop off your legs!¡±


    ...


    The bustle disappeared.


    A soldier came to lead them inside.


    Gu Ying''s lips were dry. It took her a long time to regain her senses. She ced her hand on Yin Lan''s wrist and leaned half of her body against her, before she had some strength.


    There was a faint pain in her lower abdomen again. She wrinkled her eyebrows and took a deep breath.


    She realized that when she heard this news, she didn¡¯t me the Heir Apparent at all in her heart.


    It was as if men should be like this, just like Jiang Yin, no one would be loyal to their oaths or loyal to a woman.


    She had already experienced betrayal once in her previous life. To experience it again now seemedmonce, and it did not hurt as piercingly as in her previous life.


    If she had note this time, she would not have known of Miss Shen''s existence.


    When the Heir Apparent returned to Bianjing for disaster relief, would he be concerned about her feelings and the Duke Residence¡¯s reputation, so he would secretly raise Miss Shen outside first?


    Then, when the timing was right, would he ept Miss Shen into the Duke Residence smoothly and logically?


    She shook her head by herself.


    Fortunately, she hade.


    She could ept that there was a Miss Shen, but she could hardly ept being deceived and betrayed.


    If the Heir Apparent really cared about this Miss Shen... she could also let them be together happily. But the divorce book would still have to be written.


    Ning Changan kept chattering apologies in her ear, asking for forgiveness.


    "Madam, I''m really sorry... I didn''t tell you the truth about the Heir Apparent and Miss Shen."


    "Miss Shen is very skilled in painting, and she has saved manymoners. The Heir Apparent does treat her differently from others... But I can also see that the Heir Apparent loves Madam very much, he often mentions you to us.¡±


    "Madam..."


    Ning Changan could not go on, hesitating whether to speak or not.


    "Are you...alright?"


    Gu Ying felt a little funny. Forgive him for what? He didn''t do anything wrong, he just kindly lied to her in order not to let her be sad...


    It was she herself who insisted on following him all the way. It was also she herself who was too confident...


    Now it seemed that she was still too young.


    After walking inside for a while, Gu Ying could no longer walk. Her legs felt as heavy as lead, the road ahead seemed endless, and the gray sky had started to drizzle at some point, the icy raindrops falling on her face, the chill piercing to the heart, making one shiver. On both sides were the curious eyes of themoners sizing her up. She stood in the center, listening to the whispers of those people.


    "Is this girl really here to find the Heir Apparent?¡±


    "What about Miss Shen then?"


    "No matter how beautiful this girl is, how can shepare with Miss Shen? Have you forgotten that Miss Shen nearly met with dangerst time, and it was the Heir Apparent who personally sent people to fetch her?"


    Gu Ying suddenly curled up the corners of her mouth, revealing a smile, or it couldn¡¯t be considered a smile. It was just that the arc of her mouth was cold and aloof, with a hint of sadness.


    Then, to everyone''s surprise, her body softened and she fell sloppily into the rain.


    "Madam!¡± Yin Lan anxiously shouted.


    At this point, Ning Changan didn¡¯t care about anything else. He bent down to pick her up and wanted to carry her to his own tent.


    But General Zhang walked over to stop him horizontally with his saber, and coldly snorted, "She''s just amoner, she doesn''t deserve to stay in a good tent. Throw her into the tent below where the humble people live."


    Ning Changan angrily said, "Zhang Mo! You will regret this!"


    Zhang Mo arrogantly said, "Regret? There is nothing in this world that I regret! When the Heir Apparent is not here, my words are imperial edicts. Ning Changan, if you dare to disobey, I will make you unable to walk away!¡±


    He lost face in front of everyone today because of Huai An, and now he extremely disliked Huai An and Yin Lan, the two servants.


    As for this exquisitely beautiful youngdy from a prestigious family, he still had some interest.


    After throwing her into a lower-grade tent, he would look for an opportunity to secretly tie her up and bring her to his own tent, to taste the vor of such a beauty. How enjoyable!


    ...


    When Gu Ying woke up groggily, it was already the second half of the night.


    Raindrops were falling on the tent roof, making the tent extraordinarily quiet.


    She was in a small tent, lying on a dpidated straw mat, with Yin Lan sleeping next to her.


    After days of running around, even Yin Lan''s sturdy body could not stand it anymore.


    Gu Ying sat up and took advantage of the dim candlelight in the tent to gently caress the dark circles under Yin Lan''s eyes. She didn''t disturb her and just sat there absent-mindedly for a while by herself.


    Fortunately, their bundles and belongings were still there. She covered Yin Lan with the nket on herself, got up and took out a ck pellet from the bundle to hold in her mouth.


    The pellet was extremely bitter and hard to bear. She closed her eyes expressionlessly and swallowed it.


    Right after she finished taking the medicine, she heard Huai An''s voice outside.


    "Is Madam awake?"


    Gu Ying opened the curtain to see Huai An standing in the rain with his ck clothes all wet, "Huai An,e in quickly."


    Huai An shook his head and nced sideways at Yin Lan lying inside, "When there are no tigers in the mountains, the monkeys reign as kings. Zhang Mo is not our person. I dare not casually expose my identity. While Madam was fast asleep, I have already found out the whereabouts of the Heir Apparent. I n to set off to find the Heir Apparent now. With me away, Madam, you must take good care of yourself and wait until Ie back with the Heir Apparent." After he finished speaking, he turned to leave without waiting for Gu Ying to speak.

 Chapter 248: Don’t Want to Stay Here

    <h4>Chapter 248</h4>


    "Huai An!" Gu Ying wanted to call out to him, but he had already flipped onto his horse, and his silhouette quickly blended into the pitch ck night.


    Gu Yingughed helplessly. She was no longer so eager to see the Eldest Prince.


    All this way, she had been worried sick that Jiang Yin would continue to harm the Eldest Prince. If it weren''t for her, Jiang Yin and the Eldest Prince wouldn''t be at such odds with each other. She felt guilty and remorseful, hoping all along that the Eldest Prince was safe and sound.


    Now that she knew the Eldest Prince was alright, she was determined to bring Yin Lan back to Yueyang first thing tomorrow morning. They would recuperate for two days at the Ning family residence before going directly back to Bianjing, lest something else happen over there.


    She wanted to bring Huai An to leave together.


    But now that Huai An had already gone to look for the Eldest Prince, she wouldn''t keep him back.


    Huai An was the Eldest Prince''s man to begin with. It was good for him to stay and apany the Eldest Prince.


    As for her and Yin Lan, they didn''t want to linger here any longer.


    Thinking thus, she bent over again and went back inside the tent, using her little hand to press on her aching lower abdomen. The pain made her unable to stand up straight.


    She tiptoed over and sat down next to Yin Lan. Her stomach churned as if she would vomit. She retched for a long time but couldn''t throw anything up.


    Covering her lips, she stared nkly.


    What was wrong with her body?


    She wasn''t pregnant... So why did she keep having intense pain? And now she was even starting to feel nauseated, just like when she had first gotten pregnant in her past life.


    Could it be because she had travelled such a long distance, caught cold, and gone a whole day and night without eating?


    Gu Ying broke out in a cold sweat. She curled up before the difort finally alleviated slightly.


    She endured it for a while longer. Through the small window in the tent, she saw the dense, pitch-ck night. Endless fatigue washed over her like a tide, making her head spin continuously.


    She resisted it for a bit before wanting to lie down and rest a while. But she became vignt again upon hearing footsteps approaching from outside.


    Her drowsiness instantly vanished. She pulled herself together and grasped the kirin dagger the Eldest Prince had given her tightly in her palm.


    The footsteps grew nearer and nearer.


    Gu Ying''s gaze turned cold as she woke Yin Lan up.


    When Yin Lan opened her eyes, she was stunned.


    The faint candlelight illuminated the strange figure outside¡ªtwo soldier-looking men were actually sneaking around their tent.


    "This little beauty will definitely satisfy our general. We''ll go inter and tie her up directly. Anyway, the Eldest Prince isn''t here. Can''t we brothers have some fun?"


    "You''re right. The Eldest Prince manages things too strictly here. Ever since we arrived at Xianlin Town, he hasn''t let us take advantage of decent women. It''s truly suffocating me. Even Miss Shen isn''t allowed to be touched¡ª"


    "You dare touch Miss Shen? Have you eaten the guts of a bear and the boldness of a leopard? Miss Shen is the Eldest Prince''s favorite... Anyone who dares look at Miss Shen will have their eyeballs scooped out by the Eldest Prince."


    "Hehe, I was just joking! We can''t touch Miss Shen, but shouldn''t we be allowed to touch the little beauty who came today?"


    "Only after General Zhang enjoys her first. Then he may reward her to us brothers. What are you thinking?"


    The two shamelessly discussed Gu Ying''s figure by the tent,ughing lecherously from time to time.


    Yin Lan''s face turned ghastly pale. "Mistre¡ª"


    Gu Ying hurriedly covered her mouth, signaling her not to cry out.


    Yin Lan nodded fearfully, listening to their discussion about Miss Shen. Her gaze toward her mistress was both indignant and distressed.


    Only then did Gu Ying let Yin Lan go. Her expression was cold, seeming not to have heard anything about that Miss Shen as she gripped the dagger more tightly.


    General Zhang had looked at her oddly today... Sending people over sote at night surely didn''t bode well.


    She clenched the dagger as both corners of her lips drew back in a taut line. Her heart felt cold and angry.


    These dogs of men!


    If General Zhang dared touch a hair on her, she would make him walk the same road as Zhao Changxing!


    The two soldiers swaggered inside, seemingly not expecting them to still be awake. Borrowing the candlelight, their gazes roamed longingly over Gu Ying''s dreamlike beauty.


    Tsk tsk tsk, such a great beauty. Just touching her a bit would be heavenly fortune.


    The soldier put away his drool and curled his lips vulgarly. "Lady Yin, General Zhang invites you over to his tent."


    Gu Ying gave a coldugh. "I don''t believe General Zhang and I have anything to talk about."


    The soldier chuckled. "The night is long. If there''s nothing to talk about, we can do some other fun things."


    As he spoke, the two men edged closer, rubbing their hands.


    The tent wasn''t big. Gu Ying shielded Yin Lan behind her and retreated several steps.


    Seeing their weak and bulliable appearance, the two soldiers grew bolder.


    The one in front even dared to reach out and touch Gu Ying''s cheek.


    Gu Ying''s eyes shed icily. She swung her leg in a flying kick, aiming straight for his chest. "Go to hell!"


    The soldier hadn''t expected her to know martial arts. Caught unawares, he was kicked away, covering his crotch painfully as he screamed.


    "Wow! Seems we''ve underestimated you¡ªyou actually know how to fight! Li Er, what are you still dawdling for?"


    Yin Lan didn''t know any martial arts. Gu Ying could only get her to hide in the corner while fighting the two by herself.


    These two weren''t skilled fighters. But her body wasn''t well, her stomach hurt badly, sapping away her strength. She was at a disadvantage time and again.


    In less than three rounds, the two soldiers took advantage of the chaos to capture Yin Lan and threaten her. "Y-You...! Quick, put down the dagger, or we''ll kill your servant girl!"


    Gu Ying''s gaze was icy cold. "You dare."


    Despite the seemingly mild tone, her aura was overwhelmingly oppressive.


    But the two soldiers were just big talkers. "If you don''t obey, we''ll... we''ll just kill this maid of yours! You don''t believe us? Just try!"


    Silver tears brimmed in Yin Lan''s indignant eyes. "Mistress, don''t mind me! Just escape by yourself!"


    How could Gu Ying possibly abandon Yin Lan? She knitted her brows, one hand over her stomach and the other grasping the dagger. "Release her and I''ll go with you."


    "Throw the dagger on the ground."


    Without another thought, Gu Ying flung the dagger to the ground.


    Seeing her obey, one soldier restrained Yin Lan while the other picked up the dagger, snorting coldly before tying Gu Ying up with ropes.


    "Why didn''t you just listen so obediently from the start? You''re forcing us to get mad."


    "Walk. No noise allowed. If you dare yell, don''t me us for killing you."


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together silently. She turned back to look deeply at Yin Lan, telling her with her eyes not to worry¡ªshe had her ways of escaping once they reached General Zhang''s tent.


    Tears streamed down Yin Lan''s face as she struggled desperately to charge out like a madwoman.


    Li Er turned back and kicked her before tying her up tightly as well, only then going out after them.


    Yin Lan red at him tearfully, continuing to writhe futilely. "Mmph mmph!"

 Chapter 249: The Prince is Back

    <h4>Chapter 249</h4>


    The military camp was a few miles in area, not big but not small either. News of what happened here quickly spread among the "lowly ves" from Zhang Mo''s mouth.


    It was not the first time these soldiers had forcibly taken civilian women.


    Any family with young maidens had to hide them well to keep them out of sight.


    When the Prince was around, these soldiers would rein themselves in a little.


    But now... s, this maiden hade at an inauspicious time.


    Everyone felt pity and sympathy for Gu Ying, but didn''t dare say anything, let alone go to General Zhang''s tent to rescue her. They were powerlessmon folk who could barely protect themselves, how could they stand up to an official?


    Many people, looking at General Zhang''s tent, sighed heavily. "This poor girl, blessed with such beauty, how could she not catch someone''s eye? If only the Prince was here, that would be good. Unfortunately, I''m afraid by the time the Prince returns, General Zhang would have already ravaged her beyond recognition."


    "Didn''t shee here with Young Master Ning? Where is Lord Ning? We could at least go inform him."


    "It seems Lord Ning was sent away by General Zhang. We don''t know where he is now, and don''t dare ask too many questions."


    Everyone sighed regretfully again.


    In the distance, the sound of a man''s lewdughter and a girl''s muffled cries of pain could be heard from the tent.


    Many who could no longer bear to listen turned away and went back into their own tents.


    Let it be, let it be. Out of sight, out of mind.


    Yet on this dark rainy night, the sound of galloping horses approached the camp at breakneck speed...


    ...


    Time passed quietly.


    Inside the tent, candle mes flickered unsteadily.


    Gu Ying''s breathing was chaotic. Gripping the hairpin she had pulled out of her hair, her beautiful eyes stared fixedly at Zhang Mo.


    After several shes, Zhang Mo still could not overpower her and was left gasping for breath, exhausted.


    He looked admiringly at Gu Ying who had copsed in the corner, seeing her clutching her stomach in pain, her little face pale and beaded with sweat. He casually squatted down in front of her. "Why force yourself to keep resisting? Wouldn''t it be better to just submit to me? Can''t you see how frail your body is, even my heart aches for you. Come, let this Generalfort you properly, how about that?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were bloodshot. "Get lost!"


    Zhang Mo was even more amused. "Shall we get lost together on the bed then?"


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth. "Go die!"


    She swung the hairpin angrily. The sharp tip sliced Zhang Mo''s nose bridge.


    But Zhang Mo was not angered at all. He patiently grabbed her fair, delicate wrist to stop her frommitting suicide. A wicked smile curved his lips as he slowly took off his shirt, tempting her, "Didn''t you want to see the Prince? Sleep with me once and I''ll bring you to see him. Otherwise, this General has plenty of ways to make it so you will never see the Prince again."


    Gu Ying spat at him and closed her eyes, longshes trembling intensely.


    She clutched her stomach as a sharp twisting pain spread inside. It felt like someone was stirring her abdomen with a knife.


    "Ngh..." She couldn''t help letting out a groan. She felt a warm flow surge out between her legs.


    Gu Ying seemed to realize something terrible. Her heart inexplicably filled with panic.


    "It hurts so much..."


    That beguiling voice stirred Zhang Mo''s desires.


    He hadpletely run out of patience. He bent down to grab her and half dragged, half hauled her onto the bed.


    Gu Ying tumbled into the covers. The warm wetness spread outwards from her panties, a crimson stain slowly revealing itself under her skirt.


    She dazedly looked down between her legs for a moment, before shaking her head in flustered rm. "Don''t... the Prince will kill you."


    Zhang Mo loomed over her, a smug smile on his face. "The Prince needs me in too many ways, you''re just an insignificant woman. Do you think just because you have some looks you can seduce the Prince? Why would he care for someone like you."


    As he casually undid his belt to take off his pants, the wicked grin on his face intensified.


    "No!"


    A piteous shriek rent the night air, startling birds roosting in the trees into flight...


    ...


    Outside therge tent, torrential rain drowned out the sound of approaching galloping hooves.


    At the camp''s entrance...


    The thunderous sound of galloping horses.


    Over a dozen well-trained men in ck raced on horseback into the camp.


    The man wearing a ck trench coat had frost-cold brows like a winter''s night. On therge powerful horse beneath him, he charged straight through the camp entrance and halted right in front of Zhang Mo''s main tent.


    In neat unison, the dozen plus men dismounted. Their intimidating manner exuded an aura ready to kill.


    "Zhang Mo! Come out here!"


    From inside the tent came curses. "Who dares disturb this General''s pleasures!"


    In the night rain, the man in ck swiftly dismounted. ck rage on his face, long sword in hand, an icy edge to his lips. He enunciated each word clearly, "Zhao Changdu."


    Silence instantly fell in the tent.


    Many people had noticed themotion outside and now craned their necks out curiously to watch the spectacle.


    The figure wearing an ink ck cape threaded with gold ferociously swept into view like an arc of noble yet aloof loneliness in the night.


    In the blink of an eye, they witnessed that man who was the spitting image of the Prince stride withrge quick steps into Zhang Mo''s tent.


    Everyone was overjoyed. The Prince had returned!


    ...


    Meanwhile, inside Zhang Mo''s tent.


    The atmosphere was frozen. The air seethed with boundless fury.


    Zhang Mo stood there half undressed, caughtpletely off guard. Before he could react, a long sword of such ice-cold intensity struck him down. Then several vicious kicksnded squarely on his vitals, nearly taking his life.


    Spitting out a mouthful of blood, Zhang Mo painfully clutched his chest. Terror and humiliation filled his eyes as he struggled to look up at the tall, trench coat d man. His voice seemed to vanish. "Y-Your... Your Highness the Prince... You, why have you returned?"


    "Scram!"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was deathly cold. Long slender phoenix eyes narrowed, sweeping over the curled up form on the bed. Noting the blood stained sheets, his heart clenched tightly.


    Thankfully her clothes seemed intact, he had arrived in time!


    If anything had happened to her, he would never have forgiven himself.


    He exhaled heavily in relief and strode over to the bed. Carefully, he wrapped her bundled form securely in nkets before lifting her gently into his arms. Tenderness and joy filled him for that moment.


    Remembering how Zhang Mo dared treat her so, Zhao Changdu became incensed. Holding the precious soft girl in his arms, he walked over to Zhang Mo.


    Zhang Mo''s face had already drained of color. When he witnessed the usually aloof and noble Prince''s face reveal a smile towards that girl, Zhang Mo''s heart thudded ominously.


    He... seemed to be in deep trouble!


    "This subordinate has done nothing yet... Your Highness, please... for the month I have faithfully served under you..."


    "Zhang Mo, I have given you a chance before. You refused to listen to me. But now you actually darey hands on someone of mine?" Zhao Changdu''s voice was like steel. Gazing down at him in disgust, the Prince''s eyes turned lethally icy cold, thick killing intent emanated from him.


    Zhang Mo was struck speechless, hands continuously wiping away nervous sweat. Ovee with fear and panic he stammered, "This... this lowly one... ignorant and blind... did not recognize... did not know she was His Highness''s..."


    The man''s eyes held endless contempt. "Huai An, take him away to receive eighty military strokes!"

 Chapter 250: Hello again, Miss Shen

    <h4>Chapter 250</h4>


    Seeing Huian step forward, Zhang Mo finally understood everything.


    These people were clearly not ordinary people looking for rtives. When Ning Chang''an emphasized it to him earlier, he still did not believe it. But now, he had truly and thoroughly pped his own face!


    Eighty military rods!


    This was equivalent to taking his life!


    He swallowed his saliva, trembling with fear as his face turned pale. "Prince, spare my life! This subordinate did not know she was the Prince''s woman! This subordinate truly knows his wrongs now!"


    "Admitting your mistakes now is toote," Zhao Changdu said coldly, his deep eyes brimming with gloomy fury. "Do not let him die. This Prince wants him to wish he was dead."


    Huian clenched his fists tightly as he gritted his teeth. "Yes!"


    After speaking, Zhao Changdu carried Gu Ying and strode out of Zhang Mo''s tent withrge steps.


    Returning to his ownrge tent, the woman in his arms still had not moved.


    He knew in his heart that for her, a young girl who hade so far to find him, and encountered this kind of thing, must be very fearful and panicking in her heart.


    Thus, his brows and eyes softened somewhat as he held her in his embrace, rubbing her delicate cheeks with hisrge hand as he called her name.


    "Ah Ying..."


    "Ah Ying, I''m sorry, I came backte."


    "Ah Ying, how are you now?"


    Gu Ying still did not open her eyes. Her brows were tightly furrowed and her cheeks were slightly flushed with an unhealthy red. Her body, drenched in sweat, finally rxed slightly when she hazily saw the handsome face magnifying before her eyes.


    Seeing the familiar tall bridge of his nose and his slender and beautiful phoenix eyes, the rigidness of her body eased somewhat.


    But as soon as she rxed, she felt even more painful spasms churning in her stomach.


    "Blegh¡ª"


    She could not hold it back and sat up from his embrace, retching to one side.


    Zhao Changdu put his arm around her slender waist, frowning as he patted her back. "Come, go get Shen Ruxu!"


    Someone outside responded, "Yes!"


    Gu Ying''s mind was buzzing and she felt very dizzy. She did not throw up anything besides some sour liquid, but her throat still felt nauseous which did not allow her to feel better.


    Zhao Changdu brought over a bowl of hot tea for her to rinse her mouth before she finally eased up a little, weakly lying back into the man''s embrace.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were full of distress. "What happened?"


    Gu Ying was resentful in her heart. Her face was cold as she refused to look at him, her voice hoarse. "I want Yin..."


    This estranged attitude made the man''s brows furrow tightly, but he still chose to satisfy her request. "Alright."


    As he spoke, he sent someone to find Yin.


    Soon after, Yin ran into therge tent looking disheveled and miserable.


    When Gu Ying saw her, her eyes instantly grew hot as tears fell. "Yin, it hurts..."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows were tightly furrowed, his piercing gaze fixed on the young girl.


    "My Lady, don''t worry." Yin no longer had the mind to greet the man. She ran directly to Gu Ying''s side, took out a medicinal pill from her bosom and anxiously fed it into her mouth.


    After feeding her the medicine, Yin''s eyes were also red. She knelt back down again. "My Prince, my Lady is unwell. This ve brought medicine from Yueyang City. Please, My Prince, allow this ve to go concoct medicine now..."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows had been continuously furrowed. "What are you still waiting for, go quickly!"


    Yin wiped away a tear and ran out.


    Gu Ying''s eyes were bloodshot and misty. Hot air swelled up, clogging her nose, making her uncontrobly want to shed tears.


    She closed her eyes, forcibly pushing the tears back. Her clear and bright eyes were moist, seemingly like the hazily shimmering spring waters, making people''s hearts ache when looking at them.


    Although she did not say anything, there was still resentment in her heart. When she had not seen him, she could still deceive herself. But upon seeing him, the difort and anguish in her heart still could not be concealed.


    She was unwilling to stay in his embrace. Supporting herself, she left his embrace and sat hunched at the edge of the couch.


    She looked like a stray little cat, extremely pitiful.


    No matter how dense Zhao Changdu was, he could still sense that something was off. He forcefully extended hisrge hand to grab her wrist, pulling her back into his embrace with a strong tug. "What''s this, after not seeing me for a month, you dislike me this much now?"


    Gu Ying endured the difort in her body, her lips pale white. She raised her eyes calmly to meet the anger in his eyes. "No."


    Zhao Changdu felt the fiery anger churning in his heart. He was about to stubbornly question the young girl when Shen Ruxu came in.


    She was also not well. On the way back, she had met someone called Huian.


    The Prince had urgently raced back on horseback all the way, while she, with her weaker female physiquepared to these strong and robust men, had bounced the whole way back. She was still wearing those rain-drenched clothes after getting drenched by the rain and wind. Her hair was in disarray after being drenched by the rainwater.


    Now, she walked into therge tent shivering pitifully, her teeth chattering. She had originally wanted the Prince to see her like this and feel more pity for her.


    But when she saw Gu Ying, her entire body stiffened in ce.


    She had not expected Gu Ying to arrive so quickly.


    What about the child in her belly?


    Judging from her paleplexion, had she already lost the child?


    Gu Ying also saw her. Stubbornly struggling to sit up, the corners of her lips pulled up with an inexplicable expression. "Miss Shen, we meet again."


    Shen Ruxu''s heart shuddered as she raised her eyes to meet Gu Ying''s scrutinizing gaze. "Miss Gu..."


    Gu Ying roughly guessed Shen Ruxu''s identity. Now, she only felt extremely mocking in her heart. She looked at Shen Ruxu, then at the handsome man sitting by her side, smiling palely. "My Prince, there is nothing majorly wrong with me. I do not need Miss Shen to take my pulse. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave first."


    The man''s gaze condensed as he held her back. "Ah Ying, don''t be willful."


    Gu Ying said expressionlessly. "I am not being willful."


    She simply did not trust Shen Ruxu, and also felt that she no longer had any need to stay, since her presence was an eyesore. She might as well just leave cleanly.


    Zhao Changdu did not know what temper she was throwing. His face did not look good. "If you''re not being willful, then obediently let Doctor Shen take your pulse."


    "I, don''t, want to," Gu Ying pronounced each word clearly for the first time when speaking to the Prince. After speaking, her eyes grew wet with tears that slid across her eyshes. Her eyes seemed to shimmer like the hazily glistening spring waters, making people''s hearts ache when looking at them.


    Seeing her cry, Zhao Changdu felt a surge of irritation well up in his heart. "Just what kind of temper are you throwing? Where has the generous and sensible Ah Ying of the past gone?"


    Gu Ying''s pupils shrank. She was originally emotionally sensitive. Hearing these words now... she only felt extremely deste, as if having lost something important.


    That''s right... her original disposition was perceptive and gentle. It was only because she cared too much about him and cared about what he had going on with other women. That''s why she had be so petty and ugly, like a pathetic clown.


    Let alone him, even she did not like herself this way.


    Back then, wasn''t it because she was jealous and aggressivelypetitive like this which made Jiang Yin disgusted with her?


    Thinking of this, her heart only felt more deste.

 Chapter 251: The Child Is Still There

    <h4>Chapter 251</h4>


    She hated her useless self, clenching her fists tightly, trying hard to calm herself down. She kept taking deep breaths, the pain in her belly attacking her again.


    This time, the pain made her dizzy and unable to stand steadily. "I...I..."


    She couldn''t continue. Her body went soft.


    "Ying!" Zhao Changdu swiftly took her into his arms, directly cing her on the couch, coldly ring at Shen Ruxu, "What are you still standing there for,e here."


    Shen Ruxu pursed her lips without speaking, her heart apprehensive.


    She stiffly walked over, her fingers falling on Gu Ying''s pulse...


    "She..."


    The man ced his palm on the woman''s t lower abdomen, his expression ugly, full of worry. "What exactly is wrong with her? Why is her stomach hurting so much?"


    When had Shen Ruxu ever seen this god-like man be so emotionally affected by a woman. Her heart sank slightly.


    But even with her guts, there was no way she would continue hiding things at this point.


    Enduring the man''s sinister, prating gaze, she stammered, "My Lord, she is already over a month pregnant..."


    Hearing this, Zhao Changdu was shocked, stunned into silence. "What?"


    Shen Ruxu pursed her lips tightly, continuing, "But Lady Gu has a weak constitution. The long journey has damaged her energy and blood flow, stirring the fetus. This child...already shows signs of miscarriage."


    Zhao Changdu was overjoyed at first, but upon hearing this, his expression visibly tensed up. Hisrge hand tightly grasped Gu Ying''s snow-white wrist, "Quick! No matter what method you use, you must keep my and Ying''s child! Otherwise, you can go die with my child!"


    Shen Ruxu felt extremely bitter inside. "Yes...please move aside, my Lord."


    Hearing her words, Zhao Changdu was like an ordinary man bing a father for the first time, hurriedly giving way to Shen Ruxu.


    Shen Ruxu undid Gu Ying''s skirt ties, immediately seeing the blood stains on her body. Seeing the amount of blood loss...the child in her belly was in extreme danger.


    Now, to preserve the child, she could only use potent medicine and acupuncture. Fortunately, her master had taught her the 13 Needles of Qihuang...


    "My Lord, please have someone bring my acupuncture kit."


    "Alright e!"


    Someone rushed out, while others hurried in.


    When Yin Lan came in with the medicine box, upon hearing about the pregnancy, she nearly fainted. She should have expected this!


    It was her oversight!


    Sweat appeared on Shen Ruxu''s brow. Under the man''s overbearing pressure, she carefully inserted the acupuncture needles at several major acupoints on Gu Ying''s body.


    Gu Yingy unconscious on the couch, the removed clothes stained with blood.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes. He felt the blood stains on her skirt were so ring. Voice slightly trembling, he said, "Ying...I''m sorry...It''s my fault for not noticing...Don''t worry, I will definitely preserve our child."


    That child he so looked forward to...must not have any idents.


    ...


    Candle mes lit up therge tent all night.


    Zhang Mo''s painful wails also echoed throughout the entire camp.


    At first light, some people saw the Prince walking out from therge tent, ck-faced. He brought Zhang Mo to General Zhang''s tent.


    Afterwards, a bloodied Zhang Mo was carried out.


    Everyone was frightened watching this. Zhang Mo, lying on the grass mat, was barely breathing. He didn''t have much longer to live.


    The two soldiers who had tied up Lady Yin were given capital punishment, their corpses hanging outside the camp entrance.


    The others who had followed Zhang Mo to vite Lady Yin were also severely punished.


    Ning Changan returned in a sorry state, kneeling outside the Prince''s tent. He remained there all night without getting up.


    Afterwards, everyone saw the Prince deeply nce at Ning, before returning into therge tent. He didn''te out again.


    Lady Shen was also inside the Prince''s tent.


    Everyone made guesses about Lady Yin''s identity. They had thought Lady Shen was the apple of the Prince''s eye. But now looking at it, how was this Lady Yin who came from outside so remarkable?


    Aside from Lady Yin having outstanding looks, the Prince rarely allowed anyone into his tent.


    Yet that night, the moment the Prince rushed back in the rain, he had carried Lady Yin inside right in front of everyone.


    Clearly, Lady Yin was no ordinary woman.


    ...


    While spection abounded outside, inside the tent, Zhao Changdu, covered in the smell of blood, was extremely anxious.


    His dark eyes were deep as an abyss, as dense as the night.


    He stood tall and straight, hands behind his back, his entire being like an emotionless ice sculpture.


    Yet Shen Ruxu could still clearly feel the cold and fury emanating from the man''s body.


    She had no doubts that if she couldn''t save this child, this man would shred both her and Zhang Mo into ten thousand pieces.


    She was drenched in sweat, concentrating fully while half-kneeling by the couch. The tent was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.


    Only after a full day and night did Shen Ruxu wipe the sweat from her brow, pulling her mouth into a smile. "My Lord, Lady Gu''s condition has finally stabilized..."


    Having not slept for three days and nights, Zhao Changdu''s gaze turned blurry for a moment upon hearing the news.


    He strode to the couch, his sight falling on Gu Ying''s still pale little face. The icy cold transformed into the spring breeze, gentling. "When will she wake up?"


    Shen Ruxu said, "She has over-exerted herself. She''ll probably need to sleep a while longer."


    Zhao Changdu paused before hoarsely asking, "What about the child?"


    Shen Ruxu lowered her longshes. "The child is still there."


    Zhao Changdu silently let out a breath in relief. Sitting by the couch, his eyes were as dense as ck ink, tightly fixed on Gu Ying''s face. His big hand quivered, wanting to stroke her, but was at a momentary loss over what to do.


    He awkwardly pulled his hand back. "You may leave."


    "Yes..."


    Shen Ruxu had been taut for two days and nights. Only now did she feel her entire body turn cold. She couldn''t help coughing once...hoping the man would look at her more.


    But she was disappointed.


    The only woman in that man''s eyes was the one lying on the couch. He basically wouldn''t even nce her way.


    Disappointed, she lowered hershes, dragging her heavy body as she slowly walked out.


    Yin Lan had been waiting outside the whole time. Seeing Shen Ruxu emerge, she mockingly looked at her. "What fine skills you have, Lady Shen."


    Shen Ruxu felt a stab in her heart, afraid the man inside would overhear this. She quickly pulled Yin Lan further away, "Lady Yin, I don''t understand what you mean by those words."


    Yin Lan jerked her hand free, curling her lips contemptuously. She naturally didn''t believe her nonsense. If it had been the past, perhaps she might have thought Shen Ruxu genuinely misdiagnosed the pulse reading.


    But after she apanied her mistress here and heard the rumors from the refugees...


    She finally realized this woman was ambitious and fond of the Prince.

 Chapter 252: The Kid’s Really Here.

    <h4>Chapter 252</h4>


    Yin Lan could only hate herself for being careless and nearly causing the death of the fetus in the mistress''s womb.


    Her eyes turned moist as she sniffed and angrily said, "Justice has its way, Miss Shen will have to consider my mistress''s dignity even if she wants to enter the Duke''s manor. Now that Miss has done this, don''t me Yin Lan for being merciless in the future!"


    Shen Ruxu felt a little nervous and grabbed Yin Lan''s hand, "I told you, it wasn''t on purpose. I really didn''t notice! Why don''t you listen to my exnation?"


    With tears in her eyes, Yin Lan red at her and said, "Heaven is watching. Miss Shen can do as she pleases."


    After that, she shook off Shen Ruxu''s hand and left directly.


    Shen Ruxu stared nkly at therge tent, thinking that Yin Lan might tell the Crown Prince about this. She couldn''t let the Crown Prince know...


    The more she thought about it, the more she regretted her carelessness which led her astray...


    ...


    When Gu Ying woke up, it was dusk outside.


    The red glow in the sky was vast, making one feel peaceful.


    Someone was touching her, soft lips kissing her face while breathing heavily against her skin.


    Feeling a little ufortable, she blinked several times, feeling the hard stubble on the man''s face brushing lightly against the corners of her mouth.


    She opened her eyes wide to see the man''s sharp, handsome face and those deep, dark eyes.


    The man''s tall nose touched hers, their faces very close together, breaths intermingling.


    His arm encircled her waist as he lowered his thick eyshes and his thin lips met her lips.


    Extremely gentle, detailed kisses, from her forehead to her nose all the way to her mouth. Just as she was about to speak, her breath was snatched away.


    Her moist, glistening, cherry-red lips were like dewy spring flowers, arousing an itch in one''s heart.


    Zhao Changdu felt a warmth in his heart and his hot tongue forcibly and aggressively entered.


    Gu Ying was kissed by him until she was gasping for air, her whole body going soft. It took her some time before she red at him angrily, cing her small hands against his strong chest, weakly saying, "Crown Prince, get up..."


    His stubble had made her lips red...


    It felt numb and tingly...


    Especially seeing his current unshaven look, as if he hadn''t slept for three or four days, exuding a rough aura.


    Even so, that chiseled, handsome face still looked heroic and charming, making one''s heart race at the sight.


    Zhao Changdu had been celibate for over a month. Kissing the little girl in his arms now felt iparably sweet, reluctant to stop. He turned over and pulled her tighter into his embrace, his big hand reaching under her clothes and stroking her t, soft belly, "Ying, is your stomach better?"


    The palm of his hand was fiery hot, as if carrying a me, making her feel ill at ease all over.


    Gu Ying''s face turned red. Feeling irritated inside, she pushed him away and turned her head aside, "It''s none of your business."


    "How is it none of my business?" The man followed closely after, his chest pressing tightly against the little girl''s back as he encircled her entirely in his embrace. Resting his chin on her shoulder socket, he nuzzled her delicate skin and murmured in his low, husky voice that was indescribably sexy, "Here¡ª"


    His big hand roamed over her lower abdomen.


    "Stop that..." Gu Ying felt extremely awkward with him touching her like that. She forcefully clutched his fingers with her little hand, not allowing him to move about recklessly.


    Amusement could be heard in Zhao Changdu''s voice. This girl still didn''t know she was pregnant? How adorable.


    He leaned in closer to nibble on her earlobe, murmuring, "Our child is in there, Ying. Tell me, does it have nothing to do with me?"


    At first, Gu Ying misunderstood his words. After catching her breath, her mind reacted¡ª "What child?"


    The corner of the man''s mouth lifted indulgently. "Foolish girl."


    Gu Ying hurriedly sat up from the bed, asking anxiously, "What did the Crown Prince just say?"


    Zhao Changdu looked at her with amusement. "You''ve been pregnant for over a month. How can you be so dull as to still not know?"


    Gu Ying frowned. Her small hand hastily covered her lower abdomen once more. Recalling the child from her previous life that never had the chance to be born, her eyes still held disbelief. "What? I... I''m pregnant?"


    Hadn''t she not been pregnant? How could the Crown Prince say... she was bearing his child?


    Could Shen Ruxu have lied to her that day?!


    Zhao Changdu nced at her in amusement. Although she was still a child herself, there was another small life inside her belly.


    Moreover, it was of his and her bloodline.


    This feeling was truly indescribably wonderful...


    He held the girl in his embrace, letting her lean against him. Pressing his chin on the crown of her head, he sighed, "Yes, Ying is carrying my child. Based on the days, it should be from that time at the other courtyard."


    That night, the potency of the medicine in his body had been extremely fierce... wearing out the little girl the entire night.


    It was no wonder she conceived.


    The corner of the man''s mouth tilted up slightly. His fingers gently massaged her soft lower belly. In his heart, he somehow felt anticipation for the child''s arrival.


    Gu Ying thought of something and her eyes suddenly turned moist. "I''m really pregnant?"


    Zhao Changdu pinched the girl''s delicate pointed chin, his voice low and sonorous, incredibly sexy. "Yes."


    At this time, Gu Ying had no thoughts to spare for anything else. Feeling nervous, she touched her belly. Although there were thousands of words in her heart, she didn''t know how to express them. That child, it still came in the end...


    After experiencing so much hardship and two lifetimes, it firmly settled in her womb against all odds.


    Gu Ying was overjoyed. Her emotions wereplicated but above all, she was ted.


    Since this child had such deep affinity with her, as its mother she would definitely protect it properly!


    Seeing the girl lost in thought, Zhao Changdu felt displeased. He held her cheeks in his hands, his tone unhappy. "What''s this? Gotten pregnant and forgot about your husband already?"


    Gu Ying blinked, still immersed in the joy of having conceived a child.


    But now facing his slender phoenix eyes, the resentment in her heart swelled forth.


    She wasn''t one to hide her thoughts so she directly said, "Now that the Crown Prince has Shen Miss, does he still care about my child?"


    Zhao Changdu''s long brows knitted together. "What nonsense are you spouting? What do you mean I have Shen Ruxu? Compared to you, why would I look at another woman?"

 Chapter 253: This Is My Child, Too.

    <h4>Chapter 253</h4>


    After speaking, the man took a deep look at the young girl. Although Shen Ruxu was quite beautiful,pared to his little girl, she was still not in the same league.


    In such a short time since theyst met, how dare she suspect that he had another woman. He clearly hadn''t done enough to give her a sense of security.


    Displeased, Zhao Changdu lifted her chin and sternly asked, "Have I not told you before that you should believe every word I say?"


    Gu Ying raised her clear and bright eyes to look at the man''s strong and handsome face. "No, I believe the Prince."


    "Since this is so, has Ying ever misunderstood me?"


    "I..." Gu Ying had not lied. Somewhat embarrassed, she lowered her eyes slightly. "I didn''t mean to misunderstand the Prince. I just...wasn''t happy knowing about the existence of Miss Shen...and overthought things."


    Seeing that he was displeased, she pulled up the corners of her mouth in a faint smile. "I know this isn''t right, but I still can''t control my thoughts from wandering. If the Prince is disgusted by me like this, I can leave at any time¡ª"


    "Leave at any time to do what?" Zhao Changdu was almostughing from anger. He pulled her back to himself and asked sternly, "Who taught you to always think of escape when ites to rtionships? You are my proper and openly acknowledged wife. How dare you not even question me?"


    "I¡ª"


    "You''re currently carrying my child. If you dare say another word about leaving, I''ll make it so you can''t get out of bed for three days and nights." The man ground his teeth and fiercely bit her neck.


    Gu Ying''s body quivered slightly. Why was this man always biting her like a dog? He really enjoyed doing that.


    She nkly looked at the unshaven man before her. He looked tired and disheveled, as if he hadn''t slept for days. His dark stubble made him look even more masculine.


    "Why aren''t you speaking? Hmm?" Displeased, the man narrowed his eyes. Thinking she was still nning on leaving him, his anger red irrepressibly. He pressed the girl onto the bed and eagerly kissed her, wishing he could press this girl who only knew how to anger him into his own body. "Gu Ying, you are not allowed to leave me."


    His strength was too great, yet he carefully avoided her stomach.


    Nestled in his embrace, Gu Ying quickly had her breath swept away by his kiss.


    Breathless, her face flushed red as she begged for mercy, "Enough... Changdu... I didn''t say anything about leaving either, that was your own overthinking. Let me go first... my stomach hurts...."


    Hearing this, the man''s whole body tensed up. No longer having any other thoughts, he anxiously stopped his actions and clumsily caressed her belly, "Does it still hurt now? How big is he now? Can he already hear us talking?"


    Seeing his cautious manner, Gu Ying couldn''t helpughing. "Seeing you act like a father is really surprising."


    Who could have imagined that the blood-bathed War God of Dong Li on the battlefield would have this sort of pitifully adorable reaction when facing the little life in her belly?


    Zhao Changdu deliberately furrowed his brows and lightly flicked her nose. He doted, "Don''tugh. This is my first time being a father. You aren''t a first-time mother, are you? You probably won''t be much better than me either. You''ll still need me to protect you mother and child."


    Gu Ying guiltily exhaled, "On this journey... I really have been negligent..."


    With her irregr cycle andck of morning sickness, plus the bleeding, she hadn''t even considered pregnancy...


    Now that she thought about it, she had been fighting, traveling, eating outdoors, and sleeping without shelter throughout the journey. It was a miracle that this child had survived!


    Zhao Changdu deeply looked into her eyes for a long moment. Putting his arm around the girl''s shoulders, his fingers gently pinched her body''s soft flesh. "It''s also my fault for letting you worry and making youe so far to find me."


    He would remember this sentiment and be doubly good to his little girl in the future.


    Still frightened, Gu Ying let out a breath. "Changdu, how good is Miss Shen''s medical skills?"


    Zhao Changdu lowered his head and kissed the top of the little girl''s head. "Her skills are divine. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have taken her in as an honored guest."


    Gu Ying frowned, then raised a brow. "No wonder everyone says that you treat Miss Shen differently. So it turns out that it''s because of her medical skills."


    The corners of Zhao Changdu''s lips lifted into a smile. "Notpletely."


    Gu Ying raised her head, curiously asking, "Then what else?"


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes. Seeing the bewitching sparkling eyes of the little girl, his heart softened. "Is mydy feeling jealous?"


    Annoyed, Gu Ying pushed him. "No, do I seem like someone who gets jealous easily?"


    Zhao Changduughed softly, his fingers unconsciously caressing the girl''s shoulders. His voice lowered, "She is Yu Gu''s disciple."


    "Oh?" Gu Ying''s smile faded and was reced by a cold look. "Then it seems she must also specialize in obstetrics and gynecology."


    Sensing something wrong, Zhao Changdu asked, "What''s the matter?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth lifted into a faint smile that didn''t reach her eyes. "Changdu doesn''t know that on my way to find you, I ran into Miss Shen once before. To save her, I almost hemorrhaged badly. At the time, hearing she was a doctor, I asked her to examine me, but she said she wasn''t skilled in obstetrics and gynecology. She even prescribed me medicine to invigorate the blood and dissolve stasis."


    Hearing this, Zhao Changdu''s brows furrowed dangerously.


    For pregnant women, medicine to invigorate the blood and dissolve stasis were strictly forbidden. Even if she didn''t specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, she should at least know suchmon knowledge.


    Moreover, Gu Ying had almost bled heavily. It was a miracle that this child was still alive!


    Gu Ying nowpletely confirmed that Shen Ruxu had tried to harm her child and only had coldughter remaining in her heart.


    Zhao Changdu''s expression chilled. He soothingly kissed her forehead. "Be good. You rest first. I''m going out for a bit and wille back to apany you in a while."


    Lying on his bed, Gu Ying watched his departing figure. "Changdu, if her actions were unintentional, I can forgive her once, but I definitely won''t forgive her a second time. This child is my life. For the sake of our child, I won''t show her mercy again either."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was icy cold, his eyes filled with chilling air. Matching the cold look in the little girl''s eyes, the corners of his lips rose. "Ying is wrong. This is also my child."


    A freezing, bone-chilling killing intent swirled deeply within the man''s profound eyes.


    Relieved, Gu Ying closed her eyes and once again fell asleep...


    ...


    Leaving the tent, Zhao Changdu''s long eyes narrowed slightly. His handsome face was cold and white like jade. Tall and straight, his gaze was sinister and mercilessly cold.


    Having followed his Lord for many years, it was very rare for Chief An to see such obvious and externally revealed violent emotions from his master.


    This night, I''m afraid it won''t be peaceful.


    His expressionless face ordered someone to call Shen Ruxu over.


    In the pitch dark night, there was only one bean-sized oilmp lit in the tent.


    Her heart trembling with fear, Shen Ruxu walked into the tent that everyone usually used for discussing matters. Beneath the dim, yellow candlelight, she involuntarily weakened at the knees from fright at catching just a glimpse of the bone-chilling killing intent on the face of the man under themplight.


    "Prince..."


    "I heard you''ve taken my Ying''s pulse before?"


    His light tone was tranquil and coldly aloof, making people feel uneasy inside.

 Chapter 254: The Way He Looks when He’s Fierce

    <h4>Chapter 254</h4>


    Shen Ruxu''s throat suddenly seemed to be blocked, and she was so scared that she couldn''t breathe. After thinking carefully for a while, she stammered, "I...I went out to gather herbs that day, got lost and wandered into the dpidated temple...I did meet Miss Gu once, but I didn''t know she was the prince''s wife at that time, nor did I notice she was pregnant..."


    Sitting in the tiger skin armchair, Zhao Changdu knitted his eyebrows coolly and nced down at her, "Didn''t notice?"


    Shen Ruxu didn''t dare to look at the man in the eye, lowered her head and said, "Thedy was still early in her pregnancy at that time, and I was also frightened...so I simply couldn''t calm down enough to take her pulse...so I probably misdiagnosed her pulse. I ask the prince to be understanding..."


    Zhao Changdu gave a cold snort. His thin lips clicked at these words, "Oh, to be understanding?"


    When he first fell off the cliff and was chased by several assassins, Shen Ruxu was still able to calm down and treat his injuries while escaping.


    And now, she actually said that she was frightened and couldn''t urately determine a pregnant woman''s pulse?


    This woman is ruthless, to say the least.


    Shen Ruxu''s fingers trembled slightly, "Ruxu is innocent, I swear."


    "What a innocent soul you im to be." Zhao Changdu stood up and walked over to stand in front of her, lowering his eyes to look at her panicked eyes, "You are Yu Gu''s disciple. I, the prince, looked upon you highly, but that is not the capital for you to be arrogantly unruly."


    Under the man''s wolf-like staring, Shen Ruxu''s pretense of calmness almost copsed.


    "I didn''t..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyelids, extremely indifferent, and said coldly next to her ear, "Ying is more important to me than my own life. The child in her belly is also my offspring. If you dare to harm her or the child in the slightest, I, the prince, will make you understand the taste of a fate worse than death."


    Shen Ruxu''s face changed slightly and turned ghastly pale in an instant, "Prince, I¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu had already run out of patience with her. "Huai An."


    Huai An walked in silently, "Yes, sir."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression returned to being cold and aloof. His handsome yet merciless face waspletely without ripples, "Take her away, twenty military rod beatings. This time I''m giving you a chance due to the fact that you once saved my life. I won''t have you killed immediately, but if there is a next time, twenty rod beatings won''t be enough to settle things."


    Huai An said, "Yes, sir."


    Upon hearing these words, Shen Ruxu copsed, falling heavily to the ground.


    Twenty rod beatings...


    It would take her life!


    "Prince, please spare me! If Teacher Gu knows that the prince has treated me this way, she will definitely be unhappy!" Shen Ruxu crawled over desperately, trying to hug the man''s legs.


    "Get back." Zhao Changdu''s eyes were cold and frosty, with a chilly and oppressive aura radiating from his body.


    Even with Shen Ruxu''s thick skin, she knew that pleading now would be of no use...


    Her vision went dark, and the hatred in her heart for Gu Ying deepened anotheryer.


    ...


    When Gu Ying woke up again it waste into the night. At some point, more than ten royal physicians hade into the big tent, and it was quite lively as they lined up to take her pulse.


    Yin Lan sat on the side of the bed, helplessly raising the corners of her mouth, "Mistress, you''re finally awake."


    Gu Ying was still confused, "Who are these people?"


    The doctor who was taking her pulse at the moment smiled and said, "Mistress please don''t move, I''m almost finished here. Next up will be Dr. Li."


    Gu Ying was dumbfounded.


    Sure enough, when one doctor had finished, another woulde up. They kept putting their hands on her wrist.


    Yin Lan smiled behind her hand, "These court physicians were all called by the prince. He said to take good care of the mistress and carefully examine her illness, as well as check whether the little prince in the mistress'' belly is safe."


    Gu Yingughed helplessly. By the time the doctors had finished looking her over, she amusingly said, "The prince is truly making a mountain out of a molehill. Now that I know I''m pregnant, of course I''ll be more careful with myself and not be willful anymore."


    Yin Lan said, "How is this making a mountain out of a molehill? Mistress, you''ve been through a lot along the way. The little prince in your belly is still in a precarious state. Having several doctorse to take a look and letting the maids feel more at ease as well as the mistress herself feeling more at ease is not a bad thing, right?"


    She was right about that.


    Gu Ying caught several of the doctors and asked them about the baby''s condition. They all said the baby was doing alright for now. A master had performed acupuncture on her which had stabilized the vital energy in the womb. As long as she nursed the fetus calmly going forward, it would be no major incident.


    Gu Ying listened carefully. To be fair, Shen Ruxu was quite talented. At least regarding the medical field, none of these people couldpare to her.


    "Yin Lan, where is Shen Ruxu?"


    Yin Lan pursed her lips, "The prince found out what happened to us in the dpidated temple along the way. Considering she made merit by helping with the disaster relief and saving the mistress and little prince, he gave her a mild punishment of twenty rod beatings. She''s still lying in the tent now."


    Gu Ying felt somewhatplicated inside. A woman taking twenty rod beatings...was almost the same as taking her life.


    But this was all her just deserts, after all she almost harmed her own child...


    In her previous life she had spent endless effort trying to have a child, andter resigned herself when it seemed impossible, barely eking out an existence in the dpidated temple for ten years.


    By now her heart was hardened long ago. Anyone who wronged her, she would directly retaliate.


    This child was something she had missed out on once, only to regain it.


    Even if she directly killed Shen Ruxu, so what?


    Yin Lan went on to vividly describe the scene when the prince punished Shen Ruxu. "Mistress, you wouldn''t know, this servant girl is usually scared of the prince, but I didn''t expect that when the prince truly got angry he could frighten people into pissing themselves without even moving a muscle. This servant girl was only watching from the side, but just the prince''s expressionless, cold and abstinent face frightened all of us onlookers to trembling anxieties. Let alone Shen Ruxu who was kneeling in front of the prince. Her face was as white as paper, she nearly fainted on the spot."


    "Not to mention this servant girl still has lingering fears..."


    Gu Ying had seen the prince''s angry countenance before. Hearing Yin Lan''s description, her heart also tightened up.


    "Awake?"


    The two women were speaking when someone from outside suddenly lifted the curtain and walked in, emanating coldness and nobility.


    Yin Lan''s whole body stiffened as she hurriedly got up and gave up her seat by the bedside.


    With just a look from Zhao Changdu, he seemed to freeze the atmosphere in the entire tent. Those dozen or so doctors didn''t even dare to move a muscle.


    Gu Ying leaned against the pillows, watching as the man''s tall figure approached her, unable to help swallowing nervously.


    He really was quite frightening when angry...


    Zhao Changdu walked over to Gu Ying and sat down beside her, wrapping her small hand tightly in his big palm. The frosty look in his eyes held a trace of tenderness. "Feeling better?"


    Gu Ying smiled gently, "Much better."


    What Zhao Changdu liked best was seeing the youngdy''s smile. Not caring about whether there were outsiders present, he brought his handsome face close, his dark eyes gazing deeply into her charming visage. Then he kissed the corner of her mouth.


    Her soft cherry lips were simply intoxicating.


    He greedily sucked on her petal-like lips, sampling their sweetness before finally releasing her. His thumb lingered on her cheek, seemingly caressing her. "Ying looks much better now."


    Her arched brows were like distant mountains, cherry red lips like swelling rouge, bright crimson eyes like peeled eggshells.


    Every part of her attracted him.


    Gu Ying didn''t have his audacity. Her earlobes instantly burned. "Ah Du, there are still people here."

 Chapter 255: Pregnancy Inquiry

    <h4>Chapter 255</h4>


    Zhao Changduughed lightly. He was wearing a dark green robe embroidered with a secret pattern of kirin. With great dignity, he gestured for a doctor toe forward and asked in person about the physical condition of the youngdy and her child.


    Finally, he asked in all seriousness, "When the madame is pregnant, is it permissible to have sexual rtions?"


    Hearing this, Gu Ying was too embarrassed to face anyone...


    She was already pregnant. What was the point of thinking about sex...


    And to ask in front of so many people, have you no shame...


    The doctor was taken aback by the question, but soon regained hisposure. For young couples, nothing was more important than that matter.


    The Prince was wise and martial. He was also a vigorous young man who naturally could not escape such worldly desires.


    The doctor stroked his beard and smiled, "In response to the Prince, intercourse is not allowed in the first three months when the fetus is unstable, nor in theter months when the birth is approaching. Even during the middle months when it is permitted, it cannot be too intense, so as not to disturb the fetus. I''m sure the Prince understands."


    Zhao Changdu gave Gu Ying a meaningful nce. Now that he understood the situation, he waved his hand to dismiss everyone.


    Soon, only the two of them remained in the tent.


    Gu Ying blinked her eyes and quickly buried herself under the nkets on the bed, peeking out with just her little head. She red at the man''s cold, handsome face with anger.


    "Changdu, I must tell you...I''m different now that I''m pregnant. You can''t touch me casually..."


    Although she had never been pregnant before, she had seen what happens when other women have children.


    For families of their status, when the mistress gets pregnant, she stops serving her husband.


    If the husband had needs, he could find release using servant girls or concubines.


    That was how Zhao Yiniang gained the favor of the Eldest Prince back then. She went from an attendant who served tea to the Young Lady of the Prince''s Estate.


    Pregnancy was a big deal for women. During this time, they should refrain from marital rtions for the sake of the child... So of course she could not let the Prince touch her now... Gu Ying wrapped the nkets around herself even tighter.


    In Zhao Changdu''s eyes flickered a trace of profoundness.


    It was hard to imagine that such a delicate t belly could be nurturing a life with his bloodline.


    He actually had no intention of touching her. By asking the doctor, he only wanted a clear answer to prevent any idents, in case he lost control and something went wrong.


    But hearing what the doctor said...


    An uncontroble fiery feeling arose from his loins as his dark eyes looked at her with a heated gaze.


    Gu Ying knew what he meant.


    She immediately turned her back to him, "No, I''m only a little over a month... Even if we do it... it will have to be after two months..."


    Zhao Changdu mocked, "Is my wife agreeing?"


    Even between husband and wife who were intimate, when facing his exceptionally aggressive handsome face, Gu Ying still felt shy.


    She simply buried her head under the nkets and mumbled, "I''m not talking to you anymore, going to sleep."


    Zhao Changdu smiled faintly at the corner of his lips. He did not force her.


    Even if he wanted her badly, he was not such a beast as to take advantage of a little pregnant woman.


    Unable to quell the heat in his body, he went outside to take a cold shower.


    Huai An stood guard outside the tent, extremely delighted, "Master, our household will have a little prince soon. Should we write to tell the old Duke?"


    Zhao Changdu gathered his wet dark hair. His distinct handsome face was cold and abstinent. "No rush. Let''s wait until the fetus in Gu Ying''s belly settles down before saying anything."


    Gu Ying and their child were his life. In the past, when he encountered danger alone, he would face it head on. But now he couldn''t do that. For his wife and child''s sake, he had to n for the long term.


    Huai An nodded, "That makes sense. This really is joyous news. It''s my first time seeing a pregnant woman."


    Since following the Young Master, he had been mixing with a bunch of men on the frontier borders.


    When would he have seen any women, let alone pregnant ones?


    The Qilin Army brothers had long been waiting for the Young Master to have a little heir. Now their wishes have finallye true.


    Because they almost lost the little master, Huai An felt very guilty.


    Even now he didn''t dare sleep, staring eagerly outside the main tent to guard the madame, afraid something unfortunate may happen to her again.


    Zhao Changdu saw his thoughts and smiled, "You did well protecting the madame this time, I''ll reward you. What would you like?"


    Huai An didn''t dare ask for a reward, "It was this subordinate''s negligence that nearly caused the madame to miscarry. I don''t deserve a reward."


    Zhao Changdu now had a child on the way and was in good spirits, "The child is still there, so you have contributed. If you don''t speak up now, you''ll miss this opportunity."


    Huai An quickly said, "Then, may this subordinate ask to propose a marriage, my lord?"


    Zhao Changdu raised his brows, "Oh? Who have you set your eyes on?"


    Huai An was an orphan. Following him from a young age, he had always mingled with the brothers and never seemed interested in women before. Hearing him mention marriage now, Zhao Changdu recalled that Huai An was not young anymore and it was time he settled down.


    Huai An suddenly felt a little embarrassed.


    Zhao Changdu looked at him disdainfully, "What''s with the shyness?"


    Huai An scratched his head and licked his lips solemnly, "This subordinate wishes to take Madame''s handmaiden Yin Lan as wife!"


    Zhao Changdu''s sword-like brows twitched slightly. Marrying Yin Lan was good too. His little girl was always getting into trouble, making him worried. If her handmaiden married Huai An, it would help stabilize his girl as well.


    He was quite satisfied with Yin Lan.


    "What are her feelings towards you?"


    Huai An faltered, "She...she said she''s borne a child before and killed her former husband...so she doesn''t want to remarry."


    Zhao Changdu snorted lightly, "You gave up after just one sentence from her?"


    Huai An immediately said solemnly, "No, not at all! It was just when I first heard about her painful past, I got a little dumbstruck. I didn''t expect her to have suffered so much. But afterwards I thought things through. I wasn''t involved in her past but I can work hard to give her a better future!"


    Zhao Changdu patted his upright chest, "Good. This is what the fine men of Qilin Army are like."


    Huai An let out a breath of relief, but still felt regretful, "Master, now she pretty much ignores me. Do I still have a chance?"


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up. He recalled when he was interested in his little girl at first, then like her more and more, wishing he could tie her by his side forever.


    A man wanting a woman was quite simple. A fierce woman was no match for persistent gentleman. He just needed to try his very best to treat her well and make her know his intentions.

 Chapter 256: Do you Like Boys or Girls

    <h4>Chapter 256</h4>


    "Just show your sincerity to her wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. Treat her well for a few more months, then take another look. If by then she still has no interest in you, I will rearrange a marriage for you," Zhao Changdu said.


    Huai An was determined not to give up on Yin Lan. "I understand!"


    So what if she had a child and married a scumbag? As long as he was here, he would never let her live such a bitter life again.


    He would learn from the Crown Prince and devote himself to treating his wife well, so Yin Lan could also taste what it was like to marry a reliable man!


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was indifferent as he prepared to return home. "Mmm."


    Huai An blinked. "Sir, that''s all?"


    "That''s all," Zhao Changdu said.


    "The exclusive tips and tricks to wooing your wife. That''s all there is?" Huai An asked.


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked up slightly. Naturally there were other bedroom techniques, but it wasn''t appropriate to tell this brat.


    "I''ll be going now."


    "Hey, wait up, sir! Tell me more¡ª" Huai An called out.


    "Get lost!" Zhao Changdu yelled back.


    Gu Ying and the kids were still waiting for him. He didn''t have the patience to teach Huai An all that stuff.


    Huai An pressed his lips into a line as he watched his master¡¯s tall, straight back recede into the distance. He started to silently ponder how to treat Yin Lan well.


    ...


    Inside the tent, Zhao Changdu took off his outer robe and long shirt, hanging them casually on a clothes rack. Although it was still early spring, he had specially arranged for charcoal to be brought in, worried that she would be cold.


    ncing at the little girl bundled under the quilt, he felt somewhat amused.


    "Asleep?" he asked.


    Gu Ying wasn''t actually asleep at all. She had heard hime in and was just pretending, mumbling from under the covers, "Mmm, asleep."


    "You can still talk in your sleep?"


    "It''s all sleep talk," she imed.


    Zhao Changdu chuckled softly, choosing not to expose her lie.


    Gu Ying waited in bed for a while without hearing any movement from him getting in. She wondered if the Crown Prince had gone back out, but when she flipped open the quilt, she saw the man walking bare-chested towards the bed.


    He wasn''t wearing clothes...


    She swallowed subconsciously, her gaze involuntarily falling on those firm, well-proportioned muscles. Her eyes slid lower to take in his powerful, sturdy waist and long legs, and...


    He usually preferred to wear ck robes that concealed whaty beneath. Even in the residence, he would wear in white underclothes to bed at night. But here in the military camp, it turned out he had discarded those niceties.


    His physique... was sculpted to perfection by supernatural forces, arresting her gaze so she couldn''t look away.


    Gu Ying felt her face grow hot, two patches of red rising to her ears.


    She averted her eyes. "The spring chill remains. Ah Du, why aren''t you wearing clothes?"


    Zhao Changdu''s features were sharp and dark, but his expression was calm and tranquil. He got into bed, lifting up the quilt. "My blood runs hot. I just took a bath, so I don''t need clothes for now."


    Back at the Duke''s estate, he had been more restrained.


    Now in the camp, the already not-so-big bed seemed even more cramped with him on it.


    Gu Ying truly didn''t know where to put her eyes. Her body was swiftly pulled into his embrace, pressed tightly against his chest.


    His searing breath warmed the back of her neck. Hisrge palms reached around her waist from behind, gently kneading her lower abdomen.


    Gu Ying felt itchy. She grasped his wandering fingers in her small hand. "Hehe, Ah Du, don''t touch there. It tickles."


    "Gu Ying," the man''s voice was low and somewhat hoarse. "How is your body feeling now?"


    Gu Ying''s cheeks burned. "Much better. I drank Yin Lan''s medicinal soup, and my stomach doesn''t hurt as much either. On the way here, I kept taking the nourishing pills Granny Yu gave me. They must have protected my baby, so even though my stomach felt ufortable the whole journey, I didn''t miscarry."


    Zhao Changdu nestled his face into the crook of her neck, satisfied as he kissed her snow-white nape that gave off a delicate fragrance.


    "Mm. That''s good. If anything feels off with your stomach, you must tell me. Don''t try to endure on your own if somethinges up. You''re a married woman now. I''m not just here for show¡ªI am your pir of support."


    His words warmed her heart sweetly, like swallowing honey. Although Gu Ying didn''t fully see him as her pir yet, hearing that still made her feel blissful.


    She blinked her eyes and asked, "Ah Du, do you want our child to be a boy or a girl?"


    Zhao Changdu said gently, "Boy or girl, as long as you birth the child, I will like it."


    He had once been someone who lost his mother early on and never enjoyed a father''s protection. Now with a child of his own on the way, it felt like he was slowly gaining a family of his own.


    In the future, with him here, he would never let Gu Ying and their children suffer hardships alongside him.


    He wanted Gu Ying to be the luckiest little girl in all of Dongli.


    The camp couldn¡¯tpare to the Duke¡¯s estate. The charcoal in the brazier crackled and popped.


    Gu Ying quietly nestled in the man''s arms, reminded of her past life where, no matter what, she had not managed to keep this child. That horrifying blood pouring from inside her body, her despair, helplessness, and fear...


    In Jiang Yin''s coldness, she lost the first andst child of her life.


    Gu Ying''s heart ached unbearably. Thinking of that child made her heart sting sharply. The harder it was to obtain something, the more fearful she became of losing it...


    She shuddered lightly, one hand clutching her abdomen protectively. In her mind, she chanted to herself¡ªThere¡¯s still seven or eight months. You must survive, little one. Mother wants to meet you...


    Zhao Changdu no longer jostled her. Hearing her muffled sobs, he turned her around to face him. Hisrge hand propped up her little face as his sword-like eyebrows drew together, troubled at seeing the teary mist in her eyes. "Why are you crying?"


    Gu Ying gave a tearyugh and buried her face in his embrace, circling both arms around his waist. "Just feeling emotional for this child, thinking how hard it''s been just to keep it alive."


    Zhao Changdu stroked her slender back with some exasperation. "In the future, with me here, no one will dare harm a single hair on you mother and child."


    With tears glittering in her eyes, Gu Ying''s lips quirked up at the corners. She knew the Crown Prince would protect her and their baby wholeheartedly.


    She was incredibly grateful for this second chance at life, and even more grateful that she had not chosen the wrong man again.


    She wanted Jiang Yin to regret it, and she wanted him to watch with his own eyes as she protected this child!


    Gu Ying circled the man¡¯s firm waist and back. Her hand identally brushed over a scar, making her heart tighten. "Ah Du, is this that arrow wound?"


    Zhao Changdu nced indifferently at it. "Mm. But it has healed now, so Gu Ying needn''t worry."


    How could she not worry? This was Jiang Yin''s doing!


    Gu Ying flipped the quilt off regretfully and sat up, squinting to inspect the scar on his lower abdomen in the dimmp light. Her small hand gently traced its edges as she murmured, "So the wound was here. The intelligence from court said you were shot in the chest. I was so scared back then... terrified that something might happen to you..."


    Zhao Changdu saidzily, "Silly girl, don''t underestimate your husband so easily."

 Chapter 257: Take the flesh

    <h4>Chapter 257</h4>


    Gu Ying looked at him amusedly, "So the Qilin Army didn''t actually have anything happen right?"


    The man chuckled lightly, "Mmhmm, I took the chance to send them away, and at the same time disguised those assassins as the Qilin Army before burying them underground, making them think the Qilin Army was dead. This happened to eliminate their apprehension above."


    Gu Ying tutted twice. This man, as expected, she had still looked down on him.


    She had worried the whole way that he would be suppressed by the reborn Jiang Yin, but she didn''t expect that this was actually a truly cunning and scheming fox.


    What did it matter if Jiang Yin had the advantage?


    He still may not be a match for the resourceful and skillful Crown Prince who could turn his hands into clouds to cover his hands into rain.


    Zhao Changduzilyy on the couch, resting his head on his hands as he openly disyed his body for the young girl to see.


    The girl''s slender and pale white fingersnded on his abs, gliding over the scar. Tingling numbness welled up.


    He reacted instantly.


    "So Gu Ying came a thousand miles to find me. Gu Ying''s deep affection and loyalty have moved me deeply in my heart."


    Gu Ying''s eyes were full of doting attention, not noticing his change at all as she looked up and said, "What''s this about, I should be good to Changdu since you''re good to me."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened somewhat as he pulled her down into his embrace, letting her lie against his chest. "That won''t do. A married couple''s kindnesssts a hundred days. I want to repay Gu Ying''s kindness right now with my body."


    Gu Ying''s ears turned red as she struggled slightly. "No need, no need..."


    The man''s breath was low and seductive, carrying a charming and enchanting quality. "It''s been a month without it. Isn''t Gu Ying going topensate me a little?"


    Gu Ying smiled innocently. "Changdu I just became pregnant."


    This seductive little pregnant woman really wore him out.


    Zhao Changdu rubbed his teeth in frustration as he brought his fingertips to caress her moist lips before pulling her by the waist and lowering his head to kiss her.


    Her soft, sweet fragrance mingled with his.


    Gu Ying soon lost herself in his kiss as shey on top of him, her gaze unfocused.


    But he was exceptionally passionate, kissing from her lips all the way to her neck and going lower. He gently kissed her belly for a good while.


    He lifted his head to look at her, his deep and bright phoenix eyes were shockingly heart-stopping under the candlelight.


    Gu Ying''s gaze tangled with the heat in his eyes, blushing bashfully as her body tensed up. She didn''t even rememberter how she fell asleep.


    But the long night was long. And she wasn''t the one suffering.


    In her fuzzy sleep, she felt someone get up again to take a cold shower beforeing back fully dressed.


    "Little vixen."


    "Just you wait until after you''ve given birth. You''ll get what''sing."


    Gu Ying slept fuzzily, no longer bothering with him. She dreamed of a chubby little baby lying in her arms, smiling oh so sweetly and cutely at her.


    It just melted her heart.


    ...


    After Gu Ying arrived at the military camp, the Crown Prince rarely went out, apanying her every day instead.


    Even though her stomach was still t without any movement, he felt like the child in her belly could already hear its father and mother''s voices. So asionally he would lie on her stomach and chat with the child, then take the chance to take all sorts of liberties with her.


    Whenever Gu Ying was teased by him until her breathing grew chaotic, she would be frustrated.


    Sometimes she would lose control of herself and want...


    But her current condition didn''t let her have other thoughts.


    Every time, she would send a certain someone off to sleep elsewhere, but he would sneak back into her bedroll halfway through the night without fail.


    The bed in the military tent was so small, how could it hold all his iling long limbs?


    Luckily the Crown Prince was exceptionally warm to nestle against. Being held by him as she slept gave her a sense of peaceful, quiet days that calmed her mind.


    Although it was peaceful, those ambiguous red marks across his chest were something she had bitten out little by little with her teeth.


    The Crown Prince called her a little steal-eating cat.


    Only caring about her own pleasure without regard for his life and death.


    Gu Ying smiled harmlessly as she provoked then briskly left him. "Who told me I''m a pregnant woman right now Changdu. For the baby''s sake we have to be abstinent!"


    Zhao Changdu sighed deeply in frustration. He really was shooting himself in the foot.


    Just let her gloat for now. He would take care of her properly after she gave birth.


    For now, let her have her way.


    The disaster victims gathered from Xianlin Town had already been together for some days. The great earthquake had already passed, leaving behind a dozen or so aftershocks.


    Luckily the disaster victims were all sleeping in military tents, so other than the damaged houses, there was no threat to human life.


    The supplies Ning Changan bought were enough to feed everyone for a period of time.


    Since things had alreadye to this, they should start building a new home where everyone could settle down and make a living. She didn''t need to worry about these matters.


    The Crown Prince''s nning and strategies along with Ning Changan''s logistical preparations were sufficient.


    Her cousin had received word of her pregnancy at the south bank of Li River and was hurrying back on fast horses.


    Gu Ying wanted to tell him not to rush back pointlessly. But he sent word that the child in her belly was his first little nephew. No matter what he had to hurry back to take a look.


    There were still several months until the child''s birth.


    Gu Ying couldn''t dissuade him so she let them be.


    Her body was prone to fatigue. Ever since finding out she was pregnant, she had been exceptionally careful, taking medicine on time every day to protect the fetus. And at first she absolutely refused to get out of bed unless necessary.


    Only after the fetus was stable did she dare to move around.


    She didn''t know why, but when she didn''t know she was pregnant it was fine. But after finding out she was pregnant, she started vomiting... When it was severe, it felt like her stomach was about to be vomited out.


    She was already being careful enough, but she didn''t expect a certain someone to be even more prudent than her.


    He didn''t allow her to move around. Wherever she wanted to go he had to carry her himself.


    He personally fed her the meals spoonful by spoonful. Before Doctor Shen allowed her to get out of bed, he didn''t permit her to walk an extra step.


    If it wasn''t for her insistence, he probably would have stared at her every move even when she bathed and changed clothes.


    Gradually, the disaster victims also found out that the Crown Prince doted on this young girl to his heart''s content.


    Some even said this girl got pregnant by the Crown Prince on purpose to tie herself to him.


    As a result, the others became somewhat more disdainful and contemptuous of Gu Ying.


    She was just a woman who curried favor by her looks. How could shepare to half of Shen Ruxu!


    When she was free, Gu Ying would chat with the women in the camp and teach the children to read and write.


    Although everyone felt she had an easygoing personality and good looks, they still believed the phnthropic Shen Ruxu was better in their hearts.


    Especially since Shen Ruxu''s health still wasn''t fully recovered, yet she had already started treating the newly arrived disaster victims. She also asked Gu Ying daily how she was doing.


    As a result, the people liked the silent andpliant Shen Ruxu even more.


    Shen Ruxu''s reputation was very high among the disaster victims. There were many rumors in the camp.


    As long as the Crown Prince had exined things to her, Gu Ying believed him.


    So Gu Ying took things very openly, not bothering to haggle with the disaster victims.


    She wouldn''t do anything to Shen Ruxu for now as long as Shen Ruxu kept to herself and didn''t actively provoke her.


    ...


    That day, as usual Shen Ruxu came to the main tent to take her pulse and check the fetus.


    The Crown Prince and Ning Changan were out surveying the terrain and weren''t in the tent.


    Shen Ruxu''s legs weren''t fully healed yet so she hobbled in one leg at a time. She entered with lowered gaze and apliant expression, kneeling before Gu Ying. "Miss Gu, this inferior woman hase to take your pulse."

 Chapter 258: Not ready to take concubines

    <h4>Chapter 258</h4>


    Gu Ying stretched out her wrist, nced at Shen Ruxu lightly, and asked, ¡°Is Miss Shen feeling better?¡±


    Shen Ruxu¡¯s fingers twitched slightly. Her lips were still pale. Those twenty military rods had indeed dealt her quite a heavy blow, but the physical pain was nothingpared to the pain in her heart.


    She really hadn¡¯t expected the Prince¡¯s fondness for Gu Ying to run so deep.


    Previously, she had always believed that the Prince was a man as well, so how could any man resist the allure of the beauty?


    She had tried to seduce the Prince many times, but to no avail.


    The Prince was of noble birth, aloof and abstinent, always keeping himself pristine and avoiding women. This attracted her even more.


    It was fine if she couldn¡¯t obtain what was out of her reach, at least no one else could either, which kept her heart bnced.


    But now, seeing the Prince holding Gu Ying tenderly in his embrace with an expression that warned others to keep their distance, it made her even more jealous and furious.


    She paused for a good while before replying, ¡°Thanks to Miss Gu¡¯s concern, I¡¯m much better.¡±


    Gu Ying smiled and asked, ¡°At the broken temple, Miss Shen addressed me as Madam. Now at the military camp, howe you¡¯re calling me Miss Gu?¡±


    Shen Ruxu¡¯s expression changed subtly as her thoughts were seen through. ¡°Thismon woman is just not used to it yet...¡±


    Gu Ying took in all the resentment in Shen Ruxu''s eyes and calmly drew her wrist back.


    It wasn¡¯t because Shen Ruxu wasn''t used to it. She clearly wasn¡¯t willing to acknowledge her as the Eldest Prince¡¯s wife.


    Shen Ruxu had previously harmed her child, but she was also Doctor Shen who saved countless lives, so Gu Ying would deal with her gently at first.


    The corners of Gu Ying¡¯s beautiful eyes turned up slightly as she pressed her lips together. She directly pierced through the facade and said, "Miss Shen may not know this, but as the Eldest Prince''s proper wife who married him openly, I don''t n on taking any concubines for the Prince. Not now, and not in the future either."


    Shen Ruxu''s body stiffened. Still kneeling resignedly with beads of cold sweat oozing from her forehead, yet she didn¡¯t make a sound, only concentrating on taking the pulse seriously.


    It was disappointing. Gu Ying¡¯s child in her belly had firmly taken root.


    Seeing that Shen Ruxu had saved her child''s life in the end, Gu Ying had Yin Lan bring over a stool and allowed Shen Ruxu to sit down.


    Shen Ruxu sat down shakily, raised her head slightly, and forced out a dryugh. "Thismon woman doesn''t understand what Madam means."


    Gu Ying smiled gently at her and confessed wholeheartedly, "Miss Shen doesn''t have to hide anything. I can see your feelings for the Prince. It''s just that the standards for being the Eldest Prince¡¯s wife in the prestigious Duke Manor are extremely high. Even if the Prince takes a concubine, he would not casually ept a country girl. You were born in the countryside where you enjoyed the most freedom. Why insist on throwing yourself against the walls of that abyss-like noble household?"


    If she gave up her ambitions, Gu Ying might even be able to help her find a good marriage.


    Shen Ruxu was silent for a while, her spine very upright.


    Just when Gu Ying thought she wouldpromise...


    Shen Ruxu let out a mockingugh. She raised her head to meet Gu Ying¡¯s eyes, a hint of disdain in her gaze. ¡°Madam, you were born in the Dongping Earl Manor. In what way are you qualified to match the Prince?¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows rose slightly. She didn''t expect Shen Ruxu to fight back by directly questioning her status. "Things between the Prince and I are not as simple as you imagine."


    This also implied that the Prince didn''t marry her solely because of her status and background, so Shen Ruxu shouldn¡¯t foolishly fantasize.


    But Shen Ruxu wasn¡¯t interested in any of that.


    She only knew that in such a prestigious household like the Duke Manor, it was a wife¡¯s duty to widely ept concubines for her husband and expand the family for the main house.


    As for Gu Ying selfishly monopolizing the Prince and bluntly dering that she would not take concubines for him, she was clearly the most detestable narrow-minded person in the eyes ofmoners.


    Moreover, the Prince''s current doting affection for her was merely a new-found passion between newlyweds. His fresh interest in her had yet to fade.


    With child, she wouldn¡¯t be able to serve a man for months.


    It wouldn¡¯t be just seven or eight months. Even if half a year passed, the Prince would gradually lose interest in her as well.


    She was determined to be the Prince''s concubine. What could Gu Ying do to stop her?


    The contempt in Shen Ruxu''s expression grew increasingly unmaskable. Since Gu Ying had spoken so frankly to her, then she no longer had anything to hide either.


    "Madam, although I, Shen Ruxu, am not of high birth, I am a chaste woman from a good family. My feelings for the Prince and desire to marry or be his concubine have nothing to do with you. "


    Gu Ying was angered intoughter by her shamelessness. "Miss Shen, even if you admire the Prince, does he ept you? For you to be his concubine, not only do you need to get through me, the Prince has to acknowledge you as well."


    "The Madam has this wrong." Shen Ruxu arrogantlyughed. "There is still someone else who can acknowledge me."


    Gu Ying asked lightly, "Oh?"


    Who else could acknowledge a country girl to marry into a household like the Duke Manor?


    Shen Ruxu smiled. "Please forgive thismon woman for not being able to disclose his identity for now, but I sincerely advise the Madam not to think too highly of herself. Just because you have gained the Prince''s fleeting affections for a moment and conceived his child, you cannot disregard me. Does the Madam know that a man¡¯s affections onlyst for a while, but a marriage arranged by parents and matchmakers is forever? Sooner orter, I will enter the Duke Manor. By then, I hope that the Madam can still apany the Prince."


    Having said that, Shen Ruxu stood up and tidied herself without waiting for Gu Ying¡¯s reply. "The Madam is healthy and the fetus is steady. I''ve said all that needs to be said so I will take my leave first."


    Even the good-tempered Yin Lan was angered watching her crippled figure leave the main tent.


    "What status is she to mor at the Madam in such a vicious and unscrupulous manner? Madam, should we report this to the Prince lest this girl overestimates herself due to some medical skills she has and doesn''t know her own ce?"


    Gu Ying wasn''t bothered. After this incident, the Prince had "taught" Shen Ruxu severely.


    The Prince said the most important thing between husband and wife was mutual trust and honesty.


    He asked her to trust him and she agreed.


    So she wouldn''t be angered by Shen Ruxu''s few words. After all, in the Duke Manor, besides the old Duke, only the Prince himself could decide.


    Shen Ruxu had lofty ambitions to marry into the Duke Manor so she had to weigh whether she had any standing in the Prince¡¯s heart.


    "It¡¯s no big deal. I¡¯ll just mention it to the Princeter."


    ¡°But I wonder who this person is that she imed could acknowledge her.¡±


    Gu Ying smiled, pondering it for a while. "With Shen Ruxu¡¯s miraculous medical skills under the tutge of Yu Gu, and Yu Gu once saved the Prince¡¯s life, held in high regard by the Prince, the one she spoke of is undoubtedly Yu Gu."


    Yin Lan pressed her lips. ¡°The Prince always treats those skilled in medicine differently."


    Gu Ying smiled softly. She thought of Yu Gu¡¯s cold temperament that wasn¡¯t exactly agreeable and kept her distance from others. Fortunately Yu Gu minded her own business and caused no trouble.


    "There''s nothing strange about it. The Prince''s mother, Mrs. Lin was from a medical family. After Mrs Lin passed away and the Lin family declined, the Prince grew up alone and destitute in the Duke Manor. Now that he holds great power, doing this is probably his way of making up to his mother¡¯s n."


    Yin Lan hummed in agreement and didn¡¯t pry further into the Prince¡¯s private affairs.


    She was just somewhat dissatisfied with the Prince¡¯s handling of Shen Ruxu.


    If the Prince really took in Shen Ruxu as a concubine in the future under Yu Gu''s favor for saving his life, how would the Prince deal with it then?

 Chapter 259: Shen Ru Xu sold miserably

    <h4>Chapter 259</h4>


    Yin Lan worried in her heart for a while. She brought over the medicine bowl for nourishing the body and said, "Yesterday, I saw Shen Ruxu treating an old granny over 70 years old. When Shen Ruxu came out afterwards, her expression was off. So I asked around a bit more. Mydy, do you know what kind of things they are saying behind our backs?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes flickered. Sheid back down on the bed and pulled over the thick fur nket, covering her lower abdomen. She asked, "What are they saying?"


    Yin Lan then told her everything she had heard and seen.


    Originally, Shen Ruxu was very popr among the disaster relief camp, and because she had some beauty, those middle-aged men took a liking to her.


    If this happened to an ordinary girl, it would be dangerous.


    But Shen Ruxu was protected by the Prince, so everyone only lusted after her beauty and didn''t dare actually make a move on her.


    Manymoner families with sons wanted such a good girl to marry into their family as a daughter-inw. Among them, olddy Zhang was the most fond of Shen Ruxu. Every few days, she would ask her son Liu Chang to marry Shen Ruxu.


    Shen Ruxu was a scheming person. In her heart she looked down on their lowly status, yet she didn''t directly reject them.


    As a result, there were a few men in their twenties in the camp who were infatuated with her. That Liu Chang was especially obedient towards her.


    After receiving twenty military baton strikes, Shen Ruxu often dragged her sick body to treat everyone, openly selling her misery in front of others.


    Everyone watched as she bled while working hard for them, angered but not daring to speak out.


    Not daring to resent the Prince, they could only take out their anger on Gu Ying, insulting and ridiculing her behind her back with all sorts of hurtful words.


    When Gu Ying sent them clothing, bedding, food and provisions, they only considered it as gifts from the Prince and werepletely unappreciative.


    After listening, Gu Ying gave a coldugh in her heart. "Vicious rumors are like knives, the Prince can protect me for now, but he can''t control the many mouths out there. Shen Ruxu is precisely using the refugees'' sympathy to make them resent me this much."


    Yin Lan nimbly handed over the slightly cooled medicine bowl, "I don''t know what kind of spell Shen Ruxu has cast over those refugees outside. All of them speak up for her. The other day, a few old women even pleaded to the Prince on Shen Ruxu''s behalf, asking him to take better care of her, saying that she has a weak constitution and shouldn''t be made to exhaust herself treating the Lady."


    Gu Ying snorted. "Shen Ruxu saved their lives and is good at pretending to be kind. It''s normal for them to respect and like her."


    As Yin Lan spoke, she mocked, "It''s truly strange. She has such brilliant medical skills, yet after so long her own injured legs still haven''t recovered? She always puts on a weak appearance outside, quite pitiful. I saw her deliberately stumble into Captain Huai An''s arms before. Later on, Captain Huai An called over an officer to carry her back to her tent."


    Speaking to this point, the corners of Yin Lan''s mouth raised slightly.


    Although she had rejected Huai An, she still felt warm inside over how he handled this matter.


    Her attitude towards Huai An had improved over the past couple days because of this.


    As Gu Ying drank her medicine, she pondered thoughtfully, "This woman is not a good sort. I can''t deal with her using conventional methods. I need to think of a way to reveal her true colors to everyone."


    Silver Orchid sighed and sat at the edge of the bed, staring nkly at her Lady''s t lower abdomen. Her gaze became distant for a while, seeming to recall some unpleasant memories from the past. Her eyes turned slightly wet as sheughed, "It''s still early. The child won''t take shape until three monthster... My Lady''s belly will only start to grow bigger after four or five months, and by then the little Prince''s hands and feet would have already fully developed."


    Gu Ying grabbed her hand, knowing what she was thinking about, and consoled, "Yin Lan, Huai An is actually pretty good... Don''t judge him by his recentck of interaction with you. He often privately asks me about matters concerning you, afraid that directly looking for you would be overly intrusive and make you unhappy."


    Yin Lan sniffed and knew that Huai An treated her differently¨Dhis careful consideration and attentive care did not escape her notice.


    But there were some things beyond her control as well.


    "This servant just... hasn''t worked up the courage to take that step."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips raised into a faint smile. She squeezed Yin Lan''s hand and said earnestly, "Don''t rush to reject him. You can continue testing Huai An for a while. If he truly is someone reliable, I''ll make the decision for you and prepare your dowry. Even if you remarry, you''ll still be by my side. Don''t worry, I''ll decide what''s best for you for the rest of my life."


    Yin Lan giggled, "I know my Lady treats me as one of her own. Let''s put off talking about this matter for now."


    Gu Ying nodded. Her body was tired after speaking for this long and she felt somewhat sleepy.


    The Prince had kept her up for half the nightst night. Now drowsiness washed over her, impossible to resist.


    The mistress and servant chatted for a while more before Yin Lan smiled and got up. She understood her Lady''s intentions and said, "My Lady should rest now. I will go outside and wash the clothes."


    Gu Yingid down unhurriedly, the corners of her lips lightly hooking up. "Mm."


    ...


    The moment Yin Lan stepped out of the grand tent, she saw Shen Ruxu once again selling her misery before the refugees'' eyes.


    She was clever and never took the initiative to badmouth the Lady. Lowering reddened eyes, she subtly grasped at the refugees'' emotions.


    Seeing her walk out from the grand tent with red-rimmed eyes again, the refugees naturally assumed that the Lady mistreated Shen Ruxu, whispering among themselves in groups of three or five.


    The Lady''s reputation in the relief camp deteriorated more and more due to Shen Ruxu''s deliberate machinations.


    Yin Lan felt irritable inside. Recalling her Lady''s orders before leaving, she went to admonish Shen Ruxu.


    It was as if Shen Ruxu knew she woulde. Sitting inside her own tent, her expression was extremely cold. "Has Miss Yin Lane on behalf of the Prince''s Lady?"


    Yin Lan said, "Miss Shen, I know what you''re nning, but let me advise you¨Ddon''t be too clever for your own good. The Prince cares greatly for his Lady and the child in her belly. If Miss Shen continues targeting my Lady, don''t me me for being impolite. I will go before the Prince and tell him everything, asking His Highness to personally send Miss Shen away."

 Chapter 260: She’s Number One

    <h4>Chapter 260</h4>


    In the face of Yin Lan''s provocation, Shen Ruxu responded with a contemptuous smirk. She remained silent, merely staring at Yin Lan with cold, indifferent eyes.


    Yin Lan could sense the murderous intent in her gaze and furrowed her brows. Mockingly, she said, "Don''t think that ying the victim will win you the people''s favor, and winning their favor will earn you the position of the Crown Prince''s consort. If the Crown Prince learns of your methods, perhaps you won''t be able to stay in this camp anymore. That''s all I have to say, Shen Miss, take care of yourself."


    After Yin Lan left,


    Shen Ruxu let out a coldugh and silently flipped through the medical book in her hands.


    But the more she read, the more she hated it, unable to calm her mind.


    She walked to the side of the tent and lifted the curtain, seeing Yin Lan carrying a wooden tub heading towards the stream, most likely to wash clothes.


    She narrowed her eyes, their gaze flickering slightly.


    This time, she was punished with twentyshes by the Crown Prince because of the incident at the dpidated temple. When it came down to it, she could me Gu Ying and her servant for reporting her to the Crown Prince, especially this maid named Yin Lan, who often badmouthed her in front of Gu Ying.


    She couldn''t act against Gu Ying right now.


    But Yin Lan was different.


    She was Gu Ying''s trusted maid and it would be better to deal with her early on, so as not to obstruct her path to marrying into the Duke''s mansion in the future.


    There were mostly men in this camp, and the Crown Prince ruled with strict discipline. Since Zhang Mo''s death, those soldiers no longer dared to act recklessly.


    But some of the refugees in the camp still couldn''t endure their loneliness.


    Shen Ruxu cynically curled her lips and muttered, "Yin Lan, you can''t me me for this. If you want to me someone, me yourself for being too talkative."


    ...


    After Gu Ying woke up, she felt a dryness in her throat. Just as she was about to get out of bed to pour herself a ss of hot water, arge hand reached out and pulled her slender waist towards him.


    "You''re not allowed to get out of bed. How can you move around on your own?"


    While the man''s words sounded serious, his eyes were filled with doting affection.


    Gu Ying''s body lightly leaned, falling into the embrace of the broad and solid chest. When she raised her eyes, she was met with the man''s lightly pursed lips and his firm and sharp jawline.


    She yfully hooked her fingers around his long neck, pressing her small face against his sturdy and broad chest. "Adu, I can move now, really."


    Zhao Changdu kissed the top of her head. "Don''t go, lie down a little longer. If there''s anything you need, just call for me."


    Gu Ying joked, "I''m just pregnant, not disabled. You don''t have to constantly attend to me."


    The man''s eyelids twitched. "Why not?"


    Gu Ying raised her charming eyes, gazing at him. "As the esteemed East Li War God, how can you focus all your attention on one woman? If news of this gets out, won''t peopleugh at you?"


    "Self-improvement, harmonious family, prosperous nation, and peace under heaven." The man chuckled, lowering his clear and sharp eyes. The watery gaze concentrated on the delicate and tender face of the young girl in his arms, unable to resist, he ced a kiss on her lips. "As a mighty man standing at eight feet, how can I not take good care of my own wife? How can I govern the world well?"


    "What nonsense," Gu Ying chided with a smile, lifting her longshes and staring at the man''s perfectly chiseled jawline. "Adu, today Shen Ruxu came to check my pulse for safety."


    Zhao Changdu carried the person to the bedside and gently ced them down. He walked to the table and poured a cup of hot water, which he handed to Gu Ying. They engaged in casual conversation as he asked, "How are you feeling?"


    Gu Ying smiled and replied, "The child is fine."


    Zhao Changdu sat by the bed, still wearing his dark ink-colored cloak, which entuated his refined and otherworldly appearance.


    "And how about you?"


    When his deep and affectionate eyes focused on her, Gu Ying felt her heart skip a beat. She looked up and met his gaze.


    "I don''t matter as long as the child in my womb is well."


    "I want this child, but I want you to be well even more."


    "If I could only have one, whom would you choose, Ad¨±?"


    "Naturally, I would choose you."


    The man''s answer was decisive, as if she would always be his first choice.


    As Gu Ying gazed into the depths of his eyes, her thoughts becameplicated and indiscernible. The Crown Prince was unaware of the significance this child held for her.


    In this lifetime, even if she had to give her all, she vowed to see this child face to face.


    She pledged to protect this child. Therefore, she didn''t take his words as a joke and merely smiled, saying, "My stomach no longer aches, and the bleeding has stopped. I admit that Miss Shen''s medical skills are indeed praiseworthy."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t care about Shen Ruxu.


    He reached out his right hand, cupping the back of the young girl''s head, and pressed his forehead against hers. His strong and prominent brow rubbed against the tip of her nose. "Are you still jealous, Ah Ying?"


    With a barely audible breath and the faint prickling sensation of his stubble against her lips, the man''s movements were gentle and he didn''t do anything else. But this simple action made Gu Ying''s heart melt and turn soft.


    Blushing, she honestly replied, "I''m not jealous, I just don''t really like her."


    "What do you mean by ''don''t like''? Did she make you angry?"


    "Ad¨±," Gu Ying raised her delicate face, feeling somewhat strange inside, "Don''t you realize that Miss Shen has feelings for you?"


    Zhao Changdu furrowed his brow, apparently unaware that another woman had been harboring desires for him. "She likes me?"


    Gu Ying couldn''t help but smile at the seriousness on his cold and handsome face. "You... you really haven''t noticed Miss Shen''s intentions towards you?"


    Zhao Changdu snorted coldly, "I have never paid attention to her."


    Gu Ying raised the corner of her lips in a faint smile and arched her eyebrows. "Then you probably don''t know that she wants to be your concubine."


    The man''s expression instantly turned unpleasant, and he tightly held the young girl''s hand in his palm, his face slightly displeased. "Did you agree to it again?"


    Seeing the flickering anger and coldness in his eyes, Gu Ying didn''t dare to make decisions for him regarding the matter of taking a concubine.


    When he became fierce, he was truly terrifying.


    Everyone said that the War God of Dongli was an icy-faced Yama who could silence a crying child. She used to fear him too, but after they became intimately involved, her courage grew, and she dared to argue with him on asion.


    Now, seeing his growing displeasure, she could only use her finger to hook onto his slender and distinct hand and softly say, "How could I ever give Ad¨± to another woman?"


    She shifted her body and took the initiative to lean forward, nting a gentle butterfly kiss on his cold, thin lips, dering her sovereignty, "Ardu, you can only belong to me, Gu Ying."


    The young girl, rarely assertive in matters of the heart.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as deep as a secluded pool, and the anger in his eyes dissipated, still fixed on the delicate lips of the young girl.


    He made no move, but when he lowered his gaze, his eyes were filled with desire, constantly enticing someone''s gaze.


    "Should I send her away?"


    As Gu Ying was captivated by his scorching gaze, her eyes followed its path,nding on his sexy and sharp Adam''s apple. She swallowed her saliva and said, "If the prince were to send her away, it might incite public discontent."

 Chapter 261: Silver Orchid Is Missing

    <h4>Chapter 261</h4>


    "I never cared about those."


    "The Prince doesn''t care, but I do." Gu Ying didn''t know what his ending was like in his previous life, but in thest days she spent in the dpidated temple, she never heard any news about him, which means the Prince''s ending was probably not that good...


    In this life she only hoped that he could go hand in hand with her all the way, with white heads and full halls of grandchildren.


    Now he was in a high position, the water that could carry the boat could also capsize it, no one understood this truth more clearly than she did.


    Shen Ruxu made full use of public opinion in this way, maximizing her own value and making people not dare to move her easily.


    "So it turns out Gu Ying cares so much about me." Zhao Changdu''s voice was filled with joy, and he stretched out his long arms to hug the little girl and kissed her. "It ddens my heart."


    Gu Ying drank water and was held by him for a while. Her nose was filled with the clean scent of the man.


    She leaned against him for a while, feeling the heat from the other person''s body, and her face turned red.


    She took a deep breath without removing his wandering hands, "How were Prince Shu and Zhou Yan when Changdu saw them today?"


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to look at the blushing red lips of the little girl moistened by warm water, and his heart burned. "I have already selected a location, construction will start soon."


    "After these disaster victims are resettled, we can return to Yueyang City, right?"


    "Mm." Zhao Changdu picked her up back onto the bed, the corners of his eyes raised slightly. "So eager to go back?"


    "I miss my sister A Zhen. She doesn''t know the good news that I''m pregnant yet. I want to tell her and let her be happy too."


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows slightly, nomittal.


    After being away for a day without seeing his little girl, he had missed her dearly.


    Although they could not make love, as long as she could be by his side, even if they did nothing, it would still dden his heart.


    The little girl was soft and fragrant. Zhao Changdu restrained himself and got into bed to hold her in his arms to ease his lovesickness. "There is news from Yueyang that Prince Shu and Zhou Yan have arrived in Yueyang City, and Jiang Yin hase along too."


    Gu Ying almost jumped up from his arms. "What?"


    Jiang Yin came along too!


    Why was this annoying person following her everywhere like a sticky ster?


    Zhao Changdu pressed the little girl back into his arms with displeasure in his eyes. "What''s the matter? Just hearing his name makes you so excited?"


    Gu Ying pouted her red lips. "It¡¯s not excitement, it¡¯s disgust, it¡¯s hatred."


    She hated Jiang Yin too much!


    Unfortunately she failed to kill him in Bianjing. If he fell into her hands again this time, she would definitely tear him into ten thousand pieces!


    Zhao Changdu had long ago investigated Gu Ying thoroughly, so he naturally knew about her past with Jiang Yin too. It was just a short-lived romantic affair that was not reciprocated. Why did she hate him so much?


    There must be some other hidden details.


    As he looked deeply at Gu Ying, the more he loved her, the more he wanted to know what had happened between her and Jiang Yin.


    He wanted to ask her about Jiang Yin, but he also knew that she would not tell him.


    It would be somewhat false to say that he was not disappointed. There was even a hint of hidden resentment in his heart. He loved her so much, how could he not hope that she would open her heart to him as well?


    But his little girl...was like a little cat that had been bullied for many years and wandered for many years.


    It took great effort before she was willing to put away all her defenses and take shelter in his embrace.


    How could he bear to push her back out again?


    Gu Ying felt uneasy seeing his deep and gloomy eyes. She blinked and said, "I''m tired. Changdu, I''m going to sleep first."


    After speaking, she got out of his arms and snuggled into the quilt, leaving only the back of her head for him.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t move. He leaned against the pillow staring at her for a while before letting out an almost inaudible sigh.


    ...


    The next morning when Gu Ying opened her eyes, she found that Yin Lan was missing.


    She just sat on the bed feeling restless for a while before getting out of bed with a gloomy face.


    The Prince had gone out with Ning Chang''an early in the morning to inspect the surrounding towns and viges, and was not in the camp at the moment.


    The camp was filled with dense white fog. The sky had just begun to brighten. Gu Ying put on her cloak with a restless mind and immediately called Huai An over with knitted brows. "Huai An, have you seen Yin Lan?"


    Huai An was stunned. "No, My Lady. What''s the matter? Where is Yin Lan?"


    Gu Ying''s face turned pale. "That¡¯s strange. Yesterday she went to the creek to wash clothes and came back. After serving me medicinest night, I didn''t see her again. She has always been diligent and reliable, a punctual person. If it were any other day, she should be here waking me up for breakfast by now."


    Hearing this, Huai An panicked at once. "I will send people to search the entire camp immediately!"


    Gu Ying¡¯s eyes were also filled with panic. "Hurry, Huai An!"


    Huai An didn¡¯t care about anything else at this moment. He immediately gathered all the officers and soldiers staying in the camp to look for Yin Lan''s whereabouts in every single tent.


    The vast camp, which was still sleeping, was soon awakened by angry shouts.


    Everyone was driven out from the tents and gathered on the open ground in front of the main tent.


    After searching without sess, Huai An stood at the very front with zing anger, fists tightly clenched. His gloomy dark eyes seemed to give off sparks.


    "Where is she?!"


    "Did you guys see the woman by My Lady¡¯s side or not?"


    "All of you, speak!"


    "If you don''t say where Yin Lan is, be careful I cut out your tongues!"


    In the vast camp with hundreds of disaster victims, everyone was as silent as the grave, not daring to speak a word.


    The atmosphere in the field froze to an extremely frightening state.


    Thest time there was such a scene was when the Prince had raged violently that night when Gu Ying had almost had a miscarriage.


    Everyone knew that these two youngdies with the Gu surname must not be provoked recklessly, so who would dare say another word now, for fear of incurring the wrath of their superiors.


    Huai An¡¯s anger burned. Unable to find any trace of Yin Lan, what he feared most was the panic. His lips trembled as he turned to look at Gu Ying standing by his side. His voice was bitter. "My Lady...I still haven''t found Yin Lan. The camp is not big, by the mountains and waters. I have already asked people to search every single tent in the camp. This shows that Yin Lan is no longer in the camp. If she really didn''t return for one night and was taken by the thieves, I''m afraid that by now she would have..."


    He didn¡¯t dare go on. Just thinking of the terrible things she might suffer made him feel cold all over, with congestion in his chest.

 Chapter 262: Silver Orchid is Dead

    <h4>Chapter 262</h4>


    "Huai An, don''t be so pessimistic first..." Although the words were tofort, Gu Ying herself did not believe them either.


    After all, Yin Lan''s character would never leave without letting her know first. At the very least, no matter what Yin Lan wanted to do or where she wanted to go, she would have informed her.


    "Mistress, subordinate, subordinate is really worried about Yin Lan!" Huai An clenched his fists until they cracked, his tone cold and fierce, "If I find out it was someone from the camp who harmed Yin Lan, I will smash that person into ten thousand pieces!"


    The disaster victims were frightened and trembling.


    It wasn''t the first time that a young and beautiful girl had gone missing before, but this was the first time they had seen a high-ranking officer get so angry.


    Gu Ying knitted her brows, and looked at Shen Ruxu, who was standing in the middle of the crowd.


    She had her head lowered, her expression as anxious and rmed as the other victims.


    Huai An had gone to check personally, her tent was empty, and there were no traces of Yin Lan or her belongings. People testified for her that after she had finished treating some of the victimsst night, she returned to her tent, and did note out again until now when the entire camp was searched, causing an uproar.


    Gu Ying silently withdrew her gaze, and said to Huai An, "Huai An, send people to search for Yin Lan in four directions immediately."


    "Yes!"


    "You will personally lead the troops and search along the creek.¡±


    Huai An''s eyes were red, his brows furrowed into a huge mountain, "Alright..."


    Without waiting for Gu Ying to speak again, he swiftly dispatched the orders, then mounted his horse and galloped along the creek.


    Gu Ying busied herself as well, her indifferent gaze sweeping over everyone, finally calling several highly respected elders among the victims into the main tent to inquire about Yin Lan''s whereabouts.


    Everyone shook their heads, saying they had not seen Yin Lan again since yesterday afternoon.


    Gu Ying remained silent, gazing deeply at them for a few moments, but showed no intention of letting them leave either.


    The disappearance of Yin Lan had made the people in the camp uneasy.


    Shen Ruxu''s tent was not far from the Crown Prince''s main tent.


    She watched with her own eyes as Gu Ying took several elders into the main tent. Then, the corners of her lips curled up smugly as she returned to her own tent.


    She went to sit at the table and poured herself a cup of hot tea, unable to hold back herughter, "How foolish."


    She had thought that after Yin Lan''s disappearance, Gu Ying would quickly suspect her. She had prepared all kinds of excuses for this, but unexpectedly, they were of no use at all.


    It turned out that the legitimate daughter of the prominent Dongping Earl Manor, the youngdy raised in a prestigious household, was just a fool.


    She couldn''t even protect her own handmaid. Even if she was pregnant with the Crown Prince''s child and gave birth to the Crown Prince''s heir, so what?


    When she entered the Duke''s Residence, she would still be yed around by her.


    By that time, not only would she be able to kill her, she would also be able to silently kill her child.


    For now, she should let her be happy for a while.


    The Crown Prince would eventually be hers sooner orter.


    ...


    After the camp was put on high alert, not to mention rats, even a fly could not get in.


    Gu Ying personally led people to check the disaster victims in the camp one by one. When it was Shen Ruxu''s turn, she casually asked her a couple questions then let her go back.


    Shen Ruxu became even more smug, feeling her n was wless.


    Sure enough, she saw Huai An''s troops return at dusk. Huai An dismounted, his handsome face gloomy as he clutched a bloodstained garment and headed straight for the main tent.


    Not at ease, Shen Ruxu eavesdropped outside the main tent.


    She only heard Huai An''s choked voice, trembling as he said, "Mistress, subordinate found Yin Lan¡¯s torn and tattered clothes underneath the creek. There was blood on her undergarments and panties..."


    At this point, everyone knew Yin Lan had most likely already met her demise.


    All of her clothes had been torn off... Her undergarments and panties were thrown on the ground. It was evident Yin Lan had already been vited.


    And moreover, her whereabouts were still unknown.


    The nearby viges had already been destroyed by the snow disaster, and there were wild beasts in the forests around them.


    Even if she miraculously escaped from evildoers, she would not have survived.


    What more, being vited to that extent... How could she still have the face toe back?


    "Mistress..." Huai An became increasingly distressed. His tall, sturdy frame seemed to hunch over in an instant. "It was all because subordinate was ipetent! Once subordinate finds Yin Lan''s corpse to avenge her, subordinate will apany her in death!"


    "Huai An, what nonsense are you spewing?"


    "Subordinate swears to avenge Yin Lan. Please grant subordinate this wish, Mistress!"


    "Huai An, calm down first. Bring me her clothes to take a look. Yin Lan is prudent by nature. This should not have happened..."


    A trace of hope emerged in Huai An¡¯s heart. "Mistress, please take a look, are these Yin Lan''s belongings?"


    "This... is... Yin Lan''s. These clothes were gifted by me... She really liked them and wore them when she went out... Huai An... please ept this loss..."


    Within the main tent, Gu Ying''s voice was also filled with disbelief and remorse.


    Huai An''s entire body stiffened.


    "No... subordinate does not believe... subordinate will continue searching. She must be found..."


    After speaking, he stumbled out of the main tent in despair...


    He would keep searching upstream along the creek.


    He remembered there was a cliff to the east...


    ...


    Shen Ruxu did not continue eavesdropping. Smirking, she turned to walk back from outside the main tent.


    However, as soon as she lifted the curtain of her tent, a huge hand grabbed her and pulled her in.


    In the dim light, she scowled, originally wanting to stab the silver needle into the intruder''s eyes. Upon seeing the person''s face clearly, she stopped.


    "What''s wrong? You want to kill me too?" asked the seemingly delicate youngdy, but her words were as sharp as knives.


    Liu Chang sneered and wrapped his arms around Shen Ruxu, shamelessly groping her chest. With ill intentions, he said, "If I didn''t help you, how could you have gotten rid of that maid?"


    Shen Ruxu concealed her disgust and calmly pushed the person away a little. "What did you do to her?"


    She could not see the man''s expression clearly in the dark, only hearing him chuckle. "I listened to you. After knocking her out, I dragged her into the bushes and vited her, then tore off her clothes and shed her throat with a knife before throwing her corpse off the cliff to the west."


    Shen Ruxu sat down, her eyes somewhat gloomy. "Are you certain she is dead?"


    Liu Changughed. "Dead as can be. I used the knife you gave me. Fast and sharp. With one sh, she copsed without even uttering a word."


    Shen Ruxu abruptly stood up. "What did you just say?"


    Liu Chang simply smiled without answering. At ease, he picked up the teacup Shen Ruxu had just drank from and took a sip.


    Shen Ruxu said angrily, "How could you have used the knife I gave you! What if they investigate and trace it back to me?"


    Liu Chang grinned. "Don''t worry, I''ll properly keep this secret. Guaranteed they won''t trace it back to you. But as you know, I never do business at a loss. Miss Shen, you promised to give yourself to me. That''s why I was willing to dispose of that maid for you. Now that she''s dead, isn''t it time you fulfill your promise? If not... I fear my loose lips may identally let something I shouldn''t say slip in front of Miss Gu and the Crown Prince. And that wouldn''t be good now, would it?"

 Chapter 263: What’s Done is Done

    <h4>Chapter 263</h4>


    Shen Ruxu''s chest heaved violently as she angrily scolded, ¡°You, Liu Chang... How dare you threaten me!¡±


    Liu Changughed mockingly, ¡°I''ve had my eyes on you for more than just one or two days. You only let me look but not touch. I''m furious that you''re taking all the benefits for yourself. Shouldn''t I get something back from your body? Otherwise, you''ll eventually gain the Prince''s favor and forget about me after taking advantage of my efforts.¡±


    ¡°Didn''t I already promise you?¡±


    ¡°But I haven''t seen anything. Things I can''t see are fake.¡±


    Shen Ruxu panicked, ¡°What do you want from me then?¡±


    Liu Chang stood up, smiling as he approached Shen Ruxu.


    The bed was just behind Shen Ruxu. She took steps back until the man forced her to fall sitting on the bed.


    Shen Ruxu never imagined that the usually obedient and honest-looking Liu Chang would have such intentions.


    She only thought of using him, then dismissing him with a few words.


    But she didn''t expect that after this man came back from killing someone, it was as if he had be enlightened and actually dared to bargain with her!


    "You... don''t overstep your boundaries... I already promised you, didn''t I? I definitely won''t go back on my word... It''s just not possible right now. The camp is strictly investigating at the moment. If we do this and get caught, the Prince definitely won''t let you or me off." Shen Ruxu made a final struggle.


    Liu Chang didn''t believe Shen Ruxu''s ttering words at all. "I don''t care what you say. It''s almost dark now. Why can''t we do it? I¡¯ll be gentleter and won¡¯t make you suffer. But don¡¯t scream, or I won¡¯t be responsible if someonees.¡±


    "Liu Chang!" Shen Ruxu really regretted it profoundly. She gritted her teeth and refused him with her entire body, but didn¡¯t dare scream or anger Liu Chang. "No, we really can''t. I promise you that in a few days I¡¯ll... Isn¡¯t that okay? You can rest assured that I keep my promises... I definitely won¡¯t go back on anything I say...¡±


    Liu Chang didn¡¯t care whether she struggled or not. His rough, big hands gripped her delicate wrists and pulled her towards him. Without waiting for her reaction, he decisively pped her cheek.


    "Uh..." Shen Ruxu''s eyebrows wrinkled in pain as she softly moaned.


    She was clearly stunned by this crude man.


    "I don¡¯t care about your excuses. You¡¯ve seduced me several times already. I know what you¡¯re thinking. Tonight, I must make you know how capable I am."


    "You dare! I''m someone the Prince values."


    "The Prince only values your medical skills, not you." Don''t struggle anymore, it''s useless."


    Shen Ruxu stared at him incredulously, unable to help gasping. She didn''t expect that trying to frame Yin Lan would bring such disastrous consequences onto herself.


    Now being firmly controlled by this rough and ugly man, her body soon felt like it was falling apart, hurting badly.


    With tear-filled eyes, she stared nkly at the tent ceiling, sobbing softly and cursing fragmentedly, "Let go... Don''t... Liu Chang, damn you! Aren''t you afraid that this will be exposed and the mistress will make you pay?"


    Liu Chang breathed heavily, ring fiercely at Shen Ruxu''s flushed face. "What do I have to be afraid of? At worst, I¡¯ll die. To obtain you tonight and die under the peony flower, even as a ghost I¡¯d still be romantic."


    After speaking, he lowered his head to forcefully cover Shen Ruxu''s lips with his mouth.


    An indescribable stench rushed over.


    Shen Ruxu almost vomited directly. She whimpered, frowning painfully and disgustedly...


    Liu Chang''s body was hard and smelly... How could itpare to even one of the Prince''s fingers?


    But now the situation was irreversible. She had indeed been harmed by Liu Chang. From now on, there was no room left for this to turn around...


    For the n now, she could only imagine the ugly Liu Chang as the Prince...


    She closed her eyes and thought this way...


    In the dim tent, she couldn''t see Liu Chang''s face clearly at all...


    She raised her head and stretched out both arms to embrace Liu Chang''s neck, pretending the Prince was by her side, caressing her cheek and kissing her neck.


    The more she hypnotized herself this way, the more she wanted to indulge...


    But at that moment, there were suddenly sounds of footsteps outside the tent.


    Shen Ruxu was too deeply immersed in her fantasy and didn''t hear the movement outside at all.


    By the time she realized it, the tent curtain had been opened wide. Outside stood dozens of people, some holding torches, some holding candles, and a woman with an extremely beautiful appearance standing at the very front, looking calmly at her and Liu Chang¡¯s entwined bodies.


    Shen Ruxu¡¯s misty, blushing eyes suddenly regained rity.


    She screamed hideously, "Ah!"


    And began to struggle frantically.


    Liu Chang still didn''t realize what was happening. He was aroused and pulled Shen Ruxu back to him once again, seemingly deeply indulged and unable to think clearly.


    Shen Ruxu pped Liu Chang¡¯s back madly like a crazed person, hysterically shouting, "Liu Chang! Let me go, let me go!"


    "Help! Help!"


    "Save me!"


    "It was Liu Chang who forced me!"


    "Mistress, please, save me!"


    Only then did Liu Chang react. Seeing therge crowd of refugees outside the tent watching the lively scene, he was still fearless. He got off Shen Ruxu stark naked, picked up his clothes on the ground and put them back on.


    Also not bothering about Shen Ruxu on the bed, he gave the crowd outside a grin.


    "I didn''t force her. She seduced me herself."


    Shen Ruxuy on the bed curled up with the quilt wrapped around her, trembling all over.


    Seeing this scene, countless people shook their heads and revealed disappointed expressions.


    Among the refugees, more than a dozen well-respected elders were even more extremely disappointed in Shen Ruxu.


    "I really judged wrongly. I didn''t expect Miss Shen to be this kind of person!"


    "How could this be... Miss Shen..."


    "You were the cleanest and kindest person. Why would you get entangled with Liu Chang? And make people vite Miss Yin, then kill her and destroy her corpse!?"


    Shen Ruxu sobbed and mumbled, "Get out... Get out, all of you... Get out!"


    In this state... With so many people catching her, how could she still live in this world with dignity!


    But no one left. They just looked at her miserable state as if wanting to hound her to death.


    Gu Ying looked indifferently at the chaos in Shen Ruxu¡¯s tent. "Miss Shen, where is Yin Lan?"


    Shen Ruxu''s body shuddered. Tears of grievance welled up in her eyes as she looked at Gu Ying innocently. "Mistress, why are you asking me... I already said that I don''t know where Yin Lan went. I haven''t seen her since yesterday!"


    Gu Ying sneered and calmly exposed her lies. "You probably still don''t know yet. Since Liu Chang entered your tent, we¡¯ve been outside the whole time."


    Shen Ruxu stiffened, her expression changing drastically. "What did you say?"


    Gu Ying said calmly, "We heard your conversation with Liu Chang very clearly outside."


    Shen Ruxu was stunned for a long time, her fingers twitching.


    The quilt covering her slipped off, revealing the ambiguous red marks on her body.


    What?


    That meant they also knew about her instigating Liu Chang to do that thing?


    Many of those present could no longer bear to watch. They advised while shaking their heads, "Miss Shen, you... Ah... How could you do something so sinister! What wrong did Miss Yin do to you? Why did you make people vite her, then kill her and destroy her corpse!?"

 Chapter 264: Black and White

    <h4>Chapter 264</h4>


    "Miss Shen, you have always been pure as ice and jade in our hearts, kind and harmless. But now, by doing this, aren''t you letting us all down?"


    "A woman''s chastity has beenpletely ruined by you!"


    Shen Ruxu looked at Gu Ying with lifeless eyes, and suddenly thought of something. Her eyes lit up fiercely as she said, "You... you plotted against me?"


    "I plotted against you?" Gu Ying sneered coldly, "What Miss Shen said is preposterous. It was clearly you who schemed to harm my maid Yin Lan, and now you are trying to reverse right and wrong?"


    Shen Ruxu waspletely at a loss about how to refute, her eyes filled with bewilderment, not knowing who to ask for help.


    Gu Ying sank her lips and said, "Come on! Tie her up and wait for the prince toe back to punish her!"


    Shen Ruxu''s body shuddered, as if falling into an abyss. Her hands and feet turned cold, without strength.


    After Shen Ruxu was tied up, Gu Ying sent the disaster victims away.


    Before leaving, they all expressed that they had misjudged Shen Ruxu and consoled Gu Ying for her loss.


    After sending the people away, she hurriedly asked someone to find Huaian back.


    "Madam, Master Huai seems to have gone towards the cliff to the east."


    Gu Yingughed bitterly, "Oh my... hurry up and stop him, don''t let him do anything foolish!"


    "Yes!"


    ......


    After sending someone to look for Huai An, Gu Ying found an old woman to dress Shen Ruxu properly. Then she locked her in her own tent.


    At dusk, she bent over and entered the tent. Seeing Shen Ruxu sitting on the chair with anger and jealousy on her face, her ck hair was messy, and there were bite marks on her face and neck.


    Although Shen Ruxu had more thoughts than other youngdies, she was quite beautiful. Rarely had such an embarrassed moment, but at this time, she was like a defeated chicken, drooping her head, sitting there lifeless, and seemed to have cried before, with red eyes.


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "What''s wrong, aren''t you wondering why what you did was exposed so quickly?"


    Shen Ruxu returned to her senses, raised her head covered in tear stains, and angrily scolded, "Gu Ying, you cheap slut! How could you ruin my innocence! I am a clean and innocent woman. In order not to let the prince take me, you did such a nasty and disgusting thing to me! How can you be so vicious! Gu Ying!"


    Good reversal of right and wrong, eloquent tongue.


    If it were before, Gu Ying would never like anyone calling her vicious.


    But now, listening to Shen Ruxu scolding her like this, she didn''t get angry at all. Sitting in the chair opposite her, she smiled cheerfully, "Miss Shen saves the dying and helps the poor, and has always boasted of being gentle and kind. Why are you so angry and impatient now, spewing vicious words?"


    Shen Ruxu was stuck for a moment, "I don''t understand what you''re talking about..."


    Gu Ying nced at her indifferently, with a faint smile at the corners of her eyes, but the smile did not reach her eyes, "You don''t understand, I can tell you and let you die with understanding."


    Shen Ruxu sensed something was off as she looked at Gu Ying and Liu Chang behind her dumbfoundedly.


    Gu Ying continued unhurriedly, "At first, I didn''t want to deal with you. As long as you behaved yourself and didn''t provoke the prince, I would turn a blind eye and allow you to continue staying in the camp. After returning to Yueyang City, the prince and I will have nothing more to do with you. By then, you and I will be like strangers."


    Shen Ruxu''s eyebrows wrinkled slightly as she stared firmly at Gu Ying¡¯s too beautiful little face, heart wrenched like a knife.


    Gu Ying didn''t mind her hatred. Things had developed to this point, there was no possibility for her and Shen Ruxu to be friends.


    Now that she was pregnant, her child had not safelynded yet, she had to be extremely vignt to deal with dangers that mighte at any time.


    Since Shen Ruxu was so vicious in plotting against her and Yin Lan.


    Then she would have to be a hundred times more vicious than Shen Ruxu in order to protect herself and those around her.


    So she raised a bright smile and continued to Shen Ruxu, ¡°This matter was a trap set by me and Yin Lan from the beginning. I saw your resentment towards us many times, so I knew that with your means, you might design us someday. So we chose to take preemptive action. I deliberately let Yin Lan provoke you many times, arousing your anger and jealousy, after which you would find a way to get rid of Yin Lan."


    "And for a weak woman like you, the best way is to ask for help to get rid of Yin Lan."


    Facing Shen Ruxu¡¯s flustered unease on her face, Gu Ying smiled brightly, "Yin Lan had seen you flirting with Liu Chang before, talking privately, nning something unknown. So I thought, since it was like this, why not take the initiative to send Yin Lan to you."


    When Shen Ruxu thought of that day when Yin Lan had deliberatelye to provoke her, her small face instantly turned pale with anger, "What exactly did you do?"


    Gu Ying said slowly, "I knew what Liu Chang wanted, so I gave Yin Lan an ingot of gold in advance. When Liu Chang caught Yin Lan, Yin Lan used the gold to buy off Liu Chang and asked him to cooperate with us in this y."


    Shen Ruxu was incredulous, "Wha...what?"


    Liu Chang grinned and said in a timely manner, "Miss Shen, you didn''t really think I would kill someone for you and then take on a murder charge, did you? Since thedy gave me gold and let mee back to get you, allowing me your body, it was hitting two birds with one stone. Why wouldn''t I do it?"


    Shen Ruxu''s body softened instantly, and her eyes scattered instantly.


    She looked at Gu Ying and Liu Chang in panic, "You two harmed me together... so Yin Lan..."


    Liu Chang said with a sneer, "She''s fine, just hiding."


    When he found Shen Ruxu, in order to get her body, he had falsely agreed, andter when Yin Lan came to buy him with money, he immediately sold her outpletely.


    He was not stupid either, he would not really be a murderer for an unsettled woman, it was not worth it.


    Shen Ruxu''s eyes instantly turned red, her pupils contracting sharply, "Liu Chang, how could you do this to me! I saved you and your mother too!"


    "Didn''t I make you happy tonight to repay you? What, still not enough?"


    "Get lost!" Shen Ruxu was ashamed and angry. She hated that she could not vent her anger by killing Liu Chang!


    "Get lost if getting lost, your body is nothing special anyway." Liu Chang sneered.


    Now that he had obtained Shen Ruxu''s body today, he also lost interest in her. He bowed and scraped to Gu Ying, waved his hand and walked out of the tent.


    Shen Ruxu cried bitterly, staring at Gu Ying fiercely with tearful eyes full of hatred. "Gu Ying, you will regret what you did to me sooner orter!"


    "Miss Shen, don''t forget, you were the wicked one. If you didn''t want to ruin my Yin Lan, I wouldn''t have taken the opportunity to let Liu Chang ruin your innocence. me, just me you for being too vicious."


    Shen Ruxu stared, and tears instantly burst from her eyes. She roared hysterically, "Gu Ying, just you wait! Does the prince know that you are a snake and scorpion? If the prince knows that you harmed me, he will definitely not let you go!"

 Chapter 265: Pushing the Son Away

    <h4>Chapter 265</h4>


    Gu Ying looked at Shen Ruxu expressionlessly, with no mercy in her heart. She turned around and walked out.


    Just as she stepped out, she saw several soldiers rushing over, carrying a man. Yin Lan, looking disheveled, was following them.


    "Mistress! Master Huai An is back!"


    In the firelight of the military camp, Gu Ying steadied her mind and took a clear look. The man covered in blood with a dangling leg could be none other than Huai An.


    She walked over worriedly and nced at the unconscious man. "Yin Lan, what happened to him?"


    Yin Lan''s eyes were red from crying. She said, "Mistress, Master Huai An fell off a cliff while trying to save me... he broke his leg..."


    Gu Ying was surprised. "What? But you look totally fine?"


    Her n didn''t include Yin Lan falling off a cliff!


    Yin Lan couldn''t continue her fake crying. Although it was a simple test, Huai An had still risked his life to save her. She was deeply moved, but¡ª


    "Yes, this servant is perfectly fine. Master Huai An thought I had fallen off the cliff, and he insisted on jumping off to find me... Then when I came out to stop him, he was startled when he saw me. He lost his footing and fell..." At this point, not just Gu Ying, even the soldiers carrying Huai An couldn''t helpughing.


    "Alright, hurry and take Master Huai An back to his tent." Gu Ying pretended not to see Huai An''s trembling eyshes. "Yin Lan, go take care of him."


    Barely containing herughter, Yin Lan replied, "Yes."


    Then the group proceeded into Huai An''s tent.


    Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief. Although she had only schemed for a couple days, even now her heart was still thumping loudly.


    If she hadn''t noticed Shen Ruxu''s malicious intentions early on, Yin Lan might have truly been in danger.


    Fortunately, she had caught on ahead of time.


    She turned, wanting to return to the Prince''s main tent, but just then heard the urgent clip-clop of horses'' hooves from outside the camp gate.


    Gu Ying looked back towards the gate and saw the Prince, Ning Chang''an and others returning on horseback as night fell deeper.


    Seeing the Prince''s heroic posture as he dismounted, Gu Ying recalled Shen Ruxu''s words, and her heart quivered.


    Did the Prince know of her ruthless scheming?


    "Why are you standing here alone?"


    Zhao Changdu got off his horse and headed straight for her, rubbing the top of her head affectionately with his palm. The corners of his mouth curled indulgently. "It''s cold outside. You''re physically weak. Come on, let''s go in."


    Gu Ying was somewhat dumbfounded. Then she smiled softly and took the man''srge hand. "I was waiting here for you. Ah Du, did it go smoothly today?"


    "Mm. You needn''t worry about these things. Just focus on nurturing the child."


    "Ah Du..."


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip and smiled. "Nothing... just, I''m feeling much better today."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes crinkled slightly and he led her back inside the tent, not allowing her to tire herself.


    He had been out for a day and was covered in dust and dirt. After joking with the little girl for a bit, he went out to bathe and freshen up.


    The atmosphere in the camp felt off.


    Huai An had broken his leg. His face was covered in cuts and scratches from tree branches and thorns. Yin Lan''s eyes were red as she kept vigil at Huai An''s side.


    The others were also deferential, not daring to say much.


    Someone did mention that Miss Shen was still tied up in her tent and asked what he nned to do with her.


    Zhao Changdu went to take a look at Shen Ruxu.


    Shen Ruxu had been roughed up, lookingpletely pitiful and wretched.


    He narrowed his eyes. Shen Ruxu''s cries were grating on his nerves.


    He exited Shen Ruxu''s tent, washed his face, and returned to the main tent, his eyes brooding.


    Gu Ying carefully sat at the edge of the bed instead of lying down fawningly like usual. She respectfully brought over a cup of hot water. "Drink some water, Your Highness."


    Zhao Changdu nced at her coolly. He took the cup. "What happened in the camp today while I was gone?"


    His tone was aloof, even a little cold. He didn''t seem to be in a good mood.


    Gu Ying''s heart lurched. She had nned to tell the Prince about today''s events, but his sudden cold demeanor made her recall Shen Ruxu''s words once more.


    Did the Prince know of her schemes to frame and bring down a country girl?


    After finding out, would he look down on her?


    A twinge pierced her heart and her chest hurt slightly. Some words became lodged in her throat, unable to make their way out.


    The man''s tone was frigid. "Well?"


    Gu Ying unnaturally covered up the truth. "Nothing major... Just that Miss Shen wanted to harm Yin Lan, so Huai An led people to rescue her, but identally fell off a cliff... Fortunately he wasn''t severely injured, only breaking a leg. Find a doctor skilled in bone-setting to fix him up, let him recuperate for a bit, and he''ll be fine."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was gloomy. "Oh? Shen Ruxu wanted to harm Yin Lan?"


    With his inherently aloof and cold appearance, if he wore no expression, he looked even more cold and distant.


    Gu Ying had once been a naive and kind girl. She had never deliberately harmed anyone.


    But after being reborn, she had changed greatly. Aside from protecting those close to her, if it came to kindness, she was utterly devoid of it.


    When it came time to make a move, she never softened her hand.


    She didn''t know what the Prince thought of her extremely cunning and scheming nature. She forced a smile. "Yeah. But Yin Lan is lucky, so she''s already fine. As for Miss Shen, she was too clever for her own good and ended up being vited by Liu Chang instead. Right now she''s tied up in her tent, awaiting Your Highness''s judgment on her fate."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold as he wordlessly shed his overcoat and sat down in the fur chair.


    On the surface, things seemed simple. But he knew the little girl before him was lying to conceal the truth from him.


    Her half-truths were a mark of distrust towards him.


    So in her eyes, would he not avenge her and their child, needing her to intricately scheme and take revenge herself?


    Gu Ying could notprehend his expression. All she felt was an ufortable sensation in her heart, like a thorn lodged inside.


    Some distress, and some inexplicable calm.


    Things had already reached this point, leaving no room for reversal.


    No matter what the Prince asked, she would just answer. As for how he saw her, that was his business...


    All she could do was ept it calmly.


    The atmosphere inside the grand tent solidified slightly as silence stretched on for some time. Gu Ying couldn''t bear the silent torture. She tentatively broke the silence. "How does Your Highness n to deal with Miss Shen?"


    Taking the initiative to handle things waspletely different from being passively handed the aftermath.


    Initially Shen Ruxu had wanted to harm her child, so twenty military beatings would not have been excessive. But now it was Gu Ying who had schemed against Shen Ruxu, altering the nature of things. She didn''t know what the Prince would... do.


    She was suddenly somewhat worried - would what she''d done gradually push the Prince further away?


    No one would like a profoundly cunning and vicious person, she imagined...


    The man did not reply. Gu Ying grew even more apprehensive. "Your Highness..."

 Chapter 266: The Invisible Barrier

    <h4>Chapter 266</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold, as he raised his deep and cold eyes, "What does Miss Gu think?"


    Gu Ying gently pursed her lips and took a step back, "I''ll listen to whatever the Prince decides."


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows, gave an "en" sound, his slender phoenix eyes were as deep as ck, "In that case, I¡¯ll make the decision to marry Shen Ruxu to Liu Chang. What do you think?"


    Gu Ying was choked for words, she could clearly feel the man''s icy gaze falling on her head, like a knife, with an invisible pressure overwhelming her.


    After a few months of marriage, arrogant from favoritism, she had forgotten that the person by her side was an unpredictable Lord of Hell.


    Her breathing stalled for a moment, her mind nk for an instant, "Alright."


    As the word "alright" fell, the man didn¡¯t speak again.


    Gu Ying hardened her scalp and stood there for a while, feeling the chilling gaze disappear. When she looked up, the Prince had already left the big tent.


    The weather in March and April was fickle with warmth and cold.


    At this moment, the piercing cold wind blew in from the cracks in the windows, making one¡¯s back feel cold.


    Gu Ying heaved a long sigh from her throat, and her taut spine rxed slightly.


    She moved her stiff legs, pulled her outer garment tighter, then slowly ced her hands on her t lower abdomen, telling herself that for this child, she could do anything.


    But at the bottom of her heart, there was still an inexplicable sour feeling rising up.


    She closed her eyes, and walked heavily to the bedside. She just felt exhausted all over, with throbbing pain in her temples.


    She sat nkly by the bed for a while, but the Prince showed no intention of returning.


    She had wanted to go out and see, but didn¡¯t know what to say to him anyway, so she simply took off her outer garment, got into bed and fell asleep...


    She slept very tiredly that night.


    The next day when she woke up, Yin Lan had cleaned herself up and sat by the bed calling her name.


    "Mistress, time to get up and eat, howe you slept sote today?"


    A warm, soft hand fell on her forehead, cool andfortable.


    Gu Ying blurrily opened her eyes to see Yin Lan''s worried face, "Yin Lan?"


    Normally when Yin Lan was around, the Prince would have left already.


    The side of the bed was cold. She had fallen asleep after getting into bedst night, and didn''t know if the Prince hade back to sleepter, or when he had left.


    Gu Ying felt an inexplicable sense of loss in her heart.


    Seeing that she was awake, Yin Lan''s lips curled into a faint smile, "Mistress, you¡¯re finally awake."


    "Where is the Prince?"


    Yin Lan smiled softly, "He went out early in the morning, saying that he had to finish the business at Xianlin Town as soon as possible, to take the Mistress back to Yueyang together. But I also feel that since the Mistress is pregnant, she shouldn''t keep staying here, and should return to Yueyang City early to nurture herself."


    Gu Ying asked, "What was the Prince''s expression like when he went out this morning?"


    Yin Lan said, "I didn''t dare look directly at the Prince''s face, so I didn''t see his expression. But from afar he looked no different from usual."


    The Prince was always cold and merciless in front of outsiders. Only in front of the mistress did he show some liveliness.


    Yin Lan didn''t usually dare observe the Prince''s face. She secretly took two nces when she saw the Princee out very early from the tent. The Prince¡¯s handsome face was still very cold, his pair of dark phoenix eyes were delicate as a painting, not revealing much emotion, only some... inexplicable feeling.


    So she didn''t dare say more.


    Gu Ying kept her eyes open for a while to calm herself, thinking that she was overthinking things.


    She struggled to sit up in bed, and Yin Lan thoughtfully padded more pillows for her to lean againstfortably, "Did the Mistress catch a chillst night? When this servant touched the Mistress¡¯s forehead just now, it seemed a little hot."


    Gu Ying leaned softly against the pillow, pinched her brows, not knowing if it was because she had maintained her side sleeping positionst night waiting for the Prince to return, which caused some back pain today, "Is that so? I just feel a little headache."


    Yin Lan skillfully wrung a towel in the hot water basin to wipe Gu Ying¡¯s face, "Why has the Mistress¡¯s headache returned again?"


    "Mm."


    "I don''t know when this problem started. When I entered the Bo¡¯s residence, the Mistress didn''t have headaches."


    Hearing what Yin Lan said, Gu Ying realized something strange. She contemted for a while, "It seems to have started after the Prince was poisoned, then I began to have headaches from time to time."


    Yin Lan pondered, "It does seem so. The doctors couldn¡¯t exin the reason either. How strange."


    Gu Ying closed her eyes. Her head felt like it was being shredded by knives, tearing painfully. When she wanted to speak, she started retching again.


    Yin Lan hurriedly stroked her back, "How are you feeling, Mistress? Should I tell His Highness to get a doctor?"


    Gu Ying retched for a while but nothing came out. "It''s just morning sickness, I''m used to it. After we return to Yueyang City, I¡¯ll look for Master Zhuge to take a look."


    Yin Lan nodded, "Master Zhuge is quite well-known in Yueyang City with good medical skills."


    Gu Ying lowered her longshes, quiet, "Where is Shen Ruxu?"


    Yin Lan ced breakfast on the table and supported Gu Ying out of bed, smiling, "The Prince has decided to marry her off to Liu Chang. She has now been released. His Highness has sent people to settle Liu Chang''s family in another town. Shen Ruxu is leaving today with them."


    Gu Ying took a bite of a steamed bun. She was quite satisfied with the Prince''s arrangement.


    Although she had intended to imprison Shen Ruxu for attempted murder, the Prince''s method was more precise, vicious, and ruthless. It would make Shen Ruxu unhappy for the rest of her life.


    To say who was crueler, the Prince was far more ruthless than her.


    As his wife, she would follow wherever he would go, whether that was virtuous or vicious.


    To make oneself happy and upset others, that was how people should live.


    Thinking of this, she angrily ate a bowl of rice, two buns, stuffing her stomach round and bulging. She leaned against the chair, constantly burping.


    Yin Lan watched with a smile behind her hand. "I¡¯ll go take a look at Lord Huai, Mistress."


    Gu Ying waved her hand smilingly, "Go on."


    ...


    After Shen Ruxu left, the camp became much more peaceful.


    About ten dayster, when the Xianlin Town affairs were finallypleted, the Prince and his men prepared to return to Yueyang.


    Early in the morning, while Gu Ying was still asleep, she was carried out of the quilt.


    It was raining outside, and the cold wind blew making her shiver and shrink deeper into the man''s arms.


    "Cold?"


    "Mm." The voice was coquettish and tender, extremely charming.


    The man felt a pain in his heart. He took off his cloak and wrapped her up tightly.


    Smelling the familiar scent of water on the person, Gu Ying didn''t wake up either. She just softly put her hands around his neck, letting him carry her onto the carriage.


    Because of her pregnancy, the carriage was padded with thick cushions.


    They traveled very slowly.


    It took a full three days before arriving back in Yueyang.


    Upon entering the city, Gu Ying woke up in the Prince¡¯s arms. The three days¡¯ time, neither long nor short, brought the two people close together in the carriage. But they didn''t talk much.


    There was an invisible barrier that seemed to lie between them.


    Invisible and intangible, yet very much present.

 Chapter 267: Pick You Up Tonight

    <h4>Chapter 267</h4>


    But the two of them acted as if nothing had happened. Except that they no longer did intimate gestures, they got along the same as before, like an ordinary husband and wife.


    The Prince still treated her very well and gently.


    Gu Ying opened her eyes and smiled at him, "After walking for a while, I''m tired of lying in the carriage."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as deep as ink. "Let me massage it for you."


    After Gu Ying spoke, she felt a little regretful. "No need, it''s not that ufortable."


    Being too polite made her seem a little distant.


    Zhao Changdu stared at her. "Ying Ying, both Jiang Yin and Prince Shu are now in Yueyang. Do you have anything to tell me?"


    The man put his big hand on her lower abdomen, and the warmth passed through her clothes. The lower abdomen was warm andfortable.


    Gu Ying''s mind was indifferent. She thought of her previous life, remembered Jiang Yin, and thought of her own miserable and painful life. She shook her head. "No."


    Although she had said she would find an opportunity to tell him, but now, she became more and more afraid that the Prince would know about her indecent past. She could not bear the Prince looking at her with disgust, and she could not let her child suffer other people''s gossip together with her.


    So she would not tell anyone anything about her previous life.


    Including the Prince.


    Then there was another oppressive silence.


    Gu Ying felt depressed. She got out of his arms, "Your Highness, there are many people in the government office. I want to live in Ning''s house."


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was low and hoarse. He looked at her deeply and kissed her eyebrow before holding the back of her head. "Alright."


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth curled up in a faint smile.


    Look, he still catered to her every demand. He was a model good husband, only his heart was a little distant.


    "The imperialmissioner and Prince Shu have arrived. Yueyang City must be very busy with official business. Go ahead, Your Highness. I¡¯ll go over to Ning¡¯s house first to chat with her."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened. "I left someone to protect you. I¡¯lle get you tonight."


    Gu Ying said awkwardly in good faith, "No need...I want to stay at Ning''s house for a few days before talking about it. Your Highness is busy with official duties, I''m afraid you won''t have time for me by then. It¡¯s better for me to recuperate quietly at Ning Si¡¯s house."


    The government office arranged a residence for the Prince in Yueyang.


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a while, unable to ovee Gu Ying¡¯s temper.


    "Alright then, wait for me."


    "Okay."


    After getting out of the carriage, Gu Ying stood upright at the Ning family''s door and watched the Prince get on his horse and ride away.


    She knew that perhaps it was her ruthless and cruel side that made the Prince disgusted.


    But what could she do about it?


    She could no longer be the innocent and kind Gu Ying.


    ...


    "Ying Ying! You¡¯re finally back!"


    Ning Si received the news early in the morning. With someone''s help, she turned from behind a screen.


    The streets were a little deserted, and there were no servants guarding the Ning mansion gate.


    Gu Ying brushed aside the oppression and bitterness in her heart and turned around to see Ning Si from far away, wearing a moon-white long skirt and green lined jacket, walking slowly towards her.


    After half a month of not seeing her, she had gained some weight, but her face was a little pale.


    Gu Ying led Yin Lan, Huai An and others, smiling and walking quickly over to grab Ning Si''s wrist, happily said: "Sister Si, what''s wrong with you? You don''t look very well."


    Ning Si''s mouth twitched slightly, her eyes flickering slightly. She paused for a while and said, "Let¡¯s talk in the yard."


    Gu Ying''s expression became cold. "Okay."


    Their group entered Ning¡¯s house. Ning Grandpa was not in the house. It was said that he had also gone to the government office to attend the meeting. Since Prince Shu and Zhou Yan came, Yueyang City seemed calm on the surface, but under the calm surface, there were surging undercurrents.


    The two walked hand in hand along the winding corridor.


    After passing through several carved doors, Ning Si¡¯s pace quickened anxiously.


    "Ying Ying, it¡¯s not a good time for you toe back now. If you hade back earlier, we could have returned to Bianjing together."


    She licked her lips, her expression solemn: "But now I''m afraid we can''t."


    Gu Ying frowned slightly, puzzled: "Sister Si, what on earth is going on?"


    Ning Si bit her lip and said, "I don''t know what happened to Yueyang, but a gue suddenly broke out and the roads for entering and leaving have been blocked... The blockade of Yueyang City has only happened in thest few days."


    Gu Ying was shocked. "What?"


    No wonder she saw more than a dozen sickmoners sitting paralyzed by the roadside when she entered the city.


    She thought they were refugees who had wandered into the city and had nothing to eat.


    Now that she thought about it, they were clearly sick people!


    Although she had written down the prescription and made medicine pills to prepare for the gue after the disaster, how could the gue still break out at this critical juncture?


    Ning Si said annoyedly, "I don''t know what happened either. Grandfather has been very busy recently, he is often summoned to the government office by Lord Zhou and Prince Shu. In theory, the death toll from the snow disaster was notrge. It can be said that this disaster, His Highness¡¯s relief efforts were effective, but...the outbreak of this gue is really strange."


    Gu Ying looked serious. "Sister Si, what about the prescription I left for you, have you tried it? Does it work?"


    Ning Si shook her head. "The first time a patient appeared, I secretly asked someone to use medicine ording to your form, but it didn''t work. The servant who delivered the medicine has been detained. He soon got infected with the gue. After two or three days, he became weak all over, coughed, had a fever, and couldn¡¯t even walk. I also tried the medicine pills you left behind, but they didn¡¯t work."


    While she was talking, the two entered Ning Si¡¯s yard.


    At this point, Gu Ying saw that the atmosphere in Ning¡¯s house was depressing and everyone was worried.


    No wonder when she first entered the door, the family guards and guards who usually guarded the entrance were not outside.


    It must be assumed that everyone was now confined in the house, without other important things to do, and would not easily leave the house.


    When Yin Lan heard the word ¡°gue¡±, she also became anxious. "Madam, Miss Ning, what should we do now?"


    Whenever a gue breaks out, it must kill people inrge numbers...


    She unfortunately lost her parents when she was young. She had also fled famine with her parents and survived epidemics... At that time, not only were there dead people, in the end all those who died of illness could only be burned into a pile of ashes and buried deep underground.


    If the epidemic really spread in a city as big as Yueyang...the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Gu Ying patted Yin Lan''s hand and smiled to calm her down first. "Don''t worry. We have His Highness and Lord Zhou here. The gue will be contained."


    She had already warned the Prince that there would be a gue.


    Therefore, after the prince came to Yueyang, preparations were made early on.


    All the doctors in Yueyang¡¯s territory who knew medical skills were brought together early on and now lived in Qingjiang Manor in Yueyang City. As for medicinal materials and other supplies, they were also prepared in advance. If a gue did ur, there would be ample time, manpower and supplies to respond.


    Therefore, Gu Ying was at ease. She also believed in the Prince that he would handle the Yueyang disaster properly.


    Yin Lan''s face turned slightly pale as she shook her head and said, "I¡¯m not afraid of death, I¡¯m just worried about mydy."

 Chapter 268: Pregnant Too

    <h4>Chapter 268</h4>


    Ning Si forced a smile and said, "Yin Lan, don''t worry. Although Grandfather suspects it is the gue, there is no definitive conclusion yet. It may just be a moreplicated intractable disease. You can rest assured staying at my house first. Currently not many people from my house go out and few peoplee in, so it should be safe for now."


    Yin Lan''s face was still tense, her lips pursed tight, "My Lady...I have a request..."


    Gu Ying could tell what was on her mind, "You want Huai An to stay here with you?"


    Yin Lan nodded, "Although the Prince is here and he is safe, his legs haven''t healed. I fear I can''t go out to take care of him anymore, so I thought since his legs are disabled anyway, why not have him stay here with me..."


    Ning Si was generous and cheerful, "What''s there to worry about? I''ll have someone apany you to the Qingjiang Manor where the Prince is staying and bring him here."


    Yin Lan said gratefully, "Thank you, Young Lady Ning."


    "Yin Lan, you don''t have to be so polite with me." Ning Si waved her hand and called over a head maid to apany Yin Lan.


    After entering the room, Ning Si turned around and forcefully grabbed Gu Ying''s hand, anxiously and sincerely asking, "Gu Ying, I didn''t arrange another yard for you. You''ll sleep with me...is that alright?"


    In this troubled world, it was normal for a youngdy like Ning Si to feel scared.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, thinking about her recent estrangement from the Prince. Sheughed and said, "What''s wrong with that? I actually have good news to tell you."


    The two sat down on the short couch. Ning Si breathed a sigh of relief and curiously asked, "Gu Ying, what good news?"


    Gu Ying took her hand and ced it on her lower abdomen, smiling bashfully, "I''m pregnant, a little over two months along."


    Ning Si was stunned, her fingers over the belly trembling, "You''re pregnant? The Prince''s?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes brimmed with joy, "Whose else could it be but the Prince''s?"


    Ning Si smiled at first, truly happy that Gu Ying was pregnant. But soon her fingers tightened anxiously and she felt ufortable, "Gu Ying is lucky to know who the father of her child is. But I..."


    Gu Ying sensed something was off and frowned, "Ning Si , what do you mean by that?"


    Ning Si stuttered, also pulling Gu Ying''s hand onto her own belly, then looked up with confused eyes, "Gu Ying...I''ll be honest with you...I...I seem to be pregnant too..."


    "What? You''re pregnant too?"


    One shocking news after another left Gu Ying reeling. This time she really couldn''t believe her eyes wide open, her mind going nk, "Ning Si, you...how did an unmarried youngdy get pregnant?"


    "I...I don''t know..." Ning Si was nearly in tears. Ever since realizing she had symptoms of morning sickness, she had been living in terror.


    It would have been fine if she was already married. But she was clearly still an innocent youngdy.


    Since returning to Yueyang City, she had been staying at home in the Ning Mansion, never setting foot outside. She rarely interacted with men other than the family guards and servants. The only man she had contact with was her father''s student, Zhou Yan.


    They didn''t meet often. Her grandfather was always present when they did. As the youngdy of the prestigious Ning family, she was always apanied by handmaidens assigned by her grandfather wherever she went.


    How could she possibly have gotten pregnant?


    Moreover, her heart belonged to Prince Duan. She was pure and abided by propriety, wholeheartedly keeping her chastity for the Prince.


    How could she possibly have willingly fallen to ruin andmitted the disgraceful act of premarital sex and bearing an illegitimate child?


    This matter was too serious and too inconceivable.


    It took Gu Ying some time to steady her mind. She asked Ning Si in detail about everything that had happened in the past month.


    Ning Si told her about trivial matters first. Zhou Yan would always escort her grandfather home after lessons and sit for a while. They didn''t meet often and her grandfather was always present when they did.


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, lost in thought, "Ning Si, don''t panic. Listen to me. You only show symptoms of morning sickness, but that doesn''t necessarily mean you''re pregnant. Perhaps you just have a gastrointestinal disease. Ning Si, have you seen a doctor recently?"


    "No...It started when I suddenly felt nauseous after smelling fish. Cai Xiu casually mentioned pregnancy...and that''s when I began to suspect it might be possible. Of course I didn''t dare to see a doctor, otherwise once the news of my pregnancy spread...it would be over."


    Ning Si shook her head. She wasn''t stupid. She couldn''t let anyone else know, especially not her grandfather. Otherwise her grandfather would definitely break her legs.


    The Ning family reputation would also be ruined.


    Moreover, the Empress was still intent on matching her with the Prince. If she truly inexplicably became pregnant, the imperial family would surely abandon her, and even Prince Duan would probably...look down on her.


    The more Ning Si thought about it, the more distressed she became. Her eyes brimmed with tears that started falling.


    "Gu Ying, what should I do? I could only dare to tell you...Even Cai Xiu doesn''t know...Now whenever I smell anything fishy I feel nauseous... "


    As she spoke, she didn''t know if it was from fear or what, but she covered her chest and retched.


    Gu Ying quickly helped prop her up. Seeing her look of nausea was exactly like her own morning sickness. She was also puzzled.


    "Ning Si, I have an idea to first confirm whether you really are pregnant. If it''s just an illness, we only need to treat it. If you are pregnant...we''ll discusster."


    Ning Si miserably covered her chest, "Tell me, Gu Ying."


    Gu Ying knit her brows, "Have someone invite Doctor Zhuge here right away."


    Ning Si''s eyes widened, "Gu Ying, I don''t dare..."


    Gu Ying reassured her, "Don''t be scared. I''m here."


    Only then did Ning Si nod.


    ...


    Yueyang City had not imposed curfew yet.


    That afternoon, Yin Lan brought some Ning Mansion servants to prepare to head to the Qingjiang Manor and have the injured Huai An moved to the Ning Mansion.


    To facilitate the Prince''s official business, the Qingjiang Manor was located near the Yueyang Prefecture Yamen.


    Before leaving, Gu Ying considered carefully and still instructed her, "Yin Lan, when you get to the manor, carefully ask around to see if Jiang Yin followed along and where he''s staying now."


    Yin Lan''s heart tightened. She hurriedly lowered her voice and asked doubtfully, "My Lady, why do you still care about Young Master Jiang''s matters?"


    She was more and more confused about My Lady''s feelings toward the Prince.


    My Lady was already married, yet she seemed overly concerned about Young Master Jiang from time to time.


    Gu Ying had a grave look. "I''m not concerned about him. I''m just guarding against him..."


    Jiang Yin now was the only one who knew of her past. He was also a confidant of Prince Shu. She truly feared that if the Prince returned to Yueyang City, he might identally run into Jiang Yin.


    Jiang Yin might make trouble from behind the scenes and reveal everything about her to the Prince.


    She didn''t dare imagine what would happen then...

 Chapter 269: Pregnancy Confirmed

    <h4>Chapter 269</h4>


    Gu Ying rarely lost herposure and urged, "Yin Lan, remember, don''t let anyone find out. You must investigate carefully."


    Yin Lan also realized the gravity of the situation. "Mistress, don''t worry. I understand."


    After Yin Lan left, Gu Ying steadied her mind and turned back to Ning Si''s courtyard.


    That evening, the Ning family servants invited the highly renowned physician Zhuge Doctor over to the Ning manor.


    At that time, Zhou Yan had just sent Old Master Ning back to the Ning manor.


    After leaving the Ning manor, he encountered a maid leading a doctor-looking man into the back door of the manor.


    He recognized that doctor with the tranquil gaze - it was Zhuge Doctor. When the gue had started, Zhuge Doctor began working for the government office and ordinary people couldn''t hire him.


    Only a prominent family like the Nings in Yueyang City could afford to invite him.


    But who was ill?


    Could it be Young Lady Ning?


    Thinking of this, the man''s eyes darkened slightly.


    But mindful of propriety between men and women, after pausing briefly at the Ning manor''s back gate, the man left.


    ...


    At that moment, in Ning Si''s Biyun Courtyard at the Ning manor.


    Zhuge Doctor was already respectfully waiting outside the thick curtains, to take the pulse of the Princess Consort.


    Before he entered, Gu Ying had deliberately revealed her face so he knew the person he was treating today was not Young Lady Ning, but the Princess Consort.


    Gu Ying and Ning Si then sat side by side behind the curtains.


    They exchanged a nce and Ning Si stretched out her fair wrist. Seeing this, the maid quickly covered "Gu Ying''s" wrist with a handkerchief.


    Behind the curtains, Gu Ying calmly spoke, "Doctor Zhuge, thank you foring."


    Zhuge Doctor replied, "Princess Consort is too kind."


    He then ced his hand on her pulse.


    Ning Si was nervous, her heart thumping quickly.


    Beside her, Gu Ying held her hand, giving her a slight smile to indicate not to worry.


    The room was quiet for a long time before Zhuge Doctor smiled and said, "Congrattions, Princess Consort. What joyous news - the pulse indicates you are one month pregnant."


    Ning Si''s eyes widened in shock, her body stiffened, and she sharply pulled her hand back. Her heart plunged rapidly.


    Gu Ying was also greatly shocked but could only pretend to be delighted as she said, "Doctor, are you certain you didn''t misdiagnose?"


    Stroking his beard, Zhuge Doctorughed, "I have practiced medicine for many years and would never misread a pulse. Although the child is still early, I can assure you it is a pulse of pregnancy without doubt."


    Gu Ying pressed her red lips together and calmly said, "Cai Xiu, give some silver to Doctor Zhuge and show him out."


    Cai Xiu acknowledged and led him away.


    Ning Si could no longer endure it. She sat limply on the embroidery stool, weak and terrified, on the verge of copse.


    "Ying, what on earth is going on?"


    Gu Ying held her in her arms, her elegant brows knitted together. She gently patted Ning Si''s back tofort her, "Don''t cry first, Si."


    Ning Si''s face was pale and cold. Thinking of this child of unknown origin in her belly and Prince Duan whom she loved wholeheartedly...she was overwhelmed with sorrow and couldn''t help but weep copiously.


    "Ying...I''ve let Prince Duan down. I no longer have the face to see him..."


    Gu Ying looked at Ning Si''s red swollen eyes sympathetically. She was also very puzzled. "But how did this childe about?"


    A chaste woman couldn''t possibly conceive on her own.


    Experiencing this, Ning Si felt heartbroken and breathless. As her heart chilled rapidly, her small white face said, "Now I...can only apologize with death."


    Gu Ying remained rtively calm and quickly stopped her, "Don''t be like this, Si. Think carefully - has anyone touched you?"


    Ning Si sobbed and shook her head. But her tear-filled eyes were resolute, "No one. I absolutely have not done anything so disgraceful to tarnish my family''s reputation."


    Gu Ying feltplicated. Of course she didn''t want Ning Si to die, but this inexplicable pregnancy had dealt her quite a blow.


    After crying for a while, Ning Si directly fainted in her arms.


    "Oh no, this is too disastrous, too bizarre."


    Gu Ying supported her onto the bed. She couldn''t publicize this matter so she could only sit at Ning Si''s bedside, racking her brain for a solution.


    ...


    The night deepened.


    Inside the government office''s discussion hall, the meeting led by the Crown Prince regarding the gue had just ended.


    Under Prince Shu''s leadership previously, disaster relief efforts had stalled.


    Now that the Crown Prince had safely returned, in just an afternoon, he had forcefully finalized the handling of both disaster relief and the gue using his authority.


    In the entire government office, all officials except Prince Shu did not dare disobey the Crown Prince.


    Zhou Yan calmly escorted the officials out with an tranquil expression.


    As he watched the Crown Prince''s entourage disappear into the dark night, his admiration and esteem for the Crown Prince''s capabilities grew deeper.


    The heir of Zhenguo Duke manor, Crown Prince Zhao Changdu, was indeed a formidable general defending Dong Li.


    With the Crown Prince present, Zhou Yan no longer had the patience to contend with the useless Prince Shu.


    Saving themon people''s lives was most urgent.


    Zhou Yan''s eyes were cold. He turned back into the government office since he and Prince Shu both lived there for convenience in handling government affairs.


    Recalling what he had seen that evening, he felt strangely anxious.


    He sent an attendant to invite Doctor Zhuge over to ask about Young Lady Ning''s condition.


    The attendant he dispatched quickly returned.


    After listening to Zhou Yan''s inquiry, Zhuge Doctor didn''t know whether tough or cry as he replied, "Sir Zhou is mistaken. The one who is ill is not Young Lady Ning but the Crown Princess residing at the Ning manor."


    "The Crown Princess?"


    Zhou Yan recalled she was the second youngdy of the Dongping Earl Manor who had married the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo manor. But he didn''t know why the Crown Princess was also in Yueyang.


    Zhuge Doctor chuckled, "That''s right. And the Crown Princess doesn''t have an illness, but a pregnancy - she''s one month along, still early days."


    As these words fell--


    In the corridor outside Zhou Yan''s room, the passing figure dressed in cyan abruptly halted his steps.


    In the pitch dark night,


    The corners of Jiang Yin''s mouth twitched downwards, then up into a cruel and ruthless smirk.


    He hadn''t forgotten that night at the separate courtyard, Gu Ying had also been pregnant with Zhao Changdu''s child.


    Later, he had personally killed the fetus in her belly with his own hands.


    As he watched the blood flowing out from between her legs, he felt a sense of vengeance.


    What? She dared to conceive Zhao Changdu''s child again?


    Did she want to repeat the same mistake this lifetime?


    Jiang Yin shook his head and murmured to himself, "Ah Ying, why haven''t you learned your lesson?"


    ...


    Inside Biyun Courtyard,


    Ning Si slept very uneasily, continuously mumbling deliriously. Gu Ying couldn''t let the Ning servants know so she could only attend to her personally.


    Only after Yin Lan finally returned from Qingjiang Manor and settled Huaian''s living arrangements did shee to Biyun Courtyard to report back.


    Gu Ying covered Ning Si with her quilt and walked over to the low couch beneath the south window. "Yin Lan, how is the Crown Prince?"


    With a faint smile, Yin Lan replied, "The Crown Prince is well."


    Gu Ying felt slightly relieved and asked again, "What about Jiang Yin?"

 Chapter 270: Fall of the Womb

    <h4>Chapter 270</h4>


    Yin Lan hurried around the city all afternoon, discreetly asking many people for information. "Mistress, Jiang Yin is currently living in the Prince Shu''s residence in Yueyang, together with Prince Shu and Lord Zhou. However, I heard that since arriving at Yueyang, he hasn''t done much and mostly keeps to himself in the residence, secretly advising Prince Shu behind the scenes instead of showing himself in public. As for whether he met with the Eldest Prince today, I didn''t get a clear answer... Some said they saw them meet, others said they didn''t, but it seems Jiang has been avoiding the Prince."


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes slightly, her expression sinking. "I see. Thank you, Yin Lan. You''ve worked hard today, go rest. I can take care of Ning Si."


    Yin Lan nced at the inner chamber, puzzled. "Mistress, it''s only been an afternoon, what happened to Lady Ning?"


    Gu Ying felt conflicted. She smiled. "It''s nothing serious. I''ll exin another day."


    Yin Lan tactfully didn''t ask further. She bowed and left the room, closing the door behind her.


    Only Gu Ying and Ning Si remained in the spacious chamber.


    The long night stretched on as Gu Ying sat by Ning Si''s bedside lost in thought about many things.


    Ning Si''s situation was a tangled mess, and her own days were no better.


    Between her and the Eldest Prince stilly the most terrifying chasm.


    Even if the Prince currently favored and doted on her, even taking the oath to grow old together for life, for their whole lives, as a lifelong couple - what if he learned of her past?


    Would he still love her for life?


    Just the thought of the Prince looking at her in disgust made Gu Ying flustered and anxious, too afraid to think further.


    She felt inferior, oversensitive, afraid. After Jiang Yin''s betrayal and hurt, she truly couldn''t fully trust someone with all her heart.


    Even deeply loving the Prince, she didn''t dare confess everything about her past life to him.


    Moreover, there was still Jiang Yin, the biggest hidden danger from her rebirth.


    Thinking of his gloating face made her feel disgusted.


    She couldn''t hide her pregnancy for long. With Jiang Yin''s sinister and cunning personality...he would surelye make trouble for her again.


    He had already killed one of her children. This child, she must protect well for him to be safely born...


    Therefore, she must find a chance to kill Jiang Yin once more.


    "Ying..." Ning Si didn''t know when she woke up, eyes fluttering open dazedly.


    Gu Ying returned to her senses. She smiled faintly at Ning Si and helped prop her up in bed. "Ning Si, how are you feeling now?"


    Ning Si leaned weakly against the pillows, her lips were parched and her cheekbones deathly pale. "I feel like there''s something inside me...and I''m a little scared. I had nightmares for so long before struggling awake."


    Gu Ying brought over some water for her to drink.


    Ning Si''s eyes were empty. She couldn''t cry even if she wanted to, her tears were already dried up, leaving her eyes red and swollen, looking extremely frail.


    Gu Ying sighed and gently sped Ning Si''s hand. "Don''t be scared, and don''t cry. I''m here with you - we''ll get through this safely."


    Ning Si''s eyes reddened again as they welled up with tears. "Ying...thank you."


    Gu Ying continuedforting, "Ning Si, while you slept I thought a lot. There are solutions to this issue. You''re still early, if you don''t want the child, we can find a way to terminate the pregnancy soon without anyone knowing. After that, only heaven and earth will know, you and I will know. Absolutely no third person will know."


    Gu Ying was much older than Ning Si and had gone through incredibly cruel life experiences.


    Now, to her, this was nothing resembling a life-threatening situation.


    When she first learned of the child''s existence, solutions instantly came to mind.


    Now, it depended on what Ning Si thought.


    Ning Si was dumbfounded for a moment. "Terminate?"


    As an unmarried girl from a good family, how would she ever experience something so cruel...


    Gu Ying nodded. "Mm. We quietly get rid of the child...pretend this never happened. You can still be the Princess Duan and marry Prince Duan."


    Ning Si quickly shook her head anxiously. "No...I can''t. I''m no longer a virgin so I can''t marry Prince Duan. It would be discovered on our wedding night...then it would be a crime of deceiving our lord for the Ning family..."


    Gu Ying frowned. "Ning Si, show me your arm."


    Ning Si nkly stretched out her arm.


    Both their eyes fell on the scarlet red mark on her fair white arm.


    Ning Si bit her lip, her cheeks slightly flushed. "The virginity protector is still there. Ying...could my child be Lord Zhou''s...he carried me once when I sprained my ankle..."


    Gu Ying''s brow twitched. Hearing this absurd talk, she couldn''t help chuckling. "You silly girl, just from being carried once? How could you get pregnant like that?"


    Ning Si mumbled, "Mother said girls can''t casually touch men. Even holding hands can make you pregnant...In all these years I didn''t dare touch men except Prince Duan..."


    Gu Yingughed despite herself. Ning Si wasn''t married yet so naturally didn''t know pregnancy required consummating the marriage.


    Yet her virginity was intact while she was already pregnant. It truly left her puzzled.


    But things were as they were. The key now was finding a solution to get rid of the child cleanly.


    "Ning Si, you need to decide about the child quickly, otherwise when you start showing, it''ll be harder to deal with."


    Ning Si also knew the gravity of the situation. Flustered now and depressed, she could only listen to Gu Ying. "Alright...I''ll listen to you for everything. Ying, help me get rid of the child...I really am scared."


    Gu Ying smiled reassuringly. "Don''t be scared, just drink a bowl of medicine. After that, you lie in bed to recuperate for half a month. No one will notice anything, I''ll stay with you the whole time."


    Gu Ying was experienced andposed. She looked young but gave Ning Si much assurance.


    Yet the more Ning Si listened, the more doubtful she became. "Ying, you''re younger than me, how do you know so much?"


    Gu Ying''s speech and conduct were truly unlike a young girl''s. She had noticed before, but it felt especially obvious tonight.


    Gu Ying drylyughed and randomly found an excuse. "Didn''t I marry earlier than you...I also like studying medical texts, naturally I know more. It''s nothing strange."


    Hearing her exnation, Ning Si let it rest. She had no other recourse but to rely on Gu Ying.


    The two girls chatted about girly things for a while longer.


    Gu Ying was already pregnant and couldn''t handle fatigue. Seeing that Ning Si had fallen asleep, she also undressed and got into bed with her to sleep.


    Cai Xia worried the spring night''s chill would sicken the two youngdies. She lit a brazier in the inner room and byte night, the sparks exploded as the air grew hotter.


    In the second half of the night, Gu Ying slept uneasily, her hands and feet exposed.


    Yet she felt someone use their warm palms to warm her hands and feet before tucking her back into the nkets.

 Chapter 271: Buy Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 271</h4>


    She slept on the outer side, her little feet kicking the brocade quilt, pouting her lips in dissatisfaction, and turned over with her eyes half-open and half-closed. Indistinctly, she saw a handsome and unparalleled face leaning in front of her eyes.


    The man had an upright figure like a peak, with high eyebrows, deep eyes, thin and sexy moist lips, and a face so beautiful it was breathtaking, as if an immortal had descended to earth.


    What made her heart tremble the most was that he actually lowered his head to kiss the tip of her nose.


    She let out a soft cry, closed her eyes again, and fell into a dizzy sleep. She felt the kiss go from the tip of her nose all the way to her lips.


    It was an extremely gentle and lingering kiss that left her mind nk.


    She took a few deep breaths, thinking she was having a spring dream, otherwise how could the Eldest Prince appear in Ah Si''s bedroom?


    But the sensation before her eyes was too real. She reached out and touched the distinct side of his face.


    "Eldest Prince..."


    The man''s thin lips left her lips.


    Gu Ying suddenly calmed down, knowing that she was dreaming. She turned over again, hugged Ning Si in the quilt, and then fell fast asleep.


    Zhao Changdu''s face showed helplessness, and the corners of his mouth hooked up indulgently. He reached out and pinched the little girl''s tender cheek, feeling a little unhappy in his heart.


    "Do you know that I can''t sleep without you?"


    He came sote to pick her up, but she was sleeping with Ning Si.


    It was only one day since theyst met, yet she had already thrown her husband out of her mind. She really was a fickle little viin.


    However, with Ning Si here, he couldn''t do anything to her. He just watched the little girl''s sleeping face for a while by the bed before silently getting up and leaving the room.


    Let it go. Let her stay at the Ning family house for a few days to take care of Ning Si, then he¡¯de to pick her up and take her back to Qingjiang Manor, it won''t be toote.


    Nowadays, the two talked less.


    He could see that she had a lot on her mind that weighed heavily on her.


    If he didn''t push her a little, he was afraid the little girl would never get over it in her lifetime.


    As for Jiang Yin...


    Zhao Changdu leaped onto the top of the Ning house wall, his deep eyes narrowed, he would kill him sooner orter.


    ...


    The next day, when Gu Ying opened her eyes, she saw Ning Si already awake and sitting in a daze on the couch.


    The breakfast brought by Cai Xi had not been touched at all.


    Gu Ying woke up in bed. She had slept quite wellst night and had a nice dream, so her mood today improved a lot.


    However, when she remembered the Eldest Prince¡¯s recent coldness towards her, she still felt a little ufortable and depressed at heart after all.


    From yesterday till now, the Eldest Prince hadn''te to see her, which showed that he really didn''t want to meet her recently.


    Gu Ying sighed silently. This was also good. It would be reasonable and more convenient for both of them to calm down for a while, so she could do other things.


    However, for the sake of the child in her belly, she would have to learn to keep herself in a good mood no matter what.


    So without thinking too much, shey for a while and then got up. The Eldest Prince had his own busy matters, and she also had a lot to do herself. Since Jiang Yin knew she hade to Yueyang, they would have to meet sooner orter.


    "Ah Si."


    Ning Si turned her head and pulled the corners of her pale, feeble lips into a faint smile. "Is Ah Ying awake?"


    Gu Ying put on her outer garment and walked over to sit in front of her. "I''m going out to buy medicine for you today. Stay at home and rest well, don''t overthink."


    Ning Si obediently nodded her head. Her eyes were somewhat distracted and confused as she slowly ced her little hand on her own lower abdomen. Her eyes were full of helplessness and sadness.


    Gu Ying noticed her distress and also worried that she might have some irrational thoughts.


    As a pregnant woman herself, she naturally knew that it was normal for a woman about to be a mother who, unless forced, would never choose to kill her own flesh and blood with her own hands.


    Ning Si was still young and unmarried. It was normal for her to not be able to ept this for the time being.


    Gu Ying called Yin Lan over and asked her to take good care of Ning Si. She herself changed into men''s clothing, tied up her long hair, put on a jade crown, and prepared to go out.


    Today she was going to not only buy medicine but also meet Jiang Yin. Some things had to be resolved sooner rather thanter... She couldn''t just wait for her doom with folded arms.


    ...


    After taking care of Ning Si, Yin Lan saw that she had returned to her room to sleep again. Only then she went to Huai An''s yard.


    She quietly changed Huai An¡¯s medicine and re-wrapped the gauze. She remained very quiet the whole time.


    Huai An happily drank the bone soup cooked by Yin Lan¡¯s own hands. While pretending to be in pain, he called out.


    Seeing that he was still agonized, Yin Lan suddenly came back to her senses andpassionately ced her hand on Huai An¡¯s right leg that was almost broken. ¡°General Huai, how do you feel? It¡¯s been so long, is your injury still painful?¡±


    Huai An had extremely thick skin. He bared his teeth and said, ¡°Painful. The bone hurts badly. Yin Lan, help me.¡±


    Yin Lan felt a little helpless as she looked at his injured leg, not knowing what to do. ¡°How can I help?¡±


    The soup had been simmered and medicine had been applied. With such a severe injury of a broken bone, she shouldn¡¯t casually massage it.


    She really didn''t know what she could do to alleviate Huai An''s pain a little.


    Huai An nced at her imperceptibly. Pretending to be ufortable, he knitted his brows and sighed, ¡°I know you can¡¯t do much. Just stay and chat with me to relieve my boredom. I feel very lonely recuperating alone in this yard.¡±


    Hearing this, Yin Lan felt even more guilty.


    Huai An was originally one of the Eldest Prince''s generals with great prospects. Following the Eldest Prince, he could also earn prestige. But now, just because of her, he had injured his leg and could only lie idle in this small yard, unable to do anything...


    She knew Huai An liked her. To be honest with herself, Huai An had nearly died for her sake. How could she not also have feelings for Huai An?


    She was just afraid to readily ept him.


    But if Huai An were to be disabled for life because of her and could no longer follow the Eldest Prince to build his merits, the only way she couldpensate would be to marry him and take care of him for life.


    She had seriously considered these matters for a long time.


    "Alright, you speak."


    Huai An looked up at her. "Why do you look unhappy?"


    Yin Lan took a small bench and sat by the side of the reclining Huai An with her eyes falling indistinctly on his injured leg. "It''s not that I''m unhappy. I just feel that something strange is going on recently between the Eldest Prince and Madam."


    As a man, Huai An didn''t notice anything. "Huh? What''s wrong with the Eldest Prince and Madam?"


    Yin Lan pursed her lips and raised her eyes to meet Huai An''s. "I don''t know why either. The Eldest Prince has suddenly be much colder towards Madam. I can also see that Madam feels bad inside, but Madam can be very stubborn sometimes, so she just bears it. The Eldest Prince doesn''te looking for Madam, and Madam won''t take the initiative to find the Eldest Prince either. On the surface, they still look like a loving couple, but in reality, their hearts are not in one ce."


    "Why are their hearts not in one ce?" Huai An didn''t notice anything. Recently, under Yin Lan¡¯s caring attention, he had been concentrating on recuperating from his injury and couldn¡¯t spare any thoughts for anything else.


    Yin Lan said, "I feel that Madam is hiding something from the Eldest Prince. The Eldest Prince also has an introverted personality. There will definitely be problems when neither person asks nor says anything to each other."


    Huai An asked doubtfully, "You¡¯re Madam¡¯s personal maid, but don''t even know what¡¯s going on?"

 Chapter 272: Goodbye Jiang Yin

    <h4>Chapter 272</h4>


    Yin Lan shook her head, "I don''t know. I came to the Marquis''s residenceter. Before that, I was serving rouge to the Madam."


    Huai An''s sword-like eyebrows creased, "In fact, the Heir Apparent had already investigated the Madam''s background. The Madam is from a reputable family and has never set foot out of her home, how could there be anything that could escape my master''s notice?"


    "Sometimes I''m also very puzzled... the Madam doesn''t seem like an inexperienced youngdy at all. It''s said that men like innocent and simple women, and a flower thatsts more than a thousand days is rare indeed, I wonder how long the Heir Apparent''s favor towards the Madam willst."


    Yin Lan had bright and clear eyes, with clean and beautiful features. When she looked at someone, there was an indescribable gentleness.


    Huai An felt a little awkward being stared at by her like this. His ears turned red as he looked away and said, "You can''t say that. Once my master marries the Madam, he would never let her down."


    Yin Lan said, "Not letting the Madam down and loving the Madam are two different things."


    Huai An scratched his head. As a bachelor, he didn''t understand much about the affairs between husbands and wives. "Aren''t they the same thing?"


    Yin Lan suddenlyughed. Looking at Huai An revealing his silly side, she said, "One is just responsibility, the other is love from the bottom of one''s heart. How can they be the same?"


    Huai An also didn''t know what had gotten into him. Hearing her words and looking at Yin Lan''s clean and beautiful face, his heart started thumping rapidly.


    He licked his dry lips, shifted his gaze, and said with reddened ear tips, "Yin Lan, I swear, my feelings for youe genuinely from the bottom of my heart."


    Yin Lan chuckled and said with an amused tone, "I was talking about the Heir Apparent and the Madam, why did you start talking about yourself?"


    Huai An swallowed and looked at Yin Lan nervously.


    The woman had a gentle expression, with tranquil autumn water-like eyes that rippled slightly.


    Seeing this, Huai An''s heart thumped loudly. Unable to restrain himself, he grabbed Yin Lan''s hand.


    Yin Lan was startled.


    Just by grabbing her hand, Huai An became nervous involuntarily. He panted heavily, identally using too much force.


    Yin Lan whimpered in pain as her delicate eyebrows creased lightly.


    Huai An''s handsome face flushed red. He hurriedly let her go and said, "I''m... I''m sorry, Yin Lan... I didn''t mean it."


    Seeing the panic on the man''s face, the corners of Yin Lan''s mouth tilted up faintly. "I''m not ming you."


    Hearing her gentle tone and charming voice, Huai An''s mind went nk. He only felt dizzy.


    Heavens, Yin Lan had smiled at him!


    ...


    At this moment.


    Gu Ying disguised herself and left the Ning residence quietly. On the street, she found a little beggar and gave him a silver coin to deliver a message to the Zhao residence.


    Then she leisurely wandered a few streets, shaking off the tail following her.


    She touched the kirin dagger hidden in her clothes, her gaze calm as she entered the secluded Qingyang Inn she had picked earlier.


    The streets of Yueyang city were bleak these days. With its remote location, there weren''t many guests staying in this inn either.


    Gu Ying entered the inn''s lobby, threw a silver ingot on the counter, and booked an elegant room upstairs.


    The attendant enthusiastically brought hot water over. She sat behind thendscape screen in the room, back straight, quietly waiting.


    An hourter.


    Someone knocked on the door.


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth slowly curved up into an extremely cold arc. She said in a frosty tone, "Come in."


    The door was pushed open.


    Jiang Yin entered in a green robe, graceful and refined.


    The hazy glowing through the thinndscape screen obscured each other''s appearances.


    Jiang Yin couldn''t see Gu Ying''s face clearly. He stood there for a while before walking around the screen to sit opposite her.


    This was the second time they met since their rebirth, andpared to their hostility during the first meeting, the atmosphere this time was much more peaceful.


    Gu Ying looked at him expressionlessly.


    Jiang Yin also rested his gaze tly on her disguised face, recognizing her at first nce. "Why, even whening to see me, you have to be in disguise? Afraid that Zhao Changdu would find out?"


    Gu Ying''s lips moved. Her face was still devoid of any emotional fluctuations. "What''s between you and me has nothing to do with the Heir Apparent. Today, let''s settle our new and old grudges once and for all."


    Jiang Yin chuckled lightly. "The wounds in two ces you stabbedst time still haven''t fully recovered. Ah Ying, you are so ruthless, being so vicious towards your own husband?"


    Gu Ying looked at him coldly, her eyes swiftly turning icy. "In my eyes, you are already a dead man."


    Jiang Yin loved Gu Ying''s ruthless and heartless expression. Her coldness brought his surging possessiveness to its peak.


    In fact, in their past life, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t like her...


    Just based on her peerless beauty, he had no reason to reject the advances of such a stunning beauty.


    It was just that back then, the allure of fame and sess was greater to him.


    He had only helped her get rid of Zhao Changdu¡¯s child in her belly, then gave her to Prince Shu Li Yang once. If he had a bad temper with her, why did she resent him for two lifetimes?


    He slowly picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of hot water. "I know what you''re worried about. Are you afraid that I would tell Zhao Changdu about our entanglements of love and hate?"


    Gu Ying''s expression was very indifferent. If one didn''t look closely, one wouldn''t notice the ominous killing intent hidden deep in her eyes.


    Jiang Yin was not afraid either. He sneered. "Rest assured, a married couple''s lovests a hundred days. You served me once after all, how could I just sell you out like this?"


    Gu Ying shot up abruptly and took out her dagger. Her body shed strangely and she ced the sharp de against Jiang Yin¡¯s vulnerable neck in an instant.


    Jiang Yin leaned back, his whole body seeming to have copsed into Gu Ying''s embrace.


    One of Gu Ying¡¯s hands held onto his neck, while the other gripped the dagger, ready to plunge the de into his throat at any moment.


    He held his breath, narrowed his eyes, and finally understood that Gu Yingpletely disregarded their past and intended to put him to death.


    "Ah Ying! You can''t kill me!"


    Jiang Yin was so frightened his face lost color.


    Gu Ying sneered coldly, her grip gradually tightening, "Jiang Yin, today, you will disappear from this world for good. Go to hell!"


    Jiang Yin''s expression changed drastically. He quickly said, "I''ll trade Zhao Changdu''s fate in our past life for you sparing my life today, what do you say?"


    Gu Ying was stunned.


    And it was just this moment of absent-mindedness that Jiang Yin ruthlessly struck backwards with his elbow.


    Gu Ying panicked for a moment and hurriedly protected her own stomach, retreating back. The dagger¡¯s sharp edge cut into her palm and blood quickly seeped out.


    Taking this opportunity, Jiang Yin broke free from her restraints and escaped.


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows were tightly knitted as her hand clutched tightly over her lower abdomen. "You¡ª"


    Jiang Yin sneered. With more chilly and biting harshness in his eyes now, he stood with his hands behind his back not far from her. "You are bearing Zhao Changdu¡¯s evil spawn again. Did you think I wouldn''t know?"


    His using tone made him seem extremely sarcastic andughable.


    Gu Ying clenched her fist tightly, the corners of her lips curving up coldly. "That''s none of your business."


    Jiang Yin looked at her viciously. "You probably forgot it was me who helped remove that child from your womb in our past life."

 Chapter 273: Because You Can’t

    <h4>Chapter 273</h4>


    He didn''t mention it earlier and it would have been fine, but once he did, the hatred in Gu Ying''s heart surged again. Her eyes, shing crimson, red at him furiously as she dered, "That''s too bad as I''m determined to give birth to this child in this lifetime."


    Jiang Yin''s eyes shed a horrifying icy glow. "Don''t you dare!" he growled.


    Hearing the anger and anxiety in the man''s tone, Gu Ying suddenly realized something andughed mockingly. "Jiang Yin, could it be you''ve fallen for me?"


    "No!" Jiang Yin''s handsome face froze. "How could I possibly love you?"


    Gu Ying retorted, "Then why do you care whose child I''m carrying?"


    Jiang Yin''s dark expression didn''t change. "You''re mine. The woman I once wanted to marry. No one else can have you."


    After careful consideration, Gu Ying sensed the jealousy in this dog-man''s words.


    She found it extremely ironic. Back then when she loved him deeply but couldn''t have him, she chased him ardently every day. Whichdy or noblewoman in Bianjing City didn''t gossip about her behind her back for debasing herself?


    Yet when he married her, he tormented and tortured her before eventually bringing in many concubines, using Jiang Ling''er to humiliate her.


    She endured for two years, waiting on his difficult mother and cunning sister-inw,peting with so many women for his affections and attention, only to end up being heartlessly abandoned by him.


    And now Jiang Yin was actually jealous that she was pregnant with the Eldest Prince''s child.


    She gave a mockingugh.


    There was truly karma in this world, evil deeds will be punished.


    She was determined to make him taste the humiliation and pain that she once endured.


    "Unfortunately," Gu Ying said sarcastically, "whenpared to my Eldest Prince, you fall far short. I''m able to conceive his child but not yours, Jiang Yin...surely you must know why?"


    Hearing her refer to the "Eldest Prince", Jiang Yin was already furious. Then hearing her say she couldn''t conceive his child, his gaze turned even colder. "Why?" he demanded.


    Gu Ying smiled smugly. "Isn''t it obvious? Because you''re impotent!"


    Jiang Yin was humiliated with rage. "Gu Ying, just you wait! I''ll make you regret this beyond measure! Do you think that just by killing me today, you''ll be able to live happily ever after with Zhao Changdu?"


    Gu Ying clenched her fists and smiled scathingly. "What, do you think all men are heartless beasts like you, seducing then abandoning women without a care?"


    "Putting aside whether Zhao Changdu will love you forever or not, just considering our affair, I''ve already written it all down in a letter. If you kill me today and I don''t return to the Yueyang government offices this evening, Han Lin will make the contents of that letter public. By that time your marriage to me will spread throughout thend. Do you think Zhao Changdu will still want you and your bastard child?"


    Gu Ying was furious. "You despicable scum!"


    Jiang Yin gave a mockingugh. "Call me whatever names you want, but you have to admit, Ah Rong, you''ve lost. Your downfall is that you let emotions rule reason. If you had abandoned Zhao Changdu to coborate with me instead, what''s to stop you from attaining the position that all women desire? When that timees, I''ll honor you as my empress to rule thend, while everyone you hate will grovel at your feet. And I would always dote on you."


    "Go vomit somewhere else. I wouldn''t be your empress dog even if my life depended on it!"


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes slightly, gripping the dagger tightly in her hand. After hurling insults at him, she still didn''t forget her intention to kill Jiang Yin.


    But Jiang Yin was a sly old fox who had lived two lifetimes. How could he not discern her motive? Rather than engage her, when she stabbed at him with the knife, he directly chose to leap out the window and escape.


    Gu Ying had wanted to give chase by jumping out the window as well, but thinking of the child in her belly, she could only halt her actions in disappointment.


    "He escaped again!"


    She gnashed her teeth resentfully, the rims of her eyes shing red.


    Since her rebirth, she seldom cried because of her own weakness, but sitting there now, her heart inexplicably swelled with grief. Hot air rushed into her nose, her eyes moistened, and tears rolled down hershes.


    Remaining seated without moving, inside the lonely, quiet hut, she ced a hand over her lower abdomen. It took a good while before she emerged from her angry stupor.


    She had too much of her life in Jiang Yin''s hands...


    She couldn''t always worry about him...


    If she told the truth to the Eldest Prince as soon as possible, she could directly destroy Jiang Yin''s control over her.


    But...


    Gu Ying blinked back red rimmed eyes and shook her head helplessly, internally denying herself this method.


    Rising unsteadily to her feet, she knew that no one could be relied on except herself.


    She must depend on only herself to get rid of Jiang Yin.


    After leaving the Qingyang Inn, Gu Ying visited over ten medicine shops, purchasing abortion drugs furtively from each.


    To avoid suspicion, she even ate a bowl of authentic Yueyang noodles in a small streetside noodle stand.


    Only then did she slowly make her way back to Ning Mansion.


    The moment she entered the residence, Yin Lan hurried up to greet her, first casting a baffled look over her disguise before swiftly and discreetly blocking her from view. In a low voice she asked, "Mistress, where did you go? Why have you only just returned sote?"


    Gu Ying nced at the darkening horizon. The sun was setting in the west, its lingering glow sprinkling over theyered ovepping grey-blue roof tiles and walls of Ning Mansion. The lofty buildings and courtyards stretched wide and deep.


    Great swaths of brilliant red dusk zed at the seam where earth met sky, while overhead, ck clouds were amassing, oppressively weighing down the atmosphere.


    It would likely rain tomorrow. Tonight was destined to be unsettling inside these emerald walls.


    Watching the sun gradually shift west, Gu Ying stepped into the courtyard.


    "I went out to buy some medicine," was her vague reply about Jiang Yin.


    Yin Lan immediately grew concerned. "What''s wrong, Mistress? Are you unwell?"


    "It''s not for me, but for Ning Si," Gu Ying said.


    Yin Lan frowned in puzzlement. "No wonder I didn''t see Eldest Young Lady Ning all day. She was abed. So she has fallen ill."


    Gu Ying knew she couldn''t hide this from Yin Lan.


    The Nings were a prominent family in Yueyang. Although most of the men had apanied Elder Master Ning to Bianjing City, old patriarch Ning and Ning Si''s uncle remained in Yueyang City, along with her aunt. They were not simple folk.


    Harmony prevailed in the Ning household but it was still filled with gossipy servants. Ning Si''s personal maid Qing Yun who grew up with her was not here, so old master Ning had sent Cai Xiu over specially to attend to her daily needs.


    Cai Xiu was merely a low ranked maid in aunt Ning''s residence, certainly not someone who could keep a secret.


    Ning Si''s pregnancy could not be known by the Nings, and neither could Cai Xiu find out.


    Tonight, Ning Si would take the abortion concoction. Over the next few days she would need someone to brew her medicinal soups, which had to be kept from the Nings. So Gu Ying could only rely on Yin Lan''s assistance.


    After avoiding Cai Xiu, Gu Ying exined the situation to Yin Lan.


    Yin Lan was quite shocked upon first hearing the news, but calmed herself soon after. Working in the censorate for many years, she had seen much of the world and naturally understood how enormous this matter was and that not one misstep could be afforded.


    Although inwardly baffled why an unmarried girl would be pregnant...she trusted her mistress, and also trusted that Ning Si absolutely would not have done anything improper.


    With the unjust state of gender inequality nowadays, if Ning Si''s reputation was truly ruined by this and she ended up losing her life over it, Yin Lan''s conscience would be burdened.


    Moreover, for a woman to be pregnant and give birth, the man merely contributed some effort, so why should a woman have to face destruction of body and name for the so called sake of reputation and be looked down on by all?

 Chapter 274: Decocting Medicine

    <h4>Chapter 274</h4>


    "Madam, although what happened to Young Lady Ning is strange and bizarre, I feel sorry for her. Don''t worry, I know what I should do," said Yin Lan.


    Gu Ying knew Yin Lan was reliable and would handle things properly. She pulled up the corners of her mouth and said, "Yin Lan, I bought a set of miscarriage medicine and a set of fertility medicine. The ones marked with red dots are the miscarriage medicine. Bring these medicines and decoct them with gentle heat, reducing three bowls of water to one bowl before bringing it to me. If Cai Xiu asks, tell her it''s fertility medicine I''m decocting for myself. You must not let the Ning family detect anything amiss."


    Yin Lan held the medicine package in her palm and solemnly said, "Madam, don''t worry. I know how to deal with Sister Cai Xiu."


    Gu Ying smiled faintly. Her face revealed traces of fatigue. She pinched the space between her brows and said, "You go first. I''ll go bathe and change clothes myself."


    Yin Lan nodded and left the room.


    ...


    Ever since the prince''s wife had arrived, except for Cai Xiu, no one else was allowed casual entry into the main residence.


    Now that the prince''s wife was staying in the youngdy''s quarters, Cai Xiu''s opportunities to enter the room decreased.


    Even this morning''s hot water for the youngdy''s washing up had been carried in by Yin Lan.


    Cai Xiu had long harbored dissatisfaction in her heart.


    Although the prince''s wife was of esteemed status, since her arrival, the prince had not visited even once. Whether she was favored remained questionable.


    With much difficulty, Cai Xiu had managed to be assigned to serve the youngdy in hopes of following her to Bianjing one day to enjoy glory and splendor.


    Yet now the situation was the opposite. The youngdy spent her days waiting upon the prince''s wife and no longer needed Cai Xiu''s service.


    In a few more days, wouldn''t she be relegated back to her original courtyard to serve as a lowly maid?


    That would not do!


    With indignation in her heart, Cai Xiu walked along the covered corridor. At first nce, she spotted Yin Lan carrying two packages of medicine towards the small kitchen.


    She nced at the lit candlelight in the main building, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. Then she went straight to Yin Lan and amiably asked, "Sister Yin Lan, why are you going to the kitchen sote?"


    Yin Lan held the two medicine packets openly in her hand and politely smiled, "The madam is having issues stabilizing her fetus, so I''m decocting two doses of fertility medicine to bring to the madam."


    Cai Xiu''s eyes were glued to those medicine packets. Her sharp eyes noticed the packaging on both medicines differed¨C¨Cthey were clearly not bought from the same shop.


    This was even more peculiar. What person buys fertility medicine from separate shops, moreover when the Ning manor had its own pharmacy withmon medicinal ingredients readily avable? As the esteemed prince''s wife carrying the prince''s child, the old master must have prepared fertility medicine for her from the start.


    With her mind racing in thought, Cai Xiu followed Yin Lan the whole way to the kitchen. Enthusiastically, she asked, "I heard my youngdy has been sleeping this whole day. Is she ill? Lately herplexion hasn''t been good. As her servant I feel distressed seeing this, yet she''s stubborn and refuses to see the doctor."


    Yin Lan replied, "It shouldn''t be serious. Don''t worry too much."


    Cai Xiu said, "How can I not worry? In the future the youngdy is to be the Heir Apparent''s consort. If anything happens, we servants will have to take responsibility."


    Yin Lan was rendered speechless. Young Lady Ning had inexplicably conceived a child. With this, not only would marrying into royalty be questionable, even an ordinary marriage match would be uncertain...


    "Sister Yin Lan," Cai Xiu''s gaze dropped back onto the medicine packets set aside. Obligingly she offered, "Why don''t I help decoct the medicine?"


    "I appreciate the offer, but preparing the madam''s medicine should not trouble you," Yin Lan politely declined, carrying the decocting pot to the stove. She made an excuse, "The prince ordered that everything the madam ingests must not pass through the hands of others, not that I distrust you. As servants we can only obey our masters''mands... With the madam pregnant, I dare not be careless..."


    Cai Xiu let out an awkwardugh, somewhat displeased at what she felt was Yin Lan''s pretentious attitude.


    Still, Cai Xiu did not leave. Yin Lan grew uneasy¨C¨Cthe miscarriage and fertility medicines werepletely different. If Cai Xiu recognized the former from her many years spent serving in prominent households, all would be for naught.


    As Yin Lan picked up the medicine packets to open them, she suddenly eximed, "Oh my! Sister Cai Xiu, I just recalled the madam mentioned earlier she had something to ask you. Would you please head over to speak with her?"


    Upon hearing the prince''s wife was looking for her, Cai Xiu immediately stood up. "Then let me go first. Sister Yin Lan, please carry on decocting the medicine."


    Yin Lan smiled and nodded. "I can manage decocting medicine myself. Hurry on over, Sister."


    Cai Xiu hastily made her way to the main building, eager to respond to the summons.


    Yin Lan breathed a sigh of relief. She took out both medicines and poured them into separate pots to decoct.


    ...


    Not long after Gu Ying had returned to the room and changed out of disguise, she heard Cai Xiu knocking on the door.


    "Esteemed Prince''s Wife, Yin Lan told me you were asking for me?"


    From small details, Gu Ying could tell Cai Xiu had impure intentions and was ambitious. After only a couple days here, Gu Ying realized the servant girl was eager for quick sess and gains. Her sudden arrival now surely indicated Yin Lan had run into trouble, so Gu Ying went along and called her in to chat briefly. She then sent the girl off with an errand to obtain local gazetteers from Old Master Ning''s residence to keep Cai Xiu out the way.


    As expected, Cai Xiu did not doubt her words and immediately left under orders for Old Master Ning''s courtyard.


    Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief and went to Ning Si''s bedside. "Why are you still sleeping, Sis Ning?"


    Ning Si had just woken up. She pulled down the covers from her head, revealing a flushed sleepy face. "Mm...Sis Ying, what time is it now?"


    Gu Ying smiled. "The sky has already darkened."


    Upon hearing this, Ning Si bolted straight up in bed. The sudden movement made her dizzy again.


    Gu Ying helped prop her up against the pillow in annoyance. "Just like me back then, you''re rash. Now that you know you''re expecting, be more careful not to hurt your fundamentals. My medicine isn''t too potent or damaging to your body. Yin Lan has gone to decoct it."

 Chapter 275: Madame bought the abortifier.

    <h4>Chapter 275</h4>


    Ning Si''s originally sleepy eyes dimmed silently when she heard this. "...Gu Ying, I..."


    Gu Ying held her warm little hand andforted, "I know you are very scared and flustered now, but for your future life, we can only act decisively."


    Ning Si lowered her longshes, looking rather depressed, and put her other hand on her t little belly, unable to say how she felt at the moment.


    With eyes rimmed red, she raised her face and forced a smile, "Gu Ying, I just feel weird. I clearly had nothing before, but now that I know I''m carrying a child in my belly... Although it''s still small, it''s also a living life...so I haveplicated feelings."


    Gu Ying encouraged, "Don''t be afraid. One bowl of medicine and it will all be over."


    Ning Si raised her glistening tearful eyes, "Okay..."


    Seeing that Ning Si''s mood was still rtively stable, Gu Ying got up, "You lie down first, and I''lle to you after I bathe."


    Ning Si blinked her dazed eyes and nodded slightly.


    Gu Ying knew she was upset, but things were already like this, there was really no way.


    She sighed, went out the door, closed the door again, then took clean clothes and walked to the bathing clean room...


    ...


    Qingjiang Manor.


    In the dusk, the air was filled with the unique smell of spring grass. A ck figure quietlynded in thergest main courtyard of the manor.


    "Master."


    "Come in."


    The person came in, the voice was so small it was barely audible.


    Zhao Changdu sat behind the book case and nced at him, asking lightly, "Where''s Jiang Yin?"


    Huai Bi said, "He went to Shu Prince''s room. There are several top masters guarding it and I couldn''t get close."


    Zhao Changdu was dealing with all the government affairs since the Yueyang snow disaster. The books and scrolls on the case were piled up like a mountain. Before he came, no one had dealt with these things at all. The whole mess was left in the government office by Shu Prince and the others. The entire Yueyang¡¯s government affairs were neglected and the people were panicking because of the gue.


    With an extremely cold and abstinent face under the candlelight, he looked like a god.


    But Huai Bi was holding his breath and standing cautiously in the study, unsure whether to say something about his wife.


    After all, this afternoon, his master had walked past Jiang Yin in the Yueyang government office.


    The usually timid Jiang Yin had always hid under Shu Prince''s wings. He and his brothers had squatted for a long time but failed to catch him. Later someone powerful came to Jiang Yin and it became even harder to get close to him.


    But strangely today, his master happened to meet Jiang Yin under the corridor, he didn¡¯t know if it was a coincidence.


    Jiang Yin had just returned from outside, looking a little disheveled.


    He thought that when Jiang Yin saw him, he would turn and leave as usual.


    But unexpectedly, he walked directly towards his master. After a while, he smiled and said, "Zhao Heir, guess who I met today?"


    His master didn''t speak, but he could see the smugness in Jiang Yin''s eyes. He said he had met his wife.


    At that time, he saw his master''s face turn gloomy rapidly.


    But Jiang Yin didn''t stop. He seemed to have said something else to his master in a low voice.


    He didn''t hear it clearly at the time, but he could feel that although his master''s expression had not changed, after Jiang Yin left, his body released a chilling aura that made people shudder.


    Combined with the news he had just heard from his subordinates, he was already quite sure that there wereplex connections between this Jiang Yin... and his wife.


    Maybe those rumors about his wife in Bianjing were true.


    His wife was in love with Jiang Yin first, andter married his master when she failed.


    But his wife was too bold. They were already married yet she still dared to meet privately with Jiang Yin. Did she think his master¡¯s nickname as the cold-faced King of Hell was for nothing?


    "Master." Huai Bi said hesitantly.


    Zhao Changdu impatiently raised his eyes, "Speak."


    Since parting with Jiang Yin today, the atmosphere in Qingjiang Manor was already so low that no one dared to breathe loudly.


    Huai Bi took a deep breath. They were responsible for guarding his wife. They should tell their master about everything rted to his wife, otherwise if something really happened to his wife, or she had an affair with Jiang Yin behind his master¡¯s back, the four of them would be punished even if they died a hundred times.


    So he told everything his subordinate had reported today, "Master, his wife didn''t stay at Ning''s house this afternoon... She pretended to go out from Ning''s house and wandered around town for a while, throwing us off. Later, Huai Yun saw his wife and Jiang Yine out of Qingyang Inn one after the other. After Jiang Yin left, his wife went to more than a dozen drug stores..."


    When he heard this, Zhao Changdu paused holding his wolf-hair brush.


    After a long time, he knitted his brows, "What medicine did Gu Ying buy?"


    His master''s aura was too strong. An intense pressure came from above, and Huai Bi nervously swallowed, "She bought Heavenly Flower Powder, musk, safflower, peach kernel, rhizome atractylodes,idium monnieri, blister beetle, root of kudzuvine, and more than a dozen kinds of blood cirction and decongestant, diuretic and anti-edema medicines. Although his wife didn''t buy all the medicines she needed at one drug store at a time, his subordinate saw... these medicines seemed to be used by pregnant women to induce miscarriage..."


    "Pa!"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold. He threw the brush heavily on the book case.


    Huai Bi secretly raised his head to see his master''s extremely fierce eyes, and hurriedly lowered his head again, frightened and retreated several steps. When he raised his head again, the study was already empty.


    Huai Bi: "..."


    It''s over, his wife was done for.


    ...


    Gu Yingfortably took a hot bath.


    Without Yin Lan''s service beside her, she touched her slightly bulging belly, and her actions became more and more careful.


    Today, if Jiang Yin''s blow had hit her belly, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned cold.


    Thinking that the baby was still safe in her belly, she couldn''t help revealing a gentle smile at the corners of her lips.


    It was her first time being a mother. She knew nothing.


    She had to guard against Jiang Yin and take care of the Heir. Her days were messy.


    But now staring at her belly, she felt nothing else mattered. The baby''s safety was most important.


    She carefully climbed out of the bathtub, and was about to take the towel to dry herself when she suddenly heard the bath door pushed open violently.


    She hurried to take the clothes ced to the side and asked vigntly, "Who is it?"


    The door was pushed open, then mmed shut with a bang.


    The chill seeped in from the cracks in the door. The person moved extremely fast. A ck shadow shed.


    Before Gu Ying could react, her slender wrist was gripped tightly by a bony big hand.


    The person was incredibly strong.


    Her wrist was pinched so hard that the bones almost cracked.


    Gu Ying was furious with shame. She frowned as she was about to struggle but met a pair of sharp and gloomy phoenix eyes.


    The man stared straight at her with icy cold eyes, almost freezing over.


    "Gu Ying, what right do you have to do this!"


    This pained and angry question silenced all words in Gu Ying''s throat as she froze for a moment, "Zhao Du, why are you here?"


    "If I didn''te, when would you have kept it from me?"

 Chapter 276: An Own Misunderstanding

    <h4>Chapter 276</h4>


    Gu Ying''s face changed color, "I¡ª"


    "What''s the matter, cat got your tongue?" Zhao Changdu let out a coldugh, his expression so chillingly cold that it made one''s scalp tingle.


    What is going on...could it be that he found out about the affair between her and Jiang Yin?


    At the thought that this might be possible, Gu Ying''s petite face grew even paler.


    "Prince, please let me exin..."


    "Go ahead." Zhao Changdu gave a self-deprecating tilt of his eyshes, concealing the predatory chill in his eyes.


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped rapidly. She awkwardly licked the corner of her lips, only now realizing that she wore not a stitch.


    Her face flushed red. She bit her lip, struggled out of his scorching hot palm, and hurriedly gathered her clothes about herself. Her gaze darted about evasively. "...Changdu, let me get dressed first. We can talk about this afterwards."


    Inscrutable pleasure or anger showed on Zhao Changdu''s face, yet he did not continue his questioning. Instead, he clenched his fist tightly as he watched her appealing, flushed and tender skin, making no move to look away.


    Gu Ying was left with no choice. With this hulking piece of meat blocking her way, the oppressive pressure made it difficult to breathe.


    She still hadn''t put her clothes on...Her small hand pushed against his firm waist and abdomen, but he did not budge as his gloomy gaze roamed over her. That sinister, gloomy look made Gu Ying inexplicably afraid.


    There were no walls in this world that were airtight. Some things simply could not be kept hidden. Sooner orter the prince would find out.


    Moreover, Jiang Yin was currently in Yueyang City.


    The prince and he were both in the Yueyang government offices. If Jiang Yin wanted to expose her past, it would only take a sentence or two.


    She lost her train of thought. Her heart ached so much she could barely breathe. She took a deep breath and slipped out from between the prince and the bathtub.


    Seeing that he made no move to look away, she had no choice but to turn her back towards him and hurriedly tidy up her clothes.


    It only took a fleeting moment to put her clothes on.


    But in that time, she had already summoned her courage and forced herself to calm down.


    The many memories from her past life coalesced into a single phrase.


    She pursed her lips slightly and slowly turned to face the tall man standing in the bathroom. Her lips curved up into a faint smile as she said, "Prince, I think we should get a divorce..."


    She did not want others to trample over her past, nor did she wish to hurt the prince. Even more so, she was unwilling to have the prince looked down upon by others because of her. Other than divorce, there was no other way.


    In the dim lighting of the bathroom with only a single oilmp, Gu Ying stood prettily about five steps away from the man.


    In such oppressive and confined surroundings, Zhao Changdu gave a mocking quirk of his lips. His scorching gaze took in the unmatched beauty before him as he said in a low voice, "It seems that to you, there is only this one phrase when ites to me. To you, am I merely someone you can abandon at any time?"


    And it was not just him. She could even ruthlessly get rid of their child for Jiang Yin''s sake.


    Zhao Changdu only felt as if his heart had been shed open by a dull knife, leaving it exposed to the howling cold wind. The pain made his heart clench tightly.


    Heughed as well, the corners of his lips curving up mockingly and disdainfully. Cold, callous, and disappointed.


    Gu Ying struggled to maintain the smile on her face. "Because I truly do not know how I should exin this."


    Zhao Changdu gave a derisive twitch of his lips. "Is it that you do not know how to exin, or that you are unwilling to exin?"


    Gu Ying''s breathing stalled. Her fingers curled tightly together. "I admit that I am a coward. I just never dared to exin this to you. I was never prepared to exin this...but..."


    "Hmph." Zhao Changdu forcibly suppressed his emotions, his heart turning icy cold once more. "All for the sake of one Jiang Yin, you would actually go to such lengths. Gu Ying, I have underestimated you."


    Gu Ying parted her lips, and her eyes instantly turned red.


    She knew that the prince would find out about her meeting with Jiang Yin today. But what wrong had shemitted?


    She too had been deceived by Jiang Yin, ruined for a lifetime, subjected to ten years of humiliation.


    Did she not feel anguished and aggrieved as well?


    Now, rather than hoping for the prince to feel distress and pity for her, she only wished for him to stop saying such hurtful things.


    She blinked back her tears, forcing them to remain in her eyes. The smile on the corners of her lips faded away and could no longer be maintained. Her heart felt as if it was being roasted over a fire, burning her from the inside out.


    She heaved a sigh, responding lightly, "So I do not wish to exin anymore."


    Zhao Changdu''s face was suffused with a terrifying wrath, his eyes darkening. pent-up fury simmered under a cid surface, winding ever tighter and tenser. "I do not agree. The child is yours and mine. You do not have the right to make unteral decisions over its life and death."


    Gu Ying frowned in puzzlement. "Prince, what do you mean by that?"


    Zhao Changdu paced over to stand in front of her, an overpowering aura emanating from him.


    Gu Ying retreated step by step. Raising her tear-reddened eyes, she looked at him in bewilderment.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was sinister and fierce. He reached out and pulled her slender waist towards him with one arm, forcefully imprisoning her soft and pliant body against his own. The aura surrounding his entire body was ice-cold and dangerous.


    Gu Ying panickedly lifted her chin, her small hands clinging onto his sturdy arms. She looked up fearfully into the fathomless depths of his eyes, afraid that his immense anger would make him tear her apart.


    "Prince?"


    Feeling his broad, hot chest press towards her, and seeing that taut, sharp profile of his, Gu Ying''s heart pounded faster and faster. "Prince, I truly didn''t mean to...this isn''t my fault..."


    Barely restraining the mes of fury within him, Zhao Changdu used two fingers to pinch her chin, forcing her to look straight at him. He ground his teeth. "Since you did not mean to, then why did you buy abortion pills? Gu Ying, how can your heart be so cruel to eveny hands on your own child? I am the child''s father. Were you not even going to tell me about this?"


    Gu Ying blinked nkly for a few times, her cheeks involuntarily puffing out from the man''s actions. "What nonsense are you talking about!"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows were tightly knitted together, his eyes full of anguish as his eyes turned red. Like a wild beast on the verge of losing control, he asked, "Do you still want to argue about this?"


    Gu Ying suddenlyughed. Now she understood! The prince had note to find her because of Jiang Yin''s matter, but because of the abortion pill incident!


    Perhaps the prince''s subordinates had informed him about it. But they did not know that the pills were not meant for her to consume, leading the prince to misunderstand. She had not expected the prince would disregard all else the moment he learned about this matter, only caring about seeking her out. She was quite moved by this depth of feeling.


    Gu Ying realized what the crux of the matter was. She flung herself into the man''s embrace.


    This sudden action instead made Zhao Changdu freeze up momentarily. There was bitterness in his voice as he painfully suppressed his anguish. "Gu Ying, don''t think that by trying to curry favor with me, I would..."


    Gu Ying mumbled, "Who said I wanted to get rid of our child?"


    Zhao Changdu''s fingers gradually tightened their hold, embracing her body. But the look in his eyes remained one of puzzlement and profound darkness.


    Gu Ying could feel that the aggressive aura around the man had yet to fade away. She extricated herself from his embrace and grabbed hisrge hand, cing it on her slightly protruding abdomen. "Changdu, feel it. Our child is still there. I wasn''t nning to use those pills myself."


    Zhao Changdu''s motions paused and his brows furrowed even more tightly together. "Then who were they for?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips. "They were for Ning Si."

 Chapter 277: The Prince is Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 277</h4>


    When Zhao Changdu came to his senses from the nightmare and realized it was all a misunderstanding, he pulled Gu Ying into his arms again in a moment of post-panic.


    "You troublemaker Gu Ying!"


    "Do you know how heartbroken I was when I learned you''d bought those abortion pills?"


    Gu Ying gave a helpless smile, her little hands hugging the man''s sturdy waist. "It''s such a huge matter, I didn''t expect Master Zhao to misunderstand... But Master Zhao can also think about it - no matter how vicious I may be, it''s impossible for me toy hands on my own child. My anticipation for this child is no less than yours by a tiny bit."


    Zhao Changdu red at her sullenly, the chills all over his body nowpletely gone. He could only hold her tightly in his arms, as if only this would keep her by his side forever.


    "I''m sorry, Lady Gu. I didn''t think it through just now."


    When he heard the news that she''d bought abortion pills, a unprecedented fear welled up from the bottom of his heart.


    He wished he could fly to her side immediately to tie her up, not allowing her to harm the child.


    Gu Ying was almost suffocated by his embrace. "Mm...Master Zhao, you''re squeezing me..."


    Hearing the youngdy''s whimpers, Zhao Changdu finally reacted. The turbulent darkness in his eyes receded, and he slowly released the woman in his arms. After settling down for quite a while, hisplexion finally regained its usual calm.


    Gu Ying looked at him with wide, misty eyes that didn''t blink at all.


    The two of them had grown cold with each other for a period of time. Now that they''d fought and made up, even his cold, proud brows and eyes had regained warmth.


    Gu Ying curved her eyes into a smile and reached out a finger to poke his straight nose.


    The corner of the man''s mouth hinted a faint smile, though his sword-like brows knitted lightly. "Don''t make trouble. Did you sleep wellst night?"


    Gu Ying grinned. "With Lady Zhao apanying me, I slept very well."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t tell her about histe night visit. He murmured in agreement, then picked her up horizontally. Whenever he was around, he never liked his wife and child''s mother to walk much.


    There was a short couch in the partitioned bathing room where one could rest.


    In a swift motion, Gu Ying was lifted lightly with her whole body wrapped in the unique scent belonging to the man. Soon he brought her to the couch.


    He sat there properly like a gentleman.


    Gu Ying, however, leaned against him coquettishly like a sprite, her shoulder slightly bared, smooth and fair, defying frost and outshining snow - even whiter than her white robes, which made her red lips and beautiful brows and eyes even more striking.


    The man''s gaze was very concentrated. Holding her soft, boneless little hand absently, his unfathomable dark eyes looked her way faintly, making her heart skip a beat.


    At such a close distance with such a strong aura, anyone would feel nervous and unable to tell lies.


    Fortunately, Gu Ying had been his wife for a few months now and was quiteposed around him. "Master Zhao, what are you looking at?"


    The man remained entirely undistracted by her beauty. "You''re hiding something from me."


    Gu Ying was very guilty. She had indeed overreacted earlier. "I..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to look at her. "What we just talked about were two separate matters, but Lady Gu''s reaction makes me think deeper."


    He seldom interacted with women. Gu Ying was his first woman.


    He loved her more than his own life.


    After a misunderstanding tonight, he noticed even more oddities.


    His little wife must be hiding something from him.


    Gu Ying smiled awkwardly, gripping his hand tighter. Her mind raced swiftly as she rapidly found a reasonable exnation. "I thought Master Zhao hade because of my meeting with Jiang Yin today... Actually I didn''t intend to hide this from you either, I just wanted to find a chance to mention itter..."


    Zhao Changdu: "For Jiang Yin, you were willing to say those hurtful words about separating from me?"


    Gu Ying hurriedly argued: "I... I was just afraid Master Zhao would stop wanting me because Jiang Yin didn''t want me anymore, so I thought I''d make the first move to hurt less if that happened."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was indiscernible, his gaze profound and deep. "So why did Lady Gu secretly meet with him?"


    Gu Ying faltered, fingers clenching tighter. Her mind raced swiftly as she racked her brains for an excuse. "I was looking for him because there''s something very important that''s with him... I have to get it back no matter what, or I''ll never be at ease."


    "Oh?" Zhao Changdu''s tone was very mild. "What is this object?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip. She had no choice but to shamelessly say, "A sachet."


    Today, she saw it at Jiang Yin''s waist - a bamboo sachet she had personally embroidered.


    Back then when she liked Jiang Yin, she had looked forward to him liking her every day. Urged by Lady Gu, she gave Jiang Yin many gifts.


    At that time her embroidery skills were poor and her teacher hadn''t taught her to make these things. In order to win Jiang Yin''s affection, she resorted to self-learning through many sleepless nights, and finally somehow managed to embroider an ugly bamboo pattern onto a sachet.


    Jiang Yin had never worn it in their past life. Perhaps to deliberately provoke her, he specifically wore it out today.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak, his obscure eyes flickering in the candlelight.


    Gu Ying''s palms grew sweaty as nervousness and guilt overcame her.


    In just a short while, Zhao Changdu said, "I want a pomegranate seed one."


    Gu Ying looked up. "What?"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows knitted together in displeasure. He crooked his forefinger and lightly tapped her forehead. "Embroidered by your hands. I want it in a few days."


    Only then did Gu Ying realize he wanted a sachet.


    Her jealous husband''s manner...was truly adorable.


    "Master Zhao," her heart softened. She took the initiative to hug his slender neck and tiptoed to peck his thin lips. "I was wrong about this matter. I apologize to you. I swear I have no feelings whatsoever for Jiang Yin. Today''s meeting was purely to take back the sachet..."


    "For such trivial matters, just leave them to your husband."


    The man pressed his forehead to hers, murmuring gently, "I''m not worried Lady Gu will betray me. I just don''t like Lady Gu keeping worries in her heart that she''s unwilling to share with me. That will make me feel ipetent as a husband."


    "I..." Gu Ying sighed softly. "I just felt I could handle it myself..."


    "Does Lady Gu distrust me this much? And you''re pregnant on top of that. What if something happens to you¡ª"


    "No." Gu Ying earnestly lifted her eyes. "I believe in Master Zhao. I''ll always believe in Master Zhao."


    Zhao Changdu sighed softly, so softly it was nearly inaudible. "Then hand all matters rted to Jiang Yin over to me in the future, alright?"


    The man''s big hand slid downward to rest on her lower back, transmitting scorching heat.


    Gu Ying paused briefly, her long eyshes fluttering lightly as she murmured a soft "Mm."


    Zhao Changdu raised a brow, a swathe of dark moisture arising in his eyes - deep and shallow, stealing souls with infatuation.


    Gu Ying felt her whole body grow hot under his intense stare.


    But the person before her could only be seen, not tasted.


    She whimpered softly and curled back into his embrace, quietly listening to the strong, powerful beats of his heart against his chest.


    If only time could forever stay frozen here.

 Chapter 278: Deciding to Have a Baby

    <h4>Chapter 278</h4>


    Let her forget the past, not think about the future, just focus on the present and embrace all the warmth in his arms.


    After the brief tenderness, Zhao Changdu wanted to take the little girl back to Qingjiang Manor. What would it be like for her to be with Ning Si every day?


    Did she even know who her real husband was?


    Before leaving, Gu Ying opened her eyes, "No, I have to stay. Ning Si really needs me right now."


    Zhao Changdu frowned, not feeling great.


    Why were both men and women trying to take his little girl from him?


    Gu Ying had no choice but to tell him about Ning Si''s unexined pregnancy before he let go of her hand and reluctantly agreed, "Fine. I''lle get you in a few days. If this gue outbreak happens, I''ll only feel at ease with you by my side."


    Gu Ying nodded, "Mm..."


    Zhao Changdu said inly, "Ning Si''s situation is not so simple. I will send people to secretly investigate what really happened in Bianjing."


    Gu Ying''s face paled slightly as she anxiously responded, "Your Highness, this concerns Ning Si''s reputation..."


    Zhao Changdu reassured her, "I know my limits."


    The prince had always been a man of few words who did not meddle in other people''s affairs. Gu Ying knew he would not spread this matter.


    But as the good friend of Prince Duan, if this somehow reached the prince''s ears, she worried it would affect Ning Si''s engagement to him.


    Zhao Changdu could see what the little girl was worrying about and affectionately ruffled her hair, "Don''t worry, I won''t tell Prince Duan about this. You can rest assured."


    Gu Ying blinked her eyes and smiled.


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curved up slightly as he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose, "I''m going."


    Gu Ying closed her eyes, "Mm..."


    A fleeting, feather-light kiss.


    When she opened her eyes again, the prince''s figure was gone.


    She stood in front of the low couch, feeling lost and distressed. Once someone starts lying, the guilt in their heart only grows deeper.


    She owed the prince far too much. One day, it would all have to be repaid.


    "Mistress, the medicine is ready."


    Yin Lan''s voice interrupted her thoughts.


    Gu Ying gathered her outer robe and walked out of the bathroom toward the main hall.


    Yin Lan stood at the door holding a bowl of medicine, ncing around the courtyard. Gu Ying had already sent away all the other maids and servants, and she told Cai Xiu to rest after the girl fetched some books from Elder Ning''s ce.


    Now, in the whole Biyun Manor, only the three of them were awake.


    "Mistress, let''s go in. The hot water, towels, and clean clothes are all prepared."


    Gu Ying nodded and brought Yin Lan into the room.


    Ning Si sat anxiously on the edge of the bed, staring wide-eyed at the bowl of medicine in Yin Lan''s hands. A trace of fear arose in her heart.


    "Ying..."


    "Don''t be scared."


    Ning Si held the medicine in her hands and nced down at the pitch-ck liquid.


    She had drank many medicinal soups before but had never felt this awful.


    "I..." She raised her eyes, her quivering lips growing moist as she choked out, "Ying, this is a living life."


    Gu Ying''s fingers tightened around the bowl. She sat down beside Ning Si and gently advised, "Si, you have onest chance to choose."


    This really was the final chance.


    If she decided to terminate this child, what she would face in the future was far moreplicated than simply calling off the royal engagement.


    Ning Si didn''t speak for a long time, her hand ced over her lower abdomen.


    Gu Ying and Yin Lan quietly waited for her to think it over.


    After a long while, Ning Si set down the medicine bowl, took a deep breath, and steeled her resolve. "Ying, I''ve decided...I''m going to give birth to this child."


    Yin Lan pressed her lips together, about to try persuading her otherwise.


    But Gu Ying suddenly smiled and said, "Maybe this is Ning Si''s destiny. I''ve read storybooks before where the protagonist exhibited miraculous signs at birth. Not to mention faraway cases, even Dong Li''s founding emperor saw the clouds in the sky roll up into the shape of a massive dragon when he was born. And when the mother of Emperor Renzong gave birth, the entire imperial pce was surrounded by magpies, all incredibly auspicious signs. Unexined pregnancies like Ning Si''s might just lead to the next legend. This child is likely no ordinary being, it wouldn''t be strange to say a divine immortal from heaven descended into your womb. This is a blessed child."


    Sensing Ning Si''s worrying, she continued reassuring, "Si, whether you keep the child or not, in the future he or she can recognize me as a godmother."


    Gu Ying''s words instantly lightened the tense mood that had gripped Ning Si''s heart.


    Before Gu Ying entered, she had been agonizing over whether or not to keep the child.


    Her mother''s health was poor. After giving birth to Ning Si, she was never able to conceive again. To continue the Ning family line, Ning Si found beautiful concubines for her father with her own hands, expanding the inner quarters.


    The Ning family weed child after child, yet her mother would forever only have her as a daughter.


    Although she had been pampered since she was young and lived afortable life, Ning Si''s constitution was also weak like her mother''s, often falling ill.


    If she lost this child, she didn''t know if she would ever be able to have one of her own.


    Naturally, if she kept the child, she also foresaw all the consequences.


    How would her family look at her? How would the public revile her? How would Prince Duan be so disappointed with her?


    She had liked Prince Duan for many years. The pain of having to give up on that affection now was something she didn''t know if she could withstand.


    Only when she held that abortion drug in her hands did she realize she couldn''t bear to terminate the small life inside her.


    "Thank you, Ying." Ning Si''s tears rolled down her fair cheeks in streams as she squeezed Gu Ying''s hand, eyes reddened but with a ray of light peeking through the clouds in her gaze. "I''ve made my decision. I absolutely won''t regret it."


    Gu Ying asked, "What about Prince Duan then?"


    "I''m calling off the engagement with him. He doesn''t love me and I no longer deserve him. The Prince and I were fated to never be...I won''t ask for anything else, I just hope he stays safe and healthy. As for me...silently protecting him will be enough."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying realized Ning Si had thoroughly considered everything.


    Still, breaking off an engagement with the imperial n would be extremely difficult. It would be best to find a way for Prince Duan to voluntarily propose ending it.


    "Mm. Since you''ve made up your mind, I''ll just have to find a way to help." Gu Ying gave a faint smile, lightening the gloom in the room.


    Ning Si looked at Gu Ying in bewilderment, "Huh?" How could she possibly marry in her current state?

 Chapter 279: Like a Poison

    <h4>Chapter 279</h4>


    <Gu Ying> raised the corners of her lips and slowly said, "This person must be one of our own. He only needs to marry <Ning Si> and wait for <Ning Si> to give birth to a child. Afterwards, he can divorce <Ning Si>, so your child''s identity will also be legitimate. In the future, you can take the child back to your maiden home or buy another residence to live in. Wouldn''t that be morefortable and free than marrying into the royal family?"


    In her eyes, the cold and heartless royal family had never been a good ce to marry into. If it hadn''t been for <Ning Si> wanting to marry the Eldest Prince with all her heart previously, she would never have wanted <Ning Si> to marry into the royal family.


    To live safely and peacefully, and lead an ordinary life, was the best.


    Moreover, they were notcking in money, were not seeking fame, wealth or honor, and did not rely on men to support them.


    <Ning Si> hesitated a little. "Can we really do this?"


    Yin Lan smiled. "I think this is a good idea."


    <Ning Si> didn''t have any better ideas. Her eyes looked at <Gu Ying> earnestly.


    After being reborn, <Gu Ying> was already someone who did not fear worldly views. Sheughed and said, "Leave this matter to me."


    <Ning Si> lowered her eyes and murmured. Suddenly she raised her head and said, "Sister Ying, I have a very suitable candidate."


    <Gu Ying> raised her eyebrows.


    <Ning Si> said, "Zhou Yan. Mr. Zhou is my father''s student. He currently works in the Ministry of War and is presiding over disaster relief in Yueyang City. He is a gentleman andes from a branch of the Zhou family. Although he is introverted in temperament and appears rather cold on the outside, he is actually a man of manners who is warm-hearted. I''ve met him a few times. Every time when Grandfather went out to attend government affairs, he would personally send Grandfather back. He is an extremely good man. As long as I exin things clearly to him, he will definitely help me..."


    <Gu Ying> frowned. "Sister Si, are you sure he can ept our conditions? After all, we can''t control Zhou Yan."


    If she remembered correctly, Zhou Yanter also entered the inner court and worked with <Jiang Yin>.


    <Ning Si>''s mouth tightened as she said, "I want to try..."


    Even if she had to divorce that man in the future, she still had to give her child an eptable identity.


    In this world, she could not only think of herself. Now, she had to start making arrangements for her child.


    <Gu Ying> thought about it seriously for a while, then nodded in agreement to <Ning Si>''s decision.


    In any case, no matter what the result was, she would be there to back her up. Even if the truth was exposed in the end, she had ways to support her and her child for a lifetime.


    ...


    In the next few days, <Ning Si> began to pull herself together.


    Fortunately, her morning sickness was not very severe, so her days were ordinary.


    However, <Gu Ying> couldn''t stand even a whiff of fishy smells. With her covering for <Ning Si>, Cai Xiu still hadn''t noticed anything for the time being.


    Unrest was brewing in Yueyang City. It was said that more and moremoners were falling ill. In thest two days, three people in a row had died on one street. Their deaths were horrifying and tragic, unlike normal illnesses. For a while, people were panic-stricken.


    Some people who wanted to escape the city with their bundles and families were all intercepted and sent back at the highways.


    Although this disease had not yet been diagnosed as a gue, the Eldest Prince had given the death order that none of these patients could be let out.


    Sost night, the city gates were officially closed.


    More than a dozen officers were stationed at the gates, and no one could go out.


    Themon peopleined bitterly. Many people went to the government office door every day to protest silently and curse the officials.


    Ironically though, His Highness Prince Shu, who was the main force behind this disaster relief, refused to show his face at all. Only the Eldest Prince and Zhou Yan came out to take charge.


    However, fortunately, the Eldest Prince had gathered all the medical officers at the Qingjiang Manor beforehand.


    He also ordered people to build infirmaries near the manor to gather all the diseasedmoners for treatment by these highly skilled doctors in Yueyang City while ample supplies and medicines that couldst half a year were provided.


    Originally the Eldest Prince wanted toe to pick her up to the manor.


    But because the gue danger, he sent someone to look after her and forbade her from going out casually or going to Qingjiang Manor again.


    Outside, the wind and rain were turbulent, but inside the Ning residence, it was still rtively calm.


    <Gu Ying> knew what the Eldest Prince meant. She was neither silly nor stupid, nor someone who acted on impulse. As the gue was beyond her control, she naturally would not foolishly mess things up and add to the Eldest Prince''s troubles.


    Since she couldn''t go out, she might as well stay obediently in the Ning family, which also eased some of the Eldest Prince¡¯s worries about trouble arising.


    After arguing with the Eldest Prince that night, <Gu Ying> took his words to heart.


    She personally drew the embroidery pattern and selected some calming incense materials, preparing to make a pomegranate flower-shaped sachet for him.


    When she thought of his jealous look, she smiled gently.


    <Ning Si> sat opposite her. On the small table between them were piled several embroidery frames with different patterns. She was also embroidering a purse as a meeting gift for Zhou Yan.


    <Ning Si> was skilled at such female crafts and embroidered the purse easily. "What are youughing at, Sister Ying?"


    The corners of <Gu Ying>''s eyes curved slightly. "Nothing. I just suddenly thought of the Eldest Prince. I must embroider this sachet well for him. Recently, he has been busy all the time and unable to take care of himself. I was also thinking of personally tailoring a robe for him."


    <Ning Si> said admiringly, "Pomegranates symbolize fertility, a very good metaphor. It''s just that now there¡¯s a gue in Yueyang, and Prince Shu is sitting by and doing nothing, while the Eldest Prince is working so hard like this. What if he gets infected..."


    "It won''t happen," <Gu Ying> said, her expression froze for a moment before she resumed her usual gentle tone. "I believe in the Eldest Prince''s abilities. With him here, Yueyang will definitely be alright."


    She never felt that rebirth was some kind of superpower, it just gave her a few more choices in life.


    But the destiny of the people in the world was not in the hands of a little woman like her.


    The Eldest Prince was extremely talented and prestigious.


    A man like him would surely lead Yueyang through this great disaster.


    <Ning Si> also had confidence in His Highness. It was just that when she heard from servants about the horrifying state of those who caught the disease, shemented, "I heard that if you catch that disease, not only will you have fever and cough, as well as general weakness, but slowly, your skin will turn redder and redder until ulcers and sores form. Your limbs will be numb and in the end you''ll die in pain, wishing for death. Some people, after they died, their skin would rot so much that you could see their bones..."


    Saying so, <Ning Si> shuddered all over. "Sister Ying, we must not catch this disease... I''d rather die than be so ugly."


    <Gu Ying> didn''t speak, a contemtive look on her face.


    <Ning Si> sighed again. "I wonder when Grandfather wille back. He¡¯s been in the government office for days. With Grandfather noting back, I don''t know what the situation outside is really like either. I want to go out and see for myself, but I''m afraid of causing trouble for Grandfather, Uncle and them."


    <Gu Ying>¡¯s hands kept busy without stopping. Previously her female crafts were very poor, butter in order to make clothes and mend things for <Jiang Yin>, she specially found a teacher and had learned very well.


    While listening to <Ning Si> speak, her fingers were flying as she threaded needles and guided yarn.


    "Listening to you, it doesn''t sound like a gue, but more like poisoning."

 Chapter 280: Yue Yang is Going to Chaos

    <h4>Chapter 280</h4>


    When Ning Si heard this, she was stunned for a moment, just like Gu Ying herself.


    Ning Si stopped what she was doing and said thoughtfully, "What Gu Ying said makes some sense."


    Just as Gu Ying was about to say something, Cai Xiu and Yin Lan came in together and said, "Mistress, the young master has returned! He''s in the front yard now!"


    Yueyang City closed its gatesst night.


    There were troops guarding the city, only allowing people in but not out.


    Why did cousine into the city at this time?


    Gu Ying quickly put down her half-finished embroidery and rushed out.


    Ning Si followed her and said, "Don''t worry, Gu Ying. Grandfather hasn''t returned yet and eldest uncle is busy treating patients outside. I''ve asked someone to take Young Master Ye to the flower room."


    Gu Ying nodded. Soon after, she saw the travel-worn Ye Qingchi who had just returned in the flower room of the Ning household.


    The once elegant and graceful man now had dust all over his cloak. He had lost some weight and his chiselled handsome face looked even more cold and sharp.


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned moist. She threw herself into the man''s arms.


    Ye Qingchi was surprised for a moment before patting the slender shoulders of the woman in his arms. The corner of his mouth lifted up in a smile. "You''ll soon be a married woman. Why are you still crying?"


    Gu Ying sniffed and seemed like a child in front of her cousin. "It''s been a long time since Ist saw you, cousin. I missed you."


    Ye Qingchi looked the woman in front of him up and down. She was still as beautiful as a fairy and looked very much like her young aunt.


    Because of her pregnancy, herplexion glowed like a peach blossom in spring. Her cheeks were slightly fuller, clearly having been pampered and well taken care of.


    His mouth curled mockingly. "Fortunately that narrow-minded Zhao prince isn''t here. Otherwise he would definitely want to fight me."


    Gu Yingughed softly and led him to sit on a chair in the flower room. "How was it on the way here, cousin? Why are you onlying back now?"


    Based on the letter, he should have arrived back in Yueyang City earlier than her after setting off from the south bank of Li River with his cavalry troops.


    Ye Qingchi casually replied, "I met with some trouble along the way which dyed me for a few days. It''s nothing serious."


    Gu Ying murmured in acknowledgement and asked worriedly after getting Yin Lan to serve tea, "What kind of trouble, cousin?"


    She had a nagging feeling that Jiang Yin would not let the Ye family off so easily after what happened in their previous life. She didn''t know what offense the Ye family had caused him but he was intent on destroying them all.


    Ye Qingchi slowly sipped his hot tea. "It''s not a big trouble, just some petty thieves who blocked the road to rob us. A Gu and I took care of it."


    A Gu grinned foolishly to show two rows of pearly white teeth. "Don''t worry, mistress. I protected the young master well. Just a bunch of small-time bandits, nothing to worry about!"


    Gu Ying smiled gently at the clean and upright youth.


    Ye Qingchi had a manservant named A Gu who had served him since young. A Gu had delicate and handsome features, a tall forehead, high nose bridge and thick lips. His sword-like eyebrows were lush and the longshes framing his bright eyes which were as clear as a spring made him look very lively.


    The master and servant had clearly just ridden over urgently and A Gu''s clothes were also dirty and tattered, with a few dark bloodstains.


    It was clearly not a simple case of petty thieves but an intense battle which the two men glossed over nonchntly.


    Gu Ying felt extremely helpless.


    She had some impression of A Gu. In their previous life when the Ye family fell from grace, A Gu protected Ye Qingchi and was thrown into a cauldron by Jiang Yin, boiled into meat paste and fed to dogs.


    Seeing him alive and smiling brilliantly nowforted her greatly.


    "As long as you''re fine, cousin. But the gue has broken out in Yueyang City and times are unstable. You shouldn''t have entered the city."


    Ye Qingchi smiled lightly. "There''s no right or wrong in this. As a government official, when the people are in trouble, how can I stand aloof and avoid getting involved? Firstly, the Ye family is not taught that way. If grandfather knows about this, he will definitely die from anger. Secondly, you are also in the city so I have even more reason to be here."


    Gu Ying looked worried. "What cousin did is unwise."


    Uncle only had him as his sole descendant. The Ye family would need him in the future. If anything happened to him in Yueyang City, what would the Ye family do?


    Ye Qingchi understood her concerns and said breezily, "Don''t worry, Gu Ying. Your cousin received orders from His Majesty to assist the prince in disaster relief. As the gue has broken out, I cannot run away. I came today first to see you and my little nephew. I''m heading to the government officeter."


    Ye Qingchi was a cleanliness freak. Feeling uneasy about the dust on his clothes after sitting for a while, he said, "My clothes are very dirty."


    "Seeing that you''re fine, Gu Ying, I''m relieved. Let me return to bathe and change first beforeing back to see you."


    It was hard to say if he could return after leaving this time round.


    Ever since the two gues broke out in Yueyang City and started spreading, the prince seldom came to see her. Everyone understood that this was no ordinary illness but a fatal gue.


    "Cousin!" Gu Ying wanted to ask him to stay for a meal.


    Ye Qingchi waved his hand. "No need for food. The prince said in his letter than this gue is no simple matter. We don''t have much time left before it spreads on arge scale."


    Gu Ying had no choice but to personally send him to the door.


    The corner of Ye Qingchi''s mouth lifted in a faint smile. He rubbed her hair gently and his eyes were full of affection for his sister. "Don''t send me off anymore, Gu Ying. Once the gue ends and we return safely to Bianjing, I''ll treat you and the prince to a good meal."


    As Gu Ying watched the two men heroically leap onto their horses, her eyes grew slightly moist. "Alright."


    She knew the Ye family were not cowards.


    Cousin would definitely not stand idly by regarding the gue. Even if he were to die in this disaster, he would not ignore the lives of so many people.


    But when she really thought about it, how was she any different?


    Before the city gates closedst night, the prince wanted to get A Huan to bring her, Ning Si and a few others to leave first. But seeing the fatigue on the handsome face of the man far away, she had already made up her mind to stay and share the lot of Yueyang''s citizens.


    While she was reassuring Ning Si that the prince would resolve Yueyang City''s gue, deep down, she still had no confidence.


    Nature''s disasters were merciless. Humans were the most helpless when facing disasters. No one was an omnipotent god with the power to arbitrarily save others.


    Not the prince, and neither was she.


    She had a dim foreboding that this disaster...would bring great cmity to Yueyang.


    Yueyang City would probably fall into chaos.


    And she...would also stand with Yueyang''s citizens on the first line of defense against this gue.


    ...

 Chapter 281: Fairy Taoist Man

    <h4>Chapter 281</h4>


    It was another gloomy day on the verge of rain.


    There was not a ray of sunlight in the cloudyer. The wind blew up from some unknown ce, passing over high walls and blowing people''s faces rigid.


    After sending Cousin off, Gu Ying returned to the backyard with a pensive look on her face.


    Ning Si was waiting at the courtyard gate, watching her with a smile in her eyes and teased, "Why do you look so dejected after just seeing your cousin?"


    Gu Ying raised her little face and smiled slightly, intimately taking her hand, "Come on, Sis Ning, let''s hurry up and finish these sachets to give to the Eldest Prince."


    Ning Si''s eyes shimmered slightly and she didn''t say anything.


    She knew in her heart that Gu Ying would not really ignore the gue in Yueyang. Otherwise, she would not have brought the medicinal pills to Yueyang beforehand.


    Gu Ying had many mysteries that puzzled her, such as her matureposure, as well as her frequent foreknowledge. Her understanding of the Eldest Prince being poisoned, as well as herposure in the face of the Yueyang gue, was as if she had known long ago that such disaster would befall Yueyang.


    Ning Si didn''t ask further. Watching Gu Ying''s slender and straight back, her eyes grew more distressed. This was a woman who had just be pregnant for three months!


    The two returned to the courtyard and busied themselves with the work in hand.


    Before long, the sky gradually darkened. Gu Ying looked at the sachet she had embroidered with pomegranate flowers, her heart full of the image of the Eldest Prince wearing himself out for the sake of themon people.


    She silently stared at the sachet in her hand, involuntarily falling into contemtion.


    The more she thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong.


    Since Jiang Yin had also reborn with her, he would know about the gue in Yueyang city. Why did he still follow Prince Shu here?


    In theirst life, this gue had killed nearly 100,000 people. More than half of Yueyang City had been emptied.


    A man with such a deep mind and extreme craftiness would never take such a risk to endanger himself and let Prince Shu fall into danger with him if he was not fully prepared.


    Moreover, the gue in their previous life was caused by the corpses of people who died of starvation during the great snow disaster not being properly buried, rotting in the river and triggering the epidemic.


    But the gue this time...could not be cured with the medicine she knew of.


    If it was not because her rebirth had led to changes, then someone must be secretly manipting things.


    Jiang Yin must be behind this!


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, clenching her fists tightly.


    This man had actually gambled with so many lives ofmon people.


    What was he trying to do?!


    Ning Si turned her head, waving her fingers in front of Gu Ying''s eyes, "Ah Ying, what are you thinking about?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip, stuffed the sachet into her arms, and smiled, "It¡¯s nothing. Let''s eat first."


    Now was not the time to startle the snake in the grass. She had to quickly figure out a way to see the Eldest Prince again.


    Ning Si nodded and ordered the servants to serve dinner.


    After the two women finished their evening meal, the night was dark and gloomy. Clusters of gloomy clouds hung in the distant sky, oppressively weighing down the hearts of everyone.


    "Ah Ying, you rest first. I¡¯ll be back soon."


    "Alright, go ahead." Gu Ying wrapped herself in a thick nket and sat at the desk, flipping through Yueyang¡¯s Strange Events that she had brought back from Elder Master Ning, "Remember to take an umbre in case it rains."


    She remembered that it had poured rain in Yueyang for several months on end.


    Looking at the time, it was about the rainy season.


    The rain wasing at an inopportune time. Yueyang had just experienced heavy snows and earthquakes. The incessant rain plunged Yueyang into another extreme of depression and irritation.


    Ning Si put on a pink cloak and simply dressed her hair in a bun before going to visit her mother-inw.


    She had heard that her mother-inw''s chronic illness was getting worse. Although she had taken medicine, she felt muddled every day and could only lie in bed sleeping. The servants were all afraid that she had contracted the gue and didn''t dare go near her. Only a few old serving women who had attended to her for many years kept watch in the yard.


    Eldest uncle and cousin were both busy outside with the Eldest Prince and barely had time to return.


    Ning Si was extremely anxious. Later, after asking Gu Ying to go take a look, she finally felt relieved.


    "Sis Ning, you¡¯ve had a hard time."


    "It¡¯s alright. Rest assured, Mother. Ah Ying said it¡¯s just a wind-cold infection. Pay more attention to rest and take medicine, and you¡¯ll get better."


    The figure lying in bed had a sickly flush on her face. She coughed for a while before some vigor returned to her expression. "I wonder if your uncle and grandfather have returned."


    Ning Si consoled, "Not yet. Don¡¯t worry too much, Mother. Uncle and grandfather are with the Eldest Prince. Nothing will happen. Qingjiang Manor has the best doctors in Yueyang city. The gue will be over in a few days."


    "I''m just worried about their safety outside." She coughed again.


    Ning Si quickly helped the old madam up and fed her a cup of hot water, "If Mother is worried, Sis Ning will send someone to ask about newster."


    "Hmm."


    Ning Si apanied her mother-inw for a while and sighed. Now the huge Ning Mansion could only rely on her to hold things up first.


    Gu Ying would not interfere in the household affairs of the Nings. She would only asionally give Ning Si some advice.


    Although Ning Si was not very old, she had never managed the inner residence before. Every day she diligently sought Gu Ying¡¯s teachings and found that despite Gu Ying¡¯s young age, she was actually a skilled old hand in managing ie and expenses as well as ounting.


    Ning Si asked respectfully and these days she had actually managed the Ning household properly without any idents.


    When Ning Si returned from her mother-inw¡¯s courtyard, she saw Gu Ying still reading bymplight. She took off her cloak and socks and sat cross-legged by Gu Ying¡¯s side, "Ah Ying, what book is this? I¡¯ve never seen it before."


    A warm fragrance wafted from the side. The corners of Gu Ying¡¯s lips turned up slightly and she smiled, "It¡¯s about Yueyang. It says that a hundred years ago, Yueyang also suffered an unprecedented severe drought. At that time, countless people starved to death. Themon folk even ate their own children. Tree bark was stripped bare. Yueyang was almost destroyed. Later, the imperial envoy sent by the court brought disaster relief money and grain, but they mysteriously disappeared on the way. In the despair of themon people, a fairy taoist appeared."


    Ning Si blinked curiously, "Oh? There¡¯s this kind of legend? I grew up here but I¡¯ve never heard such words."


    Gu Ying spread the old book between them. Under the dim candlelight, the woman¡¯s tranquil and gentle side profile glowed white. Her jade fingers shimmered a glistening glow in the flickering light. "It says that the fairy taoist pointed the way for the people of Yueyang, saying that disaster destroys the nine yin while fortunees from the ten directions. To get through this ordeal, they must offer the blood of nine yin nine yang to the Lady of the Earth to appease her before the disaster could pass."


    "Nine yin nine yang blood?" Ning Si asked puzzledly.


    "Yes." Gu Ying murmured thoughtfully, "The so-called nine yin refers to girls born on three negative days (month, date, and hour). Nine yang refers to boys born on three positive days. The blood of these two must flow together into the offering altar to take effect. That year, in order to survive the disaster, they sacrificed nine girls and nine boys. Using human lives to exchange for human lives...it was too cruel."

 Chapter 282: Zhou Yan is Coming

    <h4>Chapter 282</h4>


    Ning Si listened with sadness and was somewhat shocked and angry.


    "This method is too sinister, using human sacrifice to appease the disaster. If the famine could pass by doing this, what more can people do, what more can the court do? It''s a pity that treacherous officials were in power at that time. The money and food for saving lives were all embezzled to fill their own pockets. These officials, they really are utterly hateful!"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and turned over another page. The sparse words recorded made her heart thump loudly and the unease in her heart grew stronger.


    "Young Lady, Princess, the Master has returned!" Cai Xiu happily rushed in, suddenly interrupting the conversation in the room.


    It had been so long since Grandfather finally came back. The front yard quickly became lively.


    Ning Si was delighted. Grandfather was back, so Zhou Yan must havee too.


    She turned to look at Gu Ying, "Ying, I¡ª"


    Gu Ying knew what she wanted to do and nodded encouragingly, "Go on, I''ll go with you."


    Ning Si pressed her rosy lips into a line, trying her best to calm herself down. But she was still somewhat nervous inside, "Cai Xiu, please ask Master Zhou to wait a moment, I''d like to see him."


    Cai Xiu looked puzzled for a moment but didn''t say anything. She turned and walked out.


    The elegant carvednterns under the covered walkway swayed gently in the cold wind. Cai Xiu quickly disappeared from sight.


    Gu Ying put on her embroidered peach blossom cape over her tea-colored dress, wrapping herself up tightly. Her belly had already slightly swollen in thest three months.


    Yin Lan handed over antern, "My Lady, are you really not letting us maids apany you?"


    Gu Ying shook her head with a smile, "No need, I''ll go with Sister Si."


    Ning Si clutched the pouch she made in the shape of an ingot in her palm. Although she didn''t dress up borately, her fair and smooth little face under the cape, bright eyes, white teeth, rosy cheeks and delicate mist-like eyebrows were extremely beautiful.


    Gu Ying smiled at her warmly and led her out of the yard,ntern in hand.


    The two first went to see Grandfather Ning.


    The Nings were a prestigious n in Yueyang, but they didn''t hold any court positions after all. So there wasn¡¯t much for them to be busy about except logistical supplies.


    The Ning family assets ran deep, being a centuries-old prominent household since the previous dynasty. This time, the main reason why the Yueyang government kept tirelessly asking Old Master Ning for help was that they had their sights on the Ning¡¯s wealth.


    Old Master Lin knew what the government was up to, but he was willing to take out supplies and arge amount of silver to purchase grain, medicine, timber and more.


    After working hard these past few days, exhaustion was written all over Grandfather Ning''s face. But when he saw the two girlse to greet him, he smiled lovingly at them and told them not to stand on ceremony.


    Gu Ying wanted to ask about the Crown Prince¡¯s condition.


    The old master only said, "The Crown Prince has been staying in the infirmary with the physicians. Changan and I have been busy preparing other things these days so we haven''t seen the Crown Prince for days already. Don''t worry Ying, nothing will happen to the Crown Prince."


    Gu Ying smiled without saying anything, but her heart sank involuntarily.


    The infirmary was filled with patients who had contracted the gue...


    How could she not worry?


    Ning Si arranged for tea, meals, and tidying up of the yard. People came in and out in an orderly manner.


    When Ning Changan saw this, he praised her for being capable these days.


    Ning Si smiled. "It''s all thanks to Ying''s teachings."


    The few men in the flower hall looked towards Gu Ying. Everyone knew that the Crown Prince was exhausting himself for Yueyang and currently had no time for her at all.


    They felt heartache, remorse, and mostly sympathy for her. After all, the Crown Prince was leading by example. If he identally caught the gue... Forget Yueyang being rendered leaderless, this young wife had just married and gotten pregnant¡ªto lose her husband so soon would be unbearable pain that ordinary people could not withstand. She was truly pitiful.


    Grandfather Ning said solemnly, "Ying, just stay peacefully in the Ning household waiting for the Crown Prince toe get you. Our Ning family will definitely not stint on your meals."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips turned up amusingly. "Don''t worry Grandfather Ning. Ying will definitely not stand on ceremony with Sister Si. When the timees, don''tin that I eat too much."


    "This girl, silver-tongued as always. Can you really eat our Ning family out of house and home?"


    "That''s hard to say. Ying now has two mouths to feed and a huge appetite without stopping at all."


    Her words made everyoneugh.


    The atmosphere in the flower hall instantly lightened up greatly.


    After chatting for a while and taking their meal, it was time to disperse.


    Seeing Grandfather Ning and the others off, Gu Ying then saw Zhou Yan who had been sitting quietly finally get up. He seemed to be discussing something with Ning Changan at the door.


    Today, he wore a long ck robe at his waist tied with a jade belt, appearing noble and outstanding with a refined schr''s air.


    Ning Changan was cheerful and handsome. The two noblemen were once ssmates and quite close.


    Customs weren¡¯t as strict in Yueyang City, allowing men and women to dine together.


    In terms of seniority, Ning Si was Zhou Yan¡¯s martial aunt.


    During dinner, although Zhou Yan was sitting upright and still as a mountain, his gaze couldn¡¯t helpnding on Ning Si from time to time. Others may not have noticed, but Gu Ying kept her eyes on his expression this time.


    Repressed and restrained, yet silently attentive.


    It was evident he had feelings for Ning Si.


    Not waiting for Ning Changan to finish speaking, Gu Ying pulled Ning Si to the ce Zhou Yan would inevitably pass¡ªunder the artificial hillside¡ªto wait for him.


    Gu Ying held the carvedntern in her hand. Its dim glow swayed gently. The cold moon hung high, stars twinkling faintly hidden amongst the thick clouds.


    Ning Si fidgeted nervously. "Ying, what should I sayter?"


    Gu Ying slowly curled her lips. "Of course, directly tell him your thoughts. We''re only asking for his help, it''s not absolutely necessary for him. If he''s unwilling, we won''t force him. I can help you choose another groom."


    Ning Si knew her actions this time were shockingly unconventional.


    But things had already reached this point and there was no use hesitating anymore.


    She anxiously waited for a while and soon saw Zhou Yan walking over from the direction of the great hall, alone as usual.


    His tall, slender figure somehow gave a very reliable feeling.


    Gu Ying patted Ning Si''s shoulder, signaling her to wait behind the artificial mountainside to keep watch.


    Ning Si nodded. "Alright..."


    She then mustered her courage, stepped forward and blocked Zhou Yan''s path.


    Zhou Yan''s expression was very indifferent. Seeing Ning Si obstruct his way, he was only puzzled for a moment before greeting her calmly, "Eldest Young Lady, did you need me for something?"


    Ning Si was somewhat nervous originally, but when she stood so close to Zhou Yan, she strangely calmed down instead.


    Zhou Yan hade to the Ning Mansion tutor house to study since he was young and was quite close with Cousin Changan and the others. She had often seen this beautiful, quiet boy when she was little, though they didn''t interact much.


    While the other boys would y with her and curry her favor, he was different. He always quietly read in a corner, barely even ncing at her.


    Even as a child he was upright and solemn, naturally keeping others at a distance.

 Chapter 283: Do you Have a Sweetheart

    <h4>Chapter 283</h4>


    So she actually didn''t really like ying with him......She dared not get too close to him either. After so many years, her biggest impression of him was still cold, like a lump of ice.


    The reason why she wanted to pretend to be his rtive was also because he was cold and had no feelings for her, but was a knowledgeable big brother.


    This way, after the marriage, she would have less burden and less guilt in her heart.


    Thinking of this, she pursed her lips and clenched her fists tightly, then said, "Mr. [Zhou Yan], I...I have something to ask your help with."


    [Zhou Yan] was a little surprised, his tone very light, "What''s the matter?"


    [Ning Si] found it a little hard to broach the subject, but still told him about her inexplicable pregnancy.


    [Zhou Yan]''s eyebrows wrinkled.


    [Ning Si] only felt a hint of coldness emanating from this man, afraid that he would think she was lying to him, so she rolled up her sleeves and handed him a section of jade white arm, "The pregnancy talismans are still there..."


    [Zhou Yan]''s gaze fell on her porcin white skin, and that crimson spot made his eyes tighten slightly.


    The trace of spite in his heart dissipated a little. He asked mildly, "Mydy, have you asked a doctor to take a look?"


    "I have."


    "What did the doctor say?"


    [Ning Si] pursed her lips slightly. "It has been more than a month since I got pregnant."


    [Zhou Yan]''s face was even colder. He stretched out two long, slender fingers and covered her wrist.


    [Ning Si] felt the man''s warm fingers emitting a faint warmth. She instinctively wanted to retract her wrist, but under the man''s cold gaze, she had no choice but to keep this position with her ears red, "Does Mr. [Zhou Yan] also know medicine? I was actually wondering...do I have some kind of strange disease that was misdiagnosed...but Mr. Zhuge said that he definitely didn''t get the pulse reading wrong, it was a happy pulse without a doubt...I don''t even know where this child came from..."


    With his eyebrows twisted, [Zhou Yan] let go of her hand. His expression was somewhat gloomy. "It is a happy pulse."


    [Ning Si] didn''t notice his unpleasant expression. She licked her lips and said, "I know it''s a little abrupt today, but I still want to give it a try."


    [Zhou Yan] stared at her silently. For some reason, he suddenly felt very unhappy.


    Clearly she took the initiative to find him, he should be happy, but now, he just wanted to kill someone. "Try what?"


    [Ning Si] said seriously, "I want Mr. [Zhou Yan] to marry me."


    [Zhou Yan]''s eyebrows wrinkled even tighter.


    [Ning Si] understood that her request was a bit excessive for any man.


    But for the sake of this child, she had no other way.


    Her face flushed as she tried her best to exin, "I''m not seriously asking Mr. [Zhou Yan] to be my husband. I just hope that he cane and propose to my grandfather as soon as possible andplete the marriage with me. After I give birth, we will separate, and I will return the position of the main wife to Mr. [Zhou Yan]''s beloved as soon as possible."


    [Zhou Yan] looked at her silently.


    [Ning Si]''s breathing tightened. From childhood until now, this was still the first time that she had such a close look into his eyes.


    The depth in his eyes was like a bottomless cliff, and also like a thick ink that could not be erased.


    She couldn''t understand his mood in his eyes. Her heart tightened and she knew that this matter probably wouldn''t happen.


    She disappointedly lowered her long eyshes, unwilling to ask too much of him. "If Mr. [Zhou Yan] is unwilling...then treat it as if [Ning Si] said nothing today. About my pregnancy, I still hope that you can keep it a secret for me and not let my grandfather and the others know."


    After finishing speaking, she turned around to leave.


    "Lady [Ning Si]."


    Behind her, the man suddenly called out to stop her.


    [Ning Si] reddened her eyes and turned around with the corners of her mouth reluctantly turned up, "Does Mr. [Zhou Yan] have anything else?"


    [Zhou Yan] walked over two steps, his tall figure enveloping her petite body.


    [Ning Si] looked up puzzledly. She actually sensed a trace of heat in his usually calm eyes.


    [Zhou Yan] said withplicated emotions, "I can marry you."


    [Ning Si]''s pupils widened slightly. "Really?"


    "Mm," [Zhou Yan] tried to calm his violent mood down. His expression had always been calm and he didn''t show too many facial expressions either. "In a couple days, I wille and propose. But what about your marriage with Prince Duan?"


    [Ning Si] bit her lip. The corners of her mouth curved up slightly. "I wrote a letter to Prince Duan and sent it out before the city was sealed off. His Highness''s side will take the initiative to reject this marriage."


    She put away her smile. "To be honest, it has always been me being self-delusional between Prince Duan and I. Our marriage was only arranged by Her Majesty the Empress. Prince Duan actually doesn''t like me... Before the marriage was decreed, he returned everything I gave him. It was when I shamelessly jumped into the cold pool during the night banquet at the pce, causing His Highness to also jump in and save me, that my family obtained this marriage. Although many people don''t say it, but I know that there are people in my family who look down on me, and there are also many nobledies in the Bianjing noble circle who don''t want me to marry His Highness. If I withdraw from the marriage now, I don''t know how many people will p their hands in delight."


    "Previously I was obsessed and refused to realize that while I liked him in my heart, I didn''t necessarily have to marry him. Now I understand - as long as I can quietly watch him do well, that''s good enough. As for myself, I also have my own life to live."


    [Ning Si] smiled and turned up the corners of her mouth. "Does Mr. [Zhou Yan] have someone he admires?"


    [Zhou Yan] stared steadily into her bright eyes, paused for a moment, then said, "No."


    [Ning Si] tilted her head. "As long as we get married, you can get a divorce anytime you want... Don''t worry, when the child is born, he will take my surname."


    [Zhou Yan] said nothing.


    Divorce?


    There was no such thing as divorce in his world.


    [Ning Si] thought that he regretted it again. Her heart thumping, she asked, "Mr. [Zhou Yan]?"


    [Zhou Yan] came back to his senses. He nced at her lightly. "What I have said will not change. Mydy, don''t worry."


    [Ning Si] breathed a sigh of relief and handed him the purse she was holding. "I made this personally for you. Consider it our agreement. Mr. [Zhou Yan], if you really agree, then take it."


    [Zhou Yan]''s gaze swept over her expectant look. He reached out hisrge hand with distinct knuckles and took the purse. It still retained the faint scent from her body.


    She had made all the preparations.


    But he had no ns to let her go after all these years. He watched her grow up and never crossed the line, knowing that she liked Prince Duan. From then on he gave up that idea.


    Now that she took the initiative toe to his door, how could he let her go?


    After giving the purse, [Ning Si] hurriedly left from under the artificial mountain.


    [Zhou Yan]''s expressionless face gained a trace of a smile as he put the purse in his arms.


    ...


    The next day, [Zhou Yan] brought people to [Ning Si]''s home to propose.


    Now was the critical time of the Yueyang gue epidemic. He only brought his personal attendant [Jiang Bao] and a jade bracelet left by his mother to the [Ning] family''s door.


    When Old Master [Ning] heard that [Zhou Yan] hade to propose, he thought that [Zhou Yan] had taken a liking to one of the other youngdies of the [Ning] family''s main branch. He was very happy.


    This [Zhou Yan] child was someone he watched grow up, and he liked him very much, looking forward to him bing his grandson-inw early on.


    When he heard with his own ears that [Zhou Yan] wanted to marry [Ning Si], his walking stick nearly smacked [Zhou Yan] in the face.

 Chapter 284: A Long Premeditated Life

    <h4>Chapter 284</h4>


    Ning Si cried as she blocked in front of Zhou Yan, stating firmly, "Grandfather, I...I am willing to marry Master Zhou!"


    The old man red at Ning Si furiously, after all she was his precious granddaughter, he couldn''t bear to hit her.


    So he could only redirect his anger and pointed at Zhou Yan''s nose cursing him.


    "You brat! Ning Si is engaged to the royal family. Why are you causing trouble now? Aren''t you afraid of offending the royal family? Offending Her Majesty the Queen?"


    Although Gu Ying did not interfere with the Ning family''s affairs, she was also worried that the old man would injure Zhou Yan in his rage. So she stopped the old man, "Grandfather, calm down first and listen to what Master Zhou has to say."


    The old man''s chest heaved with anger while Ning Changan was even more puzzled.


    "A Yan, what''s going on? Didn''t you dislike my sister? Why are you suddenly asking for her hand in marriage?"


    Zhou Yan''s expression remained unchanged. He knelt upright in front of the old man and said solemnly, "The gue has now spread in Yueyang City and we are all trapped inside. We don''t know when we can get out, or if we''ll be stuck here for the rest of our lives. I have long admired the young miss but kept it hidden in my heart without saying it out loud. Thinking about the ravaging gue, not knowing how many days we have left to live, I became increasingly anxious and restless at night. So I made up my mindst night that even if I only have one more day to live, I want to marry the woman I love, so I won''t regret this life."


    Although she knew these words were most likely lies, Ning Si was still deeply moved.


    She had misunderstood Master Zhou! While seemingly aloof on the surface, he was actually quite nice once she got to know him.


    She couldn''t let him struggle alone, so she knelt by his side and pleaded to her grandfather, "Grandfather, even in death I want to remain with Master Zhou."


    The old man stamped his feet angrily. "Are you two fooling around?"


    Back then, he intended to match-make these two children. But one was timid and the other cold-hearted.


    Later he sent Ning Si to Bianjing. When she returned, she only had Prince Duan in her heart.


    He didn''t agree to her marrying into the royal family. She cried and threw tantrums at him, insisting on marrying the man she loved.


    And now this! The engagement he finally secured with great difficulty, she wanted to call it off herself! Even Princess Yueyan wasn''t as willful as her!


    "Grandfather," Ning Si''s eyes reddened slightly. "I have already secretly corresponded with Prince Duan beforehand. When the timees, His Highness will voluntarily annul the engagement with the Ning family. Grandfather doesn''t need to worry."


    The old man yelled angrily, "Then have you received a reply from His Highness Prince Duan?"


    Ning Si nkly shook her head. "No, I haven''t received any letters since the lockdown."


    This angered the old man even more. "Then without a reply, how do you know that Prince Duan will call off the wedding? This is no trivial matter!"


    Ning Si smiled bitterly. "His Highness is kind-hearted and righteous. He previously wanted to withdraw from marrying me... but out of consideration for the Ning family''s reputation, he hasn''t said it yet. Now that I have taken the initiative to bring it up, His Highness will probably be even more willing to see this happen."


    The old man huffed and puffed his moustache angrily.


    Zhou Yan spoke up, "Master Ning, even if the royal family mes us, for Ning Si''s sake I am willing to take full responsibility."


    He turned his head and as he looked at Ning Si, a hint of unspeakable tenderness rippled in his eyes. "It is because I cannot restrain my profound feelings for her. His Highness Prince Duan''s benevolent and virtuous nature certainly will not do something as unscrupulous as stealing one''s beloved person."


    Even knowing that Zhou Yan was only acting, Ning Si still felt a stir in her heart when she met his deep and affectionate gaze.


    Master Zhou''s acting skills are so good?


    He almost moved me to tears...


    She certainly could not fall behind, and cried even harder, "Grandfather, please... if I cannot marry Master Zhou in this lifetime, Ning Si will definitely regret it for the rest of my life... Does Grandfather want to see me living in sorrow and grief every day, unhappy for the rest of my life?"


    Zhou Yan knelt calmly, listening to her words. The edges of his thin lips pressed tightly into a line, and tumultuous undercurrents surged in his heart.


    Even if she was merely acting, just these few words brought him a joy in life like he had never felt before.


    It seems Old Heaven finally took pity on his miserable plight and sent his beloved one to his side.


    Hidden within hisrge sleeves, he gripped Ning Si''s hand tightly. Together they knelt before Old Man Ning to ask for his blessing.


    Gu Ying also persuaded at the side, "Grandfather, think about it, is the inner pce suitable for Ning Si''s existence? It is said that once past the pce gates it is as deep as the seas. If Ning Si truly married Prince Duan, things may not turn out well."


    In their past life, Ning Si died by smashing her head on a coffin in front of Prince Duan.


    And in this life, if she can marry another man, it is also a good thing.


    The old man Ning wasn''t a fool. If Ning Si married into the royal family and Prince Duan gained power and became the Crown Prince, she might, with some effort, be the Crown Princess. But if Prince Duan was suppressed by Prince Shu, then her future... At best she would be imprisoned, at worst implicated together with the Ning family.


    Left without a choice, the old man had topromise.


    Old Man Ning frowned. "Fine then. As long as the royal family annuls this marriage, I''ll agree to you."


    The veins on the back of Zhou Yan''s hands protruded but his expression remained unchanged. "Thank you for your consent, sir."


    "Who''s your sir! Don''t call me so casually." The old man put up a front but was actually quite happy to see this marriage go through.


    Over time in Yueyang, Zhou Yan had always been respectful and filial to him, even personally sending the old man home every time.


    Within the government office, Zhou Yan had also defended the Ning family and spoke up for them many times.


    The corners of Zhou Yan''s lips curled up. "Thank you, Master Ning."


    Ning Si happily pulled the old man''s arm, smiling very sweetly. "Thank you, grandfather."


    The old man red at her. "Don''t think you can get away with this by acting cute. What''s important now isn''t your marriage but the gue. Although I''vepromised a step, whether or not this can happen still depends on Prince Duan''s reply."


    Ning Siughed self-deprecatingly. "Grandfather, don''t worry. His Highness doesn''t like your granddaughter. He will certainly annul the engagement."


    Maybe the annulment has happened already but being stuck in Yueyang, she hasn''t received any news from Bianjing.


    It would be a lie to say she didn''t feel heartbroken but she hade to terms with it.


    Loving someone doesn''t mean you must stubbornly marry him and be his wife. As one of his subjects, looking up to him from afar is also a kind of love.


    With a cold face, Ning Changan pulled Zhou Yan aside. "A Yan, what exactly is going on? Didn''t you dislike my sister?"


    Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow and nced at Ning Si chatting and fawning over the old man. "When did I ever say I disliked her?"


    The corner of Ning Changan''s eye twitched. "Back then when she was bullied and came crying to us for help, we allforted her and stood up for her, but you remained cold and indifferent, remember? There was also that time she went fishing and nearly fell into the river. I heard you walked by the riverbank and didn''t even lend a hand to pull her up. And and, that winter when she wanted to ride a horse to catch snakes, you directly knocked her out without a second word. Each and every one of these incidents, and there''s still many more that I don''t want to expose you for, tell me, don''t you two have some hidden agenda conspiring behind my back?"

 Chapter 285: Must See the Prince

    <h4>Chapter 285</h4>


    Zhou Yan faintly moved his eyes, "If I hadn''t stood up for her, why didn''t the person who bullied her appear again for more than ten days afterwards? When she went fishing, why did I suddenly appear by the riverbank? I didn''t not pull her out when she fell into the water and lost consciousness, I was the one who carried her back."


    Ning Changan listened in confusion, "Then what about that winter incident?"


    Zhou Yan nced at him, "She was young and impulsive. I was worried she would get bitten by a snake, so I could only knock her unconscious to make her more obedient."


    He would never tell anyone that he had stolen a kiss from her when he took her back to Biyun Manor.


    Ning Changan gritted his teeth and punched him in the chest, "Zhou Yan, you''ve had your eye on my cousin A Shen all along! Yet you deliberately pretended to be indifferent. No wonder A Shen doesn''t like you with your contrary temperament!"


    The corner of Zhou Yan''s mouth curled up imperceptibly, "Changan, don''t tell her."


    Ning Changan raised his brow, "Why?"


    Zhou Yan said, "She still has Prince Duan in her heart."


    Ning Changan clicked his tongue, "And still you''re willing to marry her?"


    The smile at the corner of Zhou Yan''s mouth blossomed, his gentle gaze slowly falling on Ning Si''s face. The long suppressed feelings in Yueyang City were let out in the spacious hall of the Ning residence.


    The daylighting in through the window screens was just right. The woman had a delicate and pretty face.


    He paused for a long time before murmuring softly, "In this life, being able to marry her is my blessing."


    ...


    After Zhou Yan and Ning Si¡¯s engagement was settled, Zhou Yan only came to the Ning residence once and never came again.


    Day and night, cries could be heard from this long street where the Ning residence was located.


    Sometimes, Gu Ying would quietly lie in bed in Biyun Manor, and it was as if she could still hear the painful wails of the patients.


    At first, these sounds were not very loud, but as time went by, they grew more severe with each passing day. Not only this street, but crying could also be heard from the houses dozens of yards in front and behind.


    Perhaps there were criesing from even further away, but she could not leave this residence.


    She clearly noticed the security around the Ning residence had tightened somewhat.


    On this night, she could no longer sit still. Clutching the sachet she had made in her hand, she wanted to go out.


    A ck-clothed man with formidable martial arts blocked her path, telling her, "Mistress, the Master has ordered that Mistress cannot go anywhere now and can only stay in the Ning residence."


    Gu Ying''s expression was solemn as she told him, "Please ry this to the Eldest Prince for me, I wish to see him, even if just once."


    The man hesitated.


    The night was too dark for Gu Ying to discern any expression on his expressionless face.


    At this moment, her heart shuddered violently, a sense of ominous foreboding.


    "Let me out!"


    "I dare not defy the Master''s order..."


    "Then go tell the Eldest Prince I want to see him, I have very important matters that I must see him for!"


    This time, instead of hesitating, the man turned and left.


    This was a very long street. It would take the time needed to brew a cup of tea to get from one end to the other by carriage.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath as she looked at the pitch ck and bleak world outside the Ning residence gates, her heart contracting violently.


    She had only taken a step forward when three ck-clothed men with formidable martial arts blocked her path.


    She clenched her fists tightly, pressing her lips into a line, her face pale.


    No one told her what kind of circumstances the Eldest Prince was in right now, making her feel even more uneasy and panicked.


    Ning Grandpa sighed all day long. Ning Changan would disappear without a trace every time he went to deliver supplies to Qingjiang Manor.


    And cousin?


    Her cousin had gone to the government office where Zhou Yan was also stationed, and none of these people had been heard from since.


    So many people had been dispatched without a single one daring to return with news. What did this signify?


    It could only mean that this gue had spiralled out of control.


    Ning Si rushed over when she heard the news and grabbed Gu Ying¡¯s hand. "Ying, stop worrying. Let¡¯s go back first. The Eldest Prince will definitely be fine."


    Recently, everyone had been telling her the same thing, that the Eldest Prince would surely be fine.


    But why didn''t hee to see her and their child?


    He had looked forward to this child so eagerly, so why didn''t hee?


    Tears welled up in Gu Ying''s eyes. The chill wind ofte spring blew, causing her temples to throb painfully. "Si, can you hear that, someone''s crying."


    Ning Si''s brows were knitted in distress. She could hear it. Because the gue was spreading too quickly, no one was faring well.


    Things were also not peaceful in the Ning residence. Although better off than thosemoners with no one to rely on, they still had to stay cooped up in the residence, not daring to venture anywhere.


    The entirety of Yueyang City was in chaos now. Killing, looting and plundering urred everywhere as people struggled to find their next meal. Refugees were also everywhere.


    As long as they didn''t contract the gue, things would be fine. But once infected, they were half dead.


    "Ying, I know you want to see the Eldest Prince, but since we can''t do anything about the gue, we might as well wait and see. Staying in the Ning residence without going out and adding to the Eldest Prince and Zhou Yan¡¯s troubles would be best."


    Gu Ying shook her head sluggishly. "No, I can''t sit around waiting for death."


    She was different from Si. She knew about this gue. It should have been prevented, yet now Yueyang City was plunged into peril, and it was all her fault.


    Therefore, anyone could escape, anyone except her.


    She stood at the doorway of Ning Residence waiting for the ck-clothed man she had sent to report the message to return.


    An hourter, the man returned with a thick white veil covering his face. Behind him was a in and simple mule cart.


    Ning Si still wanted to persuade her otherwise.


    Gu Ying picked up her skirt and got on the cart without any hesitation, burrowing into the carriage. She opened the curtain a crack, sticking her head out again. "Si, go back quickly."


    Ning Si opened and closed her lips, seeming to want to say something.


    But the curtain had already fallen decisively.


    The carriage soon disappeared into the night.


    Ning Si''s heart was suddenly filled with trepidation. Because every person who walked out of this doorway never returned.


    She was afraid Ying would end up just like them.


    Once gone, they would be gone for good.


    ...


    Qingjiang Manor was only separated from the quarantine zone by a wall.


    The sky was pitch ck without a speck of light. In deathly still Yueyang City, only the area upied by the quarantine zone had candlelight flickering through the night.


    Zhao Changdu gave a dry cough. His handsome face was somewhat pale. His tall figure emerged from the medicine room of the quarantine zone.


    The medicine room was separated from the main quarantine building by a thick stone wall.


    The wails and groans of pain could be heard filtering through the stone wall. Inside were thousands of patients, with hundreds more people responsible for looking after them.


    This strange illness came swiftly. Thankfully, the onset was rtively gradual. Most first exhibited symptoms of themon cold. As long as they had strong constitutions and could promptly drink the medicinal soups Zhuge Doctor and the rest had newly developed, they could persist without worsening for four to five days without the disease spreading to their skin either.


    As such, the people recruited to serve in the quarantine zone were all youths full of vigor and vitality.


    Even so, there were still people who would fall ill and copse on a daily basis. They were bing increasingly understaffed.


    No matter how much silver the officials provided, no one dared toe.


    The outside of the quarantine zone was heavily guarded, with people only allowed in, but barred from exiting. The area around Qingjiang Manor had be the hardest hit region of the entirety of Yueyang.


    Zhuge Doctor followed behind the man, his brow permanently knitted into a frown since the outbreak began.

 Chapter 286: We Are Family

    <h4>Chapter 286</h4>


    ¡°Eldest Prince, we have already had someone boil and administer the medicine we tried yesterday, but we still don¡¯t know how effective it is. The medicine boy will soon send back a written report and we can further analyze it,¡± said the doctor inside the quarantine ward, taking care of the patients.


    Most of the healthy people inside taking care of the patients had not been infected with the gue. Some were merchants, some were janitors, some were cooks, some were beggars, and some were courtesans.


    Some were here for money, some purely to contribute and hope to help the government research a cure for the gue as soon as possible, to help Yueyang get through this difficult time.


    The medicine boys and doctors were here without expecting anything in return, only for the medicine.


    Every day enthusiastic people brought meals to the quarantine ward.


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s handsome eyebrows furrowed slightly as he strode out, ¡°Thank you for your efforts, doctor. I will review the written report with youter.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. Compared to the Eldest Prince¡¯s ceaseless hard work, my meager contribution is nothing,¡± Zhuge Doctorughed and said, ¡°However, the number of patients keeps increasing. I wonder if our stock of medicinal ingredients is still sufficient.¡±


    Exhaustion was poorly concealed in Zhao Changdu¡¯s eyes and tone, ¡°Doctor Zhuge need not worry. I will think of a way to handle this.¡±


    Zhuge Doctor noticed the fatigue in the man¡¯s eyes. He hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Eldest Prince, have you taken the medicine?¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± came the brief reply.


    Zhuge Doctor sighed in relief, ¡°Good that you''ve taken it. No matter how strong your health, being with these gued patients day and night, you still need to take extra care.¡±


    Zhao Changdu nodded lightly, rubbing between his brows. His figure had already exited the quarantine ward.


    Ye Qingchi stood tall under a crooked tree outside the ward. Hearing the sound, he looked over.


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s tone was light, ¡°Brother Ye.¡±


    ¡°Call me brother-inw,¡± Ye Qingchi said.


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly.


    Ye Qingchiughed, ¡°I¡¯m joking, why the gloominess.¡±


    Zhao Changdu said nothing, his gaze fixed towards the end of the long street.


    Ye Qingchi knew what he was waiting for. He turned to face Zhuge Doctor with a smile, ¡°Hope you¡¯re well, Doctor Zhuge.¡±


    ¡°Very well, I hope Young Master Ye is also doing fine,¡± Zhuge Doctor returned the pleasantry.


    Ye Qingchi flicked a willow tuft off his sleeve, smiling, ¡°Still kicking.¡±


    They would banter like this asionally. Everyone knew life and death was unpredictable in the gue, and one could be gone any day. Why not make the days count.


    Zhuge Doctor¡¯s footsteps also stopped as he sighed at the boundless night sky, clouds heavily weighing down as if pressing stones onto the chest, making it hard to breathe.


    He lifted his hand to remove the thick ck veil covering his face, inhaling deeply, ¡°Eldest Prince, what exactly is Prince Shu thinking?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t left his manor since arriving in Yueyang, not showing his face at all after the gue outbreak.


    Previously, Zhuge Doctor thought Prince Shu was wise and martial, the best candidate for the heir apparent. But seeing his inability and cowardice now, how could one like him ascend the throne?


    Ye Qingchi lifted the corners of his lips, ¡°As long as he doesn¡¯t stir up trouble, it doesn¡¯t hinder things.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± was Zhao Changdu¡¯s indifferent reply, equivalent to agreeing.


    Everyone had practically forgotten about the Prince Shu who came to provide disaster relief, tucked away like a turtle in the Yueyang manor. Thankfully he hadn¡¯t caused any nonsense, with everyone preupied with matters in the quarantine ward - the endless influx of new patients, and bodies being sent to mass graves for cremation. Who had time to bother with him?


    ¡°Doctor Zhuge, please head back to rest first. Brother Ye and I will talk awhile before turning in.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. The two masters should take care,¡± Zhuge Doctor kindly reminded.


    Ye Qingchi¡¯s eyes crinkled in mirth, ¡°You too. We don''t have much time, the medicine relies heavily on Doctor Zhuge and the other masters hurriedly developing it.¡±


    ¡°Yueyang is my hometown. It''s my duty,¡± said Zhuge Doctor, the area under his eyes dark.


    He took another deep look at the two before reapplying his face mask, enveloping his nose and mouth.


    At over fifty years old, he had experienced gues before in Yueyang.


    In the past when officials came, they didn¡¯t care for themoners. Embezzling court relief funds, messing things up, throwing Yueyang intoplete disorder without a semnce of order.


    It was luck and his superb medical skills that allowed his survival.


    Never had he imagined working alongside the Eldest Prince of Zhenguo Duke Manor and the eldest grandson of the centuries-old prominent Ye family.


    He truly admired the methods of the Eldest Prince and Young Master Ye, immediately and cleanly executing those who dared loot the young, old and weak. It sets an example.


    No one dared stir up trouble again or bully the powerless. The elderly, sick and disabled received the best care from officials. The Eldest Prince and Young Master Ye had achieved optimal results in all aspects.


    Spending everyday together recently, Doctor Zhuge had long grown ustomed to the two''s otherworldly beauty. But at this quiet moment tonight, he still felt these two high-born men with slightly disheveled hair buns were nobler than those poised and immacte lords sitting loftily in the halls.


    He smiled with cupped fists before heading back into the ward.


    ¡°Changdu, the other day I identally touched the dead gue patient... you...¡± Ye Qingchi tilted his head to look at the man¡¯s face that hadn¡¯t rested for some time.


    Only half of Zhao Changdu¡¯s face was revealed, phoenix eyes clear and ascetic, ncing coolly at him, ¡°We are family.¡±


    The corners of Ye Qingchi¡¯s lips lifted slightly in banter, ¡°True, we¡¯re family. I assume you¡¯ll be taking care of my corpse then?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Zhao Changdu tly red at his joke.


    ustomed to his aloofness and indifference, Ye Qingchi wasn¡¯t bothered. He chuckled lightly. Zhao Changdu wouldn¡¯t neglect him, and Sister Ying definitely wouldn¡¯t leave his bones to rot in Yueyang.


    It was his first breath of fresh air after being cooped up busy in the ward the entire day.


    A few days ago when he went to check on patients¡¯ reactions after taking the test medicine, he happened to encounter a dead gue victim while leaving the ward.


    Two beggars were carrying the ghastly ruptured corpse but somehow slipped, knocking the body onto him.


    He had been squeamish since young. His scalp tingled numbly then as his whole body seized up stiffly.


    It was Zhao Changdu who had promptly kicked the corpse off him before pulling him to his feet.


    But it was toote, the highly contagious disease would surely have infected him already, and possibly Zhao Changdu too from their contact.


    At first, he did panic a little. Having seen the piles of disfigured corpses carried out from the ward daily, he knew this sickness tortured people horrifically till no longer human. As someone who likes being clean and tidy, he definitely didn¡¯t wish to rot away with skin bursting and flesh melting off in the end.


    If that happened, he¡¯d rather die earlier.


    But over the past days, he gradually calmed down, resigned to the vicissitudes of life and the will of Heaven. By entering Yueyang, he had already steeled himself for this day.


    Only feeling slightly guilty for implicating Zhao Changdu.


    If Sister Ying found out, she might scold him to death!

 Chapter 287: Little Name Nian Bao

    <h4>Chapter 287</h4>


    The two of them were silent for a while. Since the outbreak of the epidemic, they had been too busy to even have a rare moment of quiet and leisure.


    Before long, the faint sound of a carriage rumbled from afar.


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyshes quivered, and a glimmer of light emerged in his deep, dark pupils.


    Ye Qingchi¡¯s brows furrowed. He turned around, about to head back to the infirmary.


    Zhao Changdu called out to stop him. His handsome brows raised slightly as he asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see Gu Ying?¡±


    Ye Qingchi red at him. ¡°No. Stay away from her too. Don¡¯t forget, she¡¯s still pregnant.¡±


    He could die, but no harm muste to his aunt''s daughter.


    Otherwise, even in theherworld his grandfather would not let him off.


    Zhao Changdu''s expression grew heavier and darker. The candlelight spilled before the doors of the infirmary onto his chiseled features, the straight bridge of his proud nose looking obscurely dim.


    Ye Qingchi left blithely.


    Zhao Changdu clenched his fist, watching as the carriage slowly drew nearer. His lips were pressed tightly into a line.


    "Stop the carriage."


    Ten steps away, the man stopped the carriage.


    On the journey here, Gu Ying had been pondering over the origin of the gue in Yueyang City. Hearing that familiar rich baritone she hadn''t heard in so long, her heart gave a great leap and her eyes instantly grew hot.


    Without a second thought, she flipped open the carriage curtain and jumped right out of the carriage.


    From afar, Zhao Changdu watched the little girl leaping down, shaking his head helplessly. ¡°Be careful!¡±


    She was going to be someone''s wife soon, yet still so absentminded and reckless.


    Upon seeing him, Gu Ying hitched up her skirt, about to run towards him. She wore a gossamer silk skirt with silver, red and gold Forever Bright peach blossom embroidery, a light green ruqun vest, and a brocade-trimmed fur cloak over it all, looking like a peach blossom that had just bloomed this spring day - elegant, refreshing, and redolent.


    Zhao Changdu immediately stopped her with his stern, cold expression. "Gu Ying, stand right there. Don''te over."


    Gu Ying''s fine brows twisted in distress. Her delicate face looked even more pitiable in the dim candlelight. "Why?"


    Zhao Changdu gave a helpless chuckle. "I''m filthy."


    He had wrapped a thick ck scarf over his mouth and nose, leaving only his sharp eyes peering out from below his straight dark brows. Bruise-like shadows circled his eyes, and weariness and grief weighed down his proud features despite his attempts to hide them.


    He had clearly lost quite a bit of weight, his figure tall and slender, d in dark blue robes that entuated his trim strong physique.


    Even from this distance, her heart ached at the sight of him.


    "I made a sachet out of pomegranate flowers I¡¯d been meaning to bring over to you."


    "Do you know how worried I was when you didn¡¯te see me for so long?"


    "It was this husband''s fault," he replied softly. He wanted to, but there was too much to handle. Whenever he could squeeze in a moment in the dead of night, he would peer over the high enclosing wall for a glimpse of her. Butter he stoppeding...because he could no longer go.


    Seeing him so readily admit his mistakes made Gu Ying swallow back all the words crowding in her throat. "Changdu..."


    "Gu Ying, stand right there."


    Gu Ying felt her eyes grow hotter and hotter, on the verge of tears. "Could it be that you are..."


    Zhao Changdu looked upon her reddened eyes, his heart aching profoundly. But he had no way of going over to take her in his arms and reassure her that he was fine.


    Being able to see her now, to know that she and their child were doing well, was enough for him to die without regrets.


    "Now that you''ve seen me, get in the carriage at once. I''ll have someone escort you back."


    Gu Ying gazed at him pitifully. "Does Changdu really want me to leave so soon?"


    Zhao Changdu''s face darkened. "Go. Quickly."


    Gu Ying looked fixedly into his obsidian eyes, standing there quietly for a moment.


    Zhao Changdu suppressed his longing for her and turned to head towards the infirmary.


    But before he had climbed up the stone steps...


    He felt a light breeze blow against his back. Then, two soft delicate hands wrapped tightly around his waist.


    His body tensed up instantly as hisrge hand seized her icy hands. He scolded angrily, "Gu Ying, you--!"


    Gu Ying nestled her face against his sturdy back, breathing in the lingering sandalwood scent that was so familiar. She nuzzled against him, her voice muffled, "I''m not leaving. Now that I''m here, I don''t n on going."


    Zhao Changdu pried her stubbornly sped fingers off and turned to face her. He had wanted to rebuke her harshly at first, but seeing her hopeful little porcin doll face, he couldn''t bear to say anything too harsh.


    Gu Ying held her palm out towards him. "Here, for you. A sachet."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to the exquisitely embroidered sachet in the girl''s palm, conflicted emotions warring inside.


    "Could it be Changdu doesn''t want to see me?"


    "Our little one in my belly is already three months along. Have you not thought of him?"


    Zhao Changdu pressed his lips thinly together, his gaze falling upon the girl''s sweet and beautiful face. With his right hand, he cupped her soft cheek, his fingertips gently caressing her full flesh. His eyes brimmed with restrained desire and thick longing.


    Gu Ying''s eyes sparkled brightly, her thick curledshes fluttering up gently. She smiled, "When I had nothing to do, I gave him a little nickname - Nianbao. It works for either a boy or girl. Changdu, do you want to feel him kick?"


    After a long pause, Zhao Changdu let out a sigh. He took the sachet from her and gathered her tightly in his embrace, his voice low and husky, "Gu Ying, you really are my bane."


    Gu Ying beamed, slipping her arms around the man''s taut waist contentedly. "Don''t be scared. With me here, we will surelye to no harm."


    Zhao Changdu rested his chin on the warmth of the girl''s sloping shoulder.


    He had never feared death before. As a military man who had charged bloodily into battle for years, his head had long ago been tied at his waistband.


    But now, holding his most beloved girl in his arms, he was suddenly afraid of dying.


    Zhao Changdu''s long arms tightened slightly around the girl''s slender waist, then quickly rxed, afraid of hurting little Nianbao. Torn by conflicting emotions, his usually stoic handsome brows knit tightly together.


    After being held so intimately for a while by the prince, Gu Ying''s cheeks grew warm despite their istion. She pulled back to look up at him, her voice gentle yet firm. "Changdu, shall we go to Qingjiang Manor? I have something important I must tell you."


    Zhao Changdu gripped her little hand tightly. "Alright."


    And so the man reluctantly agreed to let her stay.


    But he did not n on letting her into the infirmary.


    As they left, Gu Ying peeked curiously towards the rows of orderly infirmary houses.


    From within rose waves of agonized wailing, setting one''s teeth on edge. It was even more viscerally terrifying than the wide street where the Ning Residence was located.


    Despite thete hour, it was clear not many people could fully fall asleep. In the crammed rooms, a few hunched figures shuffled busily about.


    She could not make out clearly who those people were, yet felt as if they loomed taller than ordinary people.


    "Come with me," the man''s voice was low.


    "Mm," Gu Ying hastily pulled her attention back and slipped her hand into his.


    Qingjiang Manor was not far from the infirmary and Yueyang Prefecture as well.


    As they entered through the front gate and headed further in, passing lush clusters of banana trees, they arrived at the study room the prince lived in.


    At the door stood a man with refined features, his arms full of thick folder-wrapped dossiers.

 Chapter 288: She’s a Leprechaun

    <h4>Chapter 288</h4>


    When Gu Ying saw him, she always felt that this person was a bit familiar, as if she had seen him talking to Huai An once, he was probably someone from the Qilin Army.


    "Huai Bi, go find Zhuge Doctor to get some medicine to stabilize the pregnancy."


    Huai Bi stared at Gu Ying nkly for a while, "Yes, sir."


    After saying that, she turned around and left.


    At this time, Gu Ying felt a little guilty. When she went out, she didn''t think of anything. She just wanted to see the Prince as soon as possible. After getting on the carriage, she realized that she didn''t bring anything with her. She just rushed over alone decisively.


    "In fact, I don''t need to drink medicine to stabilize the pregnancy anymore. There is also a doctor in Ning House who said that the baby is fine. More than three months have passed, I don''t need to be as careful as before, otherwise it will not be good for the child." Gu Ying tried to make up for it in two sentences. When she looked back, her eyes fell into the man''s deep and intoxicating phoenix eyes, and she stopped talking abruptly, "A Du..."


    Zhao Changdu let go of her hand and stood three steps away from her, "I will send you to the courtyard next door in a while, and let someone bring Yin over tomorrow."


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Actually it''s not necessary. I''m not afraid of anything."


    The man''s tone was low and heavy, full of deep feelings, "But I''m afraid."


    Gu Ying had died once before, so she was not afraid of death at all. But listening to the man''s words of concern, her heart softened. She walked up to him and said, "A Du, I think I have a way to save Yueyang."


    Zhao Changdu frowned, not understanding the little girl''s words at all.


    This was not other natural disasters. This was a gue that could kill entire families and wipe out ns. It was highly infectious, difficult to treat, and because too many people died, some corpses could not be buried or cremated in time, which would lead to a second wave of transmission, ten or a hundred times more terrible than natural disasters.


    She was just a fragile little girl. What did it matter to her whether Yueyang City survived or perished?


    Gu Ying saw the worry on his face. She stretched out her finger and hooked his little finger, "A Du, sit down and talk."


    There was a soft couch, a book case, and a long table for dining in the study.


    Gu Ying sat down, and the long table was stacked withyers of case files.


    Zhao Changdu still had a thick ck scarf covering his face. Huai Bi brought up hot water and hurriedly retreated, closing the door behind him.


    The man was sitting upright on one side of the long table. He lit themp on the long table. His posture was upright, his back straight like bamboo, and his actions of pouring water were extremely elegant and noble.


    The scene was pleasing to the eye, and the room gradually became warmer.


    It seemed that the cold war between the two had easily broken the ice tonight.


    Gu Ying looked at him happily for a moment, then casually picked up the dossier that recorded the gue and read it rapidly.


    The dossier recorded the symptoms of the gue, the number of infected patients, the duration of infection, the symptoms of death, and the reaction to medication in great detail.


    It was clear that all this was recorded in detail by the Prince after spending day and night with the patients for more than ten days.


    After skimming through it all at once, Gu Ying was very impressed by the Prince''s ability to coordinate and n, while bing more convinced that this gue was rted to Jiang Yin.


    She put aside her heartache and admiration, and discussed seriously with him, "A Du, do you still remember that beforeing to Yueyang, I had already told you that there would be a gue in Yueyang?"


    "Yes."


    He believed the little girl''s words, so he had made full preparations. Although the gue broke out this time, everything was still under control, at least it had not spread to the surrounding areas.


    Gu Ying pondered and said, "Since ancient times, great gues have followed great disasters, but this time we were prepared for the snow disaster in advance and it did not cause much impact on themon people of Yueyang City. Since there was no great disaster, where did the guee from?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows lightly furrowed as he handed her the poured hot water.


    Gu Ying took it and drank a sip, then slowly said, "A Du, I have reason to suspect that this is not a gue, but someone deliberately poisoning people."


    "Poisoning?" Zhao Changdu did not believe it.


    Gu Ying simply got up and sat next to him, her ck and white eyes fixed tightly on his deep phoenix eyes.


    Zhao Changdu looked away, trying to avoid her touch.


    Gu Ying grabbed his arm with one hand, entwining her whole body around him, and through the ck scarf, kissed his lips.


    Zhao Changdu''s sword-like eyebrows wrinkled. His big hand grabbed her shoulders and barely pushed her away, "A Ying, don''t fool around! The other day I touched an infected person and I''m still taking medicine!"


    Gu Ying was indifferent, "What if I die together with you?"


    The man''s eyebrows and eyes gathered fiery anger and anxiety, "No!"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth curled up into a smile. She faced his flustered, worried gaze without any fear, reached out and took off the ck scarf from his face. Her red lips moved up and took in his cool, thin lips. Under his resistance, for the first time she aggressively hugged his neck and deepened the kiss.


    The unique sweet smell of her body came over, and Zhao Changdu suddenly froze.


    Gu Ying simply sat in his arms and raised her chin to kiss him again.


    She wanted to tell him this way that she was not afraid of life and death.


    The man''s fine stubble rubbed against her tender skin, pricking and itching her a little. She naughtily pried open his tightly pursed lips and let their breaths mingle.


    "A Du..." She gently rubbed against his cold, hard profile.


    She didn''t believe that even now, he could still hold back.


    "A Ying, you little demon..." The man gritted his teeth, and his big hand dropped from her shoulder to her slender waist.


    Gu Ying only felt that the palm on her waist was hot like fire.


    The man who was holding her turned the tables and took control. His breathing became heavier. In an instant he took away all her breath.


    Gu Ying was kissed fiercely by him until she was panting for breath. In the entanglement, she let out alluring, clingy moans and whines.


    She took the initiative to provoke him, but in the end, it was still her with red-rimmed eyes begging for mercy.


    Zhao Changdu was breathing heavily. His eyes were darker than theherworld.


    Gu Ying copsed weakly in his arms, her face flushed red, gasping for air, "As long as I don''t use the quarantine area¡¯s water or eat their food, A Du can observe whether I will be infected by this so-called gue or not."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly again, "Tomorrow I will summon Zhuge and the others to discuss and verify whether someone has poisoned the well."


    Gu Ying chuckled softly, "Yes, so I''m not going to keep hiding for my life in Ning House."


    So in her eyes, staying in Ning House was just hiding for her life.


    Zhao Changdu gave her a helpless look, "What can a little girl like you do?"


    "What''s wrong with being a little girl?" The corners of Gu Ying''s eyes were still flushed red. She smiled brightly at the man and said, "Maybe in the end, I''m the only one who can keep Yueyang City alive."


    Somehow, Zhao Changdu''s heart thumped uneasily. His big hand sped the back of the woman''s head tightly and said in a deep voice, "A Ying, who would do such a thing?"


    Gu Ying answered without hesitation, "Jiang Yin."


    Zhao Changdu frowned again, "Why do you think it''s Jiang Yin?"


    Gu Ying got up from his arms and looked at him directly without avoidance, "Because he is ambitious and nning something big. Yueyang is just a part of his n. Otherwise, knowing how dangerous Yueyang was, he would not have insisted oning here with Prince Shu."


    Zhao Changdu was alerted by the sentence she said "he knew Yueyang was dangerous".


    The "he" referred to Jiang Yin.

 Chapter 289: Who Can’t Get Over It

    <h4>Chapter 289</h4>


    His eyes grew increasingly gloomy as he looked at the flushed woman in his arms, "How did Jiang Yin know of the danger in Yueyang?"


    Gu Ying was taken aback, damn it, she had let something slip. But it didn''t matter, after all in the Prince''s eyes, she could use dreams to exin everything.


    So she rolled her eyes and said seriously, "Actually, I had a dream some time ago...and dreamed that Jiang Yin had big ns, not only to kill us who were busy with the Yueyang gue, but eventually even killed Prince Shu and took his ce...Then deceived the Emperor with clever words and used the Prince and Lord Zhou and others of being sinners for all eternity. He obtained merit from providing disaster relief and was bestowed the title of Marquis."


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips pursed together without saying a word.


    "A person like him who uses any means to achieve his goals is truly frightening, I even feel like he is capable of anything. It''s not impossible that he caused the gue by poisoning. I''ve read the Yueyang county records, decades ago someone boiled dead gue-ridden mice in water and poured it into the river, leading to outbreaks of gue in several Yueyang counties. Especially a city like Yueyang that relies on the Yu River flowing through it, it''s even easier for someone to poison the water."


    Gu Ying had a grave expression.


    "Also, Jiang Yin is extremely skilled with poisons. He has a book that records many exotic poisons lost to history, I think he must have read about it in there."


    Zhao Changdu keenly asked, "What book?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes flickered slightly and she pulled up the corners of her lips saying, "I...also only saw it once in a dream, but I didn''t see the name of the book clearly, I just heard Jiang Yin say in the dream that it was a forbidden book from the pce."


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curved up imperceptibly. His wife, yet she dreamed of another man.


    Gu Ying gazed at his dark eyebrows and eyes like stars, and saw a hint of hurt on his otherwise calm face.


    Thinking about their recent cold war, a surge of inexplicable sourness rose in her heart. She suddenly threw herself into his arms and wrapped her hands around his firm waist.


    She didn''t want to be separated from him or be at odds with him.


    She loved him, and always regretted not making things clear to him about Shen Ru''s situation that night.


    Her eyes turned red as warmth welled up. She choked out, "Ah Du, I know I upset you those days in Xianlin, don''t me me okay? Don''t be so cold to me...I''m actually not that vicious, I was just afraid Shen Ru had ulterior motives and might hurt Nian in the future...so I deliberately set her up. I didn''t mean it...really...If you think I''m no good, you can scold me, anything is fine, just don''t treat me like this okay?"


    Zhao Changdu had not expected her to bring up Shen Ru.


    He pulled the girl out from his arms with an exasperatedugh. Seeing the glistening tear tracks on her face, it felt like his heart was roughly squeezed by arge hand. "I forgot about Shen Ru long ago. What is she worth remembering for eh, that you''d keep her in your mind?"


    "Huh?" Gu Ying was stunned, teardrops hanging from hershes looking extremely pitiable. "But..."


    "But what?"


    "That night, you didn''t evene back to sleep with me..."


    "I was in a bad mood."


    "You see, Ah Du, I did upset you didn''t I?"


    "It wasn''t because of Shen Ru." The gloom that had been weighing down Zhao Changdu''s mood for days finally lightened a bit. He wrapped his arm around the girl''s shoulders and rubbed his chin lightly on the top of her head, also feeling that he had been making a mountain out of a molehill. "I was just disappointed that Ah Rong was not beingpletely honest with me. But now that I think about it, it''s not that big a deal. Nothing is more important than your and the child''s safety."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying immediately bit her lower lip.


    A flood of words surged to the tip of her tongue but she still couldn''t say them.


    "I..."


    Zhao Changdu knew she didn''t want to speak of it and didn''t press her further. He tilted his head up to interrupt her, pinching her nose and pretending to be angry. "In your dreams, why am I never there hm?"


    Gu Ying''s attention was diverted. She said innocently, "Maybe because Jiang Yin is rted to the gue? Anyway...next time I''ll definitely dream about Ah Du, how about tonight?"


    She also wanted to tell him about the Prince, but in her past life other than that one night, they had very little interaction.


    She didn''t even know how his story ended in the end, she really couldn''t find any clues rted to him.


    The only way was to ask Jiang Yin, but now she and Jiang Yin were like fire and water. It wouldn''t be easy to find out the Prince''s ending from him.


    "Ah Du~"


    "Don''t be angry anymore, you''re the wisest and most valiant man I''ve ever seen. You don''t look cute at all when you''re angry."


    "How can Jiang Yinpare to even one of your fingers? Compared to Nian''s father he falls far short."


    "I pray the gods will let me dream about Nian''s handsome, spirited and masculine father tonight."


    Seeing the girl trying so hard to coax him, Zhao Changdu''s mood turned cheerful. He lifted her chin, his gaze growing increasingly dark and deep. "What you just said about Jiang Yin poisoning..."


    Gu Ying worried that he didn''t believe her and quickly said, "Ah Du, you have to trust me. I would never joke about your life. Everything I say and do is for you and for Yueyang. If my guess is wrong, the worst oue would be me dying alongside all of you in Yueyang. I''m not afraid, I''m willing to take this gamble."


    Her voice was soft but her tone firmer than ever before.


    "Don''t talk nonsense. I won''t let anything happen to you and Nian." How could Zhao Changdu possibly be willing to let her die here? He immediately moved closer to seal her lips with his.


    Gu Ying''s eyes were red as she felt the man firmly caress her lips again and again. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.


    When the kiss ended shey weak and flushed in his arms.


    "My lord, I''m not deceiving you, believe me this once okay?"


    Zhao Changdu affectionately kissed her fair nose. "Alright, I believe in Ah Rong."


    Gu Ying''s brows and eyes curved gently as she lightly nuzzled his straight nose with hers. "I know Ah Du has kept the focus on the infirmaries and patients because of the people''s life and death. But I have an even better way that can force certain scumbags standing by to take action."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to see a trace of cunning shing brightly in the girl''s eyes. His heart warmed and he picked her up horizontally.


    "I''ll do whatever you say." His rich, mellow voice fell by her ear.


    Gu Ying blinked as she watched him carry her to the couch. Her breathing became slightly chaotic in expectation as she looked at him.


    Now that their quarrel was resolved, shouldn''t they be intimate?


    However he only looked at her for a while before cing his palm on her lower abdomen over her clothes, gently caressing her stomach.


    Nian, Nian, who was the one she couldn''t stop thinking about?

 Chapter 290: The Prince did not Touch Her.

    <h4>Chapter 290</h4>


    Gu Ying could see the man''s sharp, bobbing Adam''s apple, and even more clearly discern the restrained lust in his eyes.


    The doctor had previously said that after three months... they could do that...


    She actually missed him quite a bit...


    Gu Ying''s cheeks grew hot and her earlobes followed suit, flushing red. She took hisrge hand in hers, her eyes peering earnestly into his dark pupils, "Ah Du, it''s gettingte, should we rest first?"


    Zhao Changdu let out a soft chuckle, cupping her cheek to give her a light kiss on the forehead, "I''ll have someone prepare hot water for you to get washed up. This clinic is full of the stench of sickness, you''re carrying our child, you must take care of your health."


    The man stood up swiftly and cleanly, making it clear he would not be touching her.


    He had actually endured at such a moment.


    Gu Ying stared at his retreating back in disbelief.


    Could it be? Was it possible that after she had gotten pregnant, the Crown Prince no longer held that carnal desire towards her?


    As she watched the man''s departing figure, Gu Ying regretfully caressed her own slender waist, involuntarily murmuring to herself, "It''s still rather slim and soft..."


    Her belly had not yet begun to swell, her figure remained lithe and supple, especially a certain area, which was bing more and more impressive.


    Logically speaking, her current self still held quite an allure towards men.


    But the Crown Prince''s expression was far too cold, appearing unusually abstinent, as if he had no ns to break his eight hundred year fast.


    A hard nut to crack--in matters between husband and wife, it had always been the Crown Prince who took the initiative while she was too shy, and despite pondering over it for some time, she stillcked the audacity to entice him.


    Her cheeks burning red, Gu Ying let out a sigh, the flush fading somewhat from her face. She got out of bed and went to take a look at the medical records the doctors had written regarding the patients'' conditions.


    Not long after, Zhao Changdu entered the room to feed her health preserving medicine for the fetus.


    Her eyes were sharp and she immediately noticed that pomegranate flower sachet now clearly hanging from his jade belt. Unable to help herself, she felt likeughing, but seeing the Crown Prince''s frosty visage, she did not utter a sound.


    Zhao Changdu carried her impassively to bathe her, and Gu Ying shamelessly enjoyed the bathing service provided by the Crown Prince. In her mind, she calcted just how to pull that bastard Jiang Yin down as well.


    It was a pity that the Crown Prince''s gaze did not stray to her body at all as he bathed her.


    After bathing, only her face was flushed red like a boiled shrimp, the steam in the tub rising in wisps to fog her mind.


    She leaned limply against him as she changed into fresh clothes before getting into bed.


    There were nomps lit in the room. Ensconced within the thick and expansive quilt, Gu Ying''s cheeks still burned as she pillowed her head against his sturdy arm. After going so long without sleeping alongside the Crown Prince, she tossed and turned, closing her eyes and opening them again, simply unable to fall asleep.


    "Ah Du, do you still remember what the doctor said before?"


    "Mm, what''s wrong?"


    "I feel like I''m ready now!"


    "Don''t make trouble."


    Gu Ying puffed her lips out in a pout, "Ah Du, could it be you don''t like me anymore?"


    The man''s voice was hoarse to an excessive degree in the darkness, his palm stroking her delicate shoulder, "Of course not, don''t think random thoughts."


    Gu Ying''s small hand meaningfully crept towards his lower abdomen, "Ah Du, then why won''t you touch me..."


    Zhao Changdu opened his eyes, pressing down on the little girl''s hand that was causing trouble, heat rushing urgently to a certain part of his body.


    He ground his back teeth, suppressing himself, and drew the person in his embrace even closer, "Don''t move...go to sleep quickly."


    He had always been extremely fierce in such matters--he could not injure her at such a critical moment. Once the child in her belly was born, there would be ample time for intimacy.


    Gu Ying resigned herself, knowing she could not arouse this man, and obediently went to sleep.


    The little girl who had just bathed gave off an alluring sweet fragrance, her soft body nestling against him.


    Zhao Changdu had been busy alone with the gue for half a month. Holding her as she fell asleep now, listening to her softly feline-like breathing as she drifted off, he painfully tortured himself for half the night.


    ...


    The next day upon waking,


    The sky had just barely brightened, the early spring chill still bitter. Mist hovered outside the windowttices, seeming to veil everything under ayer of hazy gauze.


    Gu Ying abruptly opened her eyes, immediately seeing the man propping his chin up as he gazed at her affectionately.


    Seeing that she had woken up, the corner of the man''s mouth ticked up slightly.


    A light kiss carrying the scent of water liliesnded on her lips.


    The environment in Qingjiang Manor was naturally iparable to the luxurious bed and soft pillows of Biyun Manor in times past. Still muddled from sleep, she had suffered a night of chaotic, messy dreams, either dreaming of Jiang Yin or of an indistinct toddler.


    Jiang Yin''s features were loathsome, ten years in a crumbled temple inflicting heartrending pain that cut to the bone--only that small glutinous rice ball in her dream gave her some smallfort. Yet she also didn''t know if she was simply too anxious, actually having a nightmare.


    That little one had called her mother over and over, its voice tenderly softening her heart.


    The child looked extremely tiny, with full, chubby cheeks, and skin as tender and delicate as a bubble that could break at the slightest touch. It joyfully stretched out its soft, fair pudgy hands to run towards her... Overjoyed, she had wanted to take it into her arms, but who knew Jiang Yin would abruptly burst out from midway, his face dark, a longsword in his hand. With a sweep of his sword, the childy in a pool of its own blood, its limbs torn apart, its small body hacked to pieces.


    She was scared witless, her voice choked in her throat, unable even to let out a sound. Then her entire body stiffened and she startled awake from the dream.


    Her heart pounded rapidly, nearly jumping out from her throat, cold sweat seeping from her palms.


    She calmed herself for a while, her eyes still filled with confusion and bewilderment.


    Nian Bao...that was her Nian Bao...


    That bastard Jiang Yin would kill her Nian Bao...


    Gu Ying''s eyes began to moisten, a surge of heat rising up in the depths of her eyes.


    She turned her panicked, helpless gaze towards Zhao Changdu. Seeing this, painnced through his heart and he immediately pulled her into his embrace.


    "What''s wrong? Had a nightmare?"


    The man''srge, slightly cool hand pressed against the girl''s forehead, a worried look surfacing on his face.


    Gu Ying''s fearful, uneasy heart gradually settled. She forced her tears back, smiling as she met the man''s scorching gaze. Her heartbeat quickened.


    "Mm...but it was only a dream after all."


    In her previous life, Jiang Yin had used an abortifacient to kill the child she had with the Crown Prince, leaving her with deep scars across her heart. Fortunately this dream was not a recollection of the past, only a nightmare.


    Perhaps she had just been too anxioustely, thoughts upying both her days and dreams, thus bringing about such an inauspicious nightmare.


    She swore to well protect Nian Bao, not giving Jiang Yin another chance to kill Nian Bao.


    With a soft sob, her eyes still glistening damply, she stretched out both arms from beneath the quilt, winding them tightly about his neck as she actively kissed him.


    As their kiss ended, they rested with their foreheads touching, both their breathing somewhat hurried.


    Gu Ying''s face was flushed, her voice still holding the soft, nasal tone of having just woken, speaking lowly, "Ah Du, I want to stay by your side as we help Yueyang weather this storm. Leave managing the patients to you while I handle everything else, alright?"


    Preupied, with only Cousin and Zhou Yan, there were few people he could trust in Yueyang City.


    Gu Ying was aware of his difficulties, and had long thought of how to help him, only held back by Jiang Yin without an opportunity to voice her thoughts.


    Not untilst night had she finally worked up the courage to directly tell the Crown Prince "certain things".


    After speaking words that had long been trapped in her heart, she felt much better. She could also let go of many matters and handle them personally, but what delighted her more was that the Crown Prince believed in her.

 Chapter 291: Add to the Mess

    <h4>Chapter 291</h4>


    His trust was her greatest source of confidence. Even if she failed and died together with these thousands ofmoners, she would feel it was worth it.


    At least she was not trapped in Bianjing quarreling with a bunch of women like in her previous life. She had escaped from the confined rear courtyard and worked hard by the vast Li River for themoners'' survival.


    Zhao Changdu''s brow quirked slightly, his gaze falling softly and fondly on the girl''s fair nose tip.


    One could tell from her voluntary assistance of him since childhood that thisss had innate rebelliousness. She was not an ordinary youngdy confined to the rear courtyard, nor was she the rumored ignorant and stupid person. She was born to a prestigious family, tough, intelligent,posed, with righteousness and kindness deep in her bones.


    He loved her righteousness and brightness.


    He knew about the means she had used to deal with Shen Ruoxu in the camp, and about the schemes during the winter hunting convention that brought Gu Jia and Jiang Yin together.


    Some said she was sinister, and others said she was ruthless.


    On the contrary, he knew she was kind. Her kindness was different from others¡¯, with thorns and a hint of fierceness.


    This fierceness made her even more charming.


    Who made her and him cut from the same cloth?


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep with meaning as his thin lips kissed her from the nose tip all the way to her soft lips.


    He breathed heavily and said, "I can promise you, but you must also promise me to let me know in advance whatever you do, and not hurt yourself and our unborn child."


    Gu Ying was breathless from his fierce, mad kisses. "Alright," she whispered weakly.


    Zhao Changdu knew he could not stop her. It would be better to support her than to have her scheme behind his back. "I¡¯ll give you a few elite soldiers. Go ahead bravely with whatever you want to do. I¡¯ll cover you for anything that happens."


    Gu Ying nodded gently. "Um!" she smiled.


    After the discussion in bed, Zhao Changdu got up and put a clean, thick ck kerchief on the table. "Ying, remember to put this onter no matter what you do."


    "Okay," Gu Ying answered as she got off the bed and went to the pear wood box in the study to grab a set of the Prince¡¯s casual robes to wrap around herself. She also picked a leather belt to tighten her waist.


    "Since the gue is getting worse, all people I could send out are out. Only Huai Bi is left to run errands in this huge Qingjiang Vi.


    "When I was alone, anything would do. With no one to serve me I just ate carelessly whatever was sent over by kindmoners. But now there is a youngdy with me, and she¡¯s pregnant, so I have to be particr about things and make sure she¡¯s not neglected."


    He intended to call Yin Lan over to take care of her.


    Gu Ying shook her head. "Yin Lan has a cold and needs to take care of Huai An. She¡¯s too busy toe over. Also, I don¡¯t want her toe."


    She guessed this gue was caused by someone poisoning the public, but she was notpletely sure. She didn¡¯t want Yin Lan to take the risk with her.


    It was best for the girl to stay at the Ning residence. She was just worried Yin Lan wouldn¡¯t obediently stay with the Nings.


    Never mind. They would deal with it when the time came.


    Gu Ying put aside her thoughts, tidied up her dressing with the oversized prince robes whose sleeves she had to tuck.


    Seeing her in his clothes looking like a lovely little bean, Zhao Changdu hooked up a smile and pulled her over to help her straighten up. "This afternoon I¡¯ll have outfits tailored for you. For now you look quite sweet in my robe."


    His low, husky voice carried rippling ambiguities. Blushing madly, Gu Ying raised her eyes. "It smells like your rich fragrance, which makes me feel secure."


    Zhao Changdu stroked her tender cheek, his eyes deepened. "Let me do your hair."


    Gu Ying sat quietly as the man''s long fingers threaded through her hair and swiftly put it in a nice bun.


    "Ah Du, you¡¯re so good at this. I can¡¯t even do my own hair this nicely."


    Zhao Changdu admired his work satisfied. The girl was peerlessly beautiful without any makeup, naturally pretty with rosy lips and white teeth, snowy skin, and a pair of bright spirited eyes.


    He was quite stirred by her beauty and couldn¡¯t help wanting to kiss her. Just then, Huai Bi knocked on the door from outside.


    "Sir, Master Zhuge asks you to go to the pharmacy."


    Interrupted, Zhao Changdu closed his eyes, his face sullen.


    Amused, Gu Ying tiptoed and swiftly kissed his chin. "Go ahead, Ah Du. Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯lle to you shortly."


    Zhao Changdu endured his urge and hugged her. "Have Huai Bi follow you. He¡¯s got better Kung Fu than Huai An. Remember to eat. I¡¯ll have food sent to you."


    Gu Ying nodded. Watching the man arrogantly wearing her perfume bag out the door, she smiled gently.


    Uneasily hugging his sword, Huai Bi let out an awkwardugh seeing Gu Yinge out with a ck kerchief. "Madam...I''ll bring food for you now..."


    "You are Huai Bi?" Gu Ying asked.


    "Yes madam, at your service," Huai Bi lowered his head.


    Gu Ying nced amused. "Have we met before?"


    "Er..." Huai Bi froze. He had once suspected her affair with Jiang Yin and stalked her, reporting all her activities to his master. That night the master was in very bad mood after visiting the Nings when she was buying abortion medicine. Though the master finally calmed down after some unknown interaction with Madam, Huai Bi had always looked down on her shady rtionship with Jiang Yin.


    He had never expected to be assigned under this woman¡¯smand today...The two felt somewhat awkward.


    Knowing many Qilin Army fellows disliked her, Gu Ying let it go with augh. "Please find two more men. We need to make a trip to the Yueyang Prefecture Government."


    Without a word, Huai Bi brought Huai Ying and Huai Ling with him to silently follow behind the woman.


    Though taller than average women, she looked insignificantpared to them - men nearing 1.8 meters tall.


    They exchanged confused nces with each other, wondering what business this petite youngdy could possibly have that required them to tag along.


    They were dissatisfied and contemptuous. Ever since bringing Madam Gu overst night, they felt she knew nothing beyond her inner chamber life and was oblivious about everything else, only caring about her private affair with the Prince regardless of themoners in Yueyang. Aftering to the Vi she had just been messing with the Prince. The Prince had been busy with the gue and went days without rest. Now she came interrupting again. Was she thinking the Prince was not tired enough?

 Chapter 292: Like to Die

    <h4>Chapter 292</h4>


    As members of the Qilin Army, they clearly had more important things to do, yet they were assigned to protect such a powerless youngdy.


    Huai Ying and Huai Ling were increasingly unhappy about this.


    Huai Bi red at them, hinting that they should not speak and must not question the Crown Prince''s arrangements.


    The two looked at each other for a long time before they had no choice but to swallow their anger and follow Gu Ying to the streets.


    Gu Ying had not eaten breakfast. After leaving the manor, she deliberately walked all the way to the main street. Having been confined to Ning Fu for so long, she did not know what the outside world looked like and wanted to investigate.


    After leaving Qingjiang Manor, they passed Huaiyang Avenue and reached Sakura Street. All along the way, the houses were dpidated. Only a few food stalls were still open, but they were not selling anything. Instead, kind-hearted people were making hot porridge and steamed buns for beggars andmoners who had no rice left to eat.


    Themon people wailed. Many of the sick and weak were still lying at home instead of being moved to the quarantine camps.


    Huai Bi said, ¡°There is not enough room in the quarantine camps now. Many mild cases can only stay at home and wait for us to distribute medicine to them.¡±


    ¡°This boss, Boss Zhang, used to run a rice shop. Now he has donated all the rice at home to people who have nothing to eat.¡±


    ¡°The woman standing next to Boss Zhang is his wife, Qin. She is also a kind woman. Not only does she provide buns and porridge to everyone, she also offers rooms in her inn for people to stay in. But they have also contracted the gue, just that their symptoms are still mild for now. When the disease worsens, they will have to be moved to the quarantine camps.¡±


    ¡°Mydy, it¡¯s best if you keep your distance from these people. Once infected, there is no cure yet.¡±


    Gu Ying listened quietly to Huai Bi¡¯s words.


    Against her ears were the sighs and desperate conversations of themoners.


    ¡°Oh, I wonder when this gue will end. The old man living next to me, Old Man Lin, died in the middle of the night beforest... When he died, there was not a single uninfected part on his body. I didn¡¯t even dare look. Later the authorities sent people to take his corpse away to be cremated.¡±


    ¡°Has the Crown Prince and Young Master Yee up with a cure?¡±


    ¡°After taking this medicine these past few days, I do feel much morefortable physically, but the illness still hasn¡¯t gone away. s, yesterday I still felt itchy and sore all over. I was wondering if I should just go to the quarantine camp myself and let Zhuge Doctor take a look, but I''m afraid that would add to the Crown Prince¡¯s troubles. I heard the Crown Prince has also nearly caught the gue.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Is that true? That won¡¯t do! If the Crown Prince contracts the gue too, then we really have no hope left!¡±


    ¡°This gue has killed too many people... Heaven must protect the Crown Prince.¡±


    One woman started crying as she said, "My little daughter... she was only five years old..."


    The atmosphere of grief, pessimism and pain quickly spread through the crowd.


    Gu Ying''s face tensed as she turned and left.


    Huai Bi took one look at her retreating figure and hurriedly told Huai Ying and Huai Ling to follow her.


    Gu Ying did not expect the situation outside to be so severe. To think some people were actually hiding in the government offices like turtles in their shells.


    She gave a coldugh and briskly led Huai Bi and the others to the front of the government building.


    Seeing someone who actually dared toe and make trouble, several highly skilled government soldiers immediately blocked her path with scowls on their faces. "Where did this stinking brate from, daring to trespass Prince Shu¡¯s residence! Get lost right now! Otherwise don¡¯t me us for being impolite!"


    "That''s right! Why are you here instead of staying home at a time like this! Don''t you know Prince Shu is resting here?"


    "Go away, go away! His Highness has no time to bother with the likes of youmon folks!"


    Seeing their arrogant and conceited attitude, Gu Ying felt extremely sarcastic. The entire Yueyang City was in dire straits, so why should only Li Yang enjoy peace and tranquility here?


    She coldly walked forward and said lightly, "Let me through."


    "Who exactly are you?"


    "Your aunt." Gu Ying sent a high side kick towards the man''s head, hitting him until he cried for his parents.


    This action made Huai Bi''s heart thump wildly.


    The young mistress is still carrying the master''s child! She should not be so reckless!


    "Mydy! Be careful!"


    "I''m fine," Gu Ying curled her lips. "I know my limits."


    Huai Bi took a deep breath. This was the first time she had seen this gentle and graceful youngdy reveal such a tough and frightening side.


    Seeing the young mistress¡¯ imposing manner now, it was indeed very simr to when the Crown Prince was angry. They are husband and wife after all. After living together for so long, even their temperaments have be more alike.


    Hearing Gu Ying''s provocative tone, the few officers immediately drew out their long swords and pointed them at the group. "You even dare trespass Prince Shu¡¯s residence. Do you want to die?"


    Gu Ying gave a coldugh. "Today I insist on intruding. What can you do about it?"


    Huai Bi was taken aback. Had the young mistress lost her mind? What was she here to do at the government building? To beg Prince Shu?


    What use would begging that useless prince be?


    "Mydy, I think¡ª"


    Gu Ying''s face sank as shemanded strongly, "Huai Bi, kill anyone who dares block my way!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, she took the lead and walked into the building.


    Seeing her arrogant behavior, the guards immediately rushed at her with their swords, trying to subdue her.


    Huai Bi had no choice. She could not just stand by and do nothing. So she worked with Huai Ying and Huai Ling to easily dispose of these insignificant subordinates in just a few moves to protect Gu Ying.


    The injured guards fell to the ground crying. Gu Ying brushed the dust off her sleeves expressionlessly and headed for the courtyard where Prince Shu was.


    Hearing themotion at the courtyard gate, Li Yangzily walked out, impably dressed.


    Seeing Gu Ying striding towards him, the corners of his mouth curved up slightly. "So it''s you who has gone through all this trouble to see me. Gu Second Young Lady, there is no need to make such a big fuss. If you wish to see me, just send someone in to let me know. I would have weed you properly."


    Gu Ying smiled, but there was no smile in her eyes. "Your Highness is too kind, but I do not have the leisure to observe such etiquette."


    Li Yang''s expression did not change as he meaningfully said, "Then what important business does Second Young Lady Gu have with me?"


    Gu Ying bent her lips slowly. "Naturally, it is a very important matter."


    Hearing this, Li Yang''s face still wore a smile. In his opinion, a beauty like Gu Ying was indeed worth a man''s affection.


    Zhao Changdu had been staying with themoners day and night. He probably wouldn¡¯t live much longer. As a sheltered madam who had never seen such a terrible gue, and with the Crown Prince seemingly unreliable now, facing such a serious epidemic, this clueless youngdy could only choose to turn to him when she was desperate.


    Thinking of this, his heart swelled with more arrogance and pride.


    He did want Gu Ying, but still looked down on her in his heart. After all, she was not a chaste woman. He would just y with her. As for love, he did not feel that way at all.


    "Since Second Young Lady has important matters to discuss, pleasee inside." Li Yang''s mind was already filled with imaginary scenes of Gu Ying lying beneath him. Feeling somewhat restless, he said, "I will have my servants prepare fine wine and dishes right away."


    It would be even better to add a pot of premium blended incense. That should leave Gu Ying intoxicated with passion.

 Chapter 293: No Way out, No way out

    <h4>Chapter 293</h4>


    Gu Ying did not know what he was thinking. She just looked at his magnificent robes and crown, his smiling face, and could no longer maintain herposure.


    She coldly rejected him, her indifferent eyes fixed steadily on his smiling eyes, "No need."


    Li Yang felt irritated inside. Heughed and said, "Then what does Second Miss Gu want? This king will oblige."


    Gu Ying alsoughed. "Nothing much. I just want His Highness the Prince of Shu toe with me for a walk."


    Li Yang was curious. "Where to?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head and pouted her lips. "You''ll know when we get there."


    Before Li Yang could react, he felt the presence of three tall figures. He realized something was wrong and was about to yell angrily when their swords and knives shed down towards him.


    He was so frightened that his vision went dark. Then Gu Ying hit him hard on the head, knocking himpletely unconscious.


    Gu Ying looked at him coldly, her face expressionless. "Tie him up ande with me."


    Only then did Huai Bi and the others realize her intentions. They had never imagined that the young mistress would daringly set her sights on the Prince of Shu. While shocked, they also felt somewhat worried.


    "Mistress, are you really going to do this?"


    "Didn''t I already have you guys knock him out?"


    "But if this gets out and the people of Bianjing find out that the mistress harmed the emperor''s most beloved prince... Even if the Yueyang gue is cured, I''m afraid the mistress will not escape me. The Prince of Shu will not let the mistress off either."


    Gu Yingughed lightly and walked outside. "We have long lost our way back. Why bother thinking about whates after?"


    "But this is too¡ª"


    "We may all die in Yueyang anyway without caring about emperors or favored consorts. With Li Yang dead, I can at least win him some credit for a heroic sacrifice. It would be my gift to him."


    Huai Bi and the others looked at each other, ashamed at their previous disrespect towards the mistress.


    Seeing that the three did not follow, Gu Ying turned around. "Why aren''t youing?"


    Huai Bi looked up and saw the delicate woman smiling brightly like a flower, her eyes sparkling like stars in the soft daylight.


    He immediately put on a smile. "Mistress,ing!"


    After the Prince of Shu fainted, his secret guards immediately appeared.


    No wonder the Yueyang government office had remained so peaceful for so long. It turned out that so many people were only here to protect this useless prince and were not caring for themoners at all.


    A man like this still wants to enter the Eastern Pce? Wishful thinking.


    In this life, Jiang Yin can stop dreaming about entering the inner court. Since the Crown Prince supports Prince Duan, she will naturally do her best to make Prince Duan the Crown Prince.


    Let''s see what else Jiang Yin can jump around to then.


    Gu Ying did not pay them any attention at all. She smiled slightly. "Huai Bi, I heard from the Crown Prince that your martial arts surpass even Huai An''s?"


    Huai Biughed heartily. "Mistress, watch me!"


    With that, he swiftly took down over half of the Prince of Shu''s guards.


    Huai Ying carried the Prince of Shu over his shoulder. "Mistress, let''s go first. Huai Bi can cover the rear."


    "Mm." Gu Ying murmured softly and looked back before leaving the manor.


    She knew Jiang Yin was hiding somewhere in the manor watching her.


    But there was no hurry. With the calm disrupted, he would definitely take the initiative toe out.


    ...


    Themotion outside disappeared as quickly as it came, as if Gu Ying had never been there at all.


    At this moment, Jiang Yin was sitting on a small couch in a secret room, legs apart, hand propping up his chin, staring steadily at a woman kneeling before him.


    Since she had been brought in, he had been staring at her like this for a whole incense stick worth of time, his eyes still fixed on her breathtakingly beautiful and innocent face.


    She wore a tea-colored pleated chiffon dress, a pale pink crossover-cored top tucked into ake blue belt that entuated her tiny waist. Two light pink butterfly bows hung from her waist. Her figure was enchanting and charming.


    A section of snow-white neck, slender and long. Her hair was lightly bundled up without too much ornamentation, only a few cheap velvet flowers pinned in her dark tresses.


    Even with such light makeup, it only further entuated her rosy lips and white teeth, her curved eyebrows, delicate features that were so exquisite it was as if she was a great beautye to life to captivate the heart.


    Jiang Yin stared nkly for a long time, waves of regret and mncholy arising in his heart as he involuntarily recalled memories from his past life.


    Back then, Gu Ying was still an inconsequential proper youngdy in the rear manor of the Earl of Dongping.


    Her father, Gu Boqing, was a general with considerable military achievements. He had been fighting enemies outside for many years and rarely returned home. Losing restraint, she had a younger brother less than ten years old and they barely got by in the rear manor.


    Mrs. Liu was in charge of the Earl of Dongping Manor. Old Madam Gu favored the main room''s Gu Jia and disliked the second room''s Gu family, even pampering the main room''s illegitimate daughter more than Gu Ying, her own granddaughter.


    Old Madam Gu had forbidden Gu Ying from learning poetry, books and etiquette ever since she was little. By the marriageable age, aside from her beauty, she had be illiterate and uneducated despite being a direct descendant of the prominent Ye family. Rumors spread that Second Miss Gu was an idiot fool, and no one came asking for her hand in marriage. Even the Young Marquis of Yong¡¯an reneged on their engagement.


    The Gu family had never allowed her to go out in public, ashamed that she embarrassed the family.


    So very early on, aside from him, no one knew that Second Miss Gu was born with exceptional beauty.


    His family''s downfall forced him to rely on power and connections for advancement, so he set his sights on these prestigious households.


    So at Duke Ying''s spring banquet back then, when she still silly but ran up and showed a hint of affection for him, he knew¡ªthe opportunity hade.


    With Gu Jia''s help, he deliberately seduced her, advancing and withdrawing topletely toy with her feelings.


    She tearfully, angrily broke off the engagement with the Young Marquis of Yong¡¯an, insisting on marrying him instead. Later, he finally married her and won the assistance of the Gu household and the support of his father-inw Gu Boqing as well.


    In over two years of marriage with her, she tried her best to please him. Knowing that he liked refinement in women, she steadfastly loved only light colored clothes. During difficult times in the household, she took out her own dowry as a daughter of an Earl''s house to help settle his ounts.


    Just to please him, she learned embroidery, reading and writing in two short years what takes most women over a decade to master.


    Such an intelligent youngdy had indeed gone to waste in the Gu family. With her pleasing, gentle, understanding personality that was fully considerate of him, caring for him, loving him, filled with thoughts only for his sake, even if he tried, how could his heart not be moved?


    But from the moment he found out about Crown Prince Zhao Changdu''s affair with her in the other courtyard, he only felt hatred and anger towards her. He started treating her coldly, taking pleasure in tormenting her to see her hurt for his sake. He continuously brought in concubines, watching as she anguished and cried over him, a hint of twisted satisfaction rising in his heart for retaliation.


    He was unwilling to lose to Zhao Changdu but also disgusted that she was ruined by another man and pregnant with a different man''s child. Yet he also couldn''t control his feelings for her. Only by seeing her in pain and crying for him could he find evidence of her affection in those tears.

 Chapter 294: Chu Jiu Niang

    <h4>Chapter 294</h4>


    In his previous life, he had swept away all obstacles and reached the highest positions of power with authority reaching to the heavens, yet he was always alone.


    Later, someone asked if he still remembered his wife who had passed away.


    He was stunned for a long time, before giving a self-deprecatingugh.


    How could he not remember?


    It was only when he was old and on his deathbed that he finally realized... it was he who had first developed feelings for her at the British diplomatic reception in spring.


    Recalling this, Jiang Yin raised his head with slightly reddened eyes that were turning moist.


    He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again, and said to the woman still kneeling below, "Raise your head."


    The woman obediently raised her head, revealing a face identical to Gu Ying''s.


    Jiang Yin looked at her withplex emotions.


    In his previous life, he had by chance met a girl named Chu Jiuniang who resembled her.


    Chu Jiuniang was from Haizhou. She came from a poor farming family, with generations of farmers. Later her father married a wandering madwoman who gave birth to a bunch of children before her. Originally there were eight older brothers before her, but because the family was too poor to raise them all, five of them died prematurely, leaving only three brothers. She was the only daughter born as the ninth child, which was how she got her name. Her eldest brother was conscripted into the army. Her second brother was sentenced to prison for murder. Only she and her third brother were left in the family.


    Despite her humble origins, she possessed a face that was eighty percent simr to Gu Ying''s. Because her looks attracted too much unwanted attention, she was kept hidden at home and carefully raised by her father and brothers, nurtured into tender flesh and delicate skin as white as a painting.


    Later, after her brothers sessively died prematurely and her parents became ill and passed away, her only remaining third brother became addicted to gambling and debauchery. Left without a choice, she had to show her face outside to find a living. This was how, when she was nearly sold to a brothel, she met him when he happened to be visiting Haizhou.


    When he first saw her, he was extremely shocked. He immediately had his people buy her and bring her back to his residence.


    At the time, Gu Ying hadplications after a miscarriage and her health had been declining. She had been relying on medication to recuperate.


    He secretly brought Chu Jiuniang back to a separate courtyard residence in Bianjing and gave her covert training until herportment and manners became almost indistinguishable from Gu Ying¡¯s.


    Later, this woman did help him a lot. Using her beauty and bedroom skills, she assisted his swift rise through the ranks at court.


    He didn¡¯t expect that after his rebirth, when he sent people in advance to bring her back, she was actually willing to travel thousands of miles from Haizhou to Yueyang toe to him.


    It was just a pity that although this woman was an ignorant vige woman, she was not very easy to control. If he wanted to use her again, he would have to think carefully about how to do it.


    He looked at her for a long time, seeing Gu Ying''s shadow on her face. Unable to restrain himself, he leaned over and reached out to stroke her face, a loving and doting look emerging in his eyes.


    ¡°From now on, forget everything about your past. Your name is Gu Ying. Do you understand?¡±


    Chu Jiuniang gave a faint smile and obediently said, ¡°This servant understands. I am Gu Ying, Second Young Lady of the East Pingbo Residence''s second branch. I''m currently the wife of the Heir Apparent of Prince Zhongguo¡¯s residence.¡±


    Jiang Yin was very satisfied. Under Han Lin''s trainingtely, not only had her looks be more and more simr to Gu Ying¡¯s, but her behavior and manners had also be identical to Gu Ying''s in every way - her speech, movements, temperament and tone of voice. Even some subtle gestures had been learned uncannily lifelike.


    Whenever he came to see her, there were times he couldn''t distinguish true from false.


    He softened his tone and said, "Stand up ande over."


    Chu Jiuniang stood up and walked over to sit on the short couch by his side. She turned her face and looked at him with a pair of limpid, beautiful eyes full of deep passion and affection.


    She just kept gazing at him wholeheartedly this way, giving Jiang Yin the fleeting illusion that she was the Gu Ying from his previous life who had loved him with all her heart and soul.


    "Gu Ying... is it you?"


    "It''s me, young master."


    "Gu Ying... will you always listen to me?"


    "This servant will naturally follow the young master with all my heart and soul. Whatever the young master says, this servant will obey."


    Jiang Yin''s eyes darkened. He pulled the woman''s soft body into his embrace and couldn''t help leaning over to kiss her on the lips.


    Chu Jiuniang swallowed and hooked her arms around his neck. Her eyes lit up with bewitching charm. "Young master..."


    Hearing this coquettish form of address, Jiang Yin suddenly came to his senses. Gu Ying would never make such a bewitching sound towards him.


    As a proper youngdy from a prominent household, although shecked parental guidance growing up, she behaved with propriety and gentleness. When shy, she would only bite her lips with moist eyes pleading for him not to overstep his bounds.


    But she was never so libertine.


    He pushed her away forcefully, his whole body turning cold.


    Chu Jiuniang didn''t know what she had done to displease him. Flustered, she blinked nervously a few times before kneeling back down in anxious apprehension.


    She came from an extremely poor family. The men in her vige lusted after her beauty and none harbored good intentions whenever they loitered outside her door. She was terrified and had run away under the cover of night to the city of Haizhou to find a living. She didn''t expect a man would buy her there.


    She had abandoned her gambling addict brother to travel a thousand miles from Haizhou over here because she thought she might be sold to some wealthy but lecherous old man. But unexpectedly, the one she ended up meeting was this handsome, refined and cultured young master.


    Not only did he dress her in beautiful clothes and give her money, but he also specially arranged for people to teach her poetry, etiquette and decorum.


    What delighted her even more was that he was very fond of her, taking her virginity on the very first night. He treated her with exceptional gentleness and affection. The sensations that night were especially wonderful. She was immersed in rapture for most of the night. When she woke up ensconced blissfully in his embrace the next morning, body limp and sore all over, she knew he was the one for her this lifetime.


    Only this graceful young man before her had given her a chance to live. She would follow him for the rest of her life, listening to him, bearing his children, and apanying him until their hair turned white.


    "Young master, what wrong has this servant done?"


    Jiang Yin''s face darkened in irritation. "Stay here obediently and wait for my arrangements. Don''te out casually."


    Chu Jiuniang bit her lip. She felt somewhat aggrieved being cooped up here for so long without the young master touching her again, yet she didn''t overstep her bounds too much and obediently responded, "Yes..."


    Jiang Yin''s heart was filled with turmoil and anger as he got up and strode out of the secret chamber, hating how he couldn''t control his feelings towards Gu Ying which kept disturbing his state of mind.


    That woman had betrayed him in both lifetimes and became Zhao Changdu''s woman. Why should he care so much about her? He must kill her to eliminate this influence over him!


    Yet as soon as he thought this, a twinge of pain spread through his heart.


    Oh well, he might as well keep her. He didn''t mind her past. Once he had dealt with Zhao Changdu and the Li royal family, he would take her back by his side. By then, he would love and pamper her wholeheartedly, and make her understand that he was the person in this world who loved her the most.


    Jiang Yin had just exited the secret chamber when he saw Han Lin rushing over anxiously to meet him.


    "Master, bad news!"


    Jiang Yin''s brow furrowed. "What''s happened?"


    Han Lin said, "Second Young Lady Gu came over to the residence just now and abducted His Highness Prince Shu away."


    Jiang Yin''s expression drastically changed. "What?!"

 Chapter 295: Face to Face with Jiang Yin

    <h4>Chapter 295</h4>


    Han Lin pressed his lips together, "Just now, I have already sent people to pursue her, but she was with three experts so my people were unable to stop her..."


    Jiang Yin said in a low, angry voice, "Useless!"


    Then, he strode out.


    ...


    The quarantine ward today was the same as usual, with thousands of gue patients sitting together.


    Everyone''s faces were filled with lifelessness and despair.


    In the eerie silence, painful wails would asionally sound, followed by weeping and sighing, as well as faint sobs.


    Suddenly, a man was thrown in, drawing everyone''s attention.


    The crowd was unsettled for a while, then they all gathered around the man in fine clothes.


    They saw a handsome man thrown into the wide yard of the quarantine ward, followed closely by a youngster in loose clothes and an eight-chi tall man in ck.


    Gu Ying grabbed the unconscious Li Yang and dragged him inside, ordering loudly, "Huai Ying, go get a chair for me."


    Huai Ying responded and after a while, brought a chair and ced it in the center of the yard.


    Gu Ying was not as strong as the man, so she had Huai Ying tie Li Yang to the chair.


    The crowd began discussing.


    "Who is he?"


    "Why was he brought here tied up?"


    "He looks like a noble young master, how did he end up tied in the quarantine ward? This ce is full of seriously ill gue patients! No sane person would daree here!"


    "And who is that youngster? He looks rather good-looking though, does he have a grudge against this young noble?"


    "What youngster, that''s clearly a youngdy! And I find her clothes very familiar, they look like what the Crown Prince wore recently."


    "Could she be the Crown Prince''s woman?"


    "I heard that the Crown Princess was worried about the Crown Prince, so she came to Yueyang City. Could she be the Crown Prince''s fairy-like wife that he told us about?"


    "If it''s her then it makes sense! Look at her brows and eyes, exquisitely beautiful like a painting, very befitting as the Crown Prince''s wife!"


    Everyone whispered amongst themselves, puzzled. With the severe gue outbreak currently, everyone was already feeling heavy-hearted. Sometimes the Crown Prince would take the initiative toe and console them, chatting with them and the like. It wasn''t much but it made them feel the Crown Prince''s goodwill.


    Especially since the one the Crown Prince talked about the most was his gentle and kind, extraordinarily beautiful wife.


    Though they had not seen her before, Gu Ying''s reputation had already spread far.


    Gu Ying stood still next to Li Yang, smiling at everyone, "Citizens of Yueyang, this man must be very unfamiliar to you all right? But don''t worry, I can give everyone a good introduction."


    Everyone looked bewilderedly towards the stage.


    "He is the imperial envoy Prince Shu, the King of Shu, His Highness, who was sent to provide Yueyang disaster relief."


    There was an uproar amongst the crowd. When they thought about how ever since this Prince Shu had arrived, in order to make his stay morefortable, taxes had been raised in the entire Yueyang leading to extreme hardship amongst citizens, and in the end Yueyang suffered a gue outbreak, not only did he not do a single thing to help the citizens, he even hid in the government office, not daring to show his face. The crowd became furious and the entire quarantine ward became restless.


    "So he''s the one! Hasn''t he been staying in the official''s office this whole time? How did he suddenly end up here?"


    "The one tied up over there really is Prince Shu?"


    Seeing that they did not believe her, Gu Ying said lightly, "Huai Ying, bring some water."


    Obediently, Huai Ying brought over a basin of cold water. Without hesitation, Gu Ying sshed all of the cold water onto Li Yang''s face.


    Li Yang was shocked awake. Opening his eyes and seeing the patients all around him with ulcerated skin, his scalp tingled.


    He realized he had been tied up and thrown amongst the patients, and was instantly enraged. He red at Gu Ying, "Where is this ce?"


    Gu Ying smiled mockingly, "Prince Shu, this is the quarantine ward. As the one sent by His Majesty to provide disaster relief in Yueyang, you can''t tell me you don''t know this is Yueyang''s biggest quarantine ward for gue patients right?"


    Her words made Li Yang''s eyebrows twitch wildly, "Gu Ying! What are you trying to do to me?! Get these lowlymoners out of here! Release me at once! Now!"


    He absolutely did not want to catch this damn gue!


    Gu Yingughed coldly, "You want to leave? No way. When in Bianjing, doesn''t Prince Shu often talk about empathizing and suffering with the citizens? Now that it has trulye to this, why have you be a shrinking turtle?"


    Today, she had him brought here to let him "empathize" with the citizens.


    He wants to escape? He''ll have to ask Yueyang''s citizens first!


    Li Yang was extremely anxious, and guiltily said, "When has this Prince ever said such things!"


    Gu Ying''s expression was unchanged, "Whether you''ve said it or not is unimportant now. What''s important is that now, you must stay together with them, living and dying with them, just like the Crown Prince!"


    Li Yang trembled with anger, "Gu Ying, you actually dare treat me like this? Aren''t you afraid that when I tell Imperial Father and Imperial Mother, they will execute your n and kill your whole family?!"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips turned up slightly. She walked to his side and bent down, leaning next to his ear and whispering, "What if...you can''t even leave Yueyang City? Then how will you kill my whole family?"


    Li Yang''s face paled, a wave of fear arising in his heart, "You! Are you coborating with Zhao Changdu to harm me?!"


    "It has nothing to do with the Crown Prince, this was my own decision."


    "If you release me now, I can still spare your life!"


    "What if I refuse?" A hint of slyness shed in Gu Ying''s eyes.


    Li Yang stared wide-eyed, Gu Ying''s radiant smiling face reflected in his pupils. For some reason, his heart shook, and all words were crushed between his teeth.


    He had to admit, Gu Ying was even more mesmerizing now.


    Gu Ying stood up again, facing the patients as she raised her clear, gentle voice, "Since he was sent by His Majesty, tell me everyone, should he be allowed to leave or not?" She looked at the citizens before her sympathetically,ughing, "Today, Li Yang is here with all of you, sharing your life and death, your suffering and tribtions. You are all Dong Li''s citizens, his subjects. If there is anything you wish to say to him, please go ahead and speak."


    "He is the esteemed Prince Shu of Dong Li after all. Let''s see which of you peasants dares to show disrespect to Prince Shu!"


    A low, cold voice rang out angrily from outside the quarantine ward doors.


    Following the frightened gazes of the crowd, Gu Ying saw Jiang Yin, followed by arge group of aggressive government soldiers rushing into the quarantine ward.


    The patients were all frightened by the solemn aura exuded by the soldiers. They retreated backward swiftly.


    The soldiers dispersed with a rumble, and the dense crowd also split into two, making way for the green figure walking down the middle.


    Killing intent slowly emerged in the air as the two sides confronted each other with the government soldiers having the upper hand.


    Huai Ying moved to block Gu Ying just in time. The atmosphere in the yard instantly became tense, confrontational, like the horns locking.


    Jiang Yin strode in, his gazending squarely on Gu Ying the moment he entered the yard.

 Chapter 296: He’s Going to Kill Her

    <h4>Chapter 296</h4>


    Through the cold, damp mist, Gu Ying and Jiang Yin''s eyes met.


    Gu Ying unconsciously clenched her fists, her heart skipped a beat, and her petite face tightened slightly. She had expected that Jiang Yin woulde, but did not expect him toe so quickly.


    "Miss Gu, I advise you to release Prince Shu immediately. Can you bear the charge of harming the imperial heir?!" Jiang Yin eximed.


    Jiang Yin was caughtpletely off guard by Gu Ying''s audacity in directly pointing the spearhead at Prince Shu.


    Even though he had already been reborn and knew that Prince Shu did not ascend the throne in the end, the current Prince Shu was still his greatest backer. He could not let Prince Shu die in Yueyang City, otherwise even if he lived to return to Bianjing, he would not get away easily facing the cunning Noble Consort Xiao.


    Jiang Yin''s brows furrowed deeply. Initially, when he had not yet awakened the memories of his past life, Gu Ying had been reborn before him. But she was just a youngdy of an inner chamber, whose plots and ns were only small matters of love and affection in the inner chambers. At most, she had climbed up a marriage with Zhao Changdu, who held high power and authority.


    She could not meddle in court politics and power struggles.


    But now, he truly felt that after she had followed Zhao Changdu, she had begun to hinder his grand cause.


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth, and the corners of her lips curled up into a faint smile. "Do you not even know in your heart if I''m talking nonsense?"


    This was a "mute riddle" between the two of them. He refused to believe that she was unafraid of him exposing all her secrets!


    Jiang Yin''s blood surged furiously, his anger rising to the heavens. Back then when he had not yet awakened the memories of his past life, Gu Ying had been reborn before him. But she was just a youngdy of the inner chambers, whose plots and schemes were only small matters of love and affection among the inner chambers. At most, she had climbed up a marriage with Zhao Changdu, who held high power and authority.


    She could not intervene in court politics and power struggles.


    But now, he truly felt that after she had followed Zhao Changdu, she had begun to hinder his grand cause.


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth, and the corners of her lips curled up into a faint smile. "Do you not even know in your heart if I''m talking nonsense?"


    This was a "mute riddle" between the two of them. He refused to believe that she was unafraid of him exposing all her secrets!


    Jiang Yin''s expression turned icy cold, his eyes deep and murky. "Gu Ying, are you not afraid at all?"


    This was the "mute riddle" between them. He refused to believe she was not afraid of him revealing all her secrets!


    Gu Ying''s spirit stirred sharply...


    She was afraid...very afraid, but so what?


    At worst, it would be a fight to the death, and she would drag him down to Hell with her for eternal damnation.


    Thinking of this, her gaze grew even more resolute. "Go ahead if you have the ability. Let''s see if you can take Prince Shu from my hands today!"


    Jiang Yin''s face turned icy.


    With Jiang Yin and the guards from Yueyang Prefecture present, Li Yangughed smugly, "Jiang Yin, hurry, take Gu Ying down for me! And kill all these lowlymoners for me too!"


    "On what grounds should you kill us?!" A man suddenly stood out, gritting his teeth and roaring angrily, "We don''t deserve death!"


    That man''s voice grew louder and louder. His honest and upright face was full of indignation...


    At first, when Gu Ying had let them speak, no one had dared to stand out.


    Li Yang was the emperor''s son. They were of low status, how could they defy imperial power?


    But looking at the youngdy standing by Prince Shu''s side, her husband working day and night for their sake, she herself disregarding danger, specially bringing an imperial prince here and tying him up, everything she did was for them.


    Anyway, there was no medicine yet that could cure their illness. Since they were already dying, what more did they have to fear? Even in death, they would bring down someone higher in status!


    Dragging down a noble prince, it was worth it!


    After a period of silence in the courtyard, more and more people began to stand up one after another,yers uponyers of angry usations ringing out, "Don''t let him leave! Let him fall ill! Make him suffer the same as us! If we die, we die together!"


    "That one surnamed Jiang can''t leave either!"


    Everyone gradually began to chime in, "That''s right! Make him suffer the same as us!"


    "We barefootmoners do not fear the shod! We dare to pull the emperor down from his horse!"


    "Why should he be able to rest easy in the government residence while we cannot live? If we cannot be cured, he should not think about living either!"


    An old granny stumbled forward, facing Li Yang she spat disdainfully.


    "Pei!"


    Li Yang instantly turned deathly pale in fright.


    That old granny did not say another word, tottering away to disappear namelessly into the crowd, yet she elicited a round of apuse from everyone.


    Li Yang was so angry he raised his leg to kick the old granny.


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, and in a sh her figure moved to shield the old granny, while not forgetting to return a kick that sent Li Yang tumbling head over heels.


    "Hahahahaha!"


    The courtyard erupted into raucousughter.


    "Hahaha, well done Lady Boss! With that mouthful of spit, it''ll be hard for him not to fall sick!"


    "He''ll die too! He''ll suffer the same as us! Now I fear nothing! Just let me die!"


    Li Yang shook with rage, his teeth chattering. After panicking for a good while, his entire body toppled to the ground in an odd posture as he yelled furiously, "You lowlymoners! All of you...stay away from me!!!"


    Seeing the enraged crowd that even Jiang Yin''srge force could not control, the corners of Gu Ying''s eyes curved up happily. "Looks to me like Prince Shu has also been infected with the gue already. This is fantastic news! Your Highness, you should just stay here peacefully from now on and wait for the doctors to research and produce the medicine, hmm? Or rather, we are short on manpower in Yueyang, so why don''t you order people to enter the city from a few nearby prefectures, to provide additional manpower and medicine? Otherwise, if no one gets cured of their illnesses, you''ll have to suffer along with everyone, won''t you?"


    Looking at Gu Ying''s blossoming smile, Li Yang no longer felt a shred of fanciful thoughts about her. His lips trembled as he stammered, "Gu Ying...you cheap sl*t...you will suffer retribution...I...I am Imperial Father''s...most beloved son...you actually dare...dare to harm me..."


    Gu Ying was wholly indifferent. Seeing that Li Yang was about to be scared unconscious, the depth of her smile undiminished, she pulled him up from the ground.


    Yet Jiang Yin''s face remained icy as he strode towards her in a fewrge steps. "Gu Ying, this is thest time I will say this - release Prince Shu!"


    Gu Ying pressed her lips tightly together, took over the longsword in Huai Ying''s hands, and walked over to stand in front of Jiang Yin, slowly taking up a dueling pose against him. "I refuse to release him! If you have the gutse and take him!"


    Jiang Yin''s blood boiled furiously, wrath clouding his vision. He casually snatched a long de from the hands of a soldier by his side, and with a wave of hisrge hand, directly hacked down towards her face.


    The sharp edge of the de sliced through the air, the icy sword aura bursting forth. Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, also raising her hand to swing the longsword.


    Just as she was about to counterattack, she suddenly sensed a vague shadow shing ghost-like before her eyes.


    She did not even clearly see that person''s silhouette before she felt her waist being gripped tightly, the longsword in her hand forcibly snatched away. Meanwhile, Jiang Yin, who had hacked at her, was lightly flicked up by the man''s longsword in hand, his body flying out like a fired arrow.

 Chapter 297: Jiang Yin was Captured

    <h4>Chapter 297</h4>


    A powerful internal energy surged in the courtyard like rolling waves.


    Jiang Yin swiftly retreated, his back mming heavily against the wall as he forcefully coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    As the gust of wind subsided, Zhao Changdu''s robes fluttered, and he stood calmly in the courtyard, pulling Gu Ying closer to him. With a cold gaze from a superior position, he looked down at the disheveled Jiang Yin on the ground and spoke in a calm tone, "I, the prince, want to see what your limits are."


    Gu Ying turned her face and looked up at the prince''s chiseled profile. "Prince, why did youe?"


    "If I hadn''te, were you nning to fight him on your own?"


    Gu Ying blinked innocently and replied, "He attacked me first... I was just defending myself."


    Zhao Changdu helplessly pinched the waist of the young girl. "Remember, you are going to be a mother."


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed, and she hurriedly covered her stomach. "Our baby is fine."


    Jiang Yin held his chest, a sweet and bloody taste rising in his throat. He stared fiercely at the man standing in the center of the courtyard, amazed by his formidable internal energy.


    No wonder it had been so long, and the poison he had administered to him hadn''t taken effect yet.


    Zhao Changdu was indeed as powerful as he was in the previous life, making it impossible for people not to look up to him.


    And that woman dared to look at Zhao Changdu with such adoring eyes... How could she look at another man!


    There was also the sachet hanging from Zhao Changdu''s waist, the one with a blooming pomegranate flower...


    It was clearly her craftsmanship...


    She had said she would only make it for him in this lifetime!


    Jiang Yin''s gaze faltered, and he found the sachet particrly ring. Remembering her past tenderness and affection towards him and now carrying Zhao Changdu''s child, his anger burned hotter, twisting his heart with pain. It took him quite some time to suppress the surging fury in his heart.


    He stared back at Zhao Changdu with a defiant smile. "Prince Zhao, impressive skills. I admire you."


    The provoking voice sounded, and Zhao Changdu''s lips curled up coldly.


    He had wanted to capture him for a long time, and Jiang Yin was indeed cunning. Today was quite gooding to him willingly.


    Zhao Changdu''s indifferent gazended on Jiang Yin''s face, without wasting any words. "Men, take him down."


    Dozens of ck-d figures appeared out of nowhere, swiftly surrounding the entire sickroom like thunder, making the useless officials from the government retreat and no longer dare to protect Jiang Yin.


    Jiang Yin''s eyes flickered. "Zhao Changdu, how dare you!"


    "You." Zhao Changdu raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes and brows filled with taunting meaning. "You dare to address me so directly?"


    The man exuded a powerful aura, making even Li Yang, who was bound to a chair, feel intimidated, his breathing growing heavier.


    Jiang Yin considered himself no longer the poor schr from before. He was the prime minister who had held power and enjoyed boundless wealth and fortune.


    The son of a mere Duke Zhen, under hismand, was nothing in his eyes.


    "What? Is there anything wrong with calling you Prince Zhao? No matter how powerful you are, you are still a servant of the Dongli Imperial n. In the grand scheme of things, you''re just a ve to Prince Shu! If you don''t release Prince Shu, I will write a detailed report to the Emperor, exposing all your crimes and ensuring that you are punished!"


    Zhao Changdu sneered, "You''re his ve, so everyone looks like a ve to you?"


    Jiang Yin choked on his words, "You¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu nced at him expressionlessly and said calmly, "The Zhao family, which I belong to, is a prominent n in Jianbei. We have been loyal for generations. What are you? How dare youpare yourself to the Zhao family?"


    Jiang Yin forced a smile, clenching his fists in humiliation. "You are nothing more than a mere prince. How dare you plot against the heir to the throne¡ª"


    There was no change in Zhao Changdu''s eyes as he spoke in a t tone, but it instilled fear in people.


    Gu Ying, with a calm expression on her face, slightly curled her cherry-red lips in a mocking smile, her small hand still held within the man''s broad palm.


    Jiang Yin clutched his chest in difort, his crimson eyes fixed on the couple, unsure if he was feeling jealous or angry, but he felt a knot in his stomach.


    He tightly gripped the long sword and stared at the approaching figures dressed in ck, his eyes filled with a surge of killing intent.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t spare him a single nce.


    "Take him away and send him to the dungeon at Qingjiang Manor."


    After speaking, he lifted Gu Ying in his arms and was about to leave.


    Someone suddenly stopped her and said gratefully, "Miss, are you the consort of the prince?"


    Gu Ying turned her head and looked at the person with surprise, "I''m dressed like this, how did you recognize me?"


    Another person teased with a smile, "Madam is wearing the prince''s clothes! We see the prince every day, so naturally, we know that the prince doesn''t consort with women. If the madam can wear the prince''s clothes, then she must be someone we admire! Madam, the prince is our benefactor, and as his wife, you are also someone we respect!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying''s lips curled slightly, "I... I only wore Ah Du''s clothes because I didn''t have any. Please don''t make fun of me."


    Everyoneughed amicably when they heard her words.


    Gu Ying''s arrival brought some vitality to the stagnant and gloomy sick ward. The ce filled with pain and torment seemed a little brighter because of her smile.


    "People say that the prince and his wife are deeply in love, and it seems that the rumors are true!"


    "We thank Madam for her righteous act!"


    "Thank you, Madam, for your righteous act!"


    "With Madam and the prince here, what is there to fear? We will definitely ovee this difficult situation!"


    Thesepliments echoed within the sick ward, enthusiastic and uplifting.


    Gu Ying blushed slightly, her small hand hooked around the neck of the prince. She raised her head and looked at the noble man with a faint smile.


    "Ah Du, there are so many people here. Maybe you should let me down. I can walk on my own."


    "How can that be? Everyone says that I dote on my wife excessively. How can I let this rumor be unfounded?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into a smile as she rested her head against his chest, listening to the strong and powerful heartbeat of the Crown Prince. Her heart was filled with contentment.


    The soldiers of the Qilin Army quickly bound Jiang Yin.


    Before leaving, Gu Ying nced back slightly, witnessing Jiang Yin being dragged out in a miserable state. She thought he would publicly expose her scandalous secrets, but he didn''t.


    He stared at her intently, his eyes like two icy swords piercing through her. Then, he coldly curled his lips and silently uttered, "Gu Ying, just you wait."


    Her smile instantly froze, and her hands wrapped around the Crown Prince tightened involuntarily.


    Zhao Changdu lowered his gaze and nced at the young girl in his arms. He stepped forward and left the sick ward, heading towards the direction of the pharmacy.

 Chapter 298: Don’t worry about the World

    <h4>Chapter 298</h4>


    Ye Qingchi was busy with work early in the morning. When he finally heard some noise from the infirmary, he hurried out of the pharmacy. Seeing his troublesome cousin who had appeared in the infirmary, and hearing that Li Yang had been tied up and put on public disy in the yard, his face sank with helplessness. "Ying, what are you doing here? Hurry up and leave!"


    Gu Ying obediently leaned against the Eldest Prince''s side. "Cousin, since I''ve alreadye in, I don''t n on leaving."


    Ye Qingchi angrily scolded, "Du, what''s going on with you, why are you indulging her mischief?"


    Gu Ying helplessly smiled. "Cousin, don''t worry. I really won''t be in any danger. Last night, Du and I already discussed countermeasures. Today is just a beginning. Later, I will also help the patients with you."


    "What do you mean, help? When you''re pregnant, you should be properly nurturing the fetus. As for other things, they aren''t something a youngdy like you should be worrying about."


    "Oh, Cousin, can''t you just believe me for once? Besides, you and the Eldest Prince are here, so of course I must live and die alongside you all. Aren''t you moved?"


    "Moved my a--!" Ye Qingchi''s upbringing prevented him from uttering the word. He could only re at her and scold, "If Grandfather heard you say that, he would beat you to death with his cane!"


    Gu Ying jokingly said, "I''d rather be beaten to death by Grandfather and die alongside you all than the alternative."


    Ye Qingchi was extremely frustrated. He wanted to continue persuading her, but Zhao Changdu had already pulled Gu Ying into the sickroom with a faint smile on his thin lips. "No need to worry, Brother Ye. I''m here."


    Seeing their tightly sped hands, Ye Qingchi became even angrier. "It''s precisely because you''re here that I feel it''s more dangerous!"


    "How could I possibly put her in danger? I''m her husband."


    "I''d say you''re the most dangerous one here!"


    As a member of the prestigious Ye family, Ye Qingchi couldn''t bring himself to curse crudely at Zhao Changdu. The corners of his mouth twitched for a long time before he let out a long sigh. "I must havemitted evil acts in my past life to end up with a brother-inw like you. Zhao Changdu, if you''re going to indulge her like this, then when we return to Bianjing I''m telling my father and mother so that my father can give you a good scolding!"


    Gu Ying gave an innocentugh. "Cousin, I''m going in first."


    Since he was infected with the gue, Ye Qingchi didn''t dare get too close to Gu Ying. He could only stand helplessly at the door, looking as anxious as a tortured soul.


    "Gu Ying,e out here!"


    "Gu Ying!"


    "Ying, you brat!"


    Seeing that the girl had no intention of leaving, Ye Qingchi silently gave Zhao Changdu a re.


    Now that things had already progressed to this point, there was nothing more he could say.


    Since the little girl had brought Li Yang here, he should at least go over and see how his condition was worsening. It would be best if his illness became more severe.


    He wasn''t some saint. Since Li Yang had no regard for their lives and had even pulled his beloved little sister into this, he didn''t need to be toofortable.


    Gu Ying''s mind was still on Jiang Yin''s expression when he left. She was somewhat distracted.


    It wasn''t until she reached the innermost part of the pharmacy and saw over a dozen doctors gathered around arge iron cauldron, arguing over something unknown, that she regained her senses.


    This was her first timeing to where the doctors formted their medicines. She hadn''t known the doctors'' circumstances before. Now she realized there were twenty to thirty doctors and medicine boys here. Several dozen medicine furnaces burned day and night. The medicine pots and iron soup cauldrons for decocting medicines didn''t stop for a moment. Medicine boys came and went busily, carrying medicines in and out.


    A strong smell of herbal medicine lingered inside the pharmacy. It didn''t smell very nice¡ªrather bitter and stinky.


    She covered her mouth and retched. She felt a bit nauseous.


    Zhao Changdu noticed her first. Seeing that she didn''t look well, his eyebrows creased with concern as he put his arm around her shoulders and helped her sit down in a nearby chair. "Ying, if you''re ufortable, do you want to go back and rest first?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "I''m fine. Right, Du, may I take a look at the doctors'' medical records and prescription forms?"


    "Of course." Zhao Changdu casually called over Mr. Zhuge. "I''ll also trouble Mr. Zhuge to take my wife''s pulse and see how the baby in her belly is doing."


    Mr. Zhuge put down what he was working on and walked over to Gu Ying with a smile.


    Right next to them was arge table piled high with all kinds of handwritten notes.


    Gu Ying held out her wrist.


    Zhao Changdu lifted her skirt hem and sat down beside her. His eyebrows were gentle, but he watched her stomach with evident concern and care.


    Dr. Zhuge carefully felt her pulse and didn''t miss the concern and caution on the Eldest Prince''s face. Heughed and said, "Your Highness, don''t worry. Your wife''s fetus is perfectly healthy. Pregnant women don''t actually need to be handled too gingerly. Your wife has a good constitution and often takes fortifying medicine and tonics, so once the fetus settles, she can carry on as normal. No need to make too many allowances. Children raised simply and nurtured heartily grow up hale and hardy."


    Gu Ying gently stroked her belly. "Thank you, Dr. Zhuge."


    Zhao Changdu pressed his lips thinly together. How could he not feel anxious?


    This child was of his and Ying''s bloodline.


    Until he saw the child safely born, he wouldn''t feel at ease for a moment.


    Gu Ying looked at the fussy man. Seeing his care for their child warmed her heart. "Du, don''t be nervous. Nian Bao will definitely be safely born, and we will definitely make it out of Yueyang alive."


    The man was embarrassed to admit it. "I''m not very nervous."


    "Of course, of course. Our invincible Du would naturally be able to protect me and Nian Baopletely."


    In this tense, oppressive environment, all the doctors heard Gu Ying''s gentle voice and revealed smiles in response.


    For a long time, as he led them to resist the gue epidemic, they had rarely seen any change in the Eldest Prince''s expression. He was noble, cold, aloof, stern, and majestic. He didn''t show joy or anger on his face¡ªcold and detached like an unfeeling god.


    Only with Madam''s arrival today did they glimpse a trace of mortal warmth from this abstinent, icy man.


    Especially the way he looked at Gu Ying¡ªdoting, tender, with a human touch. He seemed closer to a normal person then.


    Perhaps because Mr. Zhuge smiled increasingly kindly when facing Gu Ying. "Madam seems to understand some medical principles? If Madam wants to look at the medical records, you can ask this old man for them. If there''s anything you want to ask, you can also ask this old man. The Eldest Prince has to oversee all of Yueyang, so there are too many pressing matters for him. This old man is more knowledgeable about treatments and medicines."


    Gu Ying modestly said, "Mr. Zhuge overpraises me. I''ve only casually read some medical texts and am not very knowledgeable about medicine."


    "Hahaha, Madam is too modest." Mr. Zhuge handed over the most recently organized medical records in front of him for Gu Ying to see. "If Madam wants to take a look, you can read these directly. These are ourtestpiled records."


    Gu Ying made a sound of affirmation and epted them. Then, in the dim lighting in through the window, she slowly turned through the pages one by one.


    Time trickled by. She read the doctors'' notes attentively and carefully.


    She also cross-referenced all the prescription forms that had already been used, as well as the patients'' bodily reactions after taking the medicines.


    Voices of discussion rose from the doctors inside the pharmacy, but Gu Ying paid them no mind. She waspletely immersed in her own world.


    "Your Highness, when did Madam arrive?"

 Chapter 299: To the Dungeon

    <h4>Chapter 299</h4>


    Zhou Yan dusted off the dust on his cloak, raised his head, and asked in surprise when he saw an alluring touch of beauty added to the interior of the pharmacy.


    Due to the severity of the epidemic, he rarely visited the Ning Family anymore, only asionally sending Jiang Bao to stand guard at the gate of the Ning Family to keep an eye on the situation nearby and drive away the patients wandering around the Ning Family.


    Zhao Changdu had his arms crossedzily against the doorframe, his figure rxed as he intently sized up the girl sitting at the table seriously looking over the letter in her hand.


    The youngdy¡¯s side profile was as white as snow, flushed with an alluring blush. Her clear and bright gaze focused on the pages before her, her small face serene and gentle. She asionally exchanged a few words with Doctor Zhuge, the corners of her lips curved in a soft arc seeming to soften all the light around her.


    The rare sunshine in Yueyang was spilling through the windowttices into the room, bathing her delicate and pretty white cheeks in its warm afternoon glow, somehow making him unable to take his eyes off her for a moment.


    "Prince?" Zhou Yan asked again.


    Zhao Changdu retracted his gaze, "What is it?"


    Zhou Yan took a look at Gu Ying and said, "The stuff has been transported back, all top-quality medicinal materials collected from the surrounding viges. We used your name, Prince, so they didn''t dare not give them to us. As we left, the vigers also gave us several carts of grain. As you instructed, Prince, we gave all the silver notes to the vigers."


    Zhao Changdu responded lightly with a murmur, "Good."


    After reporting, Zhou Yan prepared to settle the newly delivered medicinal materials and grain.


    "Right." Zhao Changdu called Zhou Yan back, his eyes deep, "Find some people to check the distribution of water sources in Yueyang City. Bring me the map tonight."


    Zhou Yan didn''t understand why but still obediently said, "Yes."


    After Zhou Yan left, Zhao Changdu''s gaze lingered deeply on the girl''s figure. Seeing that she was still concentrating on reading the letter, he turned and left the pharmacy.


    "Huai Bi."


    "Master."


    "Back to Qingjiang Manor."


    "Yes."


    Gu Ying was not unaware of the movement by the door, nor did she miss seeing the prince leaving.


    She turned her head to nce at the door, unconsciously pressing her lips tightly together, her fingertips turning slightly white as she flipped through the pages.


    Doctor Zhuge asked, "Madam, what''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying was lost in thought only for a moment before she turned her head back with the corners of her lips slightly lifted, "Nothing, let''s continue."


    ...


    Inside the dungeon of Qingjiang Manor, a few oilmps shone brightly on the walls.


    The path here was dark and gloomy, damp and sinister.


    Zhao Changdu walked deep into the dungeon, stopping in front of a cell.


    Without a word, Huai Bi opened the cell door and Zhao Changdu bent to enter the cell, not big nor small, fully equipped with eighteen instruments of torture.


    The air was heavy with the smell of blood.


    Jiang Yin was chained to a wooden rack, head drooped unconscious, his tattered clothes crisscrossed with scars, fresh blood dripping from his chin onto the floor.


    It seemed he had already endured a round of torture.


    The discipline of the Qilin Army established by Zhao Changdu was more severe than other armies in Dong Li. The punishments he personally invented were more cruel than those by the Bianjing Ministry of Punishments and the Ministry of Justice.


    Death was already the lightest punishment for those who fell into his hands.


    With an expressionless face, Huai Bi stood behind his master silently and skillfully lit the brazier in the cell, cing a red-hot branding iron over the fire.


    Zhao Changdu watched the unconscious man like this for a while. Just thinking that he actually appeared in the girl''s dreams several times and even met privately with her many times, he felt a surge of displeasure and irritation.


    His gaze lowered to the crudely embroidered sachet around his waist. Zhao Changdu picked it up disdainfully, threw it into the brazier to burn.


    Huai Bi kept his head low, trying his best to minimize his presence.


    Zhao Changdu said coldly, "Ssh water on him to wake him up."


    The cold water mixed with coarse salt was poured entirely onto Jiang Yin¡¯s body by Huai Bi.


    Jiang Yin struggled painfully before finally forcing his bloodshot eyes open after much difficulty, the blood vessels in his eyes cracked and flooded with red.


    He stared straight at Zhao Changdu, then after a long pause, heughed hoarsely, "Zhao Changdu, you''ve finallye."


    "Oh? You were looking forward to meing?"


    "Yes, I naturally anticipated it." As Jiang Yin spoke, blood flowed from the corners of his mouth, but he didn''t care. Staring at the man before him, he gloated, "Haven''t you always wanted to kill me? I bet you don''t dare kill me now."


    "Oh?" Zhao Changdu raised a displeased arc at the corner of his eyes. Indeed, he had spent considerable manpower and resources to capture him, but it wasn''t as if he really had no way to deal with an ordinary schr like him.


    He deliberately let him make trouble, also wanting to see what he was going to do.


    And it did allow him to uncover some clues after letting things develop.


    He asked Huai Bi to stand guard outside.


    Turning back, he stood leisurely in front of Jiang Yin with his hands behind his back and slowly said, "After marrying Gu Jia, you didn''t settle down with her but arranged for your sister Jiang Ling''er and mother to live in another manor. Then you curried favor from Prince Shu, instigated him to contact Ning Si, wanting to use Ning Si to break off the engagement between Prince Duan and the Ning Family. But unexpectedly you were discovered and thwarted by Little Sister Ying. Yet you didn''t panic."


    "Afterwards, you became a confidant of Prince Shu''s mansion, secretly nning a coup for him. Most officials in Bianjing were controlled by Prince Shu, having no choice but to side with him."


    Jiang Yin''s brows gradually furrowed. He never expected that everything he had done in secret would be under Zhao Changdu''s control.


    If he could uncover all this, did he also see through his secret of rebirth?


    What about Gu Ying? Did Gu Ying tell him?


    Impossible!


    Gu Ying would never tell him about such a shameful past. She was the legitimate daughter of the Gu Family and had suffered so much. She still cared about face.


    "How do you know all this?"


    Zhao Changdu was unruffled with an indifferent look, his eyes cold and clear, "There''s more. You secretly recruited a subordinate named Han Lin, with excellent martial arts and outstanding qinggong. After getting him, you acted more deviously...pletely beyond the ability of an ordinary child from amoner''s family. Jiang Yin, you must be hiding a big secret¡ª"


    "For example..." He raised his brow, the corner of his mouth mocking, "foresight? How could an ordinary person have foresight? Don''t tell me you''re possessed by some evil spirit?"


    Jiang Yin was startled for a moment before quickly calming down again.


    Because he knew Zhao Changdu had never believed in gods or Buddha. His deliberate words were to lure him into revealing the truth.


    Thinking of this, he settled down a bit. As long as Zhao Changdu still didn''t know Gu Ying was also reborn, he still had a chance to live.


    "Hahahaha! Prince Zhao''s storytelling skills are first-rate!" He didn''t refute but broke into loudughter instead.


    Zhao Changdu patiently waited for him to finishughing with knitted brows, his deep eyes clouding with flickering darkness, his voice growing lower and lower.

 Chapter 300: A Chance to Confess to the Son of the King.

    <h4>Chapter 300</h4>


    "Both you and Miss Gu seemed to have changed into different people at some point. I want to know what exactly happened between you two," said Zhao Changdu, very surprised that Jiang Yin had been investigated so thoroughly that it opened his eyes wide.


    If it wasn''t for him not having the advantage of rebirth, he would have suspected that Zhao Changdu had some uncanny ability to see through people''s hearts.


    However, it made sense after some thought. In his previous life, Zhao was able to overthrow the Li''s dynasty single-handedly, so his abilities were naturally exceptional.


    The position of the Supreme Ruler was only a step away for him, it was just a pity...


    Since Jiang Yin knew his ending, there was nothing much to be afraid of. The corners of his mouth curled up smugly, "So, since Prince Zhao wants to know about the past between Miss Gu and I, shouldn''t he put me down first, treat me well with good food and drinks? Otherwise I won''t say a single word."


    Hearing him address the youngdy as Miss Gu, Zhao Changdu''s voice turned icy cold, "If you don''t speak, I naturally have ways to make you talk."


    Jiang Yin was quite fearful of Zhao Changdu''s cruel tortures, having witnessed them before when they were allies.


    However, his trump card was Zhao Changdu''s affection for Miss Gu.


    He knew that Zhao Changdu loved Miss Gu deeply, and could abandon everything for her sake.


    "What if I bite my tongue and refuse to speak? The things between Miss Gu and I, if I don''t say anything, I''m afraid that even if Prince Zhao digs three feet into the ground, there won''t be a single thread or clue to find," said Jiang Yin.


    Zhao Changdu casually picked up a hot branding iron, speaking disdainfully, "Then we''ll have to see if your mouth is tougher, or my fists are tougher."


    Jiang Yin closed his eyes with a look of resignation, his expression full of maddened defiance, "Oh well, kill me or slice me up as you wish Prince Zhao, I''ll just take Miss Gu''s secrets with me all the way to the Yellow Springs, I''m just a worthless lowlife anyway, what''s death to me? But the things Miss Gu said to me... the things she did... tsk tsk..."


    He was deliberately trying to anger and frustrate Zhao Changdu. He even felt extremely lucky to have married Miss Gu in his previous life and to have toyed with her feelings as he wished.


    These were things he had done before, what about Zhao Changdu? He was just ater, the one Miss Gu truly loved could not possibly be him.


    The more she hated him, the deeper her love for him was - the affairs between them naturally did not warrant the interference of an outsider like Zhao Changdu.


    The more Jiang Yin thought about it, the more he felt he was right. Heughed increasingly maniacally, looking at Zhao Changdu with eyes filled with pity and sympathy.


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was unreadable, only his voice was especially deep, "So you think Miss Gu loves you?"


    "Why else?"


    "Loves you but refuses to marry you, instead facilitates her sister''s marriage to you, what kind of logic is this?"


    Jiang Yin shook his head profoundly, "Prince Zhao, you simply don''t understand the affairs between Miss Gu and I."


    A trace of violence shed across Zhao Changdu''s brows and eyes.


    He was not a patient man by nature, only in recent years had he cultivated restraint and forbearance.


    Being toyed with by the youngdy made the rage in his heart surge wildly.


    Seeing Jiang Yin''s fearless, shameless appearance, his temple throbbed irritably. He flung the red hot branding iron at Jiang Yin''s face.


    Sizzle...


    The sound of burning flesh was enough to make one''s scalp tingle.


    "Ahhhh!"


    Jiang Yin howled miserably in pain, his handsome face twisted and terrifying.


    Zhao Changdu asked expressionlessly, "What exactly happened to Miss Gu?"


    Jiang Yin clenched his teeth stubbornly, "I refuse to say, what can you do to me?"


    If he spoke, the only oue was death.


    He was no fool. When dealing with Zhao Changdu, he could only use threats of harming what Zhao valued most - Miss Gu. Otherwise, with Zhao''s ruthless personality, he probably wouldn''t even make it through tonight.


    Zhao Changdu muttered thoughtfully to himself. At the back of his mind, he had a guess, but he didn''t believe in ghosts and spirits, naturally unwilling to think too deeply in certain directions. Moreover, how could he admit that his dear Miss Gu might be some kind of monster?


    Since coercion didn''t work, he tried a softer approach, "If you''re willing to talk, this Prince promises you one request."


    Jiang Yin was fearless like a dead duck unafraid of boiling hot water. He grinned hideously, the branding imprint on his left cheek was ckened and ugly, yet he remained extremely aggravating, "Very well. I, Jiang Yin, have but one request - to have Miss Gu returned to me. If Prince Zhao is willing to give Miss Gu back to me, I will tell you the whole truth."


    His deliberately ambiguous words instead suggested the depth of his ties with Miss Gu.


    The arrogance in his eyes was truly nauseating.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were as cold as knives. He flung the branding iron with a ng into the burning coals, having lost his patience to continue sparring with him, "Huai Bi, don''t beat him to death."


    Huai Bi entered the dungeon, pulling open the door. He quickly saw his master walk out with a cold expressionless face.


    ncing at the various instruments of torture ced to one side, he casually picked up an iron bramble whip soaked in pepper water, weighing it in his hand as he walked towards Jiang Yin.


    Jiang Yin narrowed his eyes.


    Not longter, suppressed agonized screams rang out from the dungeon.


    ...


    The sky had darkened, and the weather had turned colder.


    After the sun had set, dark clouds hung overhead. Before long, a light drizzle fell.


    The humid oppressive air drifted down in a veil of rain from the eaves.


    Miss Gu rubbed the back of her neck and looked up from under the oilmp, staring nkly at the raindrops dangling from the eaves outside the window, lost in thought.


    She had expected that such a day woulde. When the Prince had left for the dungeons that morning, she had suppressed the urge to stand up to stop him.


    She knew that Jiang Yin would probably tell the Prince everything. And she, was also giving herself a chance to confess the truth to the Prince...


    The night was as dark as ink, seemingly endless mncholy.


    The Prince must still be at the dungeons right now?


    When he returned, how should she face him?


    She thought, she should still exin to him... No, it shouldn''t be called an exnation, it should be called an ount...


    Mr. Zhuge and the doctors had gone for dinner together, leaving Miss Gu sitting nkly for a moment before pushing up from her chair, only feeling a bit of hunger in her belly now.


    "I told you not toe, but you insisted oning anyway."


    "There''s not much good food in this harsh environment. Eat some of these buns and bread to fill your stomach first. I''ll get someone to bring you the stewed chicken soupter," said a clear masculine voice from the doorway.

 Chapter 301: Du, I Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 301</h4>


    Gu Ying looked up to see Ye Qingchi leaning against the doorframe, not willing toe any closer. He was holding a bamboo basket with several steaming hot buns inside.


    "Take them yourself, I have to go now."


    Ye Qingchi put the things down at the door. His face was wrapped in severalyers of ck scarf, but still he worried that he might infect Gu Ying.


    So he left rather quickly. Soon his back disappeared into the long corridor.


    Gu Ying picked up the bamboo basket and took a bite of a bun, smiling to herself. For some reason, her nose soured and tears began swirling in her eyes.


    Family love really was the warmest thing in this world. In herst life she had missed out on these rtives. This life, she must treasure them well.


    "Why are you crying?"


    Hearing the familiar voice, Gu Ying froze, the bun halfway to her mouth.


    She looked up nkly, not knowing when the man hade over. By the time she reacted, she was already swept up into his arms.


    Gu Ying habitually wrapped her arms around his neck, curling against his embrace.


    He was tall and strong, holding her without any effort.


    Soon he carried her into the study room he often stayed in.


    The room was filled with warmth. The short couch was covered in a thick fur nket in her favorite color.


    "A Du, what are you doing¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was cold. He stated bluntly, "We''re going to make love."


    Gu Ying stiffened for a moment, her face instantly flushing red. "Didn''t you say we shouldn''t while I''m pregnant?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak again. His dark phoenix eyes looked at her, filled with coldness.


    Gu Ying felt her body sink into the soft couch.


    Not giving her a chance to speak, Zhao Changdu lowered his head and sealed her lips in an overwhelming kiss, relentlessly sweeping her away in passion.


    Gu Ying was stunned, passively enduring his fierce kiss. Uncontrolled, she let out soft gasps, the sound enchanting to the ear.


    The man kissed her fiercely. She looked up in panic at his deep endless eyes, her lips forcefully entangled with his.


    Breath growing hurried, she was gradually losing her ability to resist. This man who had said justst night that he wouldn''t touch her during her pregnancy seemed like a maddened beast tonight.


    Just what had happened?


    ...


    "Mm..."


    Outside the window, the cold wind rose with a sudden gust that blew the half-closed windowttice and made it tter loudly.


    Gu Ying''s brows knitted in pain, a flush rising to her full, tender cheeks.


    "A Du, it hurts..."


    It had been too long since theyst made love. Her body wasn''t used to him yet, tense to the point her waist curved.


    The man looked down at her coldly from his higher vantage point, his gaze sweeping over her rounded belly. A pained, regretful look shed through his dark eyes.


    But things had already gone this far. There was no room left to retreat, not to mention those words from Jiang Yin had provoked him whether or not he admitted it.


    His hot fingertips brushed aside the damp hair stuck to her forehead. His heart ached for the girl in his arms.


    Gu Ying bit her lip uncertainly, taking in a long breath to gather some strength. Then she reached out and wrapped her slender arms around his waist.


    He lowered his head against her neck, sucking and nibbling as he spoke in muffled words.


    "A Ying, you''ll never leave me right?"


    "No... I won''t..."


    "A Ying... you have to stay by my side forever. No other men allowed in your heart."


    Eyes zed with pleasure, Gu Ying still managed an exasperated smile at the darkness edging his phoenix eyes. "I only love A Du. What other men could there be..."


    The man''s voice was low and hoarse, the corners of his lips curving up indulgently. "Good."


    She pouted her red lips, eyes brimming with tears.


    The man was finally soothed.


    Listening to his ragged breathing, her consciousness gradually blurred...


    When Gu Ying regained awareness, she was already dressed and nestled weakly in the man''s embrace.


    More than half the night had passed.


    In his hand he held a handkerchief, carefully wiping her body clean.


    Gu Ying''s ears burned. Her lips curved in an enchanting smile.


    "Don''t move..." Zhao Changdu''s voice was low and husky.


    His fingers were slender and refined, the joints slightly protruding. Gu Ying stared at them as she lightly bit her lip, cheeks flushed with heat.


    She pushed lightly against his chest, trying to get off the bed. "I''ll go take a bath..."


    Zhao Changdu pulled her back, hugging her soft waist from behind as he settled arge hand gently over her belly. "I''ve asked someone to heat water. I''ll carry you to bathe in a bit."


    Gu Ying''s ear rested against the man''s resolute profile. Their bare skin touched, warmth passing between them. "Okay."


    Having said this, she didn''t know what else to say.


    She had thought the Prince would at least question her about some things after returning from the underground prison. But he hadn''t said anything, just held her for a while before slowly dressing her one garment at a time.


    Then he took out the map of Yueyang City''s water sources that Zhou Yan had drawn, and looked over it together with her.


    "So, A Du, look!" Gu Ying excitedly pointed at the map, eyes bright. "The Yu River flows through Yueyang City. Many of its citizens use the Yu River''s water for cooking and washing. As for areas that don''t use the river water, there are few instances of sickness. Only in ces the river flows through, especially around its origin, has the gue appeared and spread extensively, flowing downstream from upstream..." As the number of patients tapered off.


    She turned to look at the man beside her, voice growing more certain. "A Du, I really feel this isn''t a gue, but someone poisoning the water!"


    A satisfied curve touched Zhao Changdu''s lips. He looked at the girl''s face, still flushed from their lovemaking. "Mm. I''m convinced of your view now."


    "Really? That''s wonderful!" With the Prince''s trust, Gu Ying''s eyes shone even brighter. She grabbed hisrge hand eagerly. "A Du, I read handwritten notes for half the afternoon and discovered many issues as well..."


    Zhao Changduzily gathered the girl into his arms, utterly indulgent. "Oh? Tell me about it."


    Gu Ying moistened her lips and said earnestly, "These patients first had itchy skin, then red rashes appeared over their bodies. Only at theter stages did symptoms like coughing, fever and breathing difficulty develop. It''s just that the earlier rashes were small and sparse, so many didn''t notice them. They all thought a cough came first when in fact that was after the poison had already invaded their heart and lungs."


    Her voice was gentle and pleasing to the ears. Zhao Changdu''s fingers caressed her shoulder as he listened intently, his burning gaze fixed on her moving red lips.


    "I gave A Sheng a prescription before. Mr. Zhuge also used it, but the effect wasn''t great. It could only alleviate cold symptoms. After telling Mr. Zhuge about the poisoning today, he said he''d also had his doubts. First thing tomorrow morning he''ll personally go investigate the water sources. Once the type of poison is found out, Yueyang City''s patients will be saved."


    Zhao Changdu said lightly, "Poison dumped in water will diminish in toxicity over time."

 Chapter 302: Du, I’m not Tired

    <h4>Chapter 302</h4>


    Gu Ying leaned on her cheek and said, "That''s right, the gue is still going on, which means someone is still poisoning people. Han Lin, it must be Han Lin, Jiang Yin''s subordinate."


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up slightly. "Tomorrow I will send Huai Ying to escort Mr. Zhuge to investigate. Huai Ling will also look for Han Lin''s whereabouts. Don''t worry too much and overexert yourself."


    "Changdu, I want to go too."


    "No, you are tired."


    Gu Ying''s eyes blinked as she pleaded softly, "But I''m not tired."


    Zhao Changdu grasped her slender waist and pulled her into his arms, kissing her red lips.


    Gu Ying blushed slightly as she responded to his kiss. Their fiery breaths intertwined.


    Unsatisfied, the man cradled her face and sucked hard on her lips. It was difficult for them to part as the wet sounds continued.


    Gu Ying felt a chill, then a burning heat swept over her body.


    She soon found herself on the couch, her face fiery red, dress hitched at her waist by his slender fingers.


    His eyes were dark and intense, his voice hoarse.


    "Are you tired now?"


    Gu Ying moaned several times, breathing rapidly, "Just...just fine."


    "Then I have not put in enough effort," he rasped.


    "Changdu, be careful...of our baby..."


    "Ying..."


    "Mm..."


    "Ying..."


    He panted her name again and again, seemingly unable to say it enough. Gu Ying blushed to her ears, eyes zed, finally losing to his passionate siege.


    Fortunately, he was still sensible enough to not go too far since she was pregnant.


    Otherwise, she really would not have escaped his clutches.


    Afterwards, her body trembled weakly. She wanted to ask what exactly Jiang Yin had said to him in the dungeons.


    But he only smiled softly and kissed her hair, soothing her, "He said nothing."


    Gu Ying''s heart clenched. His trust in her made her slowly smile again. "Changdu, please wait a little longer for me, okay? No matter what Jiang Yin says, don''t believe him. I promise I will tell you everything myself. Just...give me some more time."


    Outside, the rain grew heavier, tapping steadily on the eaves.


    Cold wind slipped through the window cracks. Gu Ying shivered and curled deeper into his fiery embrace, as if holding her entire world.


    The man held her tightly, eyes fathomless, murmuring softly, "Alright."


    ...


    The next morning, Gu Ying got up early.


    The rarezy prince was still asleep on the couch. Not wanting to wake him, she lightly pecked his lips and left the study.


    It was still raining outside, the space beyond murky gray mist. After looking around, she discovered a small kitchen in another courtyard and had Huai Ying start a fire. She personally kneaded dough and wrapped meat dumplings for the prince, then cooked porridge.


    Huai Ying watched her busyingpetently around the kitchen, shocked that the prince''s noble wife and former young miss of the Duke of Dongping''s manor knew how to do suchmoners'' tasks. Moreover, her dumplings were exquisitely shaped, the meat juice fragrant and mouthwatering.


    Gu Ying smiled and set aside a bowl for him. "Men need meat to build strength. Huai Ying, have some too."


    "Mydy, I couldn''t possibly..."


    "I''m going to the infirmary for a bit. If the prince asks, just say I went to see Mr. Zhuge."


    "Oh..." Huai Ying lowered his gaze, embarrassed.


    "Right, put out the fire and scoop the porridge into a bowl for the prince after another incense stick."


    Huai Ying stood in the kitchen, baffled, as he epted the steaming dumplings. In a blink, thedy had taken her umbre and left.


    ...


    At the infirmary, everyone she passed greeted her.


    Gu Ying smiled and responded, first going to see Li Yang.


    Now without an ounce of princely dignity, knowing he was infected and doomed to die, he cowered fearfully in a corner, hair disheveled and clothes askew as if he hadn''t slept all night.


    Since he hadn''t been poisoned, no symptoms had appeared yet.


    Gu Ying didn''t tell him the truth. She simply held his jaw open and poured Jade River water down his throat.


    Li Yang struggled madly until Gu Ying kicked him into submission. She would return in an hour to observe any changes.


    Leaving Li Yang''s room, her gaze immediatelynded on Ye Qingchi chatting with Zhou Yan.


    Her smile grew yful as she called out, "Cousin."


    Ye Qingchi turned to leave.


    Gu Ying grabbed and yanked him back. "Don''t go. Let me see how your illness is progressing." She reached to unveil his face wrap.


    Ye Qingchi swiftly caught her wrist then released it with a sigh. "You''re no doctor. There''s nothing to see. Mr. Zhuge''s already examined me. I advise you not to touch me these days unless you want to get infected too. The disease will make you hideously ugly. Don''te crying to me then."


    "I''m not a child anymore. I won''t cry."


    "You''ll always be a child to me. Be good now, Ying."


    Exasperated, Gu Ying conceded as her cousin had inherited her uncle''s stubbornness. Once Ye Qingchi decided something, he would not be persuaded otherwise. She turned to Zhou Yan, "Lord Zhou, would you kindly tie my dear cousin up for me? Afterwards, I promise to sing your praises before Lady Ji."


    Zhou Yan raised his brows at Ye Qingchi.


    Sensing danger, Ye Qingchi bristled warily. "Don''t you dare, Zhou Yan¡ª"


    "Forgive me, Lord Ye." In a few moves, Zhou Yan trussed the weakly struggling Ye Qingchi and shoved him into the sickroom.


    "Gu Ying! Have you no shame? I''m your elder brother!" Ye Qingchi yelled furiously.


    "But I''m being good to you, Brother. Otherwise, you would be in the same plight as Prince Shu."


    "You wretched girl! Untie me! I''m doing this for your sake!"


    Mr. Zhugeughed uproariously while the other doctors crowded around to watch gleefully.


    Zhou Yan stood aside, smiling mysteriously, quiet as jade. His rareughter was particrly mesmerizing. Blushing maidens waiting at the door stole longing nces at the two handsome young lords, Ye Qingchi and Zhou Yan. But Zhou Yan ignored them as he asked Gu Ying about Ji Ji.


    Gu Ying smiled reassuringly, "Lord Zhou, don''t worry. She was doing fine when I left. I''m just afraid she''s snuck out by now against orders."


    Relieved, Zhou Yan returned her smile. "Mydy, no need to worry, she cannot get out."


    Realizing his attendant Jiang Bao was absent, Gu Ying surmised Zhou Yan''s precaution and approved silently.


    Beet red, Ye Qingchi fumed at the humiliation. How dare they do this to a scion of the esteemed Ye family!


    Gu Ying pressed him down into a chair and boldly yanked off his ck face cover, revealing ruddy spots marring his fair, wlessplexion underneath.

 Chapter 303: Poisoned

    <h4>Chapter 303</h4>


    Ye Qingchi''s handsome face was tense, his dark eyes shing with anger. "Gu Ying, take your little paws off me!"


    The tenderness mingling with his fury made it clear that if any other woman had dared to treat him this way, he would have pped her to death. But this one was the pearl in his Ye family''s palm.


    Gu Ying blinked innocently, not listening to him at all. "Mr. Zhuge,e take a look."


    Mr. Zhuge was the most highly skilled doctor in Yueyang with the deepest experience. As he approached, the other doctors voluntarily made way for him.


    Mr. Zhuge took Ye Qingchi''s pulse and leaned in to closely examine the red rash on Ye Qingchi''s face. He pondered for a moment, his expression solemn, then waved his hand to dismiss the other doctors.


    Only Gu Ying, Ye Qingchi, Zhou Yan and a few others remained in the room.


    Mr. Zhuge said remorsefully, "It seems Madam was right. This gue is highly likely to have been caused by someone releasing poison. Just now when I took Young Master Ye''s pulse, I discovered what seems to be a poison lingering in his heart and lungs. If I hadn''t examined him closely, I wouldn''t have noticed it at all. s! I''m getting old and muddled, I hadn''t considered poisoning at all before..."


    "Poisoning?"


    Ye Qingchi and Zhou Yan were both surprised.


    Gu Ying said, "That''s right. So far it''s just spection between me and Prince, we haven''t confirmed it, so we didn''t rashly tell anyone.


    Ye Qingchi gritted his teeth, seeming to rx. He red at Zhou Yan. "Why haven''t you untied me yet?"


    Zhou Yan gave an awkward smile and hastily removed the ties.


    Ye Qingchi rubbed his wrists. "Tell me everything, Ying Ying."


    Gu Ying told everyone about the conclusion she and the Prince hade tost night. Mr. Zhuge immediately said, "Don''t spread this for now until I go examine the water sources to confirm it''s poison. We need to identify what kind of poison it is before we can find the corresponding antidote, otherwise blindly trying medicines won''t work."


    Gu Ying''s face darkened. "I agree we shouldn''t alert them yet. Although Jiang Yin has been captured, his minions are still lurking. We need to find a way to catch them and force them to reveal the antidote. The poison is his doing, so naturally only he knows the cure."


    Ye Qingchi had tough. "And here I was wearing this ugly, filthy thing for so long. I''ve never been so disheveled in my life."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curved up. "It would be best if cousin continues wearing it for now. While this isn''t a contagious gue, cousin has been poisoned. Without the antidote, he could die like the other patients. Wearing it avoids alerting the enemy."


    Ye Qingchi chuckled lightly. "Don''t worry, as long as it''s not contagious."


    What he feared most was harming others. No wonder when he had touched Prince Zhao the other day, the Prince was fine. The Prince drank only from the well water within Qingjiang Manor, which was heavily guarded to prevent Jiang Yin''s men from poisoning it. So the Prince had remained healthy, while he had not only touched the corpse in the infirmary that day, but also drank the water there, thus identally being infected.


    "That damned Jiang Yin, tomit such an inhuman act!" Fury rising, Ye Qingchi couldn''t help but curse.


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curled up teasingly. "Cousin is usually so proper, who taught you to swear like that?"


    "Ahem." Ye Qingchi gave an embarrassed light cough, his expression unchanged. "Naturally, the gentleman Zhou Yan."


    Zhou Yan silently red at him, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Don''t tell Madam Zhao about this."


    Gu Ying said gently, teasing, "Don''t worry, Sir Zhou."


    Ning Changan pushed the door open, tugging at his cor in confusion. "Don''t worry about what? What are you all doing in there? It''s time to distribute medicine, the patients are waiting!"


    Zhou Yan awkwardly pulled him out. "Let''s give out medicine."


    The gue in Yueyang finally had a turning point. Gu Ying was in a wonderful mood, smiling much more lightly.


    Mr. Zhuge took two medicine boys and hung his usual medicine box over his shoulder, preparing to head out.


    Gu Ying wore the men''s robes the Prince had prepared for her today. She hurried to follow along.


    Mr. Zhuge was increasingly fond of this thoughtful girl. He turned and smilingly persuaded, "Madam is pregnant, it''s best not to climb mountains. Yesterday His Highness already assigned two guards to protect my safety. With them and these two medicine boys, it will be enough."


    Gu Ying anxiously said, "I just can''t stop worrying about you, Elder."


    Mr. Zhuge was advanced in years and hadn''t rested well. She truly worried the elderly man wouldn''t handle climbing the mountain pass easily.


    Mr. Zhugeughed. "These old arms and legs of mine are still hardy. I will certainly discover what poisonous substance the culprit used."


    Gu Ying''s heart swelled with gratitude, her eyes turning moist. "Elder...Ying Ying is truly grateful for your selfless dedication."


    No one''s life deserves to be freely sacrificed. From when the Prince came to Yueyang, Mr. Zhuge and the others had readily stayed behind at Qingjiang Manor. Later when the "gue" did break out, everyone wanted to survive and protect themselves. Only these doctors had steadfastly remained in the infirmary, diagnosing patients and trying medicines every day.


    She sincerely admired Mr. Zhuge.


    Mr. Zhuge''s old eyes misted over with emotion, the corners of his mouth stretching wide beneath his neatly trimmed, snowy beard. "It''s the people of Yueyang who should thank you, Madam. If not for you, who knows how many more would have died. So you must take care of yourself for the sake of the child. When the gue passes and we''ve cleaned up Yueyang, you and His Highness can stroll the streets to see the sights and sample local delicacies."


    Gu Ying truly could not dissuade the elder. She could only remain behind to help distribute medicines to the patients.


    Since she hade, the once dreary infirmary had livened up considerably. Beautiful and approachable, she was also excellent at soothing words tofort people.


    Despite their illness, everyone still greatly enjoyed chatting with her. Many girls her age clung to her, asking about her love story with the Prince.


    Gu Ying patiently and gently recounted her past with the Prince. All the infirmary''s patients listened with great interest.


    ...


    Zhao Changdu woke up groggily. Since the gue had started, he hadn''t slept well.


    Only after Gu Ying came to the manor could he finally sleep deeply.


    Waking up to bright daylight and an empty bed, he panicked and abruptly sat up.


    Hearing the movement inside, Huai Ying brought in warm rice porridge and freshly made potstickers. "You''re awake, Your Highness. Madam went to the infirmary early to find Mr. Zhuge."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression softened slightly. After dressing, his solemn gaze fell on the potstickers in surprise as he scanned the tidy, clean study. "Who made these?"


    "It was Madam."


    Zhao Changdu''s movement of spooning porridge paused briefly.


    Huai Ying stammered, "Your Highness, I find it quite strange."

 Chapter 304: Jiang Yin is Dead

    <h4>Chapter 304</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s face returned to normal as he calmly tasted the little girl''s cooking. "How is it?"


    Huai Ying looked pensive and said, "Isn''t Madam the legitimate daughter of the Marquis''s household? This subordinate saw Madam busy working in the kitchen today and discovered that she is extremely skilled in cooking. She does not have the slightest trace of a pampered youngdy. Instead, she looks just like a mature, steadymon woman who is good at managing domestic affairs, not like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened slightly and he paused for a moment before calmly saying, "She was mistreated by the main wife since she was young. It''s not strange that she knows these things."


    Huai Ying no longer doubted and said, "Yes, this subordinate was too suspicious."


    Zhao Changdu''s longshes lightly dropped as he drank the congee and ate the dumplings Gu Ying had made with her own hands. A warm feeling rose in his heart.


    "Madam also said that men need to eat more meat to have strength," Huai Ying said with a smile as he brought over another bowl of dumplings. "Master, eat a few more bowls. Madam''s dumplings are quite delicious."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly and his face took on a strange coldness.


    Was the little girl mocking him for not using enough strengthst night with her words? If he was not concerned about the child in her belly, would she have the chance to "mock" him? This girl, tempting him the night before,ining about himst night, she was truly a bewitching little sprite.


    Huai Ying did not know what had happened. He was frightened by his master''s suddenly gloomy face.


    "No more," Zhao Changdu put down his chopsticks with a displeased expression. "Go to the dungeons."


    After tormenting Jiang Yin for a while, he finally felt refreshed all over.


    Unfortunately, he did not force out information about the Yu River water source poisoning or the antidote.


    "This man''s mouth is truly harder than a turtle''s," Huai Ying, who had followed the Prince for many years and dealt with all kinds of fierce people, had never been so angry.


    "Master, Jiang Yin has been tortured half to death by us. If we really can''t ask anything out, what should we do?"


    When Zhao Changdu came out of the dungeon, his tall figure looked particrly cold and lonely in the boundless rain and fog. "As long as he doesn''t die, continue torturing him."


    "This subordinate always feels that he is not holding back any secrets," Huai Ying said hesitantly.


    "Watch him personally and don''t let him die," Zhao Changdu said with knitted brows and deep, abysmal eyes.


    "Yes."


    ......


    Things were gradually developing in a good direction. Ever since finding out about the poisoning, Zhao Changdu had urgently notified everyone to stop using the Yu River water.


    After persisting for a few days, indeed, no new gue patients appeared. Everyone also saw the hope of survival. In the infirmary, a smile appeared on the face of every patient. They worshipped the Prince and Gu Ying like saving bodhisattvas.


    Gu Ying became more and more certain that it was Jiang Yin who had poisoned the water. During this time, she had also gone to the dungeons to ask Jiang Yin what exactly he intended and why he was gambling with the lives of so manymon people.


    However, Jiang Yin, hanging by a thread covered in blood all over, closed his eyes with an appearance that no matter what, he would not open his mouth.


    Gu Ying had been led around by his nose for a lifetime. She still could not think of anything that could be this kind of person''s weakness after wracking her brains.


    She ced her hand on her protruding belly and stood in front of him with a cold smile, asking why he didn''t tell the Prince about her matters.


    Jiang Yin remained motionless, head tilted back against the wooden frame. His cold eyes nced at her swollen belly and the corner of his mouth hooked up slightly without saying a word.


    Gu Ying thought it over and figured out that this person had died once before but still feared death. He had lived another life, and she wanted to take another path to live a different life without him while his ambitions had grownrger. Before achieving his goal, he would not die easily.


    Therefore, she was no longer worried that Jiang Yin would expose her rebirth. Even if he spoke about it, so what? After this gue incident, whenever she felt lost and confused, as long as the Prince said a sentence trusting her, she felt she had nothing else to fear.


    She believed the Prince would not care about those matters that were already in the past. He loved her and so he would ept everything about her.


    When she left the dungeon, Gu Ying saw the Prince had been standing under the eaves of another courtyard holding an umbre waiting for her the entire time.


    The tall and handsome man wore ck robes decorated with dragons and phoenixes, standing tall and slender like a jade tree in the wind.


    She didn¡¯t know how long he had stood there but he had not left or entered the dungeon to listen to her conversation with Jiang Yin. This man respected, cherished and pampered her,pletely different from Jiang Yin.


    With such a husband, what else did she have to worry or fear?


    Her heart warmed. She smiled and ran over to throw herself into his embrace.


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to rub his nose against her cheek. "How is it? Did you ask anything out?"


    Gu Ying shook her head and looked at the concern in his eyes for her. Tenderness filled her heart. She hooked her arms around his neck and said, "Ah Du, I''m suddenly very hungry. I want to eat you."


    Zhao Changdu saw the little girl''s ming red cheeks, alluring brows and eyes, gaze flowing. His own gaze darkened as he carried her into the study and mmed the door shut with a bang.


    Huai Ying very intelligently walked away.


    Gu Ying wept without tears. She was very indulgent when tempting but it was toote to beg for mercy.


    The two fumbled together, jade pendants around their waists knocking


    against the edge of the table, making soft then loud knocking sounds.


    The night rain continued to fall whileyers uponyers of rain sounds concealed the scalding passions within the room.


    The sky grew darker and darker as ck clouds roiled,pletely covering the firmament while torrential rain poured down.


    In the deep of night, Huai Ying rushed over in the rain to knock urgently on the study door, disturbing the man¡¯s sleep inside.


    Zhao Changdu wrapped the nket around the little girl who had fallen asleep beneath him. His brows knitted together as he put on his outer robe and opened the door.


    Huai Ying stood there soaked. He urgently said, "Master, Jiang Yin is dead."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Changdu quickly looked back at the sleeping person before closing the room door and walking out to the outer corridor. His face instantly darkened.


    Rain continued to crash noisily to the ground while the man¡¯s voice grew increasingly hoarse. "What happened?"


    "This subordinate also doesn''t know..." Huai Ying frowned, hesitating to continue. "After Madam left the dungeon, Jiang Yin fell into aa. This subordinate checked his breathing then and he was still alive. Just now, this subordinate was about to ssh water on him to wake him for punishment but discovered that he had died from vomiting blood with stiff limbs. He had already died for almost an hour. This subordinate calcted the time and during that period, only Madam had gone to the dungeons..."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes turned icy cold as he narrowed them slightly. Holding a bamboo umbre, he walked towards the dungeons.


    Hurried footsteps sounded peculiarly creepy in the rainy night.


    Huai Ying carried a dim, sputtering oilmp. A small circle of yellow light swayed unsteadily in the rain like a ghost.


    Inside the dungeon, Zhao Changdu ced his hand on Jiang Yin''s neck to confirm his death, his brows tightly knitted together.


    Huai Ying pressed his lips saying, "Master, it looks like he died from poisoning."


    A chill gathered between Zhao Changdu''s brows. Huai Ying and Huai An were elites amongst elites of the Qilin Army. When it came to interrogation, they clearly understood limits and it was impossible for them to directly torture someone to death.


    Jiang Yin had been imprisoned here for five or six days but still clung to life to keep Gu Ying¡¯s secrets. Other than Huai Ying, no one knew he was here. It was only this afternoon Gu Ying came once.


    Nothing happened at other times but right at this moment, the person lost his life.

 Chapter 305: The Great Revenge

    <h4>Chapter 305</h4>


    Zhao Changdu stared at Jiang Yin''s corpse, his deep eyes resembling an iceberg.


    Huai Ying didn''t even dare to suspect Gu Ying, carefully raising his eyes, "Master, could it be...the Madam..."


    In the gloomy dungeon, the thick smell of blood assaulted the senses, and the atmosphere instantly stagnated.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak, pinching Jiang Yin''s cold chin, once again checking his breath, "He died too easily."


    "Master, there seems to be something the Madam is hiding about this Jiang Yin. If the Madam wants to continue hiding it from you, she would certainly want to kill to keep him silent." Under the man''s powerful aura, Huai Ying hardened his scalp and said, "Also...previously our brothers in Bianjing sent news that the Madam had already made a move against Jiang Yin on Lantern Festival...it was just that Jiang Yin had great fortune and luck and was saved by Prince Shu."


    Zhao Changdu disgustingly flipped open Jiang Yin''spel, ncing at the deep and shallow scars on his body, lightly saying, "No, the antidote hasn''t been asked yet, A-Ying wouldn''t do something so stupid."


    Huai Ying lowered his eyes, not daring to say anything more, only his heart still had doubts.


    Zhao Changdu coldlyughed and ordered him to take Jiang Yin''s body down, "Since he''s already dead, hang his corpse at the city gates for public disy."


    Huai Ying''s eyes flickered slightly, "Yes, I will send two more people to secretly keep watch."


    Han Lin hadn''t been caught yet. With Jiang Yin dead, it was a good opportunity to lure the snake from its hole.


    Zhao Changdu faintly "hmm"-ed and afterwards, returned to the study.


    Gu Ying was sleeping in a daze, only feeling someone stroking her cheek.


    She slept very unsteadily, groping towards the familiar aquatic fragrance of the man''s embrace.


    Zhao Changdu helplessly sighed, wrapping her delicate body into his arms. His brow slightly knitted, "Why does A-Ying hate him so much?"


    His tone was as faint as a wisp of smoke, as if asking her yet also like talking to himself.


    Gu Ying was too tired, closing her eyes, even upon hearing that voice she thought it was just an ethereal, illusory dream.


    ...


    When Gu Ying learned that Jiang Yin had died, her whole body shook. There was a buzzing sound in her brain that nked out her senses for a good while before she regained herposure.


    She couldn''t say what feeling it was, whether to feel happy, relieved, or how, she only felt her whole body rx.


    She specially went to the city gates and saw Jiang Yin''s corpse hung from chains over the gates of Yueyang City.


    The rain was too heavy, rainwater poured over his body as blood and rainwater dropped down together.


    She stood below looking up at him, pulling up at the corners of her lips, slowly smiling.


    With vengeance achieved, it was nothing more than this. Looking at the enemy''s corpse, she instead felt a pang of sadness in her heart.


    It was a pity she didn''t get to let him experience the suffering she endured, feel the humiliation she underwent in those ten years, and even more, let him witness with his own eyes the birth of her and the Prince''s beloved child.


    He had died too easily.


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth tightly, her eyes bloodshot.


    Her body shook unsteadily as she stood in the rain, yet she stubbornly stared at that corpse, fists tightly clenched until the blue veins on her fair hand backs bulged out.


    "Jiang Yin! You deserve death!"


    "Death!"


    "Hahahaha!"


    Afterughing, her vision went dark and shepletely lost consciousness.


    When she awoke again, the night was dark, another peaceful night without boundaries.


    Her clothes had already been changed into clean ones. Shey on the low couch in Qingjiang Manor''s study, staring nkly up at the beams for a while after opening her eyes.


    Jiang Yin was dead. The person she hated most, loathed most, found most disgusting, was finally dead.


    She smiled. Her eyes grew hot and she couldn''t help but cough, "Cough cough cough!"


    Likely because she was too ted and had been out in the rain, she felt her throat go dry. Unable to restrain herself, she coughed.


    Hearing the sound from outside, people rushed anxiously in.


    "Madam, are you alright?"


    "A-Ying, how could you go see a corpse by yourself in the rain?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyes bewilderedly as Yin Lan helped prop her up against the pillow. "A-Sheng, Yin Lan, why are you two here?"


    "The Prince went to the sick house, he said there was news from Physician Zhuge." Yin Lan smiled and said, "Madam, please rest well. This servant will go bring hot water."


    Ning Si sat at her bedside and helped dress her outerwear, smiling, "We already know the truth about the gue, so of course we cane see you. Don''t worry, we took a carriage here and didn''te in contact with any outsiders along the way."


    "But A-Ying, what exactly happened to you? I heard after you fainted, the Prince was scared witless. Hisplexion was so awful I nearly died from fright. Fortunately the child in your belly is fine and you merely caught a bit of chill. After sleeping it off you''ll be alright."


    Ning Si tilted her head to examine her. Ever since following the Prince, Gu Ying''splexion had be increasingly radiant and delicate.


    Her formerly t lower abdomen had also grown increasingly prominent.


    The more she looked, the more she liked it. She was eager to see the little one''s arrival.


    Seeing her still dazed, Ning Si couldn''t help worryingly stroking the back of her hand. "A-Ying, you really are fine right? You scared me."


    "I''m fine, I was just too happy." Gu Ying smiled slightly, grasping Ning Si''s hand. She curved her flushed eyes that brimmed with tears, suddenly pulling Ning Si into her embrace as sheughed yet also cried.


    "A-Ying, why are you crying?"


    "Tears of joy."


    "You''re this happy that Jiang Yin died?"


    "Yes, I wish I could hangnterns and let off firecrackers."


    "Uh¡ª" Ning Si was somewhat baffled. As far as she recalled, the Gu Family didn''t seem to have any deep hatred or enmity with Jiang Yin?


    Could it be because of the matter with Elder Young Lady Gu marrying Jiang Yin but he abandoned her for her elder sister instead, so A-Ying held a grudge against Jiang Yin in her heart?


    Before she could respond, steady yet rushed footsteps suddenly sounded from the doorway.


    Very quickly, a tall figure with an aloof and ruthless aura, d in dark clothes, walked to the entrance.


    "Awake?"


    The man spoke. His tone was somewhat displeased.


    Ning Si only felt the man''s gaze was exceptionally icy, like cold swords sweeping towards her giving her goosebumps.


    But A-Ying had fainted in the rain, it wasn''t by her own wishes. For the Prince to be so cold, he must be ming A-Ying for not knowing better and affecting the little prince in her belly, so she hurriedly exined somewhat awkwardly with an embarrassed smile, "P-Prince, A-Ying definitely didn''t do it on purpose. You mustn''t me her."


    Seeing her closely embracing his young aunt, their hands tightly sped together, a trace of irritation surfaced on Zhao Changdu''s brow. "Get up."


    Ning Si bit her lip. "......"


    Zhao Changdu expressionlessly asked, "My wife. How long more do you n on holding her?"


    Meeting the man''s aloof gaze that scorned people from a thousand miles away, Ning Si''s heart shook. Only then did she suddenly realize, face flushing red.


    Zhao the Prince''s reputation in Bianjing was always known to be cruel and domineering. If not for Gu Ying, she wouldn''t have much interaction with him. To now be so close facing his shockingly handsome yet cold face, frightened by his powerful and fearsome aura, she hurriedly pulled an awkward smile, couldn''t help stuttering somewhat, "Oh...I see...cough cough...A-Ying, rest well. I''m leaving first."

 Chapter 306: The Dead Body of Jiang Yin is Missing

    <h4>Chapter 306</h4>


    She mistakenly thought that the Crown Prince wasing to settle the score with Gu Ying, but now it seems that she underestimated the Crown Prince''s affection for Gu Ying.


    Ning Si left the study as if escaping, and Gu Ying red at the man with displeasure. "Ning Si is pregnant, why are you being so harsh on her?"


    "Who allowed her to upy you without this Crown Prince''s permission?"


    "She''s just a young girl. Is the Crown Prince jealous?" Gu Ying found it amusing and stared at him provocatively.


    "Who said I''m jealous?" Zhao Changdu snorted. As long as his little girl was within his reach, sitting by the bed, he held her and gently touched her forehead. "No fever, are you feeling ufortable?"


    Gu Ying leaned against his chest, feeling a sense of fulfillment and gratitude because of his unconditional love and care. Her eyes were filled with tears, her voice sounding a bit aggrieved. "I''m not ufortable anymore."


    Zhao Changdu gently stroked her shoulder and asked softly, "Why do you hate Jiang Yin so much? Can you tell me?"


    Gu Ying''s heart ached, and her gaze became distant.


    The enemy was dead, and there was nothing else for her to fear. Should she tell the Crown Prince about everything in the past?


    Zhao Changdu didn''t force her, seeing her eyes turning red, he felt distressed and said, "You don''t have to say if you don''t want to."


    Gu Ying smiled wryly, sat up from his embrace, pursed her lips, and after a moment, she said, "He tried to kill me."


    Zhao Changdu furrowed his brows. "He tried to kill you?"


    "Yes." Gu Ying smiled bitterly and vaguely said, "A long time ago, he wanted to kill me, but I narrowly escaped. Since then, I have hated him and desired to kill him."


    Zhao Changdu remained silent, gripping her cold little hand tightly, silently giving her strength.


    Gu Ying self-mockingly smiled, stubbornly raised her eyes, meeting the man''s cold and calm gaze. "Crown Prince, you must find it absurd, right? I am a noblewoman of the harem, and he is just amoner. Why would we have any connection?"


    "No." Zhao Changdu''s lips curved into a faint smile as he embraced her. "I believe you."


    These three simple words made tears burst from Gu Ying''s eyes.


    "Zhao Du, thank you..."


    She rested her head on his shoulder and cried silently.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze became deep and heavy as he patted her back. His pitch-ck eyes emitted a chilling aura, as if plunging into an abyss.


    Jiang Yin truly died too easily!


    ...


    Since Jiang Yin''s death, the situation in Yueyang, which had been promising, suddenly took a turn for the worse.


    Mr. Zhuge disappeared, and the two Qilin Army soldiers and the medicine boy who followed him also vanished.


    The number of patients, which had previously decreased, inexplicably began to rise again.


    What frightened the people the most was that rumors of evil spirits causing the gue started spreading among the patients.


    More and more people were infected by the gue, and the patients firmly believed that this was not a mere epidemic. It was a divine punishment brought upon them by the malevolent spirits after they allowed the evil spirits to cause havoc in Yueyang!


    Such spection was unknown where it originated, but when the news spread throughout Yueyang City, Gu Ying discovered that the body of Jiang Yin hanging on the city wall was also missing.


    She stood on the city wall, looking at the empty iron chain, her expression changing slightly.


    The body was taken during the middle of the night, the iron chain cut by a de made of mysterious iron, and the body taken away directly.


    Two members of the Qilin Army stationed nearby, Huai Ying''an, were struck by hidden arrows through their hearts, instantly killing them.


    Ye Qingchi stood by Gu Ying''s side, seeing her face turn pale, he furrowed his brow and asked, "A Ying, what is happening?"


    Gu Ying clenched her fists, feeling uneasy in her heart, "I don''t know. The only possibility is Han Lin, Jiang Yin''s elusive subordinate who hasn''t been caught."


    Ye Qingchi''s brow furrowed deeply, and he weakly coughed, covering his mouth, "Who is this Han Lin? His skills are even more formidable than the Qilin Army?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips, her mind momentarily confused, "I... only remember that Han Lin is elusive and mysterious. I don''t know who his teacher is or where hees from. He doesn''t speak much, but he excels in hidden weapons. The only thing he reveals in front of others is a ck iron longsword."


    He was brought back by Jiang Yin a year after she married him. At that time, Jiang Yin didn''t love her at all, so she had very few opportunities to see Han Lin, only catching glimpses of him asionally outside Jiang Yin''s study.


    She didn''t really understand him, but she knew his martial arts were unfathomable.


    "It seems that this Han Lin is the one who took Jiang Yin''s body," Ye Qingchi''s gaze darkened. "Jiang Yin was indeed not a good person. Even after death, he finds no peace. Recently, Yueyang City has be increasingly turbulent, showing signs of rebellion. I and the Crown Prince''s men have been dedicated tobating the gue, which has consumed a great deal of manpower. If a revolt truly erupts, the situation may be grim."


    Gu Ying suddenly spoke, "Cousin, there must be someone manipting everything in secret."


    Ye Qingchi turned to look at her.


    Gu Ying tensed up, feeling a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. She almost couldn''t stand and supported herself against her lower back, leaning against the city wall. She took a long breath to calm herself.


    Ye Qingchi hurriedly supported her and said earnestly, "Take care of yourself. These matters shouldn''t concern you. You are just a young girl. Focus on taking care of yourself and the child. Leave the rest to me and your husband. If things truly be uncontroble, I will find an appropriate time to send you and Ning Si away."


    Gu Ying''s heart ached with difort. She squinted her eyes and shook her head, "Cousin, I have a foreboding feeling."


    She even had a terrible suspicion that Jiang Yin might not be dead at all!


    But she personally checked his breath and pulse. He was bleeding from seven orifices and died from poisoning. It was impossible for him to still be alive.


    Could it be that Han Lin, in carrying out Jiang Yin''s will, was stirring up trouble in Yueyang?


    "But how is that possible?" Gu Ying raised her hand to cover her throbbing temples, feeling her mind in a chaotic state, as if insects were gnawing at her, causing cold sweat to form on her forehead.


    "Alright, Ying, don''t think about these things for now," Ye Qingchi said, noticing a thinyer of sweat forming on her forehead. She seemed ufortable in her lower abdomen, and he immediately became worried, pulling her closer. "Let me carry you back to see a doctor first."


    Gu Ying''s emotions were fluctuating greatly, and her stomach was in intense pain, causing her brow to furrow tightly.


    "Cousin... my head hurts so much... my stomach hurts too."


    "Ying, don''t... don''t get agitated for now."


    "Okay..."


    With her eyes red, Gu Ying took a deep breath, trying to calm her excited emotions. It was strange because she wasn''t someone who was easily emotionally swayed, but now, because of Jiang Yin, there was suddenly an indescribable force ying tricks on her consciousness.


    She had been suffering from headaches since her time in Bianjing, and it had improved a lot after bing pregnant. However, now it suddenly became ten times worse.

 Chapter 307: Sacrifice

    <h4>Chapter 307</h4>


    "Eldest Prince, my head hurts."


    "Don''t panic, let me take you back first."


    Ye Qingchi no longer hesitated, carried her horizontally, put her on the carriage, and went directly back to Qingjiang Manor.


    But as soon as the carriage reached the gate of the manor, Gu Ying heard the crying and shouting of the patients kneeling at the gate outside, making her head buzz.


    She reached out to lift the carriage curtain, and Ye Qingchi''s face sank as he stopped her.


    Gu Ying leaned weakly against the carriage, looking puzzled and said softly, "Cousin, what''s wrong?"


    The dense crowd knelt in front of Qingjiang Manor, and recalling the recent rumors, Ye Qingchi pulled at the corner of his mouth, his eyebrows furrowed, "Don''t look, I''ll take you in through the back door."


    Gu Ying didn''t say a word, her face pale, her slender eyebrows slightly furrowed, looking like a transparent and fragile porcin doll.


    Ye Qingchi immediately ordered the driver to turn around and head for the back door. He didn''t know where the voice came from, like a stone thrown into the water, instantly arousing waves.


    "The Eldest Prince''s Consort has finally returned!" "Everyone please ask the Consort to save us!"


    "Madam, please save our lives!"


    "Madam! Only you can save our lives now!"


    "Don''t go! If the Eldest Prince doesn''t care about us, you must take care of us!"


    The patients quickly surrounded them, like a tide blocking the carriage. They grabbed the shafts, and those who were emotionally excited simply took the whip from the coachman''s hand. The frightened horse kept turning nervously on the spot. If it weren''t for theyers of people, the horse would have run away in shock.


    The carriage shook violently. Gu Ying lost her bnce and had to cover her belly with both hands to protect the baby, trying to calm herself down. "Cousin, hasn''t the Eldest Princee back yet?"


    Hearing the noise outside, Ye Qingchi''s anger suddenly surged up.


    He jumped and kicked the people clinging to the carriage, protecting Gu Ying in his arms, his handsome face cold.


    Gu Ying leaned on his shoulder, exhausted.


    Ye Qingchi was also unwell seeing his sister in pain made his chest fill with anger, but he also understood that now was not the time to force things. After all, these were the patients he had helped day and night. He couldn¡¯t watch them jump into the fire pit either, and he himself...had not found a cure for the "gue poison" in his body, and had no strength to contend with so many patients.


    "Ying, what do you think we should do?"


    Gu Ying breathed heavily for a while, enduring the faint pain in her lower abdomen, and stretched out an arm to clench her teeth, "Cousin, help me out."


    Ye Qingchi had no choice. "Okay, I¡¯ll help you out."


    Gu Ying got out of the carriage, staggering as she stood outside the curtain. Ye Qingchi picked her up and leapt off the carriage with her in his arms.


    He was already poisoned, the toxicity was not cured, it had spread to his heart and lungs. Now he didn¡¯t have much strength left either, just trying his best to protect Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying grabbed his big hand tightly. The siblings leaned on each other in the crowd to steady themselves.


    When someone saw here out, he shouted hoarsely, "Consort! You must help us!"


    As soon as he shouted, everyone followed and mored.


    "So many of us have been tortured here in this quarantine for more than ten days. What wrong have we done? We are just ordinarymon people. We have done nothing wrong. Do we deserve to die? "


    "Now, heaven has sent down punishment, wanting all the people in Yueyang City to die. We can''t just ept our fate!"


    "I have elders and children. My daughter is only ten years old and my son is less than five years old. Even if I die, what about them? They are still children!"


    "You always tell us that life is equal. Now at this critical moment, please...save us. Looking around Yueyang City, only you can save us..."


    "We don''t want to be like this either, but...who made you...who made you the Nine Yin Constitution!"


    Gu Ying listened quietly with her eyes downcast, listening carefully for a while to understand.


    It turned out that someone had secretly spread the rumor that she was the Nine Yin Constitution, in order to get her to sacrifice for Yueyang.


    Now that everything was revealed, it also answered the questions that had puzzled her for a long time.


    She sneered andughed lightly.


    Ye Qingchi was furious when he heard this, his eyes cold, "Things that are unverified, how can you talk nonsense! Who said Sister Ying is the Nine Yin Constitution? Who spread the rumors? Who caused trouble?"


    "The Eldest Prince''s Consort has the fate of the unique Nine Yin Constitution. Master Ye, please don''t hide it from us... We already know."


    Ye Qingchi gritted his teeth and protected Gu Ying. His eyes were cold and gloomy. Just as he was about to say something, he was stopped by the person in his arms.


    "Ying!" He narrowed his eyes.


    Gu Ying shook her head and shouted for everyone to calm down. Her calm eyes slowly swept over the eyes eagerly hoping to survive, slowly saying, "I understand what everyone means. A hundred years ago, Yueyang City overcame a once-in-a-hundred-year drought by sacrificing with the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Constitutions. Now you want me to follow the example of the past and sacrifice as the Nine Yin Constitution to appease the gods to spare those present?"


    Gu Ying smiled. All of Jiang Yin''s sinister conspiracies wereid out in her mind. She was no longer as confused as being in the fog, but could clearly see through his purpose.


    He had set up a big game, turned Yueyang into a graveyard, and wanted to put her and the Eldest Prince to death.


    On the contrary, she felt relieved, just coldly mocking in her heart. Her lips parted slightly, but her voice was as warm as water, "I guess the Eldest Prince must be the one who can sacrifice to save everyone as the Nine Yang Constitution, right?"


    Facing Gu Ying''s clear eyes, everyone''s eyes flickered uneasily as they averted their gazes in shame.


    They knew the efforts the Eldest Prince had made for Yueyang City to get through the gue, and his Consort wasn''t afraid toe to the quarantine for their sake when she was six months pregnant.


    But...it was Heaven, the gods, who wanted to punish them.


    If the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Constitutions were not sacrificed, the entire Yueyang City would be destroyed!

 Chapter 308: I’m afraid I’m going Crazy.

    <h4>Chapter 308</h4>


    ¡°Madam, I implore you......¡±


    One person took the lead, and everyone else followed, kneeling down together before Gu Ying, who did not seem very old.


    With red eyes, they cried and raised their heads, their hopeful tearful eyes all looking at Gu Ying, full of hope.


    Among them, there were also elderly men over fifty years old, toddlers of three to four years old staggering around, and young pregnant women with bulging bellies like her.


    They were forcing her, with their innocence, their helplessness, with morality and humanity, they were forcing her.


    Gu Ying gripped Ye Qingchi¡¯s hand tightly, feeling her whole body tremble.


    ¡°This is just a man-made poisoning, why doesn¡¯t everyone believe the Prince and me?¡±


    ¡°It''s not that we don''t believe the Prince and Madam, it''s just that you said this was poisoning, but why is there no antidote? Why has it been so long and people are still infecting each other... Now, Mr. Zhuge is gone too... Our bodies are getting worse and worse, and we probably won''t make it through this spring, so what else can we do?¡±


    Gu Ying said self-deprecatingly, ¡°So, you guys are willing to watch me and the Prince sacrifice ourselves for you?¡±


    ¡°We...¡± Everyone bowed their heads helplessly, hesitating to speak.


    After all, they were asking someone to go die, even a thick-skinned person would have trouble saying it outright.


    Hearing themotion outside, Yin Lan and Ning Si hurried to open the gate of Qingjiang Manor. Huai An, whose legs had finally healed, also rushed out with his men from inside, his face sinking as he parted the crowd.


    ¡°Get out of the way! If you don¡¯t make way, the swords and des in this official¡¯s hands are merciless! If anyone dares to harm a hair on our Madam, our Prince will never let him off!¡±


    Seeing Yin Lan running towards her, Gu Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief, and the pain in her lower abdomen eased a little as well.


    ¡°Madam, hurry up and go.¡±


    Yin Lan protected her in her arms, and quickly asked Huai An to support the unsteady Ye Qingchi, ¡°Lord Huai, hurry, help the young master in... these people seem to have gone mad...¡±


    Huai An''s eyes were like swords, holding a chilling long sword in his hand, ring fiercely at the crowd. His face was too fierce, his whole body exuded a murderous aura, so that those people did not dare toe straight up to surround them.


    The Qilin Army escorted Gu Ying and the others into Qingjiang Manor quickly.


    The patients still gathered at the door of Qingjiang Manor, unwilling to return to the ward. After so long of precautions by the Prince, due to an unfounded rumor, everything had copsed overnight.


    Fine beads of sweat appeared on Gu Ying''s forehead. Only after entering the study inside the manor and lying on the couch did she feel waves of paining from her lower abdomen, so painful that she could only clutch her belly and roll around, her consciousness also a little blurry.


    She grabbed Ye Qingchi¡¯s hand, ¡°Adu...I¡¯m hurting so much...¡±


    Her small face twisted in pain, murmuring, ¡°Adu...it hurts so much...¡±


    Ye Qingchi sat on the edge of the couch, coughing incessantly, ¡°Cough cough! Go get a doctor quick! Yin Lan, hurry!¡±


    Yin Lan ran out immediately. Seeing Gu Ying''s appearance with sweat all over her head, Huai An was extremely anxious. He quickly stopped Yin Lan, ¡°Yin Lan, you stay with Madam, I''ll go.¡±


    He was quick on his feet, using his lightness skill to leap over the high wall of the manor, and directly dragged a doctor from the ward by the neck.


    The doctor knelt in front of the couch to take Gu Ying''s pulse. After a long while, under everyone''s burning gazes, he swallowed and said, ¡°Madam is only unstable due to emotional agitation causing fetal gas instability, and there is no major problem. Don¡¯t worry everyone, I will prescribe Madam a prescription...¡± After drinking two bowls, she will be fine."


    Yin Lan and Ning Si breathed a sigh of relief, both crowding around Gu Ying''s bed to wipe the sweat from her forehead. Huai An''s lips were tight, hugging the long sword coldly leaning by the door.


    Ye Qingchi supported his fist to his lips, his face also a little pale, "Please go and prescribe the medicine now.¡±


    "Yes, yes."


    The doctor''s eyes flickered as he hurriedly got up and walked out the study door.


    Ning Si said, "Elder brother Ye don''t have to worry, I have some pills here to protect the fetus. Let¡¯s give one to Sister Ying to eat first, then drink the medicer."


    Yin Lan helped prop Gu Ying up while Ning Si fed her the pill with warm water.


    Ye Qingchi nced at Ning Si, puzzled as to why she would be carrying pills to protect the fetus.


    But at this moment, the situation did not allow him to think too much. He coughed violently for a while, and his body really could not stand it any longer. He had to find a way to go back to the pharmacy to take some medicinal soup to relieve the epidemic symptoms first.


    The gloomy weather made everyone feel ufortable. Outside the gate of the manor, cries for help kepting incessantly.


    When Gu Ying regained consciousness, she could still hear their wails, and also heard Zhou Yan and Ning Si whispering outside the door.


    "How do you feel now? Are you ufortable?"


    "I¡¯m fine... I don''t worry like Sister Ying does, I feel much better than her."


    "I heard other pregnant women say that women vomit until the child is born. How about you?"


    "I don¡¯t... I don''t throw up..."


    "That¡¯s good then. If you feel ufortable anywhere, be sure to let me know."


    "Okay, thanks Elder Brother Zhou for your concern."


    "You¡¯re still calling me Elder Brother Zhou now?"


    "If not Elder Brother Zhou... then what should I call you?"


    "Call me brother Yan.¡±


    "Ah... this..."


    "I will give you time to get used to it. After all, for the sake of the child, we have to make it look more believable, by the way, when do you n to tell Grandpa about us?"


    "I... I''m afraid Grandpa will be angry..."


    "Sister Si, if you don''t say it now, you won''t be able to hide your belly for long."


    After a long silence, came Ning Si''s helpless sigh, "I will let him know soon... it''s just that Grandpa might go into a terrible rage by then, venting all his anger on you, Elder Brother Zhou...Yan...thank you for taking all this for me...¡±


    "It doesn¡¯t matter." A trace of imperceptible joy could be heard in the man''s voice.


    Gu Ying opened her eyes slightly.


    Yin Lan had been keeping watch by her side all along. Seeing her awake, she quickly smiled and said, "Madam, does your stomach still hurt now?"


    Gu Ying''s lips were pale, chuckling drily, "It¡¯s fine, it doesn¡¯t hurt much anymore."


    Yin Lan said joyfully, "I¡¯ll go get the medicine.¡±


    Hearing the movement inside, Zhou Yan and Ning Si also walked in. To avoid suspicion, Zhou Yan just stood at the door.


    Ning Si came in and helped prop her up, a blush appearing on her round cheeks as she smiled, "You¡¯re finally awake, you scared us to death just now."


    Gu Ying sat up and looked nkly at the door for a while. The darkening sky made everyone feel ufortable. Outside the study door, along the corridor, a fewnterns were hung, their dim glow spilling onto the door, making one feel strangely empty.


    She missed the Prince... but the Prince had to find Mr. Zhuge, otherwise the people of Yueyang would go crazier and crazier.

 Chapter 309: Saffron

    <h4>Chapter 309</h4>


    Ning Si thought she was still worrying about the child, andforted with a smile, "A Ying, don''t worry. The doctor said Nian is fine. Our Nian has great fortune and fate, and will surely be blessed in the future."


    Gu Ying carefully ced her hand over her slightly bulging belly, her thoughts racing, silently sorting through the ins and outs of the recent Yueyang gue outbreak in her mind again.


    It was not a simple matter for Jiang Yin to poison the river water. The Jade River was wide and had arge flow,ing all the way from the source and passing through the entire Yueyang City. Not to mention the river water would dilute the toxicity of the poison, even if themoners used it to cook, it would gradually weaken the potency. How did this "poison" end up spreading in Yueyang City?


    Then there were people secretly spreading rumors among the already physically and mentally fragile patients that this was divine punishment of Yueyang, making stories based on the previous Nine Yin and Nine Yang sacrifices.


    His intention was simply to force her and the Eldest Prince to yield to the pleas of themoners and sacrifice themselves.


    Hmph, he thought it would be so simple. She and the Eldest Prince would not resign themselves to fate so easily.


    "A Ying?" Ning Si saw that Gu Ying did not speak for a while, pulled her hand over and patted it with increasing worry, "Are you still bothered about the sacrifice? I know they are shameless... Ai, not to mention this happening to you, even I feel chilled. But A Ying, don''t worry. I have decided to ask Grandfather to find a way to send you away directly."


    Gu Ying came back to her senses, the corners of her lips raised slightly, "Don''t worry Ah Si, I won''t leave the Eldest Prince behind."


    Ning Si wanted to persuade her further when Yin Lan brought the medicine over and said gently, "Mistress, I and Huai An watched the doctor brew this medicine. Drink it while it''s hot and your stomach won''t hurt anymore."


    Gu Ying took the medicine bowl. Her lips had just touched the rim when she suddenly spat the medicine out.


    Yin Lan asked anxiously, "What happened?"


    Gu Ying frowned, looking up with lowered eyes, "There is safflower in this medicine."


    Safflower was used to induce abortions. How could such a medicine appear in pregnancy-protecting medicine?


    Yin Lan panicked, "What? But I watched it being brewed with my own eyes¡ª"


    Gu Ying knew Yin Lan was loyal to her and sneered coldly. Since there were no traitors among them, the culprit must be an outsider. "Yin Lan, look flustered and worried after one incense stick burns, and call Huai An and Cousin over. Remember not to alert the enemy."


    Yin Lan nodded heavily.


    Gu Ying''s gaze was deep, her expression gradually bing heavier. Eldest Prince, you must find Master Zhuge as soon as possible.


    ...


    After one incense stick burned, Yin Lan ran out of the study, flustered. "It''s bad! The Mistress is bleeding!"


    Inside the study, Gu Ying and Ning Si put on an act, one crying and the other moaning painfully.


    It wasn''t long before Ye Qingchi and Huai An entered the study.


    Cries echoedte into the night in the study.


    An hourter, Zhu Yulou, the doctor who had examined Gu Ying in the medicine room, slipped out the door in night clothes.


    Gu Ying sat steadily at the desk with a piece of stationeryid out in front of her depictingworks of characters. She circled the doctor''s name Zhu Yulou with cinnabar, the corners of her lips raised mockingly as she stroked her belly, calm and assured. "Nian, don''t worry. Mother will protect you well."


    Ning Si said, "A Ying, it seems that the talk of sacrifice is also being secretly manipted by someone. Since this is the case, we should catch the rumormonger first."


    "Don''t worry Ah Si, I already have a good n," Gu Ying smiled confidently.


    Previously, she was just a youngdy confined in the inner chambers, even after her rebirth and wanting vengeance. But she was limited by her boundaries and unable to carry out major revenge ns. Jiang Yin was a high-ranking minister of power in her previous life, skilled in political tactics and sinister schemes. Thus, she was always under his control.


    But now, seeing everything clearly and being in Yueyang, she actually had ways to deal with him.


    Her longshes fluttered slightly as she looked at the weak and powerless Li Yang tied to a chair.


    She had told Li Yang everything already. Li Yang stubbornly refused to believe Jiang Yin would betray him, but the doubt in his eyes still could not be concealed.


    Gu Ying didn''t bother wasting words with him anymore and soon saw Huai An bringing Zhu Yulou back from outside.


    Huai An said excitedly, "The Mistress guessed right again! This Zhu Yulou is the spy Jiang Yin nted in the medicine room! All this time, our master has been working hard to treat themoners, yet he has been secretly poisoning patients! After giving the Mistress abortion medicine, he went to meet Han Lin! Unfortunately, I, your subordinate, am ipetent for letting that Han Lin escape!"


    Seeing Gu Ying safe and sound, Zhu Yulou stared wide-eyed in disbelief, his lips moving without making a sound before Huai An kicked him to kneel on the ground, shivering.


    Gu Ying half-squatted in front of Zhu Yulou, the corners of her lips raised amusedly. "I know you''re different from Jiang Yin. You have a wife and a concubine at home, three sons and two daughters, and an elderly mother seriously ill. If you don''t confess everything, my Qilin Army Captain Huai won''t show you mercy."


    Zhu Yulou''s face turned deathly pale,pletely crestfallen.


    "I''ll... I''ll confess everything..."


    Gu Ying sneered and forced the poison out of him before ordering Huai An to keep the man under strict watch.


    After obtaining the poison, she found several reliable doctors from the medicine room and had them secretly develop an antidote.


    Three dayster, Gu Ying opened the gate of Qingjiang Manor, promising all Yueyang citizens that she would perform the sacrifice with her Nine Yin constitution.


    She would have people build the altar in seven days. The sacrifice would take ce on time after seven days.


    Someone asked, "What about the Eldest Prince? When will he return?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips twisted mockingly. "Rest assured, neither I nor the Eldest Prince will be absent."


    Finally at ease, everyone returned to their sickbeds to await the sacrifice in seven days. They still believed that as long as someone was willing to make offerings to the deities, the gods would retract their punishment of Yueyang City and the gue would pass.


    There were much fewermoners outside Qingjiang Manor after she agreed to the sacrifice, but quite a few were still anxious, fearing that she would secretly escape, so they lingered nearby.


    Huai An had the Qilin Army brothers disguise themselves asmoners to patrol the vicinity and heightened vignce.


    Gu Ying personally drew up the blueprint for the altar and sent Zhou Yan to supervise its construction.


    With the Eldest Prince absent from Yueyang City those days, Gu Ying had be everyone''s mainstay. The gratefulmoners would leave food, flowers for blessings, peace charms and such at the manor gates.


    Looking at those things, she only felt irony¡ªforcing her and the Eldest Prince to their deaths while also being thankful and deferential, such an ignorant yet pitiful scene made one''s heart turn cold yet sympathetic.


    Li Yang''s face was full of disdain. "You''re not actually unafraid of death? You think that just because you agreed to the sacrifice, Zhao Changdu would be willing to apany you to death? You think too simply of men. He is the Eldest Prince of Zhenguo Duke Manor and also the Commander of the Imperial Guards. In the future, he will inherit the duke manor, enjoying glory and wealth with a promising future ahead. How could a mere girl like you decide for him? Gu Ying, you overestimate yourself."

 Chapter 310: The Woman Who Made My King

    <h4>Chapter 310</h4>


    With the precedent of the missing corpse of Jiang Yin in mind, Gu Ying had always kept Li Yang right in front of her, lest something happen to him and he end up causing trouble in the end.


    She sat quietly at the desk, drawing and writing, without even looking at him.


    Li Yang mumbled to himself for a while, feeling bored when he realized she paid him no attention. He couldn''t see what she was writing, so he stared coldly at her exquisite fair face under themplight, his gaze sweeping lightly over her thin, bony figure. For some reason, a hint of distress suddenly welled up in his heart.


    He knew she was beautiful, inheriting the looks of Madam Ye, the number one beauty. But in the past, she was nothing but a useless, talentless embarrassment in the eyes of others, just barely passing as the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dongping. No one took her seriously.


    He''d never imagined there woulde a day he would look upon her favorably.


    This fearless little girl actually dared to recklessly plot to poison him, then fed him all kinds of antidotes and experimental drugs. So many women were trying their best to seduce him, yet she was the only one who looked down on him with disdain.


    He wrinkled his brows in irritation, trying hard to brush aside the strange feeling of difort in his heart.


    But his gaze simply couldn''t be shifted away from her face, as if he couldn''t get enough of looking at her.


    No wonder Zhao Changdu was infatuated with her the moment he married her and sunk deeply into the sea of love. He had only been staying in this study for six days, looking at her gentle, beautiful, extraordinary face day and night, and listening to her gentle voice. He was also somewhat reluctant to part with her. If he married her, things would be even better.


    Gu Ying put down her brush lightly, not even raising her brow, and said, "This isn''t something Your Highness should be worried about. You should be praying hard that I can find an antidote as soon as possible, otherwise even your life may not be guaranteed."


    Li Yang gave a coldugh, meaningful, "Gu Ying, you still haven''t talked about your husband."


    Gu Ying put down her wolf brush and smiled lightly. "How my husband is doing is none of Your Highness''s business."


    Li Yang snorted coldly. "Being stubborn. If you were to follow me, I would never allow you to be in danger. I could let you live a pampered, worry-free life. Could Zhao Changdu do that?"


    Sowing discord?


    Gu Ying silently rolled her eyes, also not knowing why he had topete with the Crown Prince over this matter. Listening to him chattering in her ear every day was quite annoying.


    She got up from her chair.


    Li Yang thought she was leaving and felt inexplicably flustered. "Where are you going? Are you panicking? Zhao Changdu can''t do it after all, right? If you regret marrying him, it''s not toote to be my woman now."


    It was the first time in his life he had addressed a woman with "me." Gu Ying may not have noticed, but Li Yang''s heart skipped a ferocious beat as he berated himself in exasperation and awkwardly shifted his gaze.


    Gu Ying was toozy to talk nonsense with him. She mocked casually, "Can the Crown Prince apany me for a lifetime? Can Your Highness do that?"


    Li Yang was stunned by her shocking words. "Apany you for a lifetime?"


    "Mm," Gu Ying replied, gently folding the letter she wrote to the Crown Prince, her eyes very soft.


    A sh of ridicule crossed Li Yang¡¯s mind as heughed at her na?vet¨¦, but when he thought of those women with ulterior motives in his backyard, he somehow felt a sense of loss. He sneered, "Is that all you women pursue?"


    It was rare for Gu Ying to chat with him for a few more sentences. The corners of her lips curled into a mocking smile. "We women do not ask for much. Among the men in the world, how many can truly fulfill our wishes?"


    Li Yang was left speechless.


    Gu Ying didn''t want to waste her breath with him anymore. She took the letter and went out to give it to Huai An, asking him to deliver it to the Crown Prince as quickly as possible.


    Huai An nodded and sent the letter away.


    On her way back to the study, there seemed to be a ghostly ck shadow closely following her from behind. Gu Ying was on high alert, but when she looked back, she didn''t see anything.


    Yin Lan asked worriedly, "Mydy, what are you looking at?"


    Gu Ying knitted her brows. "I feel like someone is following us."


    Yin Lan immediately shielded her from behind, looking as nervous as a mother hen protecting her chicks. Her face was all scrunched up as she said urgently, "Mydy, we''d better hurry back to the study. The Crown Prince still hasn''t sent any news. We must be extra careful."


    Gu Ying gave a gentleugh. "Okay."


    The next day would be the memorial day. That night, after making sure with her own eyes that Li Yang and Zhu Yulou were still alive, Gu Ying finally felt slightly relieved.


    She had not rested for days and nights. Huai An persuaded her to go and rest for a while. She sat at the edge of the desk, supporting her temple with one hand, dark circles under her eyes.


    Zhou Yan, Ye Qingchi, and the others were also in the room.


    "We will all stay awake tonight, keeping an eye on these two people. We definitely won''t let anything happen to them."


    "Go rest, Ying," Ye Qingchi also persuaded. "Cousin is here too."


    Li Yang pressed his lips together, silently staring at Gu Ying in the center of the crowd, looking all the more enchanting in her weariness. Her expression was miserable, her eyes brimming with an enticing wet sheen.


    He clenched his fist awkwardly and shifted his gaze.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly. "Then I''ll take a quick nap. Remember to wake me up."


    "Alright."


    She didn''t sleep well, feeling vaguely as if someone was calling her name in her drowsiness.


    She slowly opened her eyes, and a dark shadow shed before her blurry vision.


    "Gu Ying, wake up!" It was Li Yang''s panicked voice.


    Gu Ying was instantly jolted awake. Next to the couch, Zhu Yulou had copsed on the floor. Li Yang seemed fine, still sitting on the chair. Huai An had broken through the door to chase the shadowy figure. Yin Lan, Ning Si, Zhou Yan and the others were still in the room.


    "What happened?" she asked.


    Zhou Yan pressed his lips. "Just now someone was about to throw soporific smoke into the study. Fortunately none of us were asleep. As soon as Huai An caught sight of the figure he chased it out." I think from the ghostly stealthy movements it was Han Lin like Lady Gu said."


    Yin Lan anxiously sat down beside the couch. Ning Si also looked very serious.


    Gu Ying frowned puzzledly. "Strange. What was Han Lin doing at the vi at this time?"


    Zhou Yan analyzed calmly, "He released soporific smoke into the study. Could it be for one of us?"


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, casting her gaze lightly over Li Yang and Zhu Yulou. "I wonder who it could be?"


    Ye Qingchi said, "It must be either Prince Shu or Zhu Yulou."


    Gu Ying shook her head. She felt something was off. If Jiang Yin and Han Lin wanted to destroy evidence, they only needed to kill them. There was no need to waste time releasing smoke.


    What exactly was his purpose?


    "At least everyone is fine now," Ning Siughed drily, stroking her chest. "It''ste, we should think about tomorrow''s memorial service arrangements."


    "Miss Ning is right," Zhou Yan said to Gu Ying. "Mydy, will the Crown Prince be back tomorrow?"


    Gu Ying raised her beautiful eyes and looked at everyone for a while before smiling. "I didn''t n on asking the Crown Prince toe back in the first ce."


    In her letter to the Crown Prince, she merely informed him she was safe so he wouldn''t worry and could concentrate on finding Zhuge Doctor.


    Zhou Yan frowned. "Then what about the memorial service¡ª¡±


    Gu Ying said lightly, "Tomorrow, Huai An will disguise himself as the Crown Prince and attend it with me."

 Chapter 311: Up to the Altar

    <h4>Chapter 311</h4>


    Zhou Yan was left speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say. "Madam, if something goes wrong tomorrow after you''ve done this and the Prince finds out when he returns that you''ve gotten into trouble, what should we do then?"


    Gu Ying smiled and shook her head gently. "Don''t worry, nothing will happen."


    Zhou Yan sighed and closed his mouth.


    ...


    The next day, at first light, the people of Yueyang couldn''t sleep anymore and gradually gathered at the gates of the Qingjiang Manor.


    Early in the morning, Gu Ying had Yin Lan help her dress up beautifully. Huai An was disguised as the Prince. Together with everyone else, they headed towards the sacrificial altar.


    The altar was built on the dangerous beach of the Yu River, standing over six meters tall. The ck Yueyang city g blew vigorously in the cold wind on the wooden structure.


    The vast crowd knelt on the ground, watching Gu Ying and "Zhao Changdu" walk up the high altar. In the center of the altar, a big fire had already been lit, just waiting for the Yin-Yang couple to jump in, begging the gods for forgiveness and to eliminate the gue in Yueyang.


    Everyone looked up at the country and city-toppling beauty in white. Their eyes showed gratitude, bewilderment, agony and sympathy.


    But they were helpless. To survive, they could only sacrifice her and the Prince.


    "Your Highness, My Lady, the people of Yueyang will always remember your grace. After you leave, every household will worship your memorial tablets¡ª"


    "There''s no need for that."


    Gu Ying''s voice was cold. The corners of her lips curled up into a wless smile. Fine silver tassels hung down from her temples, adding a touch of softness to herposure and peerless beauty, as if a goddess had descended to earth.


    Someone asked in a trembling voice, "My Lady, what do you mean?"


    Gu Ying looked down at everyone arrogantly. She slowly said, "Today, I will reveal the truth about the Yueyang gue before the gods!"


    The people mored, "What does My Lady mean?"


    "You didn''t believe me and His Highness before, you didn''t believe this gue was actually caused by poisoning. But I have found evidence!" Gu Ying shouted, "Today, I will bring out the murderer before all of you! If I say one false sentence, I will jump down from this altar before everyone!"


    "What? There really is a murderer?"


    "Of course!" Gu Ying smiled confidently. She waved and had people bring Zhu Yulou and Li Yang up.


    Seeing Zhu Yulou, everyone was confused. "Isn''t that Doctor Zhu? Why would Doctor Zhu poison us?"


    Zhu Yulou was ashamed beyond words with tears streaming down his face. He didn''t know what to say and could only kowtow to everyone over and over begging for mercy, while saying words asking for his life to be spared.


    "How could this be? I know Doctor Zhu. Doctor Zhu doesn''t seem like a bad person. "


    "He has always been quite honest and decent. Why would he harm us? Giving so many people poison wasn''t out of hatred, right?"


    "You guessed right," Gu Ying interrupted everyone''s discussion. She exined clearly how Zhu Yulou was exploited by Jiang Yin, and how he secretly put poison into everyone''s medicinal soups. Then, under everyone''s doubtful gazes, she took out a packet of poison from her arms. Her eyes were cold as she announced in a loud voice, "This is the poison that Jiang Yin had him make. It is called Xueshang Qingfeng. It is made mainly from snowy wormwood and dendrobium. It causes people to first show red rashes on their skin. Then it invades the heart and lungs, and eventually the whole body rots and decays into pieces!"


    Everyone rolled up their sleeves and looked at the red rashes that had appeared on their bodies. Some people had already begun to show skin decay.


    Everyone was scared out of cold sweat. They started cursing at Zhu Yulou.


    Zhu Yulou cried, "I really didn''t mean to. That young master Jiang drugged me. I had no choice but to...I''m so sorry everyone!"


    "So many lives, how could you do it!"


    Zhu Yulou hung his head in shame. "I''m sorry, I''m sorry..."


    "No, we can''t believe His Highness and His Lady. What if she was only trying to escape sacrifice and deliberately found someone to frame? Then we would still die!"


    "That''s right!" Incited by someone, people began to doubt again.


    Huai An was furious and wanted to explode. Gu Ying grabbed him to stop him. She raised her hand to calm everyone down. "There''s no need to worry. Now that we have the poison, it wouldn''t be hard to make the antidote. Let me test it out and see if what I said is true or false!"


    Hearing this, everyone looked up at the altar in unison.


    Gu Ying looked calm and tranquil. She told Yin Lan to bring the antidote over, then personally pushed open Li Yang''s jaw and poured the medicine into his mouth.


    Li Yang red at Gu Ying bitterly. Gu Ying gave him an innocent smile, then turned to look at the people below. "This is His Highness King Shu. He had been living with you this whole time. I''m sure you know he has long been infected by this so-called gue. So I just fed him double the dosage of the antidote." The rashes on his skin will certainly disappear within an incense stick''s time. If he does not recover, then I will willingly jump down from here to sacrifice for you all. What do you think?"


    Zhu Yulou had secretly researched and developed the antidote himself after obtaining the poison. So producing the antidote was very fast.


    Gu Ying smiled self-deprecatingly. "Don''t you trust me enough to even give me one incense stick''s worth of time?"


    The people below looked at each other. "My Lady, we did not mean that... Alright, we will wait one incense stick for you. How about that?"


    Most people echoed supportively, only a minority still had doubts.


    Gu Ying closed her eyes quietly to wait for the antidote to take effect.


    After one incense stick burnt out, Li Yang indeed felt that the antidote made him regain strength. Not only that, the red rashes on his face, hands and legs had also begun to fade away.


    Someone eximed in surprise, "The rashes are gone! His Highness King Shu is cured! Everyone look!"


    Gu Ying opened her eyes slowly and indifferently. She untied Li Yang''s bonds first. Facing Li Yang''s gnashing of teeth at her, the apricot eyes blinked yfully. "Your Highness, sorry about that."


    Not waiting for Li Yang''s response, her foot kicked him down the altar.


    "Gu Ying! You, you...!"


    Seeing Li Yang tumble down, everyone rushed up and surrounded him to check that his rashes were gone. Li Yang felt extremely annoyed and red angrily at the indifferent woman still standing on the altar.


    Despite his anger, when he met her smiling eyes bent like crescent moons, his anger dissipated against his will.


    Oh well! Considering that she was pregnant and had looked after him diligently for seven days, he would begrudgingly help rify this matter for her!


    "This king is the beloved Shu Prince of Father Emperor. Don''t worry, after this poisoning incident that even harmed me, once I return to Bianjing, I will definitely uphold justice for all the people of Yueyang!"

 Chapter 312: What a Thrill

    <h4>Chapter 312</h4>


    At the right time, Gu Ying said, "Your Highness Prince Shu, since you have given your word of honor, does that mean you should also give all the disaster relief money that was embezzled by Jiang Yin to themon people of Yueyang who suffered from the gue?"


    Everyone looked over expectantly.


    Li Yang gritted his teeth. "Fine, on behalf of the Crown Princess, this prince promises every household will receive the relief money they deserve!"


    Gu Ying blinked her innocent eyes. "Then shouldn''t Your Highness also pay for the cost of making the antidote?"


    Li Yang red angrily at the presumptuous girl. "This prince will pay for it all!"


    "Good heavens! This is truly wonderful news! Thank you, Crown Princess! Thank you, Prince Shu!"


    Immediately, everyone cheered loudly.


    Seeing the cordial public opinion below the altar, Li Yang''s annoying face also looked a bit more pleasing.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips with a faint smile and said to Huai An, "Since the god''s punishment was just a misunderstanding, shall we go down now?"


    Huai An nodded. To avoid drawing attention, he walked down the altar first and got into the carriage.


    However, just as Gu Ying lifted her skirt to walk down from the altar, she suddenly sensed a shadow leaping towards her.


    The situation changed abruptly. She stared wide-eyed and her body swiftly retreated, but behind her was the zing fire in the center of the altar.


    If she fell down, she would be burned beyond recognition by the mes.


    "Princess!"


    "Ying!"


    "Crown Princess!"


    "Gu Ying!"


    Many panicked voices rang out.


    Gu Ying only felt her body be light... The searing mes licked her skirt. Every inch of her body was taut as she shielded her belly with one hand. But with nothing to grab onto around this altar suspended in midair, she plummeted helplessly towards the center of the fire.


    With a loud "boom", her white figure fluttered into the sea of mes and vanished instantly.


    Li Yang''s heart nearly stopped as he stood frozen amidst the crowd, watching powerlessly as she fell into the altar.


    The world seemed to turn silent all of a sudden.


    Seeing this unexpected turn of events, everyone''s eyes were wide with shock, too distracted to catch the ck-clothed figure hiding amongst the crowd.


    "Your Highness!"


    The distant sound of galloping hooves akin to thunder rang out swiftly.


    Before everyone could react, they felt an overwhelming oppressive aura surging from behind. They shuddered and turned back to see a figure in pitch-ck robes galloping towards them on horseback.


    The hurried hoofbeats were like hammer blows, pounding at their hearts.


    The man''s tall figure rode closer and closer on the horse. His coldness and might washed over everyone like a tide.


    The cold wind howled violently. His handsome, merciless, pale face was sharp with a bloodthirsty glint as he raced frantically towards the altar.


    The skies were gloomy with fine rain and damp sleeves in the chill wind.


    "Ying! I have returned!"


    The man''s dark eyes glowed crimson. His voice shook as he leapt into the sea of mes without hesitation.


    "Your Highness¡ª!"


    ...


    On the wide official road, a convoy moved slowly towards Bianjing City.


    In early April, the farther north they went, the fainter the spring colors became. Under the blue skies and zing sun, the afternoon heat annoyed and vexed everyone.


    It had been over half a month since the Yueyang poisoning incident.


    Li Yang sat in a luxurious and spacious carriage. Two little eunuchs knelt at his feet, bowing deferentially with lowered heads. "Please calm Your anger, Your Highness... We have tried our best to find women for you, but there are simply no great beauties in these deste wilds... "


    "My Eastern Li kingdom is abundant in people and resources. How can you not even find me a beauty?"


    The little eunuchs forced smiles. "Those vulgar,mon women do not interest Your Highness, isn''t that so? We''re about to enter Bianjing City. Please endure a little longer, Your Highness. We will immediately find beauties for you once we arrive."


    As spring arrived and the weather grew dry, the master''s heart also burned with restless desire. They understood this well.


    But...how could any woman here in the countrysidepare to the Crown Princess''s beauty?


    When His Highness wanted a woman, no one else would do. He was particr about wanting one like the Crown Princess.


    How could this not make things difficult for them?


    Li Yang angrily red at them for a few moments before his thirst for Gu Ying arose in his heart again.


    Strangely, in the past, he had only lusted after her looks. But now, he only wanted to be with her¡ªto hear her talk, see her smile, even just watch her write, paint, or read. Anything was fine.


    What was wrong with him? It was as if he was cursed!


    In agitated frustration, he exited the carriage and mounted a horse.


    He had originally brought over forty guards from Bianjing, but half were lost in Yueyang. Now only twenty remained while the rest of the forty-plus convoy consisted of Zhao Changdu, Ye Qingchi and Zhou Yan¡¯s men.


    Here, this Prince Shu had practically no presence.


    Especially Zhao Changdu, who totally disregarded him, and every day...mitted indecency with that wretch Gu Ying inside the carriage!


    How could that beastly man not know she was pregnant and couldn''t casually have intimate rtions!


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, furrowing his brows severely.


    Then unknowingly, he found himself next to Gu Ying¡¯s carriage again. Sure enough, sounds of the woman''s tender moans emitted from within while that fiend Zhao took advantage of her!


    Li Yang clenched his fists tightly as the veins on the back of his hand protruded one by one. That shameless man! iming he didn''t care about a naive girl like Gu Ying, yet he couldn¡¯t control his heart¡ªconstantly wanting to know what she was doing and finding peace just by catching a glimpse of her.


    "Your Highness, please go back, be careful of getting sunburnt."


    Perhaps hearing the outside noise, a slender wrist stretched out from the carriage and lifted the curtain.


    Seeing Gu Ying¡¯s flushed cheeks, Li Yang¡¯s pupils contracted as he immediately chilled his handsome face and stubbornly rode past her with his chin haughtily raised.


    Gu Ying gave him an odd look, not noticing how red his ear tips were.


    "Changdu, don''t you think Prince Shu is getting stranger and stranger?"


    "Mm..."


    Zhao Changdu pulled her back into his embrace. His deep ck eyes churned intensely with distress as he gazed at Gu Ying. He tilted up her chin with long fingers and kissed her lips for a good while, his eyes growing increasingly darker like ink.


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped wildly under his stare. She lifted her fair, rosy face and locked eyes with him unwaveringly.


    She knew what he was angry about and what he feared.

 Chapter 313: A surname 03

    <h4>Chapter 313</h4>


    But this man was different from a woman. A woman could act coquettishly without restraint, could be weak without inhibition, and could cry as she wished. But he could not. He was Dong Li''s God of War. If word got out that he had nearly turned red-eyed over a woman, he would surely be theughing stock of all Dong Li''smoners.


    Gu Ying was kissed until she could barely breathe. His tall body pressed down as he smoothly untied her waistband. His warm breath fell on her fair neck.


    Through the light spring clothes, she could clearly feel his fierce and heavy pressure against her waist.


    Gu Ying bit her lip, her face even more flushed, her breathing rapidly rising and falling.


    Zhao Changdu stared at her watery, glittering eyes. He only felt that there was wetness there, with bewildering moisture.


    Her whole body radiated heat, her tender body carried a faint fragrance.


    Thinking that this young girl had nearly died in the sacrificial altar, his heart could not bear it. He lowered his head eagerly to kiss and nibble her ear, his breathing a little heavier.


    His kiss was unusually fierce, carrying the taste of punishment and coercion.


    Gu Ying put her arms around his slender waist, her tender body trembling slightly, feeling the anger he released. Blushing, she exined, "Changdu, I''ve already exined to you that I was fully prepared beforehand. Even if I fell into the sacrificial altar, I would be fine. I had Zhou bring people to build the altar with mechanisms and hiddenpartments... with thick fur rugs inside. And I know some martial arts myself, so even if I fell down, I could steadilynd without hurting the baby..."


    In the half month sinceing out of the sacrificial altar... he had been angry at her the whole time, angry that she took matters into her own hands without regard for her own life.


    She still remembered when she was under the mechanism in the sacrificial altar and saw him unhesitatingly jump down. It was the first time she saw boundless fury and endless anguish converge on his handsome face.


    She had never seen such a despairing and helpless expression appear on his face before.


    The force with which he hugged her tightly in his arms was so great it nearly crushed all the bones in her body.


    She was stunned for a long time before putting her arms around his tense waist, tears falling down her cheeks.


    She cried uncontrobly. He was not much better off, with red eyes.


    Gu Ying came back to her senses and found the man had neatly tidied her clothes. His exquisite perfect phoenix eyes gazed at her silently.


    "You''re really something, using yourself as a sacrifice. Who taught you to do that?"


    "I didn''t really want to be a sacrifice. I just wanted an excuse to gather all themon people in one ce, to publicly expose Jiang Yin''s crimes... and to let them see the effect of the antidote themselves. Also, Changdu, if I didn''t do this, how could you feel at ease searching for Master Zhuge and the others? If not for Master Zhuge finding snow lotus on the cliff to make the primer for the medicine, I''m afraid we would have had to stay in Yueyang for a few more days before returning to Bianjing so quickly."


    The man was displeased. Two fingers pinched her chin. "Gu Ying, you still dare to argue?"


    Gu Ying''s cheeks bulged out. The thick curledshes were like two feather fans. "Wuwu, I don''t dare, I don''t dare, I really don''t dare!"


    Sinceing out of the sacrificial altar, he had rarely touched her anymore, mostly just hugging and kissing her without saying anything, holding her that way for half the night.


    Although he was considerate of the baby and unwilling to be intimate with her, his other needs were no less.


    "I was wrong, I really wrong. I absolutely won''t make this kind of mistake again, really." Gu Ying''s face was bright red. She obediently nestled in his arms and gently swore, "I swear, Changdu."


    Zhao Changdu coldly snorted. His fingers squeezed her soft cheeks to vent his anger. "If there is a next time, I will break your legs."


    Gu Ying whimpered begging for mercy. "Okay, okay. Can you just chain me by your side?"


    Only then was Zhao Changdu somewhat satisfied. His lips touched her ear, lightly kissing it. But he still felt unhappy in his heart. "Remember to stay away from Li Yang in the future."


    Gu Ying wondered, "What''s wrong with him? He''s been a bit strangetely too. I always felt his gaze made me ufortable before, but after returning from Yueyang, that kind of look was gone from his eyes. It seems getting kicked by me in the infirmary made him behave. He''s a prince, but that''s all he amounts to. If I don''t beat him down, he won''t know what I''m capable of."


    Zhao Changdu helplessly tapped the young girl''s brow, but there were ck clouds churning in his eyes.


    As a man, he naturally understood men. Li Yang had disguised himself as a gentleman in front of the Emperor and civil and military officials, but in private he was addicted to beauty and revelry. From the beginning, he had schemed to obtain Gu Ying. If not for him, I''m afraid Gu Ying would have be his ything.


    And now, somehow Li Yang had actually developed feelings of affection for his Gu Ying?


    Humph. Zhao Changdu silently sneered. With just Li Yang, how dare he covet his Gu Ying?


    "A man like him is up to no good. And he is of the royal family. Gu Ying must remember to have no further dealings with him in the future."


    "Changdu, don''t worry. As a subject''s wife, I will naturally have no interactions with him after I return."


    "Good, that''s my good wife."


    The man gently coaxed. Gu Ying''s ear grew hot as she chatted andughed with him, enjoying this rare leisurely moment. After all, with so many demons and monsters waiting for them back in Bianjing, it would be hard for her and the Prince to rx.


    ...


    On the day they returned to Bianjing, it was sunny and mild, flowers blooming everywhere outside the city walls.


    The carriage drove straight into Bianjing. After entering the city, Gu Ying bid farewell to Ye Qingchi, Ning Si and the others, going ahead with the Prince to the Duke''s estate first.


    Not having sent word of their return ahead of time, when Zhao Sheng saw Zhao Changdu and Gu Ying walking hand in hand into the estate, he was stunned for quite a while.


    After a moment, the corner of Zhao Sheng''s mouth moved slightly, revealing a trace of hardly noticeable joy. "Your Highness, why have you returned at this time? And Madam... weren''t you at the Changfeng Pavilion..."


    Zhao Changdu raised his hand to stop his words, telling him not make a fuss. He calmly asked, "Where is Father?"


    Zhao Sheng reacted swiftly. "Your Highness, the Duke is at the Zhengde Pavilion."


    "Mm." Zhao Changdu looked back reluctantly letting go of Gu Ying''s hand. He tapped her nose and said, "I''ll go to the Zhengde Pavilion first. Ying, you and Yin Lan go back to the Changfeng Pavilion. I''ll be back very soon. Remember to be good and wait for me."


    Gu Ying''s face grew slightly red. She nodded. "Alright, don''t worry Changdu, I know what to do."


    Then she had Huai An secretly escort Gu Ying back to the Changfeng Pavilion first, while he himself went to the Zhengde Pavilion to see Zhao Hui, Cheng, and the others.


    Returning to the familiar Changfeng Pavilion, Gu Ying was overjoyed.


    Walking through the Moon Gate and into the yard, Yanzhi was wearing a pomegranate red skirt, her hair styled in a high bun. Her plump little face leaned against a column under the eaves, her little head bobbing down unsteadily like she was fishing.

 Chapter 314: I have a little Nephew.

    <h4>Chapter 314</h4>


    "Yanzhi, it''s already noon and you''re still sleeping!" Yin Lan walked over and patted her shoulder with her slender hand, her face full of joy. "Look and see who''se back!"


    Yanzhi woke up in confusion, blearily opening her sleepy eyes. In a daze, she saw a familiar yet unfamiliar figure standing in the yard. She mumbled, "Huh? Am I dreaming again? Big sister Yin Lan? Young miss?"


    Gu Ying walked over and patted her on the head, smiling as she walked into the room. "Don''t talk nonsense."


    Only then did Yanzhi fully wake up. She vigorously rubbed her eyes in surprise. "Ah? The mistress really came back!"


    When she looked to the side, she was so happy she almost jumped three feet high. "Sister Yin Lan! It really is you! This isn''t a dream! Wuuu! You''ve finallye back!"


    After saying that, she ran out to report the news to Wanli Pavilion.


    Gu Ying called her back. The corners of her mouth curled into a smile. "Youe back first. Don''t make such a fuss. First, let your mistress wash up and change her clothes and lie down on the bed."


    Yin Lan pointed at Yanzhi''s forehead. Smiling, she said, "Silly girl, why don''t you listen to the mistress and quickly go boil hot water."


    Yanzhi scratched her head happily. "As soon as the mistress came back, I was so excited that I forgot. I''m going now to boil water!"


    The little maid lifted her skirt and rushed out hurriedly. Yin Lan thought she would go help too.


    "That girl is still so careless. Let this maid go help her."


    Gu Ying murmured, "That''s good. Show your face to the others in the Duke''s estate too, so they know we''ve been in the estate all along."


    "The mistress is right," Yin Lan bowed and went down smiling to help.


    Gu Ying took out the small gifts for Gu Ning that she had bought and turned to walk towards Wanli Pavilion.


    In the noon hour, the sun was scorching. The air was mixed with a hint of dry heat.


    Gu Ying walked quickly into the yard. Wanli Pavilion was very quiet inside. When they left, Bianjing was still snowing, but when they returned, the yard was lush and green, the flowers and trees prosperous. It made the previously lifeless yard full of vitality.


    She didn''t see Yin Zhu. She walked to the door and knocked.


    After a while, someone inside opened the door.


    Seeing the youth standing at the door with a cane in one hand, Gu Ying was startled, then a smile slowly bloomed. She widened her eyes in delight. "Ah Ning, you can stand up now?"


    After not seeing him for months, the youth''s small face was no longer lifelessly pale like before. His eyebrows and eyes were dark and delicate, his nose more prominent, his lips pursed, his facial contours distinct, calm and steady.


    Gu Ying pulled him into her arms at once, hugging him,ughing. "Much sturdier. It seems Ah Ning has been taking good care of himself while sister was away. This puts my mind at ease."


    Gu Ning leaned against his sister''s soft embrace. Suddenly feeling something, he struggled free from her arms and stared at her bulging belly with knitted brows. "Sister, what''s wrong with you? Are you ill?"


    Gu Ying was rendered speechless for a moment. She smiled. "Sister is fine."


    Gu Ning was very worried. "Then why has sister''s stomach suddenly grown so much bigger?"


    Gu Ying quickly pulled him into the room and chuckled. "Sister is pregnant. There is now my and your brother-inw the Crown Prince''s child in here. Ah, you will soon have a little nephew."


    Gu Ning still didn''t understand. He had been shut in Muffeng Studio all this time and hadn''t seen a pregnant woman before. But hearing he would soon have a cute little nephew, his normally impassive gaze showed some anticipation when looking at her belly.


    "Sister, when can I see the little nephew?"


    "Soon, in four or five months."


    Gu Ying sat him down on a chair and rolled up his pant legs to check on his legs.


    Gu Ning allowed Gu Ying to touch his legs as she wished. The coldness in his eyes gradually softened.


    Gu Ying squeezed his bones and found they hadpletely healed. His legs had also grown new flesh and now looked no different than an ordinary person.


    She was overjoyed. Smiling, she asked, "Do your legs still hurt now?"


    Gu Ning shook his head. "No more pain."


    Gu Ying asked again, "Can you walk around freely now?"


    Gu Ning hesitated for a while before nodding. "Mm."


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows. Putting his pant legs down, she said, "You did that on purpose?"


    Gu Ning pursed his lips and put the cane aside. Raising his dark eyebrows, he said, "While sister was away these days, after careful thinking, I n to pretend to be disabled from now on."


    Gu Ying''s gaze turned cold. "Did someone bully you in the Duke''s estate?"


    Gu Ning moved the corners of his mouth, unwilling to add to his sister''s worries. "Can''t say I was bullied. But there is too much filth in a high official''s residence like this. If I''m a cripple, no one will pay too much attention to me. Sister can also have an easier time."


    He shouldn''t have stayed in his brother-inw''s estate to begin with. If it wasn''t for his heartless grandmother and his father noting home, he wouldn''t have had to depend on his brother-inw''s estate and get red at.


    It''s not a big deal if he suffers, but he doesn''t want his sister to get involved because of him and anger his brother inw who would then take it out on his sister.


    Besides himself, he trusts no other man to protect him. He must grow up fast and get stronger to protect his sister.


    Gu Ying was somewhat surprised. She sat next to him, reached out to rub his hair, and said gravely, "Ah Ning, there''s actually no need for you to be like this... You are still just a child."


    Gu Ning said inly, "No, I''m no longer a child. Sister need not worry about me. Ah Ning will not cause you any trouble."


    Gu Ying couldn''t say anything for the moment. In the end, she consented to his approach. The fact that he took the initiative to pretend to be disabled and endure hardship...showed this boy had learned many things and even understood how to hide one''s brilliance for future improvements.


    After putting the books and new clothes away in the room, Gu Ying chatted more with Gu Ning.


    Although Gu Ning was considerate of her feelings and did not say much, she could vaguely sense that her younger brother was notfortable living in the Duke''s estate.


    With the harsh principal wife Cheng up above and so many servants looking at him peculiarly down below, no one would be happy.


    It looked like, as the older sister, she had to carefully think about her brother''s future.


    After returning from Wanli Pavilion, Gu Yingfortably took a hot bath and changed into undergarments before lying down on the bed pretending to be ill.

 Chapter 315: The Prince Enters the Palace

    <h4>Chapter 315</h4>


    When the Crown Prince came back, she had justin down. Her whole body was still wet, her skin as white as jade. The parts that had been soaked in hot water were flushed red, temptingly.


    Zhao Changdu came into the yard with a cold face. Only when he stepped into the room did his expression rx a little.


    Zhao Changxing had lost his manhood. Cheng was making sarcastic remarks. As for his so-called father, he didn''t care at all whether he lived or died. Instead, he reprimanded him for the destruction of the Qilin Army.


    In the Zhengte Study, Zhao Huiyan''s words were full of insults towards Mrs. Lin.


    Listening to this made his heart burn with anger. If it weren''t for the bond between flesh and blood, he would have exploded long ago.


    Full of anger and killing intent, it was only when he reached Changfeng Pavilion that he gradually calmed down. Walking to the bedside, looking at the little girl softly lying on the brocade quilt embroidered with fish ying with lotuses, the man''s eyes darkened. He reached out and hooked her delicate red hand out to hold it gently in his palm, stroking it lightly. The corner of his mouth held a hint of an indulgent smile. "After I change, I''ll probably have to go to the pce. Don''t forget to eat by yourself. I''ve already told Hongfen to prepare the fruits, cakes and your favorite sticky rice that you wanted."


    The Crown Prince had merit in disaster relief and returned to Bianjing, so he should pay a visit to the pce.


    Gu Ying said worriedly, "A-Du, Li Yang wouldn''t reveal that I went to Yueyang, would he?"


    Zhao Changdu tucked her quilt around her, and gently caressed her belly again, brushing the hair by her temples behind her ears unhurriedly, "He wouldn''t dare."


    Gu Ying felt relieved to hear this. After the long journey back, although the Crown Prince had deliberately slowed their pace, she still felt exhausted all over. The moment she touched the soft quilt, sleepiness swept over her.


    She looked deeply at the man,fortably closing her eyes, feeling the Crown Prince press a kiss to her forehead. Then,yer byyer, the curtains in the room fell, in the dim light, she fell contentedly asleep.


    ...


    That night, after leaving the Imperial Study, the Tianqi Emperor held a simple pce banquet in the pce to wee them back early.


    Not many people attended the banquet.


    In addition to Zhao Changdu, Ye Qingchi, Zhou Yan and a few others who were ordered to provide disaster relief this time, there was also Prince Shu, Li Yang, and Prince Duan, Li Hao.


    The Tianqi Emperor expressed his deep regret over the loss of thousands of Zhao Changdu''s Qilin Army soldiers during this snow disaster, while at the same time trusting him more and promoting him to Vice Minister of the Privy Council of the second rank.


    Ye Qingchi and Zhou Yan also got promoted for their merit in disaster relief.


    During the pce banquet, the emperor and his ministers had fun together. Only the Tianqi Emperor looked somewhat weak, hisplexion pale, and his body seemed not as hale and hearty as before.


    Zhao Changdu surreptitiously sized up the Tianqi Emperor several times, lowering his eyes, and calmly drank a cup of wine.


    After chatting with them for a while, the Tianqi Emperor only drank two cups of wine and took a bite of food before he couldn''t take it anymore. He rubbed his eyebrows and called for Imperial Tutor Guo to support him back to the pce to rest.


    As soon as Li Hao heard this, he respectfully got up and reached out to support His Majesty.


    His Majesty nced at him without saying anything, relying on him as he left the pce.


    What Ye Qingchi found odd was that Prince Duan, this good-for-nothing idler, didn''t usually enjoy the emperor''s favor or often attended His Majesty. How was it that after returning from Yueyang this time, he clearly felt that His Majesty was much closer to Prince Duan?


    Prince Duan, this sickly weakling...had always kept a low profile and knew his ce, seldom attending such banquets with important ministers present.


    Naturally, he hadn''t missed the subtle interaction between Li Hao and Crown Prince Zhao during the banquet either.


    It seemed there was some rtionship here that he didn''t know about.


    After His Majesty left, the others could only take their leave as well.


    On the wide imperial avenue of the pce, the pce maids carried exquisite pcenterns to escort the few nobles out of the pce as ordered.


    Li Yang wore gorgeous brocade robes, a gold crown and jade belt. After returning from Yueyang, he had resumed his usual hypocritically elegant and prodigal son attitude.


    He arrogantly called out to Zhao Changdu,ughing mockingly, "Crown Prince Zhao, why didn''t you tell His Majesty about Gu Ying''s achievements in Yueyang? Ask for an imperial decree to reward her?"


    In his opinion, Zhao Changdu simply didn''t love Gu Ying enough. Otherwise, why would he hide and cover up her achievements, not only not letting the world know about Gu Ying''s merit, but also not asking for an imperial decree to reward her? Clearly, he was just being petty and afraid that a woman would steal his glory.


    Zhao Changdu wore a round-cored long robe with a subtle golden auspicious cloud pattern and a ck jade belt embroidered with gold. A pomegranate flower sachet was conspicuously hanging from it. Just standing there under the pce wall, he was tall and straight, noble and handsome, more than half a head taller than Li Yang.


    He indifferently tilted his head to coldly look down on Li Yang, "There is no need to trouble Prince Shu with this."


    The colder his attitude was, the angrier Li Yang became.


    "This was a good opportunity for her, a lowly concubine, to receive an imperial decree of reward. Yet you strangled her glorious path. Zhao Changdu, as her husband, you''re too petty."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was indifferent. His originally bright and beautiful eyes were now a sheet of bone-chilling ice. "My matters with Ah Ying are none of your concern."


    Moreover, a mere imperial decree was something his Ah Ying wouldn''t even deign to nce at.


    An invisible pressure enveloped them. Li Yang swallowed his next words with difficulty, but still barely maintained the demeanor of a prince. He taunted, "What, did I touch a sore spot? Unhappy now?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were gloomy and fierce. His gazezily swept over the wrinkled space between his brows. How could Li Yang''s petty thoughts escape his eyes? But he didn''t consider Li Yang worth looking at at all.


    "It''s precisely to protect her that I''m concealing it. Prince Shu has never truly loved a woman, so naturally you don''t understand my kind intentions. If your muddled brain still can''t figure it out, I suggest Prince Shu go home¡ª"


    He pointed at his head, the corner of his mouth curving up mockingly, "¡ªand have an imperial physician take a good look at this."


    "Pfft¡ª" The one whoughed was Ye Qingchi, who was waiting to one side. "Sorry, I don''t mean to disturb you, Prince Shu, but I also feel that the Crown Prince makes sense. Instead of poking your nose into other people''s family matters, Your Highness, you might as well go home and have your head checked."


    Li Yang''s eyebrows shot up angrily. "You¡ª"


    "Let''s go." Zhao Changdu didn''t even nce at him as he bid Ye Qingchi to leave with him.


    Ye Qingchi smirked and gave Li Yang a pitying look before leaving.


    The gall of him, wanting to covet his younger sister when she was already engaged. Did he even think to ask the Ye family''s opinion? And with that cold-faced Lord of Hell, Zhao Changdu around, where did Li Yang even get the guts?


    Li Yang angrily clenched his fists, violently kicking the little eunuch behind him. The little eunuch didn''t dare to make a sound despite the pain, covering his buttocks as he retreated back.


    "Let you dodge! Let you dodge! Let you dodge!"


    Li Yang was furious, his temple throbbing violently. He wished he could kill Zhao Changdu, Ye Qingchi and the others right then.


    But he didn''t have the power to touch the Zhao n yet. He could only take out his anger on the servants around him.


    "Why make things difficult for these few eunuchs, Your Highness?"

 Chapter 316: The First Feeling

    <h4>Chapter 316</h4>


    Li Yang panted and turned around to see the Imperial Guard Captain Xia Zixi emerge from the shadows of the Imperial Avenue. Annoyed, he said, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Although it was Xia Zixi who had personally brought him and Concubine Wan back to the pce years ago, Li Yang had never liked the way Xia Zixi looked at him.


    Always condescending, with a strange sense of control.


    He was the esteemed Crown Prince after all, while Xia Zixi was just a lowly Imperial Guard captain. How dare he question him in such a doubtful tone?


    Xia Zixi frowned unhappily. ¡°Has Your Highness forgotten where this is? This is beneath the Son of Heaven¡¯s feet. His Majesty¡¯s eyes and ears are still in the pce. For His Highness to throw such an open tantrum, if word reaches His Majesty¡¯s ears, how will you ount for yourself?¡±


    Li Yang¡¯s expression immediately darkened. He red angrily at Xia Zixi and said, ¡°With Mother Concubine here, what is there to fear? I will go see Mother Concubine right now!¡±


    With that, he strode away, leaving Xia Zixi standing alone, his eyes cold.


    ...


    Concubine Wan was somewhat surprised that her son would have a day where his romantic feelings were stirred. Half-reclining on her noble consort¡¯s couch, looking at her son¡¯s anxious face, sheughed incredulously.


    ¡°What a pity. Of all the great beauties in this world that you do not want, you have set your sights on stealing Zhao Prince¡¯s beloved?¡±


    Li Yang said derisively, ¡°What is Zhao Changdu worth? He is just apdog of my Li family.¡±


    Concubine Wan gave him a look. ¡°Yang¡¯er, do not speak such outrageous words.¡±


    Given Zhao Prince¡¯s character and abilities, not to mention his current power, it would not be an exaggeration to say he was at the height of his glory. With border shes happening every year, His Majesty valued the old Duke Zhao, and was relying on the Zhao family at this time. Let alone her son trying to steal a woman from Zhao Prince, even if he tried to steal Zhao Prince¡¯s dog, it was uncertain whether he could seed.


    But after the morning court session tomorrow, when Zhao Changdu would be granted an official title and promotion, seeing the Zhao family¡¯s aggressive momentum would surely be unpleasant.


    ¡°No matter what, Mother, I only want Gu Ying in this lifetime. You must think of a way for your son.¡±


    Seeing her son speak so adamantly, Concubine Wan unusually assumed a serious expression. She sat up from her noble consort¡¯s couch, leaned her right hand on the grand bolster, andzily said, ¡°What magic does a maid from the second branch of the Dongping Earl Manor have to bewitch your soul away? Yang¡¯er, do you not remember what Mother has taught you before? As a royal man, you must never be emotionally entangled with a woman, much less expend effort and thought on one. Have you been disregarding Mother¡¯s words?¡±


    Li Yang knelt by Concubine Wan¡¯s knee and said earnestly with red-rimmed eyes, ¡°Son was immature and unmotivated in the past. If Mother can obtain Gu Ying for son, son will strive his utmost for the crown prince position!¡±


    Concubine Wan scoffed at him. ¡°Do you think the crown prince position is so easily striven for? I¡¯ve taught you for so many years yet you¡¯ve never taken it to heart. But now, for the sake of Gu Ying, your fighting spirit is ignited?¡±


    His Majesty has doted on her for so many years. Based on this bit of favor, her unmotivated and ipetent son had always taken the crown prince position for granted. He let his underlings bully people by relying on his status, liked to im credit for positive things but not take responsibility for negatives. There were already officials dissatisfied with their mother and son pair in the court.


    But how could he know that the struggle for imperial power was not so simple? He was only an unfavored eldest son no matter how much he was doted on. Empress Su and the main Li family line had deep roots and a huge n to rely on in Bianjing. They were far stronger than her, a woman without any support. Those imperial n members and hundreds of court officials - which one did not ridicule her for having no foundation yet daring to want to be empress dowager?


    ¡°But Mother... son is serious this time!¡± Li Yang swore unrelentingly and pursed his lips. Raising his hand to swear, ¡°From now on, son will obediently do whatever Mother orders!¡±


    Only then did Concubine Wan look deeply at Li Yang. She thought to herself that it was rare for her son to be so persistent about wanting something for the first time. It would be good if it motivated him to fight for dominance. After all Gu Ying was just a woman. Once the crown prince position was in hand, she could dispose of a woman however she wished.


    ¡°Very well, Mother promises you to definitely find a way to seize Gu Ying for you. But you must also obey Mother in everything.¡±


    Li Yang immediately bloomed intoughter and bowed at Concubine Wan¡¯s knees. ¡°Son thanks Mother!¡±


    Concubine Wan smoothly conveyed her series of demands to him in this opportunity. Finally she earnestly said again, ¡°Recently, His Majesty has been in poor health. I don¡¯t know which wrong medicine Li Hao has taken, he runs before His Majesty every day. If you are willing to listen to Mother, go wait upon your Father and ask after his health every day.¡±


    How would Li Yang not agree? Excitedly he said, ¡°Alright, son will go tonight!¡±


    After Li Yang left, Concubine Wan dismissed all the pce maids and eunuchs in Yn Hall. A shadow slowly walked out from the dark pce garden corridor. Pushing open the doors, he entered the inner hall.


    ¡°Well, what did Yang¡¯er say?¡±


    Imperial Guard Captain Xia Zixi skillfully sat down on the rosewood chair and picked up the teacup Concubine Wan had just drunk from. He slowly drank a mouthful of the hot tea, narrowed his eyes meaningfully, and said, ¡°Fragrant.¡±


    ¡°He came to ask me for help for the sake of a woman. My son has grown up and is feeling the stirrings of love.¡±


    ¡°There is no shortage of women in his prince¡¯s manor.¡±


    ¡°None of those women could capture his heart. Haven¡¯t you noticed that after so many years, he doesn¡¯t have any children in his manor? He is deliberate about not letting women he does not like bear his children.¡±


    Xia Zixi slowly gazed over. ¡°In this respect, his character is somewhat simr to mine.¡±


    Concubine Wan did not reply. She smiled charmingly as she got up and leaned into the man¡¯s embrace, smelling the strange scent on him. Finding it unpleasant, she moved away from his embrace and asked, ¡°What smell is that?¡±


    Concubine Wan had a keen sense of smell that could detect any odor.


    Xia Zixi nced down at Concubine Wan¡¯s fair chest. Hisrge hand was already moving under her clothes as he said, ¡°Probably the smell of red peonies. The Qing Festival is in another half month. I went to Qingyun Temple first.¡±


    Qingyun Temple had arge area nted with sophora. The flowers would bloom every year around this season and exuded an awful odor that could make one throw up overnight rice.


    Concubine Wan¡¯s sister¡¯s memorial tablet was enshrined in Qingyun Temple. Every year she would seek His Majesty¡¯s permission to leave the pce to go worship her sister who had died young, and conveniently stay at the temple to meditate for her sister¡¯s salvation over three to five days.


    The Tianqi Emperor had always doted on her. For matters of worshipping her family, he turned a blind eye to give her space.


    ¡°Mm...¡± Seeing his movements be more unbridled, Concubine Wan pulled his hand out from her clothes and red at him coquettishly. ¡°This is the imperial pce. What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I alsoe and go freely in the imperial pce?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fool around. Big brother Xi, we have to be more careful, lest we don¡¯t grasp any handles to use against Empress Su¡¯s faction, but they catch us by the tail first instead.¡±


    Xia Zixi stopped his movements and just used his deep and searing eyes to look her up and down.


    Concubine Wan felt that the most captivating thing about this man was his amorous gaze. Just looking at her like this was like stripping her bare, igniting her heart.

 Chapter 317: An Old Father Treats His Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 317</h4>


    Unfortunately, she was ultimately a rational and disciplined person who would never allow Xia Zixi to touch her in the pce.


    "That Su fellow, did Zixi grab hold of him?"


    "Don''t worry, Su and that brat were injured by my men and thrown into the river. By now their corpses have probably rotted away."


    Concubine Wan felt relieved. The things that happened back in Changzhou all those years ago... She and Xia Zixi went through a lot of trouble to cover them up. Their current wealth and status were won at the cost of their lives.


    For Su to personally go to Changzhou and dig up dirt on their past, how could she just let him bring up old stories from years past?


    "Fortunately Zixi you were here, otherwise I wouldn''t have known what to do." A woman must act helpless at the appropriate times.


    As expected, Xia Zixi stroked her chin, his eyes filling with deeper affection. "This is just what I should do. After all, we''re in the same boat, no?"


    Concubine Wan smiled coquettishly. She was skilled at manipting men. Stroking Xia Zixi''s sharp jawline, she lightly kissed his lips. "Yes, we''re more than just being in the same boat. We''re family."


    Xia Zixi smiled. "Heh~"


    After sending Xia Zixi away, Concubine Wan stripped naked and called loudly, "Weimian,e in."


    The smell of that thousand-year red incense was disgusting...


    ...


    Late at night, a lowly pce maid stealthily left Rippling Pce and entered Fledgling Phoenix Pce in the dead of night.


    A whileter, the pce maid hurriedly disappeared into the darkness of the night, as if nothing had happened. It was as if it had been an ordinary, mundane deep night.


    That night, the four blessing maids of Fledgling Phoenix Pce released a homing pigeon out of the imperial pce.


    When Zhao Changdu took the note off the pigeon''s leg, Gu Ying had just opened her eyes.


    The Changfeng Pavilion was brightly lit. Yanzhi, Yinzhu and several others were leaning against the bed, staring intently at her belly.


    Yin had already seen enough to satisfy her curiosity, so she naturally didn''t find it to be anything special.


    But Yanzhi was looking at herdy''s pregnant belly, already four months swollen, in shock for the first time. Eyes wide open, she asked, "Mydy, is there really a little prince in there? That''s a little person, how did he get inside your belly?"


    Yinughed loudly while Yinzhu''s usually expressionless little face also showed distaste. They both thought Yanzhi was stupid.


    Gu Ying smiled lightly. Sitting up in bed, she said indulgently, "Yanzhi, do you want to touch it?"


    Yanzhi really wanted to, but didn''t dare. Under Gu Ying''s encouraging gaze she carefully stretched out a hand, just about to touch when the doors opened. "Bring food in for Princess Ying to eat."


    There were still cherry cakes that the prince had specially brought back for hisdy to eat on the small table. They were too anxious to see the little prince to be bothered with bringing food!


    Yanzhi frowned in pain, about to get angry. But when she turned her head and saw the prince''s cold, handsome face, she quickly shrank back, pulling Yin and running out.


    Gu Yingughed at how petty the prince was.


    The room was warm and fragrant. The man red at her lightly and carried her from the bed, cing her in a luohandeng rosewood couch. He massaged her legs and fed her hot water, wiping her lips before handing her the note.


    He doted on her attentively like an old father to his daughter.


    The note only had the three words "Xia Zixi". As soon as Gu Ying saw the name she immediately recalled memories from her past life.


    Xia Zixi was also from Changzhou and was fellow townsmen with Concubine Wan.


    Back then he was ordered to go to Changzhou to bring Concubine Wan back to Bianjing, and also brought Prince Shu Li Yang back.


    Later on, he supported Li Yang in ascending to the throne. Li Yang led troops to charge into the pce in an attempt to usurp the throne, which was done with Xia Zixi''s inside help.


    After Li Yang''s defeat, Xia Zixi also died along with him, and Concubine Wan was imprisoned in the inner pce.


    As for anything else, she didn''t know too many details while she was in the broken temple, at least she could confirm that Xia Zixi and Concubine Wan were on good terms.


    "Changdu, has Su Hee back?" She remembered that Su He personally went to Changzhou to investigate what happened with Concubine Wan back then.


    "Not yet. I received a letter earlier saying he was gravely injured and fell into the water, but was saved by someone. He stayed at Yueya Crossing in Changzhou to recuperate for a period of time." Zhao Changdu gathered the little girl into his embrace, personally feeding her the cherry cake. "But several days ago, I received word from him saying his body had recovered in Changzhou, and he needed to investigate a homicide case before returning."


    Gu Ying took a bite of cherry cake, feeling uneasy inside. "Homicide case?"


    "Mm." Zhao Changdu patiently wiped away the oil stains from the corners of her mouth. "Regarding Concubine Wan - back then her entire family died in a fire, two older brothers, an older sister, and a pair of parents. Only she survived."


    "Wasn''t that case already investigated? The murderer was a coteral branch of the Su family¡ª" Gu Ying blurted out instinctively, but caught herself when she realized something was off. She quickly stopped talking.


    She shouldn''t know so many details.


    She awkwardly bit into the cake, the corners of her mouth pulling into an embarrassed smile. She stammered out an exnation, "I heard it from Auntie. Auntie is also connected to the Su family and knows some inside information that isn''t public..."


    Zhao Changdu nced at the panic in the young girl''s eyes but didn''t say anything. He only said, "That''s right, at the time it was determined that the murderer came from a coteral branch of the dissolute young master Su Huai to silence Concubine Wan''s entire family. The crime scene had a token from the Empress'' pce that served as evidence."


    Gu Ying blinked. "Empress Su wouldn''t be so foolish."


    She knew Empress Su, a pitiful woman with a tragic fate. She had lived her entire life only for her son. She was a true nobledy of prestigious birth and would absolutely not be stupid enough to send someone from her own n to kill Concubine Wan and leave behind evidence and give the cold and indifferent Emperor a reason to distance himself from her even more.


    For so many years she had shouldered thebel of murderer. Spurned by the Emperor, vilified by Concubine Wan, even her son failed to gain his father''s favor. The Su n''s reputation had also been damaged for a time, unable to hold their head high among the many prestigious ns and families of Bianjing.


    She definitely wouldn''t brazenly resort to such insidious tactics to deal with Concubine Wan.


    Zhao Changdu smiled lightly. "Princess Ying is clever. Of course the Empress wouldn''t be so foolish. His Majesty simply doesn''t love her, so he won''t believe anything she says regarding this case."


    Gu Ying felt sorrow for them. Smacking her red lips she said, "So trust between husband and wife is crucial. Empress Su is truly pitiable..."


    She had wealth, status, nobility, butcked love. Half her lifetime was wasted in a cold marriage just for an unloving man. And now she had ruined her health as well while the inner pcepletely obeyed Concubine Wan.


    Zhao Changdu watched her deeply for a moment. He grasped her small hand and gently kneaded her soft fingertips. "I will always believe in you."


    No matter how things turned outter, he would make sure the young girl became the happiest woman in Bianjing.

 Chapter 318: The Secret of Mother Sun

    <h4>Chapter 318</h4>


    Gu Ying felt a warmth in her heart. There were some things she wanted to talk to him about, but then she thought again - Jiang Yin was dead and there would no longer be anyone who could hinder her life with the Eldest Prince. So she felt there was no need to talk about it further.


    "So Su He was preparing to return to Bianjing, but Prince Duan ordered him to continue staying in Changzhou to investigate the extermination case from years ago?"


    Zhao Changdu said, "Yes, Su He did receive a secret order from Prince Duan."


    Gu Ying was somewhat emotional. "Prince Duan seems to be bing more and more extraordinary."


    Indeed, none of the royal men had simple thoughts... She had thought Prince Duan was gentle-natured, honest and simple-minded without any ambitious desire to fight for the crown prince''s position. But now it seemed that after the toxins had been removed from his body and he had a year or two more to recuperate, Li Yang would have more troublepeting with him over the Eastern Pce.


    Zhao Changdu imperceptibly watched the youngdy''s expression and the corners of his lips curled indulgently. "If not for Miss Gu saving his life, Prince Duan would not have been able to recover like this. So his achievements today are all thanks to Miss Gu."


    Gu Ying smiled, eyes curving. Recently the Eldest Prince had be better and better at praising her. Her heart felt sweet and she tilted her head to give him a little peck on the face.


    The youngdy''s kiss was fleeting and superficial.


    Zhao Changdu''s brows sunk deeper, unsatisfied as he grasped the back of her head to deepen the kiss somewhat.


    It was half an hourter before Gu Ying finally emerged from the inner room, her face flushed red. She called the rouge to bring in the cold then reheated food and dishes.


    After the evening meal, the Eldest Prince went into the study to go through government documents.


    Gu Ying embroidered a belly wrap for the child in her belly. Yanzhi and Yin Zhu sat in front of her and reported all the big and small matters of the residence to her one by one.


    Cheng seemed to be well-behaved on the surface, but in reality she would send people every day to gather news outside the Changfeng Pavilion.


    After Gu Ying feigned illness, Cheng had wanted to send people breaking into Changfeng Pavilion to stir up trouble several times, but was always blocked by Yin Zhu.


    As for Huo Qiyan, she was even more unruly, loitering outside Changfeng Pavilion every other day.


    Previously when the Eldest Prince was not there, she had not returned to the Huo residence. And now that the Eldest Prince had just returned, she would dress up prettily and wait along the path he must take when returning to the residence, addressing him intimately as Cousin.


    "When the Eldest Prince walked past her cold-faced tonight, her own face turned green. It felt so satisfying," Yanzhiughed as she vividly imitated Huo Qiyan''s awkward state. "Mydy, when you were not here, the things Huo Second Miss dared to presumptuously im! She even addressed herself as the Eldest Prince''s wife, and said to the servants every day that she was the Eldest Prince''s cousin and would sooner orter marry into Prince''s residence. Sometimes she would specificallye to cause trouble for us maids too. If Elder Sister Yin Zhu did not help, I would have almost been beaten by her!"


    Gu Ying listened with a tranquil expression, her hands continuously working.


    The Eldest Prince had said long ago that all the food, clothing, and living expenditures of Changfeng Pavilion would be handled by the Eldest Prince himself and did not need to go through the Prince''s official ounts. So even if Cheng wanted to interfere, it would be difficult. In contrast, after years of Zhao Changxing''s extravagance, the Prince''s residence had be an empty shell. Cheng did not have any presentable shops, manors, or properties in her hands, so she wanted to set her sights on Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying thought for a bit before asking, "Has Zhao Roue by?"


    "How could she not have? She''se several times. I saw it as Cheng suspecting that mydy is not in the residence, so she deliberately let Madam Huoe test it out."


    "She hasn''t noticed anything?"


    "No, but¡ª" Yanzhi''s eyes flickered as she suddenly recalled a small detail. "Madam Huo asked some strange questions about Granny Sun, and not only that, she even personally came once saying she wanted to bring Granny Sun back to Baomo Hall on Madam Cheng''s behalf."


    Zhao Rou was a prestigious and dignifieddy. Before she married out, she was the pearl in the old Prince''s palm. Even after she married into the Huo family she had the final say. For her to plead on behalf of an old granny was truly baffling.


    Yin Lan frowned, her instincts telling her that Zhao and Cheng definitely had ghosts in their bellies. "Mydy, just who is this Granny Sun that even Madam Cheng and Madam Zhao are pleading for her?"


    Gu Ying murmured in thought, "Previously, what were the results of the investigation Huai An sent people to do?"


    Yin Lan said, "Lord Huai told this ve that Granny Sun is just an ordinarymoner. There really is nothing worth investigating further, only that she had served Madam Cheng for many years and was an elderly person by Madam Cheng''s side."


    "Yes, yes, yes¡ª" Yanzhi followed up. "That was exactly what Madam Huo said, that Madam Cheng was used to Granny Sun and ufortable with other people serving her. She wanted to bring Granny Sun back and it was unreasonable for her to be detained like this when she did notmit any major offense."


    Gu Ying put down her needlework, voice focused. "In that case, there must be a secret Cheng is trying to cover up about her."


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi looked towards her simultaneously.


    "What could the secret be, mydy?"


    Gu Yingughed lightly. "Since there is a mystery surrounding Granny Sun, we will pry open her mouth and make her tell it herself."


    "But Granny Sun''s mouth is mped tighter than a turtle''s mouth," Yanzhi''s face drooped. "Even if the skies copse, her mouth would still be shut tight."


    Gu Ying smiled faintly. "I have my ways."


    ...


    The next day, as soon as it started getting light, the Eldest Prince got up and left for court.


    Gu Ying struggled up from bed to help the Eldest Prince change clothes and do his hair. But before she even finished dressing the Eldest Prince, she ended up clinging onto him in his embrace and napping a while longer.


    Zhao Changdu liked her clinging onto him and he sucked on her lips for a good long time before letting her go.


    Gu Ying was kissed more awake now, a charming flush on her cheeks as she gazed at the man''s exceptionally refined and handsome visage in the morning. In her heart she secretly swore that after Jiang Yin''s death, she would properly apany the Eldest Prince for life and grow old with him white-headed. Hadn''t he said there were no men who would remain loyal to one woman for life? She was determined to prove that such a love was possible.


    After the Eldest Prince left, Changfeng Pavilion became happily bustling.


    Yanzhi and Yin Lan lifted the curtains from outside and came in, some drawing water, some wringing towels. Very quickly they had Gu Ying washed and made-up, clear and beautiful.


    The news of the Eldest Prince''s return to Bianjing would spread through the court today. She, having recuperated from illness within Changfeng Pavilion for a month or two now, also ought to demonstrate that she was "well" - at least the Empress in the pce and the Emperor had to know that she had been staying obediently the entire time in the Prince''s residence. The longer she was ill, the deeper the regret the Emperor would feel towards the Prince''s residence, and the more highly he would regard the Eldest Prince.


    Moreover, now that she was "recovered", there would be no shortage of visitorsing to see her.


    And indeed, as soon as the news spreadst night of the Eldest Prince''s return to the capital, visits and gifts started being delivered from the various households since early morning today.


    The battlefield for men was the court, while the battlefield for women was the inner residence. These people had alle intending to curry favor with the Prince''s residence and the Eldest Prince.


    With the Eldest Prince''s promotion to Vice Minister of the Privy Council at the young age of merely thirty-something, military power was in his grasp.


    Cheng hated her, hated Changfeng Pavilion, absolutely seething with rage. Yet in front of the madams of other prominent families, she still had to gracefully greet Gu Ying with concern about her illness.


    Cheng had always been adept at social niceties. After lunch, as thedies went to watch opera at the theatre she had arranged, Cheng originally wanted to chat with Gu Ying about Granny Sun.


    But the moment she caught sight of Gu Ying''s slightly bulging belly, Cheng''s expression instantly darkened.

 Chapter 319: A woman pregnant, Who is not a near-death

    <h4>Chapter 319</h4>


    "So it turns out that this cheap woman has been hiding in Changfeng Pavilion every day instead of seeing anyone because she got pregnant." After returning to Baomo Hall and going behind the hugu stone screen, when she saw Zhao Rou and Huo Qiyan sitting on the luohan bed, Cheng said, unable to hold back, "Rou, a belly that''s been over four months can''t be covered up anymore, I didn''t see it wrong, Gu Ying is indeed pregnant."


    Huo Qiyan''s expression also changed. She cried aggrievedly, "Auntie... How can a woman like her deserve to be pregnant with Cousin''s child..."


    For a moment, Cheng was also extremely anxious. The one in Gu Ying''s belly was the legitimate eldest son of the Duke''s mansion. If this child was really born, her and Chang Xing''s status would be more and more embarrassing. It was all because those undeserving sluts were not ambitious enough, and so far no one had been able to give birth to a son or daughter for her son. Otherwise, she would not be so anxious.


    She looked at Zhao Rou, who was sitting on the edge of the luohan bed, in a loss.


    Zhao Rou was very calm. She was from the Zhao family of prominent families and nobledies,pletely different from people like Cheng who could not get on stage.


    She pinched the lid of the teacup to brush away the tea foam, and casuallyughed, "What are you worried about? Our Adu is young and vigorous, strong and healthy. It¡¯s quite normal for her to get pregnant after getting married."


    "How can it be the same?" Cheng said, pulling at the corner of her mouth. "Although I am the main mother of the Duke''s Mansion, it is Yanyan who I feel sorry for. She has her heart set on her cousin, but before she can even enter the Duke''s Mansion, Gu Ying gets pregnant first. Then...then what is our Yanyan to do in the future?"


    When Zhao Rou heard this, her eyes cooled slightly. She nced at her daughter who was sitting in the chair twisting her handkerchief non-stop. What Cheng said was right. She couldn''t let her own daughter go raise another woman''s child.


    "Mother..." Huo Qiyan pouted aggrievedly, "You have to think for me, okay? I haven''t even given Cousin a child yet, what right does Gu Ying have?"


    Zhao Rou red at her dissatisfied daughter. This daughter of hers was useless.


    No matter how powerful Adu was, he was still the son of her elder brother. Yanyan was his cousin by blood and had grown up with Adu like childhood sweethearts. She clearly had the best chance to marry Adu, but somehow that cheap slut Huo Qiyan took advantage of the opportunity first. Later, Gu Ying was also given a chance. It was truly a waste of such a good opportunity with her beautiful face and graceful figure.


    "You..." Zhao Rou reproached her with a tone.


    Huo Qiyan hurriedly hugged her mother''s arm and acted coquettishly, "Mother, you won''t just stand by and watch your daughter be suppressed by Gu Ying, will you? I can''t let Gu Ying give Cousin his eldest son. Cousin''s child can only be born by me..."


    "Shameless." Zhao Rou lovingly poked her between the eyebrows, meaningfully said, "Don''t worry, her child won''t be born safely."


    A nearly imperceptible sh of light shed in Cheng''s eyes. She quickly agreed excitedly, "Auntie Zhao really has good ideas. For women to conceive and give birth, which one is not nine deaths and a life?"


    With a word from Zhao Rou, Cheng was relieved.


    After all, Zhao Rou was an extremely capable woman. If she opened her mouth, Gu Ying''s child probably wouldn''t expect to be born safely.


    Zhao Rou nced lightly at Cheng, "How''s Granny Sun?"


    Cheng was embarrassed for a moment, "That side of Changfeng Pavilion still won''t let her go."


    "What''s the matter with you? You can''t even handle a Gu Ying?"


    "It''s just... Adu is protecting her, we can''t even get close to Changfeng Pavilion, let alone go in and take someone."


    "Why is she holding onto an old granny?"


    "I don''t know either. Could she have found out about what happened back then..." Seeing that Huo Qiyan was still here, Cheng immediately shut her mouth.


    "..." After Zhao Rou was silent for a while, she impatiently said, "Take another look in a few days. If it really doesn''t work...think of another way."


    Cheng also shut her mouth. She didn''t dare say anything in the end, only carefully nced at Zhao Rou with her expressionless face.


    When she got vicious, her eyes were too gloomy.


    Cheng shrank her neck. She thought that it would be best to resolve Granny Sun''s matter as soon as possible, otherwise...the consequences would be endless.


    ...


    At today''s banquet, everyone knew that Gu Ying was pregnant with the Heir Apparent''s child. Whether they were truly happy for her or just pretending to be happy for her, they all congratted her with smiles on their faces.


    Except for Cheng and the others, Gu Wan''s face didn''t look good either. She was just an illegitimate daughter and didn''t have the qualifications to participate in the Duke''s Mansion¡¯s banquet today. If Gu Ying didn''t want to see Gu Shuang, it wouldn''t even be her turn toe today. She originally thought she coulde to get acquainted with some youngdies from prominent families, but unexpectedly the others were all here to fawn over Gu Ying and couldn''t be bothered to pay attention to her.


    She red fiercely at Gu Ying''s figure, not knowing how many times she had scolded her in her heart.


    Gu Ying was quite happy. The pregnancy couldn''t be kept secret for long, and she didn''t n to keep hiding it anyway. It was just that in the Duke''s Mansion, she would have to be more careful in eating, dressing and spending money.


    After eating with the madams and chatting for a while, she then excused herself to go back to Changfeng Pavilion to rest, saying her body hadn''t fully recovered yet.


    When she left, she saw Cheng and Zhao Rou whispering to each other, not knowing what they were gossiping about.


    Yin Lan said, "No knowing what sinister things they¡¯re plotting. My Lady, do you think we should send someone to keep an eye on them? After all, My Lady is pregnant now, everything needs to be handled carefully."


    Gu Ying thought about it. "Yes, have Huai''an arrange it."


    After saying that, she had already returned to Changfeng Pavilion.


    Aunt Qin and Aunt Zhao were already sitting in the side hall of Changfeng Pavilion. The carvedttice windows facing south were wide open. In the middle of the courtyard, the hibiscus and pomegranate flowers bloomed very lively, and the floral scent spread into the room. On the red sandalwood t table were a few vases with flower arrangements.


    Behind the bookcase, Aunt Qin smiled at Gu Ying with her hands outstretched, ¡°Oh my, Ying, you¡¯re finally back. Hurry and let Auntie take a look!¡±


    Gu Yingughed as she walked over and was pulled into Aunt Qin¡¯s arms. Aunt Qin had a frank and easygoing personality. She reached out and rubbed Gu Ying¡¯s belly, ¡°It feels like a boy. It looks like our Ying is going to give the Heir Apparent a son.¡±


    Aunt Zhao said while stroking her seven or eight month belly, ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell at this stage. When I was pregnant with Shuang, my belly was pointy. The midwife all said it was going be a boy, but what happened in the end? Still a girl.¡±


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth curled up as she watched Aunt Qin and Aunt Zhao bickering with each other like a pair of old married couples full of delight and resentment. Her heart only felt warm.


    Aunt Qin red at her. "My senses have always been very urate. I said Ying is going to have a son, so she must have a son."


    Aunt Zhao said, "Then let''s make a bet today, what do you say?"


    Aunt Qin readily agreed, "Good, you say it, what prize shall we bet?"


    Aunt Zhao''s eyes rolled as she thought about it and said, "Then bet on that bracelet on Aunt Qin''s wrist, how about it?"


    Aunt Qin looked down at the mutton fat jade bracelet, stroked it and smiled at Gu Shuang. She said, "This bracelet is what I n on giving to my daughter-inw in the future, it can''t be used as a bet. Anything else, just name it."

 Chapter 320: He Looks like an Old Master

    <h4>Chapter 320</h4>


    Aunt Zhao let it go and suggested a bet for a meal. Although the people sitting here are not short of money for that meal, they all agreed with a smile just to liven things up.


    "Alright, I bet that Ah Ying''s child will be a son," Qin chuckled.


    Aunt Zhao raised an eyebrow and said, "Then I bet it will be a daughter."


    "I bet on a son."


    "I bet on a daughter."


    At the same time, there were also Gu Shuang and Ye Qingchi, who had been sitting silently in their chairs.


    The two of them spoke at the same time, and as soon as the words fell, they exchanged a nce, and there was a smile in Ye Qingchi''s eyes.


    Gu Shuang quickly averted her gaze, her little face blushing slightly. "I actually think that for Second Sister, a son is better than a daughter. Having a legitimate eldest son and then giving birth to a girl is not toote."


    Gu Shuang''s voice was gentle and her voice was soft, which made the adultsugh again.


    Gu Ying knew that Gu Shuang was thinking for her sake. After all, in a family like the Duke''s residence, women relied on their sons for their status and giving birth to a son was much better than giving birth to a daughter.


    Gu Ying hade today to make time to meet her own family. After sending away thedies outside and exchanging pleasantries with Qin and Aunt Zhao for a while, she pulled Gu Shuang to her side and asked about her recent situation in Bianjing, as well as how Fu Xunzhi was doing.


    Gu Shuang initially answered happily, but when she mentioned Fu Xunzhi, her mood seemed to dampen a bit, but she still smiled and said, "We''re fine, we''re doing well. His family said that after a while, our marriage will be put on the agenda."


    Gu Ying asked, "When will the wedding take ce?"


    Gu Shuang lowered her head and said, "They said it will be next month, the date hasn''t been set yet. Xun Gege said his mother wants to take our birthdates to a temple and have a master match them. I thought it would be better to postpone it a bit. I want to stay in the residence with Mother until after I have a child before getting married. Second Sister, you don''t have to worry about me. Once the date is set, Mother will definitelye to the Duke''s residence to send the wedding invitations."


    Ye Qingchi didn''t say anything, he just looked at the little maid at Gu Ying''s side, his lips slightly pursed, and calmly drank a cup of cold tea.


    Gu Ying noticed that Gu Shuang lifted her delicate chin, and it was clear that she had lost some weight. No matter how she looked at her, she didn''t seem like a bride-to-be.


    She had wanted to inquire further, but Aunt Zhao on the other side smiled and told Gu Ying not to worry about it.


    "She stayed up all night embroidering her wedding dress herself. They say that a daughter who gets married is like water poured out, and Shuang''er really can''t wait to marry Fu Xunzhi right away."


    Gu Shuang blushed and cautiously nced at the man across from her. "Mother! Don''t say that, it''s embarrassing."


    Ye Qingchi was right here, and this birth mother really didn''t leave her any face.


    "Haha, alright, if Mother doesn''t say it, then it''s fine."


    Qin said, "Shuang''er is young, besides being easily shy, her temperament is calm and steady. She''s really likable. Why doesn''t that olddy from the Fu family want to let Shuang''er marry over?"


    "It''s all because of Shuang''s identity," Aunt Zhao blurted out, realizing that it wasn''t appropriate to discuss such matters on this joyous asion. She smiled and halted her words, saying, "Let''s forget about it for now. The children will have their own blessings. We''ll talk about it once the arrangements with the Fu family are settled."


    Aunt Zhao had be more understanding. Gu Boyan had yet to elevate her to the position of a legal wife, and Shuang had been carrying the status of a concubine''s daughter all this time. It was precisely because of this that she had gained insight into human affairs. Fu Xunzhi was a good son-inw, but the Fu family had pursued Shuang due to her status as the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Dongping. Moreover, with the addedplication of Gu Ying being the wife of the Crown Prince, their family was highly astute. Since Ah Ying hadn''t been in contact with the Duke''s residence for the past few months, their attitude had started to change. Aunt Zhao had also figured out that if Fu Xunzhi didn''te forward to defend Shuang soon, this marriage would probablye to an end.


    Gu Shuang bit her lip and remained silent, her disappointment evident on her small face.


    After all, she was still young. Even though she had turned fifteen this year, she couldn''t help but feel a little upset and sad that her marriage had been arranged but her husband''s family was dying her entrance into their household.


    She wondered how Fu Xunzhi was handling the situation.


    Ye Qingchi had noticed Gu Shuang''s downcast mood as soon as he arrived. It wasn''t until she saw Gu Ying that a smile appeared on her face.


    Thinking about it, he furrowed his brows in annoyance. He had never cared about women''s affairs, so why was he so concerned about Gu Shuang, a little girl?


    He closed his eyes and dismissed the image of Gu Shuang''s crestfallen expression from his mind. He turned to Gu Ying and said, "I''m going to see An Ning."


    With that, he got up and left the room.


    Gu Ying nced at Ye Qingchi in surprise. The Ye Young Master, who had always been charming and knowledgeable about worldly matters, why didn''t he even give a nod or gesture to his fourth sister before leaving? It was truly beneath his noble demeanor as a prince of the Ye Manor.


    Gu Shuang, on the other hand, didn''t think too much of it. She always felt that whenever Young Master Ye looked at her, he resembled a strict teacher in the academy¡ªserious and rigid, with no expression on his face. It made her very nervous.


    Especially during their two encounters, she had embarrassed herself each time. Whenever she saw him, she inexplicably worried and feared his scrutinizing gaze.


    Whenever he nced at her, she immediately became as tense as a student who hadn''t studied or practiced calligraphy properly.


    But the truth was, she was a good student...


    Gu Shuang was at a loss for words. She hoped that the next time she came to her second sister''s ce, she wouldn''t run into Ye Qingchi again.


    After sending Aunt Zhao and her daughter away, Gu Ying took Qin''s hand and nestled in her embrace for quite some time. Her aunt had a motherly presence, and holding her felt reassuring.


    Qin quietly allowed Gu Ying to hold her, her eyes showing a tender affection.


    After a while, Gu Ying expressed her thoughts.


    Qin rejoiced and said, "So, Ying, you mean to have An Ninge and stay at our residence for a while? This... this is a wonderful idea! I''ll go back and make preparations right away! Originally, the courtyard in Qinghe Garden was meant for you and your siblings to live in, but at that time, you... No, Ying..."


    Qin''s eyes turned slightly red, and there was a cautious look in her eyes. "Is A Ning willing to go and stay at his uncle and aunt''s house now? I came to the mansion some time ago and wanted to see him, but he didn''t want to meet me... I''m afraid he''s unwilling in his heart..."


    Seeing the slight moisture in Qin''s eyes, Gu Ying smiled gently and put her arm around her aunt''s shoulder. "Aunt, don''t worry. How could A Ning not be willing in his heart? It''s just that his legs have been giving him trouble... He doesn''t want to see people because he''s frustrated with his own disability. Aunt, you should treat him with more kindness."


    "I''m certainly not angry with him. If he''s willing to go to the Ye family''s ce, I... I''ll go back and tidy up the courtyard for him right away!"


    "Aunt, please don''t rush." Gu Ying pulled her aunt, who was all fired up, back. "There are a few things I need Aunt''s help with."


    Qin hurriedly asked, "Please tell me."


    Gu Ying said, "Aunt, can you secretly find someone for me?"

 Chapter 321: The Headache

    <h4>Chapter 321</h4>


    Qin said decisively, ¡°Of course it¡¯s possible!¡±


    Gu Ying thought for a moment and said, ¡°That man is called Shen Munian. He should now be a beggar around forty years old, wandering on the outskirts of Bianjing. Auntie, help me find him in secret and bring him to the Ye manor to hide him. Then spread the word that the Censorate wants to find a martial arts teacher with a big reputation and average skills for A Ning.¡±


    Qin didn¡¯t ask further. Whatever Gu Ying asked her to do, she would do it. She sent people to find Shen Munian that very day, and also urgently prepared the Qinghe Garden from top to bottom.


    Ye Zhuohua was holding a book, ¡°happened to pass by¡± the Qinghe Garden, and craned his neck to look inside. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? It¡¯s so noisy.¡±


    Qin pushed him away in disgust. ¡°Don¡¯t get in the way here. Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m preparing the yard for A Ning?¡±


    Ye Zhuohua frowned. ¡°A Ning?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! A Ning ising to live here soon! What do you think, are you happy?¡±


    ¡°Wife, you¡¯re not daydreaming, are you?¡±


    ¡°Damn old fogey!¡±


    Ye Zhuohua could no longer focus on reading. He found a rattan chair in the corridor and sat down, watching the servantsing and going busily. The usuallyposed Ye Imperial Censor became anxious, standing up several times. ¡°Wife, is A Ning reallying? When is heing? Did he say he wanted toe himself? Or is heing with A Ying?¡±


    Qin red at him. ¡°Ye Imperial Censor, use your brain to think carefully. A Ying is the Eldest Prince¡¯s wife, and she¡¯s pregnant. How could she possiblye live in our Qinghe Garden? Of course it¡¯s only A Ninging.¡±


    Ye Zhuohua''s face lit up with joy. ¡°Then I¡¯ll move my bookshelves over now and prepare them for A Ning.¡±


    Qin snorted angrily. ¡°What kind of uncle are you? Your nephew ising to live here, not to read your crappy books. He¡¯s still a child. Just spoil him and let him eat, drink, and have fun. Don¡¯t move your crappy books here, it''s inauspicious.¡±


    ¡°How can you call them crappy books? Those were passed down by my father, and some were read by his mother! And you, what kind of aunt puts all the knives and axes from your stockade here in this yard?¡±


    ¡°Damn you!¡±


    What answered Ye Zhuohua was the big chopper that Qin had brought with her from the mountain stockade when she married out.


    Ye Zhuohua touched his ck hair that had almost been shaved off. ¡°Thanks wife for going easy on me.¡±


    Qin snorted lightly and turned back to continue busying herself in the yard.


    After everything was ready, the couple drank happily that night out of joy, then went back to their room for deep conversation many times.


    ...


    Gu Ying took care of a big issue pressing on her mind, then went back to Wanli Pavilion to tell A Ning.


    A Ning didn¡¯t say it was not good, he just looked at her very calmly. ¡°Will youe to see me?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The boy of few words sat quietly on a wheelchair made of wood, flipping through the Four Books and Five ssics.


    His unexpressive manner was like he had learned it from the Eldest Prince.


    Gu Ying bent down and rubbed his head, wanting to tease him to make him behave more like a boy his age, but A Ning only turned his face and looked at her gently and calmly.


    Gu Ying¡¯s fingers stiffened slightly. Only then did she realize it would probably not be so easy for her brother¡¯s disposition to be cheerful again.


    She sighed softly in her heart. In her previous life, her brother had died quietly buried in the snow on the winter day she married out. Now that he was alive and could grow up safe and sound, what more could she ask for?


    ¡°Keep reading your books. I¡¯ll have delicious food made for you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After Gu Ying left, A Ning stared at his sister¡¯s back, his tightly clenched five fingers slowly rxing.


    He thought there was nothing bad about going to live at uncle Ye Zhuohua¡¯s ce.


    At uncle''s home, at least no one would look down on him for being a cripple.


    ...


    Once everything was ready, the sun set in the west, and all the noise settled into darkness.


    Gu Ying asked Baiyan to wait at the drooping flower gate in the front yard to see when the Eldest Prince came back.


    Today at court, His Majesty held a discussion of merits to grant rewards. The Eldest Prince Yueyang and his party deserved credit for providing disaster relief, but they would probably onlye back after socializing since the banquet to honor merits. Cousin doesn¡¯t like socializing, so he had declined attendance on the excuse of illness. But as the foremost contributor of merit, His Majesty had summoned the Eldest Prince by name, so he couldn¡¯t decline.


    Zhou Yan should also have received a promotion this time. I wonder if he has discussed the marriage with his family?


    When we were in Yueyang, Ning Si had directly revealed her pregnancy to Ning Grandpa. Ning Grandpa was furious on the spot and almost fainted from anger. He questioned her harshly on the identity of the man responsible.


    At that time, Zhou Yan very responsibly admitted he was the father of Ning Si¡¯s child.


    He only said that the two of them had met once before the gue fully erupted in Yueyang. They thought Yueyang City would bepletely destroyed by the gue, so that night, they couldn¡¯t help but secretly taste the forbidden fruit...


    They didn¡¯t expect that one night would lead to her bearing his child.


    After listening, Ning family grandfather stared furiously at the kneeling pair of man and woman for a long time before he finally calmed down. The child was already conceived in Ning Si¡¯s belly. She was a delicate girl. If they forcibly terminated the child, she might not even survive. So for the moment, as grandfather, he could only protect his granddaughter.


    Zhou Yan was also stubbornly unwilling to let Ning Si suffer.


    In the end, Ning grandfather had no choice but to explicitly order that no one in the Ning family who knew about this could speak of the matter.


    He personally wrote a letter to be sent to Ning Si¡¯s parents in Bianjing, telling them to find a way to facilitate the imperial family annulling the marriage no matter what. As for Ning Si¡¯s pregnancy, it could only be concealed for the time being.


    After Prince Duan annulled the engagement, they should quickly marry Ning Si to Zhou Yan.


    Gu Ying was worried about too many things. Han Lin still hadn¡¯t been captured and would inevitably be a hidden danger sooner orter. She also had to worry about Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi, as well as Zhou Yan and Ning Si.


    Most importantly, when she woke up this morning, she had a sh of inspiration and suddenly remembered a book she saw in Jiang Yin¡¯s study in her previous life. He had protected it very carefully, specially storing it in a hiddenpartment in the study. She had only identally caught a glimpse of it once, but remembered that the book cover showed several medicinal herbs and was titled Misceny of Medicine.


    As someone burdened with affairs of state day and night, Jiang Yin was not someone who had time to study medicine, much less delve deeply into medical principles.


    Previously she hadn¡¯t thought too much of it, but this morning, she finally realized Jiang Yin¡¯s proficiency with poisons was probably thanks that book.


    Moreover, she would asionally get headaches after getting pregnant. Ordinary doctors also couldn¡¯t provide any diagnosis. It made her somewhat worried that Jiang Yin had already secretly poisoned her.


    As she caressed her belly, she thought it more and more likely the more she pondered it, and her headache grew worse.


    Yin Lan came in carrying hot water, and upon seeing her sitting at the edge of the luohan bed massaging her forehead, came over worriedly. ¡°Wife, your head hurts again?¡±


    ¡°Mm...¡± Gu Ying pressed both hands to her temples. When not thinking about Jiang Yin she felt fine, but once she did, she couldn¡¯t stop the incessant throbbing pain that also made the area around her eyes tense up painfully.


    ¡°Let this ve first apply hotpresses for wife, then call over Yu Guter to take a look.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, no need for Yu Gu toe look. Call another doctor over instead...¡±

 Chapter 322: I don’t like the child in her womb.

    <h4>Chapter 322</h4>


    "Send Yanzhi to invite her," she said.


    "Alright, your arrangements are very appropriate," I replied.


    By not letting Yanzhi go out but instead sending Yin Lan, Cheng''s side would not notice any movements from Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying reclined halfway, a scalding hot towel on her forehead, and the pain alleviated slightly. But it was only superficial, as there was still an incessant ache deep inside her head.


    She was used to enduring pain. Feeling like it was not as bad now, her expression rxed.


    As Yin Lan massaged her temples, she said, "This afternoon Cheng sent someone over again to investigate about Sun Mammy''s matters. I saw that they seem rather impatient, so it appears Miss is right that Sun Mammy must have some secret that Cheng fears she might leak out."


    With eyesfortably closed, Gu Ying said, "How is Sun Mammy now?"


    Biting her lip with a smile, Yin Lan replied, "With no food or water, she was cursing up a storm at first, trying to make trouble. But now realizing we are serious, she can''t hold out much longer. She''s slumped in the grass pile, loudly saying the Madam will save her, telling us to wait and see. As the Madam instructed today, I went to undermine her further, telling her that Cheng''s side is already prepared to give up on rescuing her. But she still doesn''t believe it now, stubbornly keeping her mouth shut."


    Gu Ying closed her eyes. Cheng had been honored and wealthy for a lifetime in her past life. Although Zhao Changxing was useless, in the end the Zhao family still controlled the Li''s court. As a princess consort she must have been extremely proud. It was just a pity for Adou''s birth mother, who did not get to enjoy any of it and lost her life.


    "Wait two more days. She''ll have no choice but to believe it."


    "The Madam speaks correctly."


    Yin Lan had just taken away the towel when Yanzhi happily entered the room. "Madam, the Heir has returned from Chunshan Court!"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth turned up. "Go prepare some food and drinks."


    She had specifically let the kitchen stew chicken soup and prepare hangover medicine, afraid the Heir might not have eaten well outside and had arranged his favorite foods as well.


    Carrying sweets from QinFang Studio, when Zhao Changdu entered the room he immediately smelled the floral fragrance drifting out.


    The young girl in a green dress and pale yellow top smiled as she came over. All the exhaustion he felt instantly disappeared, reced by the refreshingly clean scent. Reaching out, he wrapped his wife and child in his embrace, and kissed her on the lips in front of Yanzhi and Yin Lan.


    Having long been used to this, Yin Lan pulled the shocked Yanzhi, who had covered her mouth, out of the room.


    In the hazyte spring, the breeze was cool. With the doors of Changfeng Pavilion wide open, the man held her tightly, intensely reluctant to part.


    Facepletely flushed, Gu Ying put her arms around his slender waist, tilting her chin up to receive his deep kiss.


    Her breathing gradually grew chaotic. Zhao Changdu did not intend to let her go either, hisrge hand gripped her lower back forcefully. His dark phoenix eyes were brimming with desire.


    With great difficulty, the man finally restrained himself. Pressing his forehead to hers, his voice was extremely low and somewhat hoarse. "Yingying, did you cast a spell on me? How else could I miss you this much?"


    They had only been apart one day.


    "Me too..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I was missing you too," she said, her voice trembling slightly, like a hook cast out by a fox spirit.


    Due to her pregnancy, Zhao Changdu had not touched her intimately for a month already. Hearing the unconsciously seductive gentle voice of the young girl now, it truly was...his body felt like it was being fried in boiling oil.


    He carried her and set her down on the couch, his fiery gaze fixed intensely upon her for a long while.


    Gu Ying''s cheeks were burning. She had thought after so long the Heir would be appeased, at the very least he would want to be close to her. She did not expect him to close his eyes, the thick desire in them instantly cooling down. "I heard your head still hurts. I''ll have Yu Gue take a look."


    Seeing him about to release her, Gu Ying reached out to grab his embroidered dark patternedpel, biting her lip unsatisfactorily. "Why doesn''t Adou touch me anymore?"


    "You''re pregnant, you need to nurture your health."


    "The doctor said it''s fine."


    "Yingying, don''t make trouble."


    "I''m not making trouble, I''m serious..." When the Heir does not show affection, for no reason she feels insecure deep down. Most likely because of the pregnancy, people tend to overthink. And the Heir had rejected her too many times recently, making her feel like shecked charm.


    She slid her hand from his waist down. Her eyes were dark and moist, the corners tinged red as she looked up alluringly like a fox spirit.


    "Just say it, are you still a man?"


    Zhao Changdu raised his dense, dark eyebrows. His gaze was fierce as a wolf''s.


    Gu Ying looked up to kiss his cheek and earlobe, thinking he was about to give in. She did not expect the man to reach out and pull her from his embrace. His face was frigid and abstinent, not having any such ideas at all.


    "Silly girl, that''s not how you seduce a man."


    Gu Ying was annoyed and embarrassed. As a woman, she had failed too hard!


    Just as she was wondering if she should try some other method to entice the Heir, she heard light coughing from the doorway, abruptly halting her next actions.


    "Cough cough..."


    Gu Ying''s small hand froze. Her ear lobes suddenly burned hotly.


    How embarrassing, to let an elder catch her in the act... What''s more, she was the proactive one.


    Yu Gu stood respectfully at the door, a thick ck headscarf on her head and a cloth masking her face, only revealing a pair of pretty eyes. Those eyes were calm and peaceful, but in this moment, Gu Ying clearly sensed displeasure sh in Yu Gu''s eyes.


    Gu Ying quickly gathered her cor to cover herself, pretending nothing had happened as she calmly let out a breath and sat properly.


    The Heir respected Yu Gu greatly, so Gu Ying liked her more too.


    However Yu Gu was not easy to get along with, of a loner personality. Although highly skilled in medicine, she would not treat just anyone. So whenever possible Gu Ying avoided finding her.


    Since it was the Heir who called her over, Gu Ying could only obediently listen and sit in the chair for Yu Gu to take her pulse.


    Yu Gu''s indifferent gaze swept over the bite mark on Gu Ying''s fair corbone, then looked at her bulging stomach with knitted brows.


    Gu Ying did not notice Yu Gu''s stare. She ordered Yin Lan and Yanzhi to bring the food in, setting up the short legged table to the side for the Heir to dine while smiling at her.


    Gu Ying huffed at him angrily. Then she felt Yu Gu''s fingers on her wrist exert some strength.


    After taking her pulse, Gu Ying looked seriously at Yu Gu. "Yu Gu, I don''t know why I get these headaches?"


    Yu Gu said mildly, "When Madam was pregnant, might you have suffered wind invasion?"


    Gu Ying was speechless. "Yes..."


    Unaware of her pregnancy, she had traveled on the road, traversing mountains and rivers without much care for her body.


    Yu Gu said, "That is the root of the illness. Madam suffered wind cold invasion, allowing wind evils to invade the brain marrow. That naturally causes headaches. Pregnant women are inherently weak. With wind evils entering the body, not only does it affect Madam''s own health but the child in the womb as well. Like this, even if the child is born it will be sickly and frail, needing medicine to nurture its health every year."


    Gu Ying''s brows knitted slightly. She could sense Yu Gu''s displeasure with her, and also feel that Yu Gu did not like the child in her belly.

 Chapter 323: One More Person Is Too Crowded

    <h4>Chapter 323</h4>


    She was about to speak when the Crown Prince spoke up, "Yu Gu, no matter what medicine you use, you must cure Ayin''s headache."


    Yu Gu paused and replied, "Yes."


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix-like eyes deepened with unquestionable coldness. "As for the child, with your excellent medical skills, you will surely find a way to help Ayin. Isn''t that right?"


    The imposing pressure emanating from the man silenced Yu Gu for a moment. She lowered her head and said softly, "I will do my best, Your Highness."


    The Crown Prince spoke, and Gu Ying refrained from saying anything further. However, after Yu Gu finished writing the prescription, she did not leave immediately. Instead, she turned to Gu Ying and said, "Yu Gu has a request that may not be to the liking of Your Highness and the Lady."


    The Crown Prince remained silent, and Gu Ying asked, "What is it?"


    Yu Gu said, "There is an adopted daughter of mine who has been wandering around practicing medicine and helping others. Recently, she had a falling out with her husband''s family and wrote to me, expressing her desire toe to Bianjing and seek shelter with me. I wonder if Your Highness and the Lady could do me a favor and provide a ce for my poor adopted daughter to settle down."


    Gu Ying somehow thought of Shen Ruxu. "Is it Shen Ruxu, Auntie''s adopted daughter?"


    Yu Gu replied calmly, "Indeed."


    Gu Ying felt a slight reluctance. Shen Ruxu had ill intentions and even set her sights on the Crown Prince. Naturally, she didn''t want her toe.


    But seeing Gu Ying''s unwillingness, Yu Gu immediately knelt in front of her.


    "I beg the Lady to consider the fact that Yu Gu once saved Your Highness''s life and allow Xu toe and apany me. After she arrives, I will let her stay in my own courtyard and will not disturb the Lady."


    Gu Ying hurriedly had Yin and Yanzhi help Yu Gu up and pursed her lips. "Auntie, what are you saying? Get up quickly... Back then, it was the Crown Prince who made the decision regarding Miss Shen''s marriage. Now, if Auntie wants Miss Shen to enter the residence, you should also ask for the Crown Prince''s opinion."


    Yu Gu''s gaze paused, then she turned her gaze to Zhao Changdu, who was sitting beside her.


    Gu Ying noticed that Yu Gu''s ice-cold and calm gaze would involuntarily soften whenever she looked at the Crown Prince.


    It was unbelievable that such a cold person could also have moments of tenderness.


    However, the Crown Prince simply put down his silver chopsticks without expression. "I will arrange a residence outside the Duke''s Residence for Shen Ruxu. She can live in that residence."


    Yu Gu''s eyes flickered slightly, but she stared deeply at the Crown Prince''s face, her eyes slightly red. "Your Highness, this old woman has no other requests in this lifetime, she just wants to keep her loved ones by her side..."


    Zhao Changdu raised his gaze and looked at her indifferently. "She has hurt Ayin before, so this person cannot enter Changfeng Pavilion."


    "Your Highness..."


    Zhao Changdu''s face grew colder, and he said in a deep voice, "Yu Gu, you have overstepped."


    With that, he didn''t give Yu Gu a chance to plead and got up to have the evening meal tidied up. He then embraced Gu Ying and returned to their sleeping quarters.


    Gu Ying still had some concerns. Somehow, before leaving, she saw a hint of resentment in Yu Gu''s eyes, which made her feel uneasy. "Adudu, Yu Gu looks quite pitiful. I think I should handle Shen Ruxu''s matter myself."


    Zhao Changdu tightly held the soft hand of the young girl as they strolled back from the corridor to the entrance. Once they reached the doorway, he lifted her up in his arms.


    Gu Ying instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed at his indifferent face, realizing that he didn''t care about Yu Gu''s matters at all.


    Zhao Changdu ced the young girl he was carrying by the bedside and helped her remove her shoes and socks. "Is it worth your concern for an outsider?"


    "I''m not concerned about Shen Ruxu. She''s just someone who wants to take you away. Why should I keep her around? But if we have something to say, we can express it in a more tactful manner, so that she can feel better," Gu Ying replied.


    "You seem to care more about Yu Gu than I do." The man bent down in front of her, with one arm supporting her by the side, while the other hand yfully flicked her rosy nose. His exquisite, slender phoenix eyes were dark and profound.


    "The Changfeng Pavilion belongs only to the two of us. Even one more person would make it crowded, let alone someone like Yu Gu."


    A blush appeared on Gu Ying''s face as she licked her dry lips under the man''s scorching gaze. Her small, trembling hand rested on his broad shoulder as her breath became unsteady. "Our little darling, what about him?"


    Zhao Changdu half crouched down in front of Gu Ying, cupping her flushed face and kissing her lips. "He''s still so young."


    The warm breath prated their mouths, causing Gu Ying''s breathing to quicken. She clung to his neck andined, "Does any prince treat their child like this?"


    The man''s thin lips exuded sexiness. "Am I not treating him well?"


    Gu Ying was captivated by his invasive gaze, her heart beating rapidly. "Little Nianbao has to stay with me all the time."


    "That''s not possible. The little one can''t take the prince''s ce."


    "He won''t." Gu Yingughed as the man teased her, and she took hisrge finger andpared it. "I''ve seen other wives give birth in the camp. When a newborn baby arrives, they''re probably just slightly bigger than your palm, Changdu."


    Zhao Changdu raised his thick, ck eyebrows and let his gaze travel down from her delicate, rosy lips, finally settling on her slightly swollen belly.


    Seeing him deep in thought while staring at her belly, Gu Ying casually ced hisrge hand on her abdomen and smiled. "Changdu, when I''m inbor, will you be by my side?"


    A tender curve formed at the corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth. "I am your husband, and within an inch of each other, I naturally have to be by your side to witness the birth of our child."


    Gu Ying''s heart softened, and she nestled into his arms, feeling much more at ease. "That''s good. With that, I''m not afraid anymore."


    Zhao Changdu held her silently for a while before instructing someone to heat water for her bath.


    As theyy on the bed, he gently lulled her to sleep, but his brows furrowed as he recalled the recent reports from the border.


    ...


    Although the Crown Prince had let go of the matter involving Yu Gu and Shen Ruxu, Gu Ying couldn''t help but keep it in mind. The residence still needed to be arranged¡ªa tranquil courtyard nestled within the bustling city, providing both safety and a medicinal garden, which would be perfect for someone like Shen Ruxu, a single woman.


    Moreover, she couldn''tpletely trust Yu Gu now. After Yu Gu had examined her pulse, she had called in another physician to do the same.


    While Yu Gu indeed possessed exceptional medical skills, there were ailments she couldn''t diagnose, and other physicians were at a loss as well.


    Her persistent headache had yet to find a solution, so she had put it aside and asked the Crown Prince to find the book "Misceneous Medical Treatises" from the Imperial Medical Bureau for her to study on her own.


    The Crown Prince agreed and went to attend the morning court session.


    Just as Gu Ying finished her breakfast and was thinking of going to seek advice from Sun Mammy, she noticed Yu Gu had packed her belongings and was preparing to leave.


    Gu Ying felt a sense of difort. It seemed as if her aunt intended to force her hand by leaving at this moment, without even saying goodbye to the Crown Prince. It was clear she wanted the Crown Prince to think that Gu Ying couldn''t tolerate her presence.


    But Gu Ying had already done everything she could for Yu Gu.

 Chapter 324: To the Son of the World

    <h4>Chapter 324</h4>


    Gu Ying spoke in a gentle and friendly tone, "The residence was arranged by the Crown Prince for Miss Shen. My aunt said that Miss Shen could just move in and live there."


    However, Yu Gu calmly said, "There is no need. I will go out and live with A Xu so that we can take care of each other. My daughter and I will find our own ce to rent. Thank you for your kind intentions, mydy."


    Gu Ying tried to persuade her onest time, "Auntie, are you really leaving?"


    "Yes, I have enjoyed the Crown Prince''s hospitality at the Duke''s Residence for some time now. Now that my poor adopted daughter hase to Bianjing, I have family by my side. Thismoner will not disturb mydy and the Crown Prince anymore." Yu Gu spoke earnestly, and it was evident that she and Shen Ruxu had a deep mother-daughter bond.


    Gu Ying''s attitude also softened, "The Crown Prince said that he would arrange housing in Bianjing for auntie and Miss Shen. Just stay here without worries, auntie. Why leave?"


    Upon hearing this, Yu Gu slowly raised her head, her eyes slightly aloof, and declined again, "There is no need. I cannot afford it." After speaking, she picked up her small bundle and walked out, looking somewhat deste and pitiful from behind.


    Although Gu Ying did not have much affection for her, Yu Gu had stayed at Changfeng Pavilion for such a long time after all, so Gu Ying still felt a little reluctant to part.


    Yin Lan frowned, "Mydy, should we ask her to stay?"


    Gu Ying sighed, the corners of her lips slightly curving up, "No need. Since she wants to leave then let her go. She definitely cannot stay here, but I will talk to the Crown Prince about this. Don''t worry, Yin Lan. Go get some silver for her."


    Yin Lan took a bag of silver from the cab and walked out.


    Yanzhi pouted her lips and said, "This Yu Gu is quite strange. She does not seem close to anyone, yet she has a beloved adopted daughter that she cares so much about that she is leaving the Duke¡¯s Residence. Where can she find a better ce out there?"


    Gu Ying patted the innocent little maid''s head, "Alright, let''s proceed as nned. Go chat with some of the maids around the Cheng residence."


    Yanzhi smiled and said, "Yes, I will go now."


    ...


    After Yu Gu left, the Crown Prince did not say much. He only asked about her address in Bianjing and sent more silver over. That was all, he did not ask further.


    After all, she was just a doctor who had saved his life before. He brought her back from the border and gave her a period of affluent life, which was considered as repaying his life-saving grace. Since she chose to leave the residence, he would not force her to stay either.


    These two days, the atmosphere in Baomo Hall had be strangely oppressive.


    When Gu Ying got up early, she would deliberately go to the Cheng residence to say hello. Her temperament was not as obedient as the formerly abused Huo Qiyun. Naturally, she would not be deferential to Cheng.


    When Huo Qiyan made sarcastic remarks, Gu Ying would retaliate ruthlessly, leaving not only Cheng unable to keep smiling, but also making Huo Qiyan stamp her feet in anger.


    Now that the Crown Prince was promoted and Zhao Changxing had be useless, Cheng found it even harder to deal with Gu Ying in the residence.


    Gu Ying had gone there twice, and Cheng was already struggling to keep smiling. She only stared nkly at Gu Ying¡¯s belly, as it was the legitimate first grandson of the Duke¡¯s Residence.


    She hated Gu Ying in her heart, but had to keep up an amicable smile on the surface and ask warmly about the child in Gu Ying¡¯s belly.


    However, no matter how well Cheng could endure, she was still thinking of ways to upset Gu Ying. And here she had Huo Qiyan by her side, who was Zhao Rou¡¯s daughter. Cheng had to make use of her no matter what.


    Thinking of this, Cheng smiled and said, "A Ying is nearly four months pregnant. How can she still share a room with A Du every day? This is not good for the child. Many women miscarry this way. It''s too dangerous."


    Cheng expressed her fake concern, and Gu Ying also reciprocated with fake gratitude, "Mother''s teaching is right. A Ying understands now."


    She understood, yet she did not change her ways, still smiling gently and virtuously so that no one could find any fault.


    Cheng and Huo Qiyan looked at each other.


    Huo Qiyan angrily twisted her handkerchief, her lips pursed tightly, and sarcastically scolded, "Sister-inw, aren''t you being too ignorant? Even when auntie has said so, you still pretend not to understand?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyelids innocently and asked, "I do not know what other teachings little sister Huo has for me?"


    Huo Qiyan had wanted Cheng to bring this up, but seeing Cheng''s nomittal attitude of not wanting to step up, she decided not to waste her breath with Gu Ying. She directly said, "Which respectable family in Bianjing does not have the rule of the principal wife properly serving the master? Yet sister-inw wants to be the exception?"


    Gu Ying did not feel like she had done anything wrong at all. She smiled, "Where did little sister Huo get this idea? In what way have I neglected my husband?"


    Huo Qiyan blushed and said, "You... you are pregnant and can no longer... service cousin. ording to the rules of respectable families, as the principal wife you should bring in some concubines for cousin, otherwise, do you expect cousin to... abstain with a pregnant woman like you who... who can''t do anything for so many months?"


    Some words were not meant toe out from the mouth of an unmarried youngdy like her.


    She flushed red, unable to continue.


    Cheng took over with the air of a kind mother, teaching Gu Ying patiently with the stance of one who had been there before, "A Ying, you did handle this matter improperly as a wife. No matter what, you need to care more about your husband¡¯s needs. A Du is young and vigorous. With you pregnant now, it is best for the couple to sleep separately. Even if you don''t want to bring in a concubine for A Du from outside, you should pick a few presentable girls with good figures from within the residence to serve A Du, right? Otherwise, rumors will spread outside that you are unreasonably jealous and narrow-minded, which will be detrimental to you and A Du''s reputation."


    Gu Ying smiled faintly. Cheng knew that she was unwilling to bring in concubines for Zhao Changdu, so she sighed and said ruefully, ¡°Besides, there are already too few offspring left in our Duke¡¯s Residence. Changxing is useless, and A Du spent years defending the border. He may have to be sent to guard the frontier again in the future, being away from home for years. If he does not leave more descendants for the Zhao family, it would be considered unfilial. Even if Grandpa Duke knows about this, he will be angry."


    Gu Ying stroked her belly, smiling more and more gently and amiably, and sarcastically said, "Mother is perfectly right, that''s why I must give birth to a legitimate eldest son for the Crown Prince this time to fulfill his filial duty to the Zhao family on his behalf."


    Cheng showed an almost imperceptible cold sneer as Gu Ying remained unaffected. Anger was evident in Cheng¡¯s eyes.


    Huo Qiyan was even more irritated by Gu Ying''s shamelessness and ignorance. She smiled derisively and ridiculed Gu Ying some more.


    Cheng, on the other hand, yed the nice guy, chiming in to smooth things over, though her words betrayed her intentions. She smiled and offered, "A Ying, do you have any concerns? Or should mother help pick a few sensible and thoughtful ones for you?"

 Chapter 325: Get Something

    <h4>Chapter 325</h4>


    Gu Ying smiled gently, "Mother, you don''t know, Changfeng Pavilion has never been under my control. All big and small matters are personally handled by the Eldest Prince. Mother and sister Yin''er''s suggestion today is very good. I also want to take in more women with good backgrounds to continue the Zhao family line. But mother, you''d better discuss this matter personally with the Eldest Prince. As long as it''s settled, whatever kind of woman, I can ept."


    Cheng''s mouth twitched as she forced a smile. If she could persuade Zhao Changdu, would she still need to work on her?


    The matter of taking in a concubine was temporarily put aside. Gu Ying smiled gently and bid farewell after bowing.


    When Huo Qiyan came out of Baomo Hall, she was rather restless. She had been living in the Duke''s Residence for so long, yet hadn''t seen Cousin Prince.


    Gu Ying was even more arrogant, monopolizing Cousin at Changfeng Pavilion and refusing to let go. Let alone bing a proper wife, even as a concubine, Gu Ying would not agree.


    Seeing her mistress unhappy, Cui Yu was also annoyed. "Now she''s pregnant again. Even Uncle who dislikes her has sent people to deliver her many supplements. Miss, why don''t we go back to the Huo family residence and ask Madam to think of something? After all, Madam is the Prince''s aunt. If the Prince doesn''t listen to Cheng, he would at least listen to his aunt right?"


    Huo Qiyan scoffed coldly, "Where does uncle care for her? He clearly cares for the child in her belly. That child is the Eldest Prince''s proper first born grandson after all. No matter what, Uncle would still dote and love him."


    Cui Yu coaxed, "She''s relying on her son''s nobility. Miss, don''t get angry, be careful of hurting your health."


    "How can I not be angry?" Huo Qiyan narrowed her eyes, feeling even more wronged, "Now that she''s pregnant, Cousin would definitely care more for her. But me, he wouldn''t even look at me..."


    Mother said to wait a few more months. She had a way to make it so Gu Ying doesn''t give birth.


    But now she couldn''t stand looking at Gu Ying walking around with a bulging belly every day. It only made her angrier and more jealous. Why did such a bright and outstanding person like the Eldest Prince Cousin have to be so intimate with a vulgar direct daughter of the Gu Family... even letting her bear his child, wasn''t that pping her, a young nobledy''s face?


    "Miss, this servant thinks, why don''t you send Young Master more things to catch his eye?"


    "Of course I know that." Huo Qiyan irritably twisted her handkerchief, suddenly recalling what Eldest Sister said at the winter hunting grounds. It was the young miss of the Gu Family who relied on some drug to get intimate with Master Jiang, andter the two were married.


    At the time when she heard this, she only felt the Gu Family was vulgar and disgusting, to seduce a man, even forsaking face and morals.


    But thinking about it now, that drug... might not necessarily be a bad thing.


    Moreover, Gu Ying was also from the Gu Family to begin with. It''s possible she relied on such indecent means to seduce Cousin...


    She struggled internally for a while, face flushed as she instructed Cui Yu, "Cui Yu, go get me some things..."


    That afternoon, Cui Yu hurriedly left the Duke''s Residence in a flustered state.


    ...


    That night, Gu Ying was sitting in the study room researching the Misceneous Medical Treatise that the Eldest Prince brought back from the Imperial Medical Bureau.


    Sure enough, it was the book she had seen in Jiang Yin''s study room in her previous life. Unfortunately, she hadn''t read it before. Now opening it up for the first time, she felt... she didn''t know which expert wrote this book, but the medical forms in here were unheard of and unseen.


    For example, "Bone Piercing Fragrance", "Snow Jade White", "Cinnabar Point", and other poisons she had never heard of.


    She looked through it carefully for poison that could cause headaches, but didn''t find any. She only saw that there was a kind of Gu poison from the Southern Border called Lovesick Thin that could silently creep into one''s veins and prate into one''s marrow sea after entering the body, causing damage to one''s mind. At the beginning there would gradually be headaches, but in theter stages it would slowly cause the poisoned person to lose consciousness and return to purity and innocence, allowing others to manipte them however they want.


    In other words, it could turn a person into a mindless child of a few years old.


    Reading this, her heart tightened. But thinking that she had been having headaches for a few months already yet her mind was still clear, she dismissed that preposterous idea again.


    After all, for Jiang Yin to poison her, he would need to be able to get close to her. She was confident that she rarely interacted with him much since her rebirth.


    It wouldn''t be that easy for him to poison her.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath and calmed down a bit. Just as she put the book scroll down, she saw Yin Lan lift the curtain and hurry in, worried, "Mistress, the Eldest Prince has just returned and was summoned by the Duke to the study. He still hasn''te out until now."


    In his daily life, Duke Zhao lived at Qingyun Elegant Building. He only went to Baomo Hall when doting on Cheng. Most of the time he lived alone.


    Come to think of it, Qingyun Elegant Building was where he lived after marrying Mrs. Lin. Even after Mrs Lin''s suicide, he didn''t move out.


    Therefore, the study, Moyun Pavilion, he always used was also once used by Mrs. Lin.


    The rtionship between the Eldest Prince and Duke was strained. Unless they met at Zhengde Pavilion, father and son rarely met at Moyun Pavilion.


    Why tonight? For the Duke to take the initiative to summon the Eldest Prince to Moyun Pavilion?


    Gu Ying looked up, "Was it someone from beside the Duke who came to summon him?"


    Yin Lan said, "It was the housekeeper, Zhao Sheng."


    Gu Ying paused, "Zhao Sheng is loyal to the old Duke. He''s always been loyal to the Eldest Prince. He shouldn''t be a problem."


    Yin Lan''s eyes flickered. Suddenly recalling, "That''s right Mistress. This afternoon, Cui Yu who serves Miss Huo personally went out once saying she was going out to buy rouge and jewelry. Miss Huo often sends people out to shop so at first I didn''t take particr notice. But now thinking about it, it was Cui Yu''s first time going out personally to buy things. She also came back rather quickly looking flustered."


    Gu Ying frowned. Feeling that something wasn''t right. She got off the chaise, put on her shoes, and supported by Yin Lan hurriedly walked out, "I''ll go take a look."


    "Be careful of the child in your womb!"


    "Can''t consider so much now!"


    ...


    Moyun Pavilion


    Gentle and breezy, window shutters tightly closed.


    The servants and maids in the corridor had been sent away.


    When Zhao Changdu entered, the study was empty. The master''smonly read Four Books and Five ssics, imperial bestowed brush cleaner, and priceless precious inkstone were neatly arranged on top of the desk. On the luohan couch below the southern window was a beast-headed Boshan Brazier, with faint wisps of a subtle aquatic fragrance lingering about.


    On the wall hung a painting of a beauty.


    Zhao Changdu only nced at it once before mockingly raising the corner of his mouth. "He called me here, what does he want to say?"


    Behind him, Zhao Sheng respectfully carried in the hot tea sent by the maids and set it on the small rosewood table, "The Eldest Prince wait a moment, the Duke will be here soon."


    Zhao Changdu sat down as he pulled hispel open. Raising his eyes, he could see his mother''s portrait.


    The more he looked, the more mocking his smile became.

 Chapter 326: Huo Qi Tobacco is Wasted

    <h4>Chapter 326</h4>


    Many years had passed, yet Zhao Hui still lived in Moyun Pavilion instead of moving out of Qingyun Yazhu, and kept Moyun Pavilion hanging his mother''s portrait. No one knew what exactly Zhao Hui was trying to do.


    What was it? Back then, he raised a concubine behind his mother''s back and forcibly brought his illegitimate eldest son into the mansion against all opposition, yet he still wanted to pretend to be a sentimental gentleman in front of them?


    Didn''t he feel ridiculous about himself?


    Zhao Changdu seldom came to Moyun Pavilion, as he found the father Zhao Hui disgusting to the utmost. Zhao Hui knew that he had let his mother down, so he would never actively ask him toe either. Today, he asked him toe, and no one knew what medicine was sold in the gourd.


    Sitting expressionlessly on the chair, he waited for a long time without Zhao Huiing. Lowering his eyes to look at the teacup by his side, the hot tea had already cooled down, and still no one came in from the outside. He lowered his long eyshes to hide the deep hatred in his eyes, picked up the teacup and drank all the cold tea in it.


    After a stick of incense, a smoky purple figure floated gracefully into the study.


    ...


    "Eldest young mistress, our mistress wants you to go to Baomo Hall."


    On the way from Changfeng Pavilion to Moyun Pavilion, Gu Ying and her maids Yin Lan and Yan Zhi were stopped by Cheng''s maids.


    Gu Ying looked up at the sky. The cold moon was hanging on the treetops. Cheng was asking her toe at this time?


    "What does my mother want from me at this time?"


    The maid lowered her head and blocked Gu Ying, gently saying, "I don''t know either, but it would be better for the eldest young mistress to go with me."


    Gu Ying frowned. She pushed her away and said, "I will go to Baomo Hallter, but I have no time now. Go back and report to my mother."


    The maid panicked and refused to give way despite her strength.


    Gu Ying was already worried about the Crown Prince and running out of patience. She immediately took a step back and let Yin Lan and Yan Zhi catch Cheng¡¯s maid while she walked hurriedly to Moyun Pavilion.


    Stroking her belly, she walked quickly and anxiously, feeling restless in her heart, not knowing what would happen, but she just couldn''t calm down.


    This was the first time she had defied her elder in such a way, let alone kicking open the door of her elder''s study without permission. But when she saw Huo Qiyan kneeling in front of the Crown Prince with her clothes half taken off, disheveled hair, and weeping like a pear blossom in rain, she still stiffened and almost lost her bnce. "What is this... What happened?"


    Her lips moved as she stared closely at Huo Qiyan''s smooth back, and saw the sporadic red marks on her corbone. Her chest suddenly burned inexplicably.


    "Ying."


    Zhao Changdu saw Gu Ying first and walked towards her.


    But Huo Qiyan suddenly hugged his leg and cried, "Cousin, you can''t abandon me like this afterwards... Otherwise... I won''t be able to face anyone... If my uncle and aunt find out about this, how can I live on?"


    Zhao Changdu looked disgusted and furious enough to kill someone. Just as he was about to kick her away, he saw her crawling up in a panic and kneeling in front of the young mistress, grabbing her skirt and begging in tears, "Sister-inw... I beg you... Please give me a way to live..."


    But before Gu Ying could react, the servants who got the news quickly surrounded Moyun Pavilion withnterns, making the pavilion as bright as daylight. Zhao Hui and Cheng also appeared at the door somehow, and the two elders stood at the door, only to see the chaos and mess in the study.


    What was even more suggestive was that there were torn women''s clothes on the bed and chairs.


    Cheng was also stunned for a moment, screaming in shock, and hurriedly asked people to take the servants away. Under Zhao Changdu''s murderous eyes, she quickly pulled Huo Qiyan up from the ground and hugged her, sternly saying, "What happened to you, girl... How did this happen? Come on, someonee, hurry up and get her some clothes! A good youngdy from a respectable family actually got vited like this..."


    As she spoke, she red at Zhao Changdu.


    "Aunt... you have to stand up for me... I miss my mother... Aunt... please help me..." Huo Qiyan cried harder, snuggling in Cheng''s arms, her cries bing more and more aggrieved.


    Everything was in chaos, Cheng was being sarcastic, Zhao Hui was angry and reprimanding, and the servants were gossiping.


    In such a chaotic scene, Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows were slightly furrowed. He took a few big steps to Gu Ying, grasped her icy little hand, and said heavily, "Ying, listen to me."


    In the chaotic dim light, Gu Ying''s fingers curled slightly. She slowly raised her eyes to look at the man standing in front of her, dazed and distracted for a moment, and her head started hurting again, pulsing at her temples.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were pitch ck. He exerted some strength with his fingers, his voice low and hoarse. "I didn''t touch her."


    The two looked into each other''s eyes. Gu Ying narrowed her eyes, quickly calmed down, and nodded slightly, holding his hand back.


    Before she could speak, Cheng had anxiously asked someone to invite Zhao Rou to the mansion. In other people''s home, they were afraid of not covering up things like this tightly enough, but Cheng made such a big fuss as if fearing that others didn''t know that such an ugly thing had happened in the Duke''s mansion.


    Soon, the Huo family''s carriage stopped at the side door of the Duke''s mansion, and several elders sat scowling in the study to discuss the matter between the Crown Prince and Huo Qiyan.


    Huo Qiyan cried bitterly, clutching a cloak around her, disheveled, and snuggled in Zhao Rou''s arms struggling between life and death.


    Cheng spoke nicely to persuade each side, mediating between Zhao Rou and Zhao Hui. She didn''t want to offend either side, but she also wanted to take this opportunity to confirm what was going on between Huo Qiyan and Zhao Changdu.


    In the not too small study room, each elder had their own hidden agenda.


    Zhao Rou only had one request, "Since Qiyan''s reputation is ruined, I only have one demand, which is that Adu will marry her."


    She said this to Gu Ying. The word "marry" was different from "taking a concubine". She wanted Gu Ying to know that her daughter could not be a concubine, but must enter the Duke''s mansion as a legal wife, otherwise she would make this matter known to the prefectural government of Bianjing, and let the whole world know that Qiyan''s cousin the Crown Prince had assaulted her.


    Gu Ying sat upright on the rosewood chair with the Crown Prince frowning beside her.


    Hearing Zhao Rou''s words, Gu Ying slowly raised a smile in the extremely quiet atmosphere, "Aunt, I''m afraid this matter is inappropriate."


    "Why is it inappropriate?" Zhao Rou sneered, staring closely at Gu Ying''s face, "My daughter has lost her chastity. Do you want her life?"


    Gu Ying quickly sorted out this matter in her mind and smiled, "Aunt is overreacting. Why would I want sister Qiyan''s life? I just feel that this matter concerns the reputation of the Crown Prince and sister Qiyan, so we need to be more cautious when dealing with it, otherwise the rumors spread out would be embarrassing for our Duke''s mansion. The glory of the Duke''s mansion was fought back by grandfather and the Crown Prince on the battlefield with their lives. As their descendants, we should guard this glory instead of messing it up ourselves. Don''t you think so, Aunt?"


    Her words sounded fair and unquestionable.


    Zhao Rou''s face stiffened slightly, and the corner of her mouth raised a faint ridicule. "Then how do you want to deal with it?"

 Chapter 327: Let the Prince be Responsible

    <h4>Chapter 327</h4>


    Gu Ying said calmly, "I want someone to examine Huo Qiyan''s body."


    Cheng was shocked, her lips opening and closing swiftly, having to admire Gu Ying''s courage for daring to nder Zhao Rou''s only daughter right in front of her.


    "Gu Ying, you¡ª" Zhao Rou said indignantly, "How dare you insult my daughter like this? Du, you''re not saying anything either, just letting an outsider bully your sister!"


    Zhao Rou was angry, so her brother Zhao Hui naturally did not say much. The atmosphere in the study froze for a moment.


    After all, examining a youngdy''s body, no matter if she turns out to be chaste or not, is an extreme humiliation.


    Huo Qiyan''s lips tightened, and the hatred in her eyes for Gu Ying deepened.


    Gu Ying showed no fear, a calm smile constantly on her face.


    Zhao Changdu gave a coldugh, terrifying anger gathering on his sharp, distinguished face, "I said I didn''t touch her, also, Ying is not an outsider."


    Zhao Rou choked, "You said you didn''t touch her, so where did these marks on Qiyan''s bodye from?"


    Huo Qiyan looked at her with watery eyes.


    Zhao Changdu furrowed his brows irritably, his eyes darkening slightly, his tone icy cold, "Since Aunt is so stubborn about this, then as Ying suggested, get two experienced midwives who are registered to examine her body."


    Having listened for a while, Gu Ying already understood what had happened and naturally knew what Huo Qiyan was up to. No matter if Du had touched her or not, as long as Qiyan pretended today to confirm what happened, Du as a man would have no way to defend himself and could only swallow this insult and marry her into Changfeng Pavilion.


    It was a pity that she had met Zhao Changdu instead of another man.


    Seeing the displeasure and irritation on the Prince''s face, she also revealed an appropriate, gracious smile, "As long as it is proven that sister Qiyan has lost her purity, I will take charge and marry her into the household on behalf of the Prince."


    Her words fell, and everyone in the room reacted differently.


    Zhao Changdu slightly turned his handsome face and looked at the smiling girl by his side, his gaze turning icy cold inch by inch.


    Gu Ying did not notice the man''s displeasure. She already had a foolproof idea in her heart to get rid of Huo Qiyan once and for all, eliminating any lingering trouble.


    She signaled to Yin Lan, and Yin Lan quietly withdrew.


    The tense atmosphere in the study persisted for a long time. Huo Qiyan refused to be examined, Gu Ying refused to back down and marry her, and the Prince certainly would not take her as a concubine.


    Huo Qiyan cried and shrieked again, hugging a pir, threatening to smash her head in front of everyone.


    The servant girls and midwives scrambled over to grab her. Zhao Rou tearfully pleaded with her, Cheng tried to persuade both Huo Qiyan and Gu Ying. The room was in chaos, simply unbing of a prestigious household honored for hundreds of years.


    Seeing the coldness and impatience in the Prince''s eyes, Gu Ying reached out and grabbed his arm, shaking her head. Then she stood up.


    "Everyone let go of sister Qiyan. I can prove that the Prince has never touched her."


    The noisy crying and shouting stopped abruptly, and all eyes turned to look at her.


    Gu Ying calmly said, "This afternoon, sister Qiyan sent someone to deliver a box of red bean cakes to Changfeng Pavilion because I have to be more careful with food due to my pregnancy. So I had Yin Lan take the cakes to a doctor for inspection. Yin Lan has just returned with the cakes."


    She turned to Yin Lan who had entered the study holding the food box, "Yin Lan, tell everyone what the doctor said."


    Yin Lan put the box on the small table and opened it to reveal several red bean cakes inside. She said gravely, "The doctor said this food contains miscarriage-inducing medicine."


    The room fell awkwardly silent at this.


    Huo Qiyan angrily retorted, "I didn''t! I didn''t send you any red bean cakes at all!"


    Gu Ying pointed at the box with the cakes, "Fuhua Pavilion''s container, Fuhua Pavilion''s tter, what more does sister Qiyan have to argue?"


    Huo Qiyan panicked, especially when she met Zhao Changdu''s gloomy, bone-chilling gaze. She trembled uncontrobly and copsed into Zhao Rou''s arms, "I don''t know where you got Fuhua Pavilion''s container and tter, but I didn''t...I really didn''t. She''s framing me. Mother, she''s falsely using me!"


    Zhao Rou''s face darkened as she held Huo Qiyan, "Gu Ying, what exactly are you plotting? We''re not talking about miscarriage medicine now. We''re talking about Du''s responsibility to Qiyan."


    Gu Ying neither humble nor pushy, said, "Aunt, please see clearly. When I first came in, I noticed an empty teacup in father''s study."


    She picked up the teacup by the Prince''s hand and sniffed it, "There is a smell of polygonum multiflorum in here. Plus none of the maids from Moyun Pavilion were here to serve this afternoon, only Qiyan who neveres to father''s study made a special trip. Ying boldly deduces that this aphrodisiac was carefully nned and administered by Qiyan to the Prince. If she could drug the Prince with an aphrodisiac, why wouldn''t she give me abortion medicine?"


    She smiled again, "After all, neither are substantiated ims. I said she administered drugs, Aunt said she didn''t. Arguing like this for ten days or half a month will get us nowhere."


    Before Zhao Rou could retort, she turned her head and looked at the Prince gently, "Du, since sister Qiyan has alreadymitted two major offenses in the Duke''s estate, and Aunt stubbornly presses the issue, why don''t we just throw away our reputation and let Master Hai at the Kaifeng government office handle this? I believe when the timees, the clear-sighted Master Hai will make his own judgment on whether or not sister Qiyan is chaste."


    Zhao Changdu lifted his eyes and steadily watched the little girl standing by his side. His scalding breath swished up and down his throat. After a long pause, he slowly said, "Fine."


    With the Prince''s support, Gu Ying did not fear Zhao Rou''s unreasonableness.


    She immediately called for people, "Come, prepare the carriages and horses. I''m going personally to the Kaifeng government office to report this."


    Zhao Rou was furious, nearly losing herdylikeposure. "No...you''re not allowed to go!"


    She tried to push Gu Ying.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes dangerously narrowed. He pulled Gu Ying into his arms to avoid Zhao Rou''s shoving.

 Chapter 328: The Tea, I Drank it.

    <h4>Chapter 328</h4>


    "Huai An!"


    "My lord!"


    Zhao Changdu no longer showed mercy, casting an indifferent nce at Zhao Rou with eyes as dark as the abyss, cold and remote, "You are responsible for taking care of this matter."


    Huai An arrogantly rested his chin on the hilt of his sword as he closed in on Huo Qiyan, "Mydy, pleasee with me."


    Zhao Rou gave a cold snort, pulled Huo Qiyan up and angrily said, "Since the Zhao family can no longer amodate my Huo Qiyan, then we shall leave this ce tonight, and stop being bothered by your Zhao family''s ipetence!"


    After saying that, she sloppily pulled Huo Qiyan out. Cheng, the hypocrite, hurriedly chased after them, "Miss Zhao, please wait for me...calm down..."


    The absurd farce finally came to an end.


    Gu Ying heaved a slight sigh of relief. The trays and porcin tes from the Floating Flower Pavilion had been prepared by her long ago to deal with Huo Qiyan. She didn''t expect they woulde in handy today to finally get rid of that annoying madame Huo and bring some peace and quiet back to the Duke''s estate.


    She made a blessing gesture towards Zhao Hui who was still in the study, the smile at the corner of her mouth disappearing somewhat, "Father, let us take our leave."


    Zhao Hui didn''t say anything, just sat there with an awkward expression on his stiff face, waved his hand embarrassedly.


    Zhao Changdu gave him a deep look without saying a word, then left the Ink Rhyme Pavilion, his face icy cold.


    The two of them walked side by side on the way back to Changfeng Lodge, Yin Lan and Yanzhi following far behind holdingnterns, the moonlight clear and cold, scattering frost-like over the path.


    The Duke¡¯s estate was unusually quiet tonight, and her hand had been in theforting warmth of the Heir Apparent¡¯s the entire time.


    The Heir Apparent had been silent the whole way. Gu Ying knew he must be very disappointed with the Duke right now. Huo Qiyan was normally not allowed anywhere near the Heir Apparent, let alone drugging him. Even taking a few steps closer would get blocked by Huai An.


    Yet today, for Huo Qiyan¡¯s sake, the Duke made use of the Ink Rhyme Pavilion to lure the Heir Apparent into danger, and told Steward Zhao to invite the Heir Apparent to the study. That tea he drank must have been personally delivered by the housekeeper.


    The Heir Apparent had always trusted Steward Zhao, which was why he lingered in the study for so long and...allowed Huo Qiyan to...


    Thinking of this, her throat tightened slightly, and her heart felt stifled, making her stop in her tracks.


    Those marks on Huo Qiyan¡¯s body... She wondered who did that to her and whether the Heir Apparent, whose clothes were neat and eyes clear, had touched Huo Qiyan or not.


    "Are you tired?"


    His deep baritone voice came from over her head. Gu Ying regained herposure and looked up at the outline of the man''s handsome features in the dim light. She smiled, "I''m fine."


    Seeing her blushed cheeks and slightly panting, Zhao Changdu felt distressed and picked her up, "You ran so hurriedly, aren''t you afraid of hurting our baby?"


    Not wanting him to worry, Gu Ying put her arm around his neck, snuggling softly against him, rubbing affectionately, "Don''t worry, our baby will be a good child and stay quietly in mommy''s tummy without making a fuss."


    A stream of warmth flowed through Zhao Changdu¡¯s heart. The corners of his mouth slowly turned up, "Does your stomach hurt?"


    Gu Ying said, "No."


    Zhao Changdu muttered an "Mm," and carried her into the yard of Changfeng Lodge. Elegant pcenterns hung under the eaves. Yin Lan and Yanzhi saw them this far before tactfully leaving them alone.


    Only the husband and wife remained in the room.


    Gu Ying noticed the Heir Apparent was a little different tonight. He was very quiet, sitting down after putting her on the couch, silently lowering his eyes. His chiseled side profile shone brightly in the candlelight, but his eyes were lonely and deste, making people feel uneasy.


    Gu Ying hugged him almost instinctively. He had a heroic and majestic build, his ck robe giving off an aloof and remote aura.


    She put her arms around his slender yet strong waist, ¡°Changdu, what¡¯s wrong? You can tell me anything. I¡¯m your wife and will always be by your side, helping you solve problems and relieve your worries.¡±


    After a long silence, Zhao Changdu gave a self-deprecatingugh, ¡°I drank that tea.¡±


    Just a few in words, yet full of suppressed anguish.


    Gu Ying looked up at the man¡¯s smooth jawline, feeling a sharp pain in her heart. She said hoarsely, "I know."


    Zhao Changdu sneered, ¡°I just wanted to know if he really sees me as his son, whether he would put me in danger, but obviously, I overestimated him.¡±


    The man was clearly smiling, yet his eyes were filled with raging pain.


    Gu Ying gently stroked his tall nose bridge, eyes curvingfortingly. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Changdu. You still have me and our baby.¡±


    Zhao Changdu chuckled softly. His big hand held hers as his voice grew even deeper, ¡°That¡¯s right, I still have you.¡±


    She had been like a bright beam of light shining into his seemingly bottomless life since she was a child, pulling him back from the deadly dark night. And now, she was still by his side, never leaving.


    He suppressed the lingering bitterness and disappointment in his heart, and drew her into his arms, resting his chin on the crown of her head. His dark phoenix eyes shed deeply, ¡°Don¡¯t worry Ying, I didn''t touch her. Those marks on her body were made by herself. I just stood there watching her act crazy. It was only disgusting with no interest at all. I was about to leave when you arrived.¡±


    Gu Ying said, ¡°I believe you.¡±


    Zhao Changdu said gently, ¡°Do you know how much I wanted to hold you when I saw you rush over anxiously?¡±


    Gu Ying''s face flushed slightly, ¡°Hold me to do what?¡±


    Zhao Changdu said solemnly, "Only by holding you can my heart be at ease."


    "Oh my..." Being loved and cherished like this, having a man dere his feelings for her so tantly, was still a first time urrence in this life and previous life. Gu Ying recalled her lonely past in herst life being neglected by Jiang Yin and felt bashful with warmth flooding her heart. Not knowing how to reciprocate his feelings, she looked up and smiled, ¡°Then...hold me for a bit longer?¡±


    Zhao Changdu¡¯s voice was somewhat hoarse. ¡°dly.¡±


    Gu Ying stayed in his arms for a while, then felt puzzled again. Looking up, she saw churning mes of heat in the man''s intense, jet-ck pupils and asked worriedly, "But what about the drug? Changdu, do you feel any difort?"


    From the time she received the news to when she rushed to the Ink Rhyme Pavilion, there were also dys caused by Cheng blocking her way. He actually managed to suppress the effects of the drugpletely and appeared nonchnt, sitting calmly in the study room interacting with Zhao Rou andpany.


    This man¡¯s self-control...was simply too terrifying.


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curved slightly. His scorching fingers caressed the girl''s soft waist as he held her in his arms, "It''s fine. Just amon Aphrodisiac Concoction."


    Despite his words, the mes of desire in the man''s eyes were like a whirlpool.


    Gu Ying felt his tightening embrace growing hotter by the second under his burning gaze, "Anyway, it''s still a drug. We need to think of a way to get the toxins out of your systempletely...right?"


    "Yes, we do." He moved closer to the girl, breathing lightly next to her ear.

 Chapter 329: Why did you marry Huo Qi Yan

    <h4>Chapter 329</h4>


    The unique and alluring fragrance of a man enveloped Gu Ying, causing her ears to instantly grow hot and her whole body to be weak and pliant. Her hands instinctively wrapped around his waist.


    Despite the prince''s slender figure, only Gu Ying knew the true strength and solidity concealed beneath his luxurious attire. He exuded a strong masculine aura, especially in his powerful waist, which she knew could be steady and fierce when necessary.


    Her mind was muddled, her ears burning with heat, and all she could think about was how to detoxify him.


    Zhao Changdu chuckled softly, lowering his head to find her face.


    Their passionate kiss left her bewildered and breathless.


    Just as they were about to reach a crucial moment, he suddenly pulled away and looked down at her flushed face from above. "I''m going to take a bath. I''lle back to apany you, Ah Ying."


    Gu Ying stared nkly with her moist eyes, gazing at the tall figure of the man as he rose from her.


    With a brief nce, she noticed his long, slender legs and a certain prominent part that was poised and eager.


    He had clearly endured torment already.


    But even so, he dared to leave her, an antidote that could save him, and went to take a cold shower in the inner chamber!


    Gu Ying''s heart raced, still immersed in the afterglow of their intimate moments. She sank into the soft bedding, shyly hugging the quilt as she rolled into therge bed.


    The prince was no longer in sight, but the sound of running water in the inner chamber disturbed the tranquility.


    She wanted to calm herself down, but her mind was far from pure, filled with his confident and satisfied appearance before he left.


    To be honest... Zhao Changdu had an unparalleled physique. How did she end up with Jiang Yin, that wretched scoundrel, in her previous life?


    With these thoughts, Gu Ying''s face remained flushed, not a trace of the warmth dissipating.


    When the prince returned in his inner garment, shey on her side, still awake.


    "Ah Du, do you think Auntie wille and trouble us again?"


    "She wouldn''t dare."


    "But Huo Qiyan is her only daughter."


    Zhao Changdu stood by the table, lighting a calming incense. The match ignited with a flick of his long fingers, and in the flickering firelight, the man was breathtakingly beautiful. "If this matter is exposed, her daughter will be the biggest victim."


    Gu Ying fell silent. In this world, women were truly treated unfairly. Although she despised Huo Qiyan, she knew deep down that Zhao Rou wouldn''t dare to escte this matter. With that in mind, she put her worries to rest. After all, the prince would never marry Huo Qiyan.


    She was just a little puzzled. The prince seemed to have never liked Huo Qiyan, so why did he marry her in their previous life?


    He was not the kind of person who could be forced into anything.


    "Ah Du..." she hesitated, "that... I mean, hypothetically speaking..."


    Zhao Changdu extinguished the me, covered the incense burner, and leisurely walked to the edge of the canopy bed. He looked down at her with lowered eyes, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    The young girl''s hair was as ck as ink, smooth as silk. She sat obediently in the bed, her cheeks tinged with an alluring blush. Her fair skin was as white as snow, resembling a blossoming peach flower in early spring.


    "Go on," he sat down, patiently urging her.


    Gu Ying cast a scrutinizing gaze at the man before her, blinking her eyes. Judging by the appearance of the Crown Prince, it seemed that the "Hehuan San" (a fictional medicine in the novel) had no effect on him. His internal strength was profound, and his martial arts skills were formidable. Even if he were to consume the most potent Hehuan San, it probably wouldn''t stay in his body for long. In that case, regardless of their past lives or the present one, why did he not utilize his internal strength to expel the poison when Princess Yueyan drugged him in the pce? Instead, he... came to find her?


    Curiosity welled up within Gu Ying. "Adu, if I hadn''t married you, which noblewoman in Bianjing would you have taken as your wife?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes subtly changed. "Why do you ask such a question?"


    Gu Ying forced a smile. "I''m just saying ''what if.'' It''s purely hypothetical."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze turned cold, and he spoke in a frigid tone, "There are no ''what ifs.''"


    Gu Ying held onto his hand, soothing the aura of hostility emanating from him. "But even without me, Adu would still marry and have children."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression soured, and he reached out to pinch her soft cheek. "There are no ''what ifs,'' and it''s impossible for there to be no you. All these hypothetical scenarios do not exist. Alright, stop daydreaming and rest early. The midwife said that pregnant women should sleep early for the well-being of the baby in their womb. In the future, the child won''t disturb their mother in the middle of the night."


    Gu Ying felt a pang of mncholy at his words. The Crown Prince had not been reborn, so he naturally had no knowledge that she had lived for over twenty years in a world without him in her previous life.


    Now, she couldn''t imagine whom she would marry or what kind of life she would lead if she didn''t have the Crown Prince.


    The memories of her past life gradually faded away in her mind, resembling a dream. The past was already gone, and she should focus on the present and apany the Crown Prince towards the future.


    It was about time she forgot about all this unnecessary turmoil.


    Gu Ying curved her lips andy down, saying, "Alright, let''s sleep."


    Zhao Changdu got into bed and pulled the covers over them, embracing her from behind.


    Feeling the familiar scent emanating from him and leaning against his resolute chest, Gu Ying closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.


    ...


    That night, Zhao Changdu had an unusually bizarre and absurd dream.


    In the dream, he woke up from the wedding bed, dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown, surrounded by jubnt red silk ribbons.


    It was still his chamber in Longfeng Pavilion, and the room was quiet, with the dragon and phoenix candles crackling and burning.


    Sitting by the bedside was a youngdy in bridal attire, her head covered with a red veil.


    He felt utterly powerless, unable to move, and struggled to open his eyes and look at her. With a hoarse voice, he called out, "Aying."


    At that moment, the woman slowly lifted the veil, revealing a delicate and radiant face.


    Her face was heavily made up, and she smiled, slightly leaning forward. "Cousin, I can finally marry you..."


    Upon reaching this point in the dream, his heart jolted, and he abruptly woke up.


    The room was dimly lit, with a simplemp burning by the bedside. In the gentle glow of themp, the young girl in his embrace slept peacefully, nestled obediently against him.


    Hisrge hand reached down and gently caressed her slightly swollen belly, feeling the rhythm of her breathing. His restless heart finally calmed down.


    A sliver of moonlight seeped through a crack in the window, casting a cold, starry glow inside the room.


    He closed his eyes, feeling a cold sweat forming on his back. He couldn''t understand why he would dream of marrying the woman in his dream, Huo Qiyan.


    There was absolutely no way he would marry Huo Qiyan. Fortunately, it was just a dream.


    Zhao Changdu took a cold shower and returned to watch the sleeping girl for a while before finally falling asleep himself.


    ...


    Since Huo Qiyan had been taken away by Zhao Rou...


    Gu Ying knew very well that Cheng''s feigned calmness wouldn''tst long. She skipped the morning gatherings twice, choosing to stay in Changfeng Pavilion, calmly waiting by Sun Mammy''s side.


    Cheng grew more and more irritable, smashing tes and bowls in anger. To make matters worse, a few young maidservants in the courtyard were huddled together, whispering to each other.

 Chapter 330: The Lady Doctor

    <h4>Chapter 330</h4>


    She was already angry, and immediately had the maid brought in.


    From the mouths of several maids, she finally learned that the reason why Gu Ying refused to let go of Sun Mammy was actually...actually because Sun Mammy had told her a decade-old secret about the Duke''s mansion.


    Hearing this, Cheng''s expression froze. She wanted to ask the maids a few more questions.


    But the few maids only shook their heads in panic and fear, "Replying to Madam, Rouge won''t say, she only said that Sun Mammy was starved by Madam Zhao for three or four days without eating, and was so hungry that she finally opened her mouth. We wanted to know too, but Rouge insisted on giving her benefits... We sisters don''t have any benefits to give her... We gathered a bunch of jewelry to give to her, but she looked down on our stuff."


    These were young maids who had just been purchased by Baomo Hall, and did not understand the intricacies of the Duke''s mansion.


    When Cheng heard that they had dared to openly inquire about the secrets of the Duke''s mansion, her face copsed in anger, "Come on! Find someone to sell off these maids!"


    The few maids panicked into a group, but there was nothing they could do as they were dragged away crying and shouting.


    Cheng was furious. The people around her were not considerate at all. She leaned her aching head on the chair, thinking about the things back then. Her mind was in a mess. She was about to send someone to the Huo family when Zhao Hui strolled into the inner courtyard.


    Cheng''s heart tightened. She hurriedly signaled the servant to leave and went up with a smile to greet Zhao Hui, "Husband... Why are you back so early today?"


    Zhao Hui looked at her strangely, "Why do you look unwell?"


    Cheng pulled her lips into a smile, pulling Zhao Hui inside, "Isn''t it tiring to prepare for the Clear Festival? Although there''s still more than half a month left, I wanted to make early preparations to worship our Zhao family''s ancestors, and my poor dead sister Lin."


    Zhao Hui sat down on the luohan bed and felt a slight pain in his heart when he heard Mrs. Lin''s name. After a while, he picked up a cup of hot tea and took a sip as if nothing had happened, "What you said makes sense. But on that day, I and Adu will have to apany His Majesty to the Imperial Ancestral Temple first. You can make arrangements for the family banquet at noon and in the afternoon."


    It was almost the same every year. Civil and military officials of high rank and status would first apany His Majesty to worship the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and after that, His Majesty would let his ministers return home. In the morning they would worship their ancestral halls, and in the afternoon, their family members would have a banquet together.


    As there were not many people in the Zhao family, they did not make a big fuss about it every year.


    Cheng was very flustered inwardly, but her expression did not change as she said, "Husband... I have been feeling unwell recently. Now that Ying has married into our family for some time, why don''t you let her take charge of the Clear Festival family banquet this time."


    Zhao Hui frowned, "She is pregnant. How can she handle these things?"


    Cheng hurriedly coaxed Zhao Hui, "I¡¯ve been ufortable for two or three days now. The doctor even told me to rest in bed more yesterday... Husband, please just do me a favor and exin it to Adu''s side?"


    Zhao Hui could not stand Cheng''s coquetry the most. After so many years, she was still like an innocent young girl. He only paused for a moment before saying, "Alright, when hees back from the pce, I will have someone tell him."


    Cheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief after handing over the Clear Festival activities. She would be much more rxed.


    If Gu Ying was kept busy, it would also give her opportunities to probe Sun Mammy.


    She didn¡¯t know how much Sun Mammy had actually said... No wonder Gu Ying had been cozying up to her these days, she must have been deliberately trying to gauge her attitude.


    Thinking of this, Cheng became more and more flustered. Even when Zhao Hui spoke to her, she was absent-minded.


    After perfunctorily responding a few times, Zhao Hui grabbed her, displeased, "What are you thinking about? Let me ask you, do you know who that female doctor is?"


    "Huh? What female doctor?" Cheng finally regained her senses.


    Zhao Hui was in a bad mood. He said, "The one called Yu Gu in Changfeng Pavilion. "


    Cheng pulled her lips and said, "I only heard that she had saved Adu on the border, and Adu brought her along with the army to repay her for saving his life. After returning to Bianjing, he also brought her back to Bianjing. Husband, why did you suddenly ask about her?"


    Zhao Hui knitted his long eyebrows together. For some reason, he had run into that Yu Gu a few times in the mansion.


    She was wrapped up tightly, with a ck kerchief covering her face, leaving only a pair of calm and tranquil eyes. It was precisely that pair of cold yet extremely aloof beautiful eyes... that left him in a daze for a long time.


    His past love had left over ten years ago... So why did that woman make him feel so familiar?


    "Husband?" Cheng saw that he was silent and asked again, "Is there something inappropriate about Yu Gu, or did she offend you?"


    Zhao Hui clenched his fist in irritation, "No... I just heard that she went out of the mansion recently, so I asked casually... Right, I''m going out tonight instead of having dinner. "


    After Zhao Hui left, Cheng didn''t take it to heart.


    After all, after following Zhao Hui for decades, she knew his temperament best. The Zhao family men were romantic, and would not go to the entertainment quarters to find women like other prominent profligate sons. Otherwise, she would not have been so determined to grab onto Zhao Hui, and even desperately climbed up to the position of the Duke¡¯s wife.


    But when she thought about how she had undeservedly obtained this position, she became nervous again.


    "Forget it, I won¡¯t ask Zhao Rou anymore. I¡¯ll just figure out a way to resolve this myself."


    Zhao Rou had oppressed her for a lifetime. She could not always listen to Zhao Rou for every matter. For such a small matter like Sun Mammy, she could resolve it herself.


    ...


    Zhao Hui had his carriage prepared before leaving the Duke''s mansion.


    The attendant drove him to the bookstore. After buying books, he asked if Zhao Hui wanted to return home.


    Zhao Hui was lost in thought and came back to his senses after a long time, "What did you say?"


    "This humble one asked if My Lord wants to return home now."


    The sky was darkening, seemingly about to rain. He should have gone home, but Zhao Hui lifted the carriage curtain to look at the pedestrians hurrying along the street, and gave an address.


    The attendant only paused for a moment before driving towards that location.


    They arrived at the end of Ruoyi Lane where there were hardly any people. Deep inside thene lived a family who had just moved in a few days ago, and shabby furniture was still being moved inside.


    Someone came out to pay the workers.


    Zhao Hui hid behind a big locust tree at the mouth of thene, and took a look at the figure of that tall and slender woman.


    Perhaps the woman sensed something. She raised her eyes towards this side. She was wrapped in a in cloak, her face covered with thick ck kerchief, only revealing an unusually bright and deep pair of eyes.


    In a panic, Zhao Hui hid his body behind the tree again, his heart beating faster.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but Yu Gu''s eyes were too simr to those of the deceased Mrs Lin...


    Apart from the timid and ignorant look in Mrs Lin''s eyes when she first married him, her eyes were almost identical to Mrs Lin''s.


    Zhao Hui did not dare to believe it and peeked out to take another look at Yu Gu, only to find no one in front of the shabby house door.


    "My Lord, what are you looking at?"

 Chapter 331: I’ve been in love before

    <h4>Chapter 331</h4>


    Zhao Hui was feeling restless in his heart. "I didn''t see anything, let''s go back."


    The servant boy followed closely behind his master, looking back several times, and said in a hurried manner, "Master, could it be that you have raised another lover outside again?"


    Zhao Hui sternly scolded him, "Nonsense."


    That servant boy was not someone who often followed Zhao Hui out, so he naturally did not understand his master. He only knew that this master had raised a concubine outside in previous years, and for that concubine he had married the daughter of the Lin medical family, Miss Lin. But after that Miss Lin married into the family, she hadn''t been there for a few years before she jumped off a cliff andmitted suicide after giving birth.


    This matter was not much of a secret in Bianjing.


    Most people just sighed about Miss Lin''s unfortunate destiny, and talked about Master Zhao''s romantic passions.


    But very few people would know that there was once a time when Master Zhao and Mrs. Lin were affectionate as husband and wife...


    The servant boy quickly made a zipping motion over his mouth, carefully shrinking his neck, "This lowly one has said too much."


    Zhao Hui red at him before getting on the carriage.


    But as soon as he closed his eyes, Mrs. Lin''s face, which had long since faded from his memory, gradually became clear in his mind.


    So many years had passed, and he had new bedmates, but he had to admit that he still remembered Mrs. Lin''s gentle smile and shy charm, and even more clearly remembered her tidying up the medicine garden in the yard, and the delighted and mischievous smile on her face when she turned his study into an apothecary.


    He also remembered when he was sick, she stayed by his side, took his pulse, and fed him medicine.


    Then she would carefullyy down next to his hand and sleep, for fear of disturbing him.


    Zhao Hui had always felt that Mrs. Lin''s family background was too lowly, and that she was not a suitable match for him. If not for his father''s arrangements, how could he have married such a weak woman who only knew how to prescribe medicine?


    Therefore, they did not consummate their marriage in the first year.


    However, during that one time he had a high fever, she stayed by his side tirelessly for three days and nights. When he woke up, sheughed and said she hadn''t bathed for three days, and then she went out. When she came back, she was only wearing a pink nightgown. His fever had just gone down and his mind was not clear. In a confused state, he somehow pulled her into his arms.


    That was the first time she had gotten angry at him. She was like an angry cat, pushing him away and shouting, "Zhao Hui, you promised you wouldn''t touch me!"


    But he couldn''t stand her rejection of him. In a fit of anger he pressed her under him, and inexplicably covered her red lips, "You''re my wife, if I don''t touch you, who else should I touch?"


    She cried until her eyes were red, struggling with all her might, "But you don''t love me... Let me go! Let me go!"


    The girl''s tender voice aroused his desires.


    He didn''t speak, his physical instincts overtook his reason. Amidst her resistance and cries, he forcefully took her.


    After that time, they did not speak for three months.


    Three monthster, she fainted in front of her senior apprentice brother and was sent back.


    For the first time, he had fought over a woman. After the fight, he only then found out that she was pregnant with his child.


    At that time he just stood there dumbly by her bedside, listening to the doctor say she was three months pregnant. For a moment he didn''t know what to feel, but looking back now, it was mostly joy.


    He had never thought there would be a woman who could bear his offspring, but if it was Mrs. Lin, he quickly epted it.


    After the child, their rtionship improved a lot.


    They had also passionately professed their love, admired the moon together, and imagined what life would be like after the child was born.


    But good times didn''tst long. Not long after...


    "Master, we''ve arrived!"


    The servant boy''s clear voice pulled Zhao Hui''s thoughts back. He opened his eyes, only to feel they were slightly sore. It took him a good while for the bitter feeling in his throat to fade.


    The servant boy looked inside for a while. Seeing his master still hadn''t gotten off the carriage, he was somewhat puzzled.


    Just as he was about to lift the carriage curtain, there was movement inside.


    Zhao Hui walked out with his hands behind his back and expressionless face. Without a word he headed towards the manor gate.


    The servant boy embarrassingly lowered his head. Although the master was just an idle noble now, back in the day he had dominated Bianjing. It was only after the old Duke led the other two sons off to battle that he hid his aggressive side and took on the image of a prodigal useless heir. But that aura about him still made people look on in awe, no less inferiorpared to the Crown Prince.


    ...


    Changfeng Pavilion.


    After hearing Yanzhi''s report, Gu Ying held the finished baby clothes in her hand and carefully inspected them.


    "I''ve already had someone pass on the message. Mydy, when should we have Granny Sun speak up?"


    "No rush," said Gu Ying, reluctant to part with the little clothes in her hands. "Let''s wait for Cheng to prepare a bit more. Catching her red-handedter won''t be toote."


    Yanzhiughed. "Cheng must have been scared witless today. This afternoon she had the Zhao steward find some people to sell off. This shows she certainly has a guilty conscience. I''m just worried Granny Sun''s mouth might not be tight enough and she''d let something slip out."


    Gu Ying''s eyes dimmed and she neatly folded the baby clothes on herp, lost in thought. "Since she''s already afraid, we should give her a chance to get close to Granny Sun."


    Yanzhi was thrilled. "Leave Cheng''s side to me and Yin Lan. She probably won''t trust us. What about Hai Tang from the small kitchen who specially delivers meals to Granny Sun?"


    "Not bad," said Gu Ying, turning to look at Yanzhi with a smile. "My clever little Yanzhi has actually be so crafty."


    Yanzhi smugly pursed her lips in a smile. "It''s all thanks to Big Sister Yin Lan teaching me well."


    Having made up her mind, Gu Yingughed. "Alright, these next few days we''ll have Cheng''s close attendant Granny Wange over to interact with Hai Tang. Let Hai Tang asionally bring some words over for Cheng as well. But whatever she says must go past my ears first before being passed on to Granny Sun."


    Yanzhi eagerly epted the task, feeling it was so much fun. "Great! I''ll go take care of it now!"


    ...


    When the Crown Prince returned, the sky had grown even darker. He had gone to Spring Mountain Manor and came back looking a little unhappy.


    Gu Ying smiled. "I know Ah Du has no appetite at Spring Mountain Manor and can''t eat anything, so I specially had the kitchen prepare your favorites."


    Zhao Changdu sat down at the table. He had never been one to indulge in food and drink. But the young girl at his side was always able to keenly discover his tastes.


    He liked meat and light vors, and would asionally have some sweets and pastries, but not much. What he liked most was mung bean cake.


    Gu Ying had grasped his appetites perfectly. After having dinner prepared, she sat down to apany him.


    "Eating together with someone stimtes the appetite more than eating alone."


    Zhao Changdu felt like his heart was lightly struck by a hammer. "Ah Ying is so young, yet understands more than anyone."


    Gu Ying gave a faint smile. "Naturally, since I was born clever."


    Zhao Changdu looked at her with a faint smile. His appetite returned and he drank the soup the girl handed over, then ate two small bowls of rice. "Cheng had Father summon me. She probably wants to hand over the stewardship of the Duke''s manor."


    Gu Ying looked up. "To me?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Right now there are only two mistresses in the household. Other than you, she has no one else to order around. But she doesn''t truly want to relinquish power. She just wants you to handle the household finances for her."


    A hint of disdain appeared on Gu Ying''s smile. "They say a stewardsts three years before even the dogs and catsin. Cheng is probably trying to make things difficult for me as steward."


    "So I declined on your behalf."

 Chapter 332: Wait for the birth of the Treasure

    <h4>Chapter 332</h4>


    Gu Ying looked at the cold and handsome face of the man, and put a piece of pork rib meat in his bowl, "As expected, Adu loves me the most."


    Zhao Changdu stroked the pert little nose of the young girl indulgently, ¡°If I don¡¯t love you, who else will I love?¡±


    His little girl, if the Gu family doesn''t love her, then he will love her. Cheng''s idea of trying to tire his little girl out seems to be quite shrewd.


    Gu Yingughed very happily, leaned over and kissed his cheek lightly before quickly moving away.


    When the man looked over, she smiled again, her eyes curving like crescent moons, "This is a reward."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep and dark. As the nourishing chicken soup slid down his throat, he only felt that the tender beauty of the little girl made him dry-mouthed. His body was full of restless heat.


    Fortunately, he was very good at self-control, and suppressed the urge topletely devour her. He lowered his eyes and finished the chicken soup in the bowl.


    After the husband and wife finished their meal, Zhao Changdu helped her up and wanted to take her for a walk.


    Gu Ying caressed her sore lower back resentfully, and reluctantly nodded her lips, "Adu, how about sending away all the old midwives from our yard first?"


    The man rejected her request without even thinking about it, "No."


    "Then can Adu stop learning all kinds of strange experiences from them? Pregnant women are not actually so delicate. Look at me, I can eat and sleep well. Nian is very well-behaved and doesn''t give me any trouble. I hardly vomited after the fourth month."


    These famous midwives from Bianjing were all hired by him at a high price. After Gu Ning moved away, they lived in Wanli Pavilion and hired five in a row, all of them were famous midwives who had taken care of hundreds of pregnant women, at least a hundred, and were very experienced in pregnancy and childbirth.


    Therefore, the Crown Prince had to take time out of his busy schedule every day to learn how to take care of pregnant women and infants.


    Things like walking, sleeping postures at night, taboo foods, were all learned from those midwives.


    Although this was Gu Ying''s first time being pregnant herself, back in the backyard of Jiang Yin, when those women got pregnant, she was the one taking care of them and overseeing things. She had never eaten pork but had seen pigs run, and also knew many taboos after getting pregnant, and that there was no need to be so overly cautious.


    "These trivial matters cannotpare to A Ying''s hardship of bearing children for me."


    Gu Ying looked up at the man''s serious and ardent eyes, and her heart stirred slightly.


    This was probably the first time she had heard such cherishing words for women from a man, whether it was Jiang Yin or others, they all took it for granted that women should bear offspring for men, and some even chose to save the child at the cost of the mother''s life when it came to life and death during childbirth.


    Only the Crown Prince never treated her as a childbearing tool, but loved her wholeheartedly.


    Her heart warmed. She clutched his fingers and obediently started walking with her head down.


    More activity is good after all. This way, when she goes intobor, the delivery will go more smoothly.


    Before going to bed at night, Gu Ying told Zhao Changdu about Granny Sun.


    Zhao Changdu held the little girl in his arms and said, "You can take care of this matter. Recently, the imperial court has been unstable. Prince Shu has provoked Prince Duan several times. Two of Prince Duan''s confidants were demoted in a row, and Prince Duan has be a little impatient. I estimate I will be quite busy these days. A Ying doesn''t have to wait for me toe back for meals at night, just eat on time yourself."


    Speaking of Prince Duan, Gu Ying thought of Ning Si, so she asked, "Prince Duan is usually very patient. What happened?"


    Zhao Changdu said, "Probably because of Ning Si."


    "Ah?" Gu Ying sat up immediately, "Don''t tell me Prince Duan doesn''t want to break off the engagement with the Ning family?"


    "Ning Si''s matter with Zhou Yan angered him. He had his people bring Ning Si into the Royal Pce, and still hasn''t let her out until now."


    "This..." Worry appeared on Gu Ying''s face.


    Zhao Changdu reassured her, "Don''t worry, no matter how irrational he bes, he won''t hurt Ning Si."


    Gu Ying said worriedly, "I''m afraid Sister Si''s matter will cause some trouble. After all, for a youngdy of a prominent family in Bianjing to get pregnant out of wedlock is simply disastrous. If someone with malicious intentions exposes this, Sister Si won''t be able to live anymore... Especially that maid Cai Xi who came to Yueyang with her this time, she seems to know something."


    Zhao Changdu said coldly, "I had someone investigate the matter of her out-of-wedlock pregnancy, but nothing was found out. Who exactly vited her?"


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and said solemnly, "If you have to name someone, only Zhao Changxing gave her a hypnotic drug at Qingyun Templest time... But Zhao Changxing didn''t touch her. Qing Yun was by Sister Si''s side the whole time. I also checked her when I arrived that day, her clothes were all intact..."


    She suddenly had a bold guess, "That''s right, Adu, could Ning Si''s child be Prince Duan''s?"


    Zhao Changdu smiled and shook his head, "No, Li Hao has a weak physique and is aloof and incorruptible. Ning Si was already devoted to him, and they were engaged. He wouldn''t be muddled enough to touch her before their grand wedding."


    "What if?"


    "Impossible."


    Gu Ying sighed, "I''m just making a bold guess. After all, most men think with their lower body."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep, and he didn''t speak upon hearing this. After reassuring her for a while, looking at the pink and delicate skin of the little girl in the candlelight, the beastly desire in his heart stirred slightly.


    Whether Li Hao was as aloof and incorruptible as he imed, Zhao Changdu didn''t know.


    But he seemed to be losing more and more control. He simply turned over and pressed her under him, taking her sweet and soft lips, breathing heavily and lingering for a long time.


    These days, Gu Ying already understood his temperament. Anyway, before she gave birth, Adu would never really let his lust take over and harm her, so she generously epted his kisses.


    His kisses were lingering and gentle.


    She clutched the bedding tightly, feeling surges of heat rising in her body.


    But the man still wouldn''t let her off, his big hands roamed all over her body, stirring up scorching heat.


    She was so shy her little face turned crimson. In the hazy canopy, the man was brimming with charm.


    He leaned over to nibble her earlobe, and chuckled, "What''s so great about that aloof and incorruptible monk? My A Ying is sweet and sexy."


    Gu Ying''s breathing was unsteady, and she whispered, "Adu, I feel a little ufortable..."


    Zhao Changdu exhaled and asked, "Where does it feel ufortable?"


    Gu Ying''s cheeks turned fiery red, her eyes glittering, too shy to say it. This man, so proper and righteous out of bed, how could he say such indecent things in bed?


    Gu Ying felt a little wronged, "Let''s stop ying..."


    She pulled the quilt over herself, trying to cover her body.


    Seeing her slightly swollen red lips, Zhao Changdu smiled amusedly, "Don''t be angry A Ying, I won''t tease you anymore. Come here."


    In the dim room, there was only a weak beanmp lit inside the gauzy canopy on the bed. Gu Ying''s entire being seemed to be shrouded in mist, her snow-white skin glossy and shimmering, exuding an alluring luster. Her blurry eyes lost focus.


    After a long time, the man held her tightly in his arms, his gaze was deep, his voice lingering and husky, "Just wait a little longer, until Nian is born."

 Chapter 333: She doesn’t Want to Die

    <h4>Chapter 333</h4>


    He was not a lustful man, but facing his Ah Ying, his self-control would also be greatly discounted.


    Gu Ying had long been tired and fell asleep, and did not hear his words at all. Her head leaned on his chest, listening to his steady, slow heartbeat, sleeping very sweetly.


    Zhao Changdu neither slept horizontally nor vertically. Half of his body leaned on the pillow, recalling her question before going to bed that day.


    If there was no her Gu Ying in this world, who would he marry as his wife?


    He thought about it wholeheartedly for a long time. He probably had no one he liked, so he would most likely grow old alone. But who in the world would be willing to endure endless loneliness and solitude?


    He was grateful that there was a Gu Ying in this world, and he was also grateful that she appeared in his life.


    Thinking of this, he raised his hand to caress her smooth ck hair. His fingers hooked up and entangled her hair with his own.


    He would not let Ah Ying leave him. They would be together for life after life.


    ...


    After another three to five days, Hai Tang had be familiar with Granny Wang. Soon, Hai Tang became Granny Wang''s "own person" who she bribed with jewelry.


    Granny Wang also gradually lowered her guard, thinking that she had finally found a breakthrough in Changfeng Pavilion, and could finally send news to the inside of Changfeng. Cheng''s tense nerves also rxed a lot.


    On this day, Hai Tang brought a yellow medicine bag from Granny Wang.


    Gu Ying sat at the case and flipped through books, just looking at the page on Nanjiang''s Gu poison.


    Hai Tang then entered the room under the lead of Yin Lan.


    "Mistress, Hai Tang is here."


    Hai Tang had been serving in the small kitchen. She was a person bought back by the prince from outside. Without going through Cheng''s hands, she had a kind and lovely personality. Her fair, round little face had two big pear vortexes. When she smiled, she was sweet and lovely, really like her name, white with a touch of red, like a blooming crabapple blossom.


    While flipping through the book, Gu Ying casually said, "How is it going?"


    Hai Tang took out the medicine bag from her sleeve and crisply said, "Reporting to Mistress, this is from Granny Wang for the maid to put in the food for Granny Sun. Mistress, please take a look."


    Gu Ying took the medicine bag and carefully identified it, "It turned out to be chronic poison."


    Hai Tang said, "Granny Wang said Cheng wanted Granny Sun to ''die ill'' in Changfeng Pavilion. Then find an excuse toe and trouble the mistress."


    Gu Ying chuckled lightly, "No time to y with Cheng like this. Change it to a deadly poison."


    Hai Tang respectfully took the medicine handed over by Yin Lan and neatly tucked it into her arms, "Mistress, then the maid will go now."


    "Mm."


    ...


    In the evening, the woodshed behind the backyard of Changfeng Pavilion.


    The sky was gloomy, the sun obscured by clouds. It looked like it would rain soon.


    No lights had been lit in the yard today. In the dpidated woodshed behind the main building, the light was dim. The gloomy wind outside the door blew, making people shudder.


    It should have been a good time in April with gentle breeze and warm weather, but the weather was really bad today. With no oneing to light themps, it made the woodshed even more creepy.


    Granny Sun had been locked up here for several months. She couldn''t stand the loneliness and wanted to scold people. Before, Cheng had people take good care of her, so she just ate, drank, slept peacefully, taking it as a vacation.


    But after she was transferred to Changfeng Pavilion, her days became worse and worse.


    The mistress''s people were not allowed toe in and bring her food. The little feet in Changfeng Pavilion would only give her steamed buns and watery veggies to eat. Sometimes they didn''t even give her water, so in the winter she could only scrape snow from the window sill to quench her thirst.


    After all, she was an elderly serving the wife of the Duke. How dare these cheap feet treat her so disrespectfully!


    She had lost her temper several times, and the people at Changfeng Pavilion had be a little more restrained.


    Later she heard that the prince had returned to Bianjing from disaster relief in Yueyang. As soon as the princess recovered, she began toe and cause trouble for her, even allowing people under her to starve Granny Sun for several days.


    Now she had been tortured into mental breakdown, weak all over. The princess still came to ask her about things from back then many times.


    Back then, not even the Duke knew about those things. What could this young girl know?


    Granny Sun sneered inwardly. The princess deliberately tried to trick her. Did she really think her old mind had be muddled?


    Although afraid of death, in order to wait for the mistress to save her, she could only grit her teeth and refuse to speak.


    But recently, she didn''t know why, but the people sent by Granny Wang had increasingly strange expressions. When they looked at her, their eyes were full of pity and sympathy.


    She grabbed the girl named Hai Tang and told her to send a message to the mistress, swearing that she had absolutely not betrayed the mistress and to quicklye save her.


    But when Hai Tang came back, she spoke evasively, insisting that the mistress woulde save her, but these days had passed and not only did the mistress not send someone, she even heard the conversation between Powder Rouge and several cleaning women.


    It turned out that the mistress thought she had told the princess something...


    At that time, Granny Sun was a little panicked in her heart. Ever since she entered the Duke''s mansion, she knew the mistress''s methods - seemingly gentle and charitable but actually ruthless and unrelenting.


    Those who knew about things back then had unfortunate idents and died. If not for her swearing to keep her mouth shut like a bottle and stay in the Duke''s mansion unmarried for life, the mistress might not have spared her old life.


    Now... She was imprisoned here, and the mistress didn''t know the inside situation of Changfeng Pavilion. She was afraid the mistress would misunderstand that she had betrayed and sold her out.


    Thinking of this, Granny Sun crawled up from the damp hay with hands and feet. Limping and staggering, she crawled to the door.


    Through the crack in the door, she saw Hai Tang carrying amp and hurriedly walking over with a food box. Her face was slightly pale.


    Granny Sun was stunned. This scene made her realize something. Back then when she was ordered to send others away, she would be like this too. But after all she was someone who had experienced ups and downs. She didn''t react much, but instead went back to sit on the haystack from the door.


    Soon after, Hai Tang had the door of the woodshed opened.


    "Granny Sun,e and eat quickly. Tonight Granny Wang specifically let me prepare pigeon soup for you. She said this food is best for the body. You''ve been locked up here for so long, your body must need nourishment."


    As Hai Tang spoke, she put down the food box and squatted halfway to take out the soup bowl, squeezing out a reluctant smile, "Granny Sun, what''s wrong? Are your legs and feet still ufortable? Do you want me to bring some medicinal ointment from outside tomorrow?"


    Granny Sun''s mouth curled into a smile. Hobbling over to the food box, she pretended to be indifferent, "Hai Tang, you really went through a lot of trouble. Did Granny Wang say anything else? Any message from the mistress?"


    Hai Tang carefully nced outside the door, lowered her voice and said, "Granny Wang said the Baomo Hall side told Granny Sun to keep patient."


    Granny Sun immediately red up, "What time is it now? How can I keep patient? That princess is about to torture me to death!"


    As time went by, she would be an abandoned pawn. This reasoning was clear to all women who had lived in mansions.


    She didn''t want to die yet!

 Chapter 334: Cheng’s Secret

    <h4>Chapter 334</h4>


    "Please don''t get angry, Granny." Hai Tang said awkwardly, "I''ve passed on everything I should. As for the Madam''s side, I''m just a lowly little maidservant who can''t persuade her. Over the past few days it seemed like Madam kept sending Granny Wang over to make arrangements and move about, but thest couple of days I haven''t noticed any activity. I don''t know what Madam is thinking in her heart. Granny should just listen and wait patiently."


    Granny Sun narrowed her eyes, "Could it be that Madam thinks this olddy has let slip something?"


    Hai Tang shook her head, "I don''t know about that. I just pass messages between you two to earn a little money. I don''t want to get involved in anything else."


    Hai Tang didn''t say anything further, making the doubts in Granny Sun''s heart grow heavier.


    "I should get going first. Be careful we get discoveredter. Hurry and eat, Granny. All this tasty food and drink was prepared under Granny Wang''s instructions."


    Hai Tang got up to leave. As soon as she stepped out of the woodshed, the door was immediately closed behind her. Standing guard outside were two martial arts experts dressed in ck. No matter how much she pounded on the door, it was useless.


    Granny Sun clenched her sleeves tightly, ring at the bowl of pigeon soup with murky, piercing eyes. For some reason, her heart was beating very quickly.


    At that moment, an ailing old rat somehow scurried into the woodshed, gnawing nosily at people''s patience. Clenching her teeth, she grabbed the rat in her palm and used a spoon to pour a mouthful of hot soup down its throat.


    After the time it takes to burn one stick of incense, the rat foamed at the mouth and died in front of her.


    Granny Sun''s eyes widened in shock, her whole body frozen stiff, as if struck by lightning.


    By this point, what more was there for her to not understand? It must be that Madam sent someone to silence her!


    Madam was always so suspicious. Back then, she had already taken the lives of four or five people. Now that she had been kept in Changfeng Pavilion for so long, even if she hadn''t said anything, Madam would never believe her.


    Granny Sun''s throat tightened as she shoved away the food violently. ring fiercely with reddened eyes, she cried hoarsely, "Come quick! Come quick! I want to see the Eldest Young Madam!"


    ...


    When Gu Ying arrived, they had just lit an oilmp in the woodshed, instantly brightening the gloomy room.


    A spring rain was falling, pitter-pattering on the eaves, blowing damp air in through the windowttices.


    Though it was spring, it was somewhat chilly.


    Gu Ying wore a cloak embroidered with haitang branches, sitting leisurely in a chair.


    Next to her bejeweled embroidered shoesy a dead rat, with Granny Sun slumped beside it. Her withered, gloomy old face was twisted up as she fixed Gu Ying with a fierce, sharp gaze from her murky old eyes.


    Gu Ying appeared calm andposed. She knew Granny Sun wouldn''t make it through tonight, so she patiently waited.


    Granny Sun licked her dry lips. Shivering all over, she recalled the poisoned soup she had narrowly avoided, still feeling some lingering fear.


    In the residence, killing someone didn''t require much effort at all. If she was poisoned to death in Changfeng Pavilion, Madam could take the opportunity to cause trouble and gain an advantage over the Eldest Young Madam. It could be said to kill two birds with one stone.


    So Madam had probably wanted to kill her for a long time, justcking the opportunity to send someone in. When Granny Wang managed to get involved with Hai Tang from Changfeng Pavilion, Madam could no longer restrain herself and wanted to make her move.


    The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. Fortunately, as long as she clung to the Eldest Young Madam''s good graces now, she still had a thread of hope for survival.


    She immediately started sobbing, "Eldest Young Madam...someone wants to poison this old ve...You must uphold justice for this old ve!"


    Gu Ying asked in a steady tone, "Who wants to harm you?"


    Granny Sun gritted her teeth and said, "It''s...it''s the Madam of Baomo Hall..."


    Gu Ying gave a coldugh. "The Madam of Baomo Hall is the legal wife of our Duke''s estate. How could she possibly poison a loyal old servant like you? Don''t make wild unfounded usations to frame and scheme against Mother, or else I will surely send you to Baomo Hall and have Mother deal with you directly."


    Gu Ying didn''t believe her, and Granny Sun immediately became anxious. Havinge this far, she no longer had a way back. In any case, the moment she opened her mouth tonight, she would never be able to return whole and unharmed to serve in Baomo Hall again. She might as well go all in and bet that the Eldest Young Madam could protect her.


    Thinking this, Granny Sun smiled mockingly and strategically feignedpromise. "If Madam doesn''t believe this old ve, then feel free to leave now. But Madam, you should know that as long as Cheng is in the Duke''s estate, you''ll never find peace, let alone give birth safely to the little prince!"


    At this point, the atmosphere was sufficiently dramatic.


    Gu Ying knitted her brows solemnly and waved her hand for Yin Lan, Yanzhi and the others to leave, showing full sincerity.


    After the door closed, only she and Granny Sun remained in the room.


    Granny Sun swallowed again and eyed Gu Ying for a good while before slowly saying, "The reason this old ve was poisoned by the Baomo Hall Madam is because...this old ve knows all her secrets..."


    "Oh?" Gu Ying lightly arched her brows. "What secrets could Mother have?"


    Granny Sun furrowed her brows tightly. "As long as the Eldest Young Madam promises to protect this old ve''s life, this old ve will tell you everything without reserve."


    Gu Ying gently pulled up the corners of her lips in a gentle smile. "Mammy hasn''t done anything wrong, so of course I will protect you."


    Granny Sun knew Gu Ying was greatly favored by the Eldest Young Master. Now pregnant with the little prince, her status was rising with the tide. How could the aged and feeble Baomo Hall Madampare?


    Thinking of this, she steeled herself and spilled everything she knew in a torrent, like pouring beans from a bag.


    After hearing it all, Gu Ying was slightly stunned, turning deathly pale. She tightly gripped the armrests of her chair and stood up in shock. "What did you say?"


    Granny Sun''s old eyes narrowed as she gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, "The Eldest Young Master''s birth mother Mrs. Lin did notmit suicide. She was driven to death step by step by the Baomo Hall Madam!"


    "Do you have any proof when you say this?"


    "This old ve is the living proof. Many things back then were done by this old ve''s hands. Eldest Young Madam, think about it, who else would know if not this old ve?"


    Gu Ying''s heart thumped violently as her lips pressed in a tight line and her elegant brows knitted tightly together.


    Her heart was somewhat flustered as she looked at Granny Sun kneeling on the ground, eyesplicated.


    To survive, Granny Sun had already abandoned all restraint and wouldn''t lie to her.


    After quite a while, Gu Ying finally digested Granny Sun''s words and calmed down. "Are you saying that back then, in order to climb up to the Duke, not only did Cheng plot to drug the Duke, she took advantage of the chance to fake a pregnancy and coerce the Duke into marrying her? But the Duke refused, so she pretended to be ill and pitiful to force the Duke to keep her outside, is that it?"


    "Yes."


    "So whose child is Zhao Changxing?"


    He''s older than the Eldest Young Master, so he should have been born while Cheng was a concubine.

 Chapter 335: Her Love Is Too Cheap

    <h4>Chapter 335</h4>


    Sun Mammy''s fingers clenched tightly, paused for a moment, and said, "It was a schr who lived next door at that time... Because the Duke was rarely with the Madam back then, the Madam had no choice but to think of a despicable trick. She took advantage of the schr''s absence and became pregnant with his child, then deliberately imed it was the Duke''s... The Duke had no choice. He originally wanted to make the Madam miscarry with an abortion decoction, but the Madam had already anticipated this scene and threw a fit in front of the old Duke beforehand... That''s how the child survived. The old Duke was adamant not to let the Madam enter the mansion at the time, let alone make her the official Madam. So he arranged the marriage between the Duke and Mrs. Lin..."


    Gu Ying couldn''t believe it. She twitched her lips in disbelief. She could hardly believe Cheng was so shameless that she could do something like this - letting the Duke''s mansion raise her son while trying to use Zhao Changxing to usurp the Duke''s title. She was simply audacious!


    Sun Mammy continued, "After Mrs. Lin married into the Zhao family, the Madam spent every day plotting how to marry into the Duke''s mansion... Although Mrs. Lin was not from a prominent family, she came from a schrly lineage and was gentle, virtuous, chaste, and beautiful. She knew nothing about the Duke having a concubine and child before marrying into the family... If the Madam had not spread the news far and wide, and kept showing up with her child to unt in front of Mrs. Lin, Mrs. Lin would not have be depressed during pregnancy and developed heart problems... After Mrs. Lin became pregnant, the Duke warned the Madam to stop for a period of time, so sheid low for a while. But then after Mrs. Lin gave birth to the current Heir Apparent, the Madam could no longer sit still... So she came up with a way..."


    Sun Mammy choked up with tears welling in her eyes. Still, she continued word for word, each sentence stabbing Gu Ying''s heart like a knife.


    As an outsider who had never met Mrs. Lin, Gu Ying already felt Cheng was vicious, sinister, and ruthless. How would the Heir Apparent feel if he heard this? He was just a child who lost his mother back then, tortured by his stepmother into something no longer human. It was a miracle he survived in the Duke''s mansion at all. If not for the old Duke, who knows what would have be of him...


    Cheng was too despicable, too petty, too vicious!


    How could someone like her still sit proudly in the position of the Duke''s Madam?!


    ...


    It was a deep spring in April, with birds singing and flowers blooming all over Bianjing.


    Zhao Changdu came out of Prince Duan''s manor in dark gray robes, elegant and aloof.


    The night was pitch ck, with a light drizzle that started in the evening and continued until now.


    Prince Duan saw him off at the back door, still wearing a heavy padded coat inte spring. He gathered his sleeves, his fairplexion still somewhat sickly. "Take an umbre. I''ll have someone send you back to the Duke''s mansion."


    "No need. Riding back will be faster." Zhao Changdu signaled to Huai''an to bring his horse over.


    Li Hao''s handsome face revealed a hint of yearning. The corners of his pale lips curved up slightly. "Brother Du''s feelings for Second Miss Gu really makes one envious."


    Zhao Changdu stood by his side, ncing at him from the corner of his eyes. "When do you n to release Ning Si?"


    Li Hao''s eyes turned cold. "As long as she refuses to agree to marry Zhou Yan, I won''t let her go."


    "Aren''t you afraid of provoking General Ning?"


    Li Hao sneered, though his eyes turned icy. "I''m afraid General Ning would be happy to marry his daughter to me."


    Zhao Changdu made noment. His exquisite cold eyes were pure and aloof, seemingly without any ripples. "Let me give Your Highness a word of advice. Don''t overdo it and hurt Ning Si''s heart. It will be harder than reaching heaven to win her back then."


    Li Hao''s heart tensed. His fists tucked in his wide sleeves tightened. His gaze darkened slightly. "She''s pregnant with Zhou Yan''s child."


    It would be one thing before, when he didn''t have long to live. He could have generously let her fly off with Zhou Yan. But now that his health was gradually recovering and he had a brighter future ahead, why did she have to be with Zhou Yan at this time?


    He could ept them getting engaged, but why did she have to give herself to Zhou Yan in Yueyang?


    In just a few months, she transferred her feelings to another man?


    Her love for him was too cheap!


    The day he brought her back to the manor, he nearly lost his senses and aborted the bastard child in her belly!


    He hated her heartlessness, her fickleness, her ability to stop loving in an instant... The more he thought about it, the more he couldn''t let her go.


    Zhao Changdu understood his pain, but didn''t agree with his current approach - illegally detaining her in the manor and coercing her like this would only drive Ning Si to desperation.


    "Don''t let this be an excuse for Li Yang to attack you."


    After a long silence, Li Hao replied coldly, "Don''t worry, brother Du. I know what to do."


    Zhao Changdu took onest look at him. Seeing that he had calmed down, he mounted his horse and left the manor.


    ...


    Returning to Changfeng Pavilion,mps were lit everywhere.


    Just seeing the lit corridor and knowing Ying was inside waiting for him, no matter how tired he felt after a long day out, it would all melt away as soon as he got home.


    In high spirits, he strode down the corridor and into the room.


    "The Heir Apparent is back!"


    The maids waiting in the corridor called out as he arrived.


    Gu Ying sat under the banana tree by the south window, spacing out while listening to the light patter of rain on banana leaves. Though not heavy, the rain cast a gloomy mood.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    The man''s sexy, low voice sounded by her ear, jolting Gu Ying back to her senses. She looked up at the depth of his phoenix eyes.


    She pressed her lips tightly together and silently threw herself into his arms.


    Surprised by her actions, Zhao Changdu immediately embraced her and adjusted to a morefortable position, letting her sitfortably in hisp.


    Gu Ying naturally draped her arms around his slender neck, resting her chin on his shoulder, andined in a muffled voice, "Changdu, have you ever thought about your mother?"


    Zhao Changdu''s back stiffened slightly, realizing she meant not Lady Baomo Hall but that woman. He was silent for a moment before replying vaguely with a faint smile, "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"


    Gu Ying hugged him tightly. She knew the heir''s discord with the Duke was because of Mrs. Lin''s death. Thinking of him losing his mother so young and struggling alone in this mansion with an uncaring father and vicious stepmother, it pained her deeply.


    But she didn''t n on keeping the truth about Mrs Lin''s murder by Cheng from the heir either. He deserved to know.

 Chapter 336: The Prince is Angry

    <h4>Chapter 336</h4>


    "Du, I went to see Sun Mammy tonight..."


    "Oh?" Zhao Changdu''s mouth corner raised a faint smile as he patiently and calmly listened to the little girl tell him about the trivial matters in the back courtyard of the mansion.


    Gu Ying let out a dryugh, "Sun Mammy told me some things about Madam Cheng and my mother from back then."


    Hearing this, the man''s face gradually darkened, "What did she say?"


    Gu Ying sat up and looked at the man''s face as dark as ink, and said firmly, "Du, my mother''s death was caused by Cheng''s machinations."


    Zhao Changdu''s brow furrowed.


    Gu Ying thought for a moment before deciding to tell him everything that Sun Mammy had told her, word for word.


    The moment she finished speaking, she could feel a terrifying aura emanating from the man, suffocating her.


    Zhao Changdu was initially only frowning, but upon hearing the end, his eyes suddenly tightened, giving off a cold and sinister light. He let out a sarcasticugh, sitting quietly on the couch, his eyes ck and shining but also concealing turbulent waves.


    Hisrge hand was still sped around Gu Ying''s lower back. His voice was so low it was almost murderous, "What a Madam Cheng¡ª"


    Gu Ying could clearly feel the man''s violently churning fury. She had no doubt that if she did not stop him in time, this man could immediately take up his sword and go to the Baomo Hall to behead Cheng.


    Sensing the man''s intention to put her down, Gu Ying immediately reached out her arms to hug his waist, "Du, calm down first!"


    Zhao Changdu''s fists were tightly clenched, the veins on the backs of his hands bulging. He lowered his eyes to look at the girl in his arms, his eyes bloodshot as he gritted his teeth and said in a muffled voice, "Don''t stop me, I''m going to kill her."


    The chill in his eyes made even Gu Ying, the person closest to him, shudder.


    The man was extremely strong. He put her aside and was about to take up the long sword ced on the sword stand.


    "Du, listen to me!"


    Gu Ying anxiously and hurriedly grabbed his hand, trying to make him calm down.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were filled with boundless fury. His phoenix eyes dangerously narrowed as he radiated a murderous aura that reached to the heavens, "Ying, let go of me!"


    Gu Ying refused to let go, clinging tightly to his waist. In the intense struggle, she suddenly felt a pain in her abdomen.


    She cried out in pain, "Ah¨C"


    Her body hastily retreated back a few steps and fell onto the couch.


    Only then did Zhao Changdu react. He flung the long sword away, held Gu Ying who had a pained expression, and became like a man suddenly waking from a dream. He busily and anxiously protected her belly, worriedly asking, "Ying, how are you feeling?"


    Gu Ying furrowed her brows in pain, biting her lip hard. Her small hand stroked her bulging belly, and she whimpered tearfully, "Promise me first you won''t act rashly, and I won''t feel pain anymore."


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips tightened, his sharp jaw slightly tensed. After a long while, he said in a low, suppressed voice, "Alright."


    Gu Ying heaved a long sigh of relief. Her eyes, full of heartache, fell on the man''s handsome yet cold face.


    His side profile was resolute and sharp. His longshes gently caressed her belly as his lips pressed thinly together. His nose was tall and straight, and he had an imposing manner. Yet he was unable to take up his sword to kill Cheng, and could only rub Gu Ying''s belly in front of her.


    She could empathize with the Crown Prince''s desire to avenge immediately, but she had more important things to tell him now. She didn''t want him to be blinded by hatred and do something as unrighteous as killing his stepmother in front of so many people. She also didn''t want those who didn''t know the truth to criticize him, nor for him to end up in serious conflict with his father because of Cheng.


    "Du, revenge shouldn''t be rushed. For someone like Cheng, killing her with one stroke of your sword would only make things easy for her. Why ruin your reputation and future for her sake?"


    "If you trust me, let me deal with her, okay?"


    "I know our mother''s death has always gued your heart. I will definitely make Cheng pay the price she deserves for this matter. Trust me, okay?"


    Zhao Changdu had long calmed down. His dark gaze like ink lifted up and met the girl''s clear eyes. "Okay..."


    Gu Ying lowered her head, looking at the grief and anger in the man''s red eyes, and smiled, gently saying, "I asked carefully. Among the medicines Cheng fed Mother back then, there was a very precious ingredient called East Sea Mand. This medicine is prohibited in the Eastern Li Kingdom, and now only a small amount remains in the Forbidden Pce. How could amon woman like her obtain this? What''s more, Sun Mammy said the medicine didn''t belong to Cheng. Someone gave it to her."


    Zhao Changdu tightened his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Who?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "I don''t know. Sun Mammy said the person who came to see Cheng was in disguise with different clothes and wore a veil hat, so she couldn''t tell who it was. But she was certain it was no ordinary person, but a well-bred nobledy with graceful manners, and she was also quite young. The nobledies around Cheng''s age back then would be about the same age as her now."


    Zhao Changdu remained silent, his sword-like brows deeply knitted.


    In a city as big as Bianjing, there was no shortage of nobledies. But it wouldn''t be too difficult to investigate and find a nobledy who had conflicts with or knew his mother.


    Gu Ying tightly grasped hisrge hand, focusing her gaze. "After I came back, I kept thinking about this. Before bing involved with Duke Guo, Cheng was merely a low-ranking official''s daughter who had been demoted to the mean poption registry. Later, she barely managed to start an affair with Duke Guo and fancifully thought about bing the Duke''s wife. Naturally she wanted to kill my mother. But with her status as a concubine back then, how did she contact the Duke''s servants? How did she bribe my mother''s people and have someone poison my mother without notice? These things seem easy but are very difficult in practice, since the Duke''s residence was heavily guarded and my mother had so many people waiting on her. Avoiding all those people''s eyes to slowly poison her would have been no easy feat."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was cold and solemn. "What Ying means is that someone else was secretly helping Cheng."


    Gu Ying''s eyes lit up. "That''s right!"


    Zhao Changdu was no fool. When Gu Ying mentioned slow-acting poison, he had already realized there was a bigger hidden story.


    He smiled sardonically, the corners of his mouth turned up. His fingertips kneaded the girl''s delicate, boneless fingers as his tone became extremely cold and low, "I will have Huai An investigate this matter carefully."


    Gu Ying curved her lips. "You can also send Su He a letter to ask about news from the Floating Cloud Building."


    Zhao Changdu dangerously narrowed his long eyes, tacitly agreeing.


    ...


    After Sun Mammy confessed, Gu Ying properly arranged for her to be taken care of in the woodshed with good food and drink.


    The Crown Prince was in a bad mood, his expression as cold as frost when he went to the Spring Mountain Courtyard.


    Gu Ying didn''t dare let him go alone, always following him along, tightly clutching his big hand to keep him from being overwhelmed by hatred.


    As for Cheng, ever since that rainy day she had shut herself in the Baomo Hall pretending to be sick. Apart from Duke Guo who could see her, she refused all other visitors.

 Chapter 337: The Thrill

    <h4>Chapter 337</h4>


    The Eldest Prince was busy with government affairs and had many matters to attend to at court. In addition, the borders had been rather unstabletely, which had caused the Tianqi Emperor to fall ill with worry.


    After falling ill, the suspicious Tianqi Emperor would summon the Eldest Prince frequently, sometimes keeping him in the pce untilte into the night.


    Gu Ying was staying at home to nurture the pregnancy, and was quite free and at leisure. Thus, she persuaded the Eldest Prince to let her investigate the past events instead.


    The Eldest Prince was originally reluctant, as he did not want her to worry. But Gu Ying was even more unwilling to let him be distracted and overexert himself alone.


    The Eldest Prince had no choice but to agree to her request, and let Yin Lan wholeheartedly assist her.


    Gu Ying was no ignorant housewife, nor was she the submissive type. Cheng had harmed the Eldest Prince''s mother, causing the Eldest Prince to have trouble sleeping recently. How could Gu Ying allow Cheng to remainfortably in the position of the Duke''s wife?


    She would block attacks and cover up schemes. Since Cheng was pretending to be ill, Gu Ying was determined to make sure Cheng was ill at ease.


    Early in the morning, Yin Lan helped dress and groom her. After having breakfast, Gu Ying went to Baomo Hall.


    Naturally, Baomo Hall''s servants tried to stop her from going in to visit, but she was the daughter-inw. With the mother-inw ill, it was only right that she should attend to her. Even if Cheng wanted to continue ignoring her, there was no way around it, especially since Gu Ying was also pregnant. If she kept standing outside and it harmed the fetus, the Duke and Eldest Prince would question Chengter.


    Before noon, Cheng had someone invite Gu Ying inside.


    Gu Ying silently sneered. Lifting her skirt, she walked towards the inner room. The windows were shut inside, and it reeked of medicine.


    Cheng wore a headband embroidered with an auspicious cloud pattern and the blessing character ¡°fu.¡± Lying crookedly on the gold threaded imperial-style pillow, when she saw Gu Ying enter, a fleeting trace of resentment shed through her eyes. Then the corners of her mouth twisted up into a sickly smile. ¡°Ying, you''vee. You see, mother is muddled from illness. I just woke up and heard from the servants that you were still waiting outside... So I hurriedly had youe in.¡±


    As she spoke, she prepared to sit up, and Gu Ying went over to support her as if concerned. ¡°What illness does mother have? Has a doctor been invited to take a look? Don''t dy taking care of your health.¡±


    Cheng didn''t know what medicine Gu Ying was selling in her gourd today. She stiffened and said, ¡°It''s not a major illness, just caught a chill from the rainy weather and cold.¡±


    Gu Ying sat down by the bed and saw the medicinal bowl, now cold, ced on the nearby table. She picked it up filially and fed Cheng the medicine.


    She smiled innocently. ¡°Is it okay for your daughter-inw to attend to mother taking medicine?¡±


    The corners of Cheng''s mouth twitched. The two of them never got along. For this girl to suddenly be so attentive, she must be plotting something bad. However, with the spoon holding the medicine already brought to her lips, Cheng could not refuse to drink it. She could only open her mouth and swallow two mouthfuls of the icy medicine.


    The medicine was truly so bitter she almost vomited. But with Gu Ying present, she could only endure the difort.


    Gu Ying missed none of Cheng''s subtle expressions. She did not care, cidly feeding Cheng the rest of the medicine before cing the porcin bowl down. She said solemnly, ¡°Mother cannot keep being ill like this. The Xingqing Festival is almost here. Before the festival, Imperial Concubine Wan at the pce will also be celebrating her birthday. Every year for Concubine Wan¡¯s birthday celebration, she invites all the madams and youngdies. If mother cannot attend the pce banquet then, it would not look good. Therefore, your daughter-inw should invite an imperial doctor to take a look at mother.¡±


    After speaking, without waiting for Cheng to refuse, she ordered Yin Lan to go summon someone.


    Yin Lan only listened to Gu Ying¡¯s orders, so hearing this, she simply bowed and walked out.


    Cheng wanted to call her back but it was toote. Facing Gu Ying''s smiling little face, Cheng hated her so much her teeth itched.


    ¡°There''s no need for Ying to make such a big fuss. Mother is fine, just a minor cold.¡±


    Gu Ying said, ¡°Mother must not take a cold lightly. A few days ago, Sun Mammy also caught a cold. Your daughter-inw had someone invite an imperial doctor for her too. Otherwise, I fear Sun Mammy might have perished from illness by now.¡±


    Hearing the three words ¡°Sun Mammy,¡± Cheng''s expression changed slightly.


    ¡°Sun Mammy is ill?¡±


    Gu Ying smiled slightly. ¡°Yes, severely ill. Fortunately, the imperial doctor your daughter-inw invited was skilled enough to save her life. Now Sun Mammy is grateful to your daughter-inw and says she wants to serve me like a loyal dog.¡±


    Cheng pursed her lips, anxiously ncing at Gu Ying. Her heart was increasingly uneasy. ¡°Ying, after all, Sun Mammy is my servant. You should still advise your husband to let here back. That way, I can also have someone look after her.¡±


    Facing Cheng¡¯s hypocrisy, Gu Ying sighed lightly. ¡°Mother is aware of the Eldest Prince¡¯s temperament. It¡¯s not that your daughter-inw didn¡¯t advise against it, but advising is useless. Don¡¯t worry, mother. I will take good care of Sun Mammy for you. As for what Sun Mammy said, that she has important news to tell me and the Eldest Prince, I haven''t had a chance to ask her yet...¡±


    The corners of her mouth curved up as she smiled at the stunned Cheng. ¡°Mother, do you think I should listen to what Sun Mammy has to say?¡±


    Cheng sat stiffly on the bed, clutching the bedding tightly until her knuckles turned white.


    Gu Ying kept smiling at her. ¡°Why is mother looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Cheng forced out a dryugh. ¡°She is just a lowly servant. Why would Ying lower herself to listen to what a servant says?¡±


    Gu Ying tilted her head. ¡°What if it''s something interesting?¡±


    Cheng gritted her teeth. ¡°You--¡±


    She couldn''t continue. Just that one angry shout nearly made her loseposure. The twitching muscles at the corners of her mouth continued trembling for a long time after.


    Gu Ying smiled without speaking. Cheng sat on the bed clutching the bedding, her knuckles white from force.


    ¡°I want to rest. You leave first.¡±


    ¡°Does mother really not need your daughter-inw?¡±


    ¡°I don''t need you!¡± Cheng angrily pointed outside. She gnashed her teeth. ¡°Leave!¡±


    It was clear, seeing an impatient woman like this, who wore her guilty conscience on her face, how could someone like her have schemed to harm the previous Duke¡¯s wife to death?


    Gu Ying had her doubts. Leisurely watching her for a while longer, she calmly brushed off her sleeves under Cheng¡¯s exasperated gaze before slowly getting up from the bed and walking out.


    Cheng¡¯s fa?ade as a kindly mother had thoroughly copsed. Half lying on the bed, she pounded the mattress forcefully. Her eyes shed red for an instant. ¡°She knows! She must know!¡±


    Thinking this, she could no longer sit still. But looking around the enormous Baomo Hall, she could not find a single useful person!


    Cheng was increasingly angry and afraid. Herplexion grew more and more panicked.


    ¡°Come! Come quickly!¡±


    A servant girl ran in anxiously and knelt on the ground with a thud.


    Cheng red at her fiercely. ¡°Go, go to the Huo family residence!¡±


    The flustered servant girl ran out again.


    Gu Ying had not left yet. She stood in a pavilion outside Baomo Hall, watching expressionlessly as the maid ran out. She turned lightly and told Yanzhi, ¡°Yanzhi, follow her and see who she is summoning.¡±

 Chapter 338: How is It You

    <h4>Chapter 338</h4>


    Yanzhi curiously asked, "Mistress, why don''t we just wait at home for that person toe to us? If shees, won''t we know who schemed with the Cheng family?"


    Gu Yingughed and said, "Oh you, Cheng is foolish but her aplice is clever. Why would she rush over just because Cheng urgently summoned her?"


    Yanzhi suddenly realized her mistake and hurried to catch up.


    With a hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth, Yin Lan said, "Yanzhi is bing more and more clever, Mistress. Do you still n to go out?"


    Gu Ying looked at Yanzhi''s retreating figure with satisfaction and said, "Yes."


    Although Huai An had already secretly investigated the small courtyard where Cheng had lived in the past, she was still worried that Huai An might have missed some important clues. Anyway, she was free and had nothing to do, so walking around would be good for the baby too.


    She then had Huai An prepare a carriage.


    After leaving through the side door, Huai An stood beside the carriage with a red face. He nced at Yin Lan and then quickly looked away. He joked to Gu Ying, "If the master knows you''re personally looking into things from back then, he''ll skin me alive."


    Yin Lan red at him. "You won''t tell the prince consort?"


    "Not telling the master would make my death even more miserable if he finds out..."


    Yin Lan walked over and pinched his arm.


    He instantly behaved and rubbed where Yin Lan had touched him. Grinning, he said, "Don''t worry Yin Lan, I''ll definitely protect you well. Help the mistress into the carriage quickly."


    Gu Ying smiled bitterly and shook her head. She supported her lower back as she got into the rocking carriage.


    The courtyard where Cheng had lived was quite remote, located in the most dpidated Ruyi Lane in Bianjing City.


    Before Gu Ying arrived, Huai An had already been here several times. Of course, in order to investigate Cheng and the cause of Lin''s death back then, the prince consort had alsoe countless times.


    Upon hearing that it was highly likely Cheng had murdered Lin, Huai An also felt extremely upset.


    His disgust for Cheng deepened, and he wished to find evidence as soon as possible to bring Cheng to justice and drive her out of the duke''s residence.


    All the way there, Huai An chatted endlessly about the suffering the prince consort had endured in the duke''s residence after losing his mother as a child. At first, the prince consort didn''t believe Lin hadmitted suicide either, but no one in Bianjing believed a child''s words and all said he was crazy. Gradually, no one remembered Lin anymore and the prince consort stopped mentioning her too. Later, the old duke brought him to the border and he charged forward recklessly on the battlefield, earning his achievements today that resound through all of Bianjing and the Eastern Li.


    "Before, the master looked like a lifeless King Yama. Only the old duke could make the young master smile. Now that the young master knows Lady Lin was murdered, he certainly won''t let that Cheng get away with it." Huai An sighed, "Fortunately the mistress is now here to care for our master, otherwise I wouldn''t know how to persuade him."


    Gu Ying stroked her belly without speaking as the carriage rocked back and forth. She feltplicated, after all she had also lost her mother at a young age and knew that bitterness well.


    Only when they arrived at a small courtyard in Ruyi Lane did Huai An stop the carriage.


    "Mistress, we''ve arrived."


    Gu Ying held Yin Lan''s hand as she got down from the carriage. Looking around, it was all slums and shabby alleys. Although this courtyard in front was still preserved rtively well, it was covered in cobwebs and clearly hadn''t been maintained for a long time.


    "Did Cheng used to live here before?"


    Huai An said, "Yes, the Cheng family was imprisoned back then. She was a fallen official''s daughter and had no money after she got out, so she lived in a ce like this."


    Gu Ying murmured, "No wonder, this ce has all kinds of sketchy people."


    Mammy Sun said Cheng had killed many people back then, but the only one she had spared was the schr she''d had affairs with several times. As long as that schr was still alive, Cheng''s heinous crimes of adultery could be upheld.


    Seeing the shabby little courtyard, Yin Lan went forward and pushed open the door. "But Mistress, so many years have passed. Finding a schr whose name we don''t even know is like looking for a needle in the sea."


    Gu Ying lifted her skirt and walked inside, saying, "It''s true, but Mammy Sun also revealed some details."


    As she looked around the courtyard, she continued, "That schr was a poor studenting to the capital for the exams and could only stay with rtives next door. Also, he had refined features."


    Huai An quickly said, "We''ve roughly checked the records of everyone who lived next door over the years but didn''t find any information about the schr."


    Gu Ying pondered, "Cheng''s reach wouldn''t extend to the government offices. So there''s another possibility - someone lent the courtyard to others to stay for free back then. That wouldn''t count as a rental and they wouldn''t need to sign a contract or report it to officials."


    Yin Lan''s eyes lit up. "Then this ve will go ask around the vicinity."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s lips curved up. "Huai An, go with Yin Lan. Remember to expand the scope and ask the elderly who have lived in Ruyi Lane for years. If there''s still no news, keep asking in the neighboring alleys."


    Huai An turned his head. His silly, handsome face immediately broke into a smile and he shyly nced at Yin Lan. "Yes!"


    After Yin Lan and Huai An left, Gu Ying walked around alone nearby.


    At the foot of the city wall, Ruyi Lane was the poorest and most chaotic ce in all of Bianjing City. The deeper she went, the more chilling it became.


    Gu Ying stopped at a crooked tree and leaned against it, weakly grabbing the trunk. She stared at the dark, narrow courtyard not far away and took a deep breath.


    Actually this wasn''t her first time here. In her past life, Jiang Yin first imprisoned her in a remote courtyard, and then Gu Jia and Jiang Ling''er came on his orders in the middle of the night. They broke her legs and crippled her hands before transporting her in a carriage to the dpidated temple...


    If she remembered correctly, that courtyard was just ahead at the end of Ruyi Lane.


    That was the most painful night of her previous life... The pain of her bones shattering was so excruciating that even with her mouth gagged, she couldn''t scream... By the time Gu Jia ripped off the cloth over her mouth, she was drenched in cold sweat and copsed on the icy floor like a fish about to be ughtered, without even the strength left to yell.


    Gu Ying sneered. Her whole body felt somewhat cold, and her leg and foot bones ached with a lingering chill and pain.


    Even after reliving her life once, returning to where she had been harmed in her past life still made her instinctively fearful and terrified. That was the bone-deep fear... the anguish that could not be erased no matter how much time passed.


    She grabbed her brow ufortably, panting as she leaned against the crooked tree. Her legs felt somewhat numb and she couldn''t move for the moment.


    She held her belly tightly, breathing rapidly. It took quite a while before she showed some signs of recovering.


    She had thought she could ovee her fears, but in reality, she had overestimated herself.


    Just as she closed her eyes and prepared to collect herself to leave, a familiar female voice suddenly sounded behind her.


    "Miss... How can it be you?" The woman''s tone changed slightly.

 Chapter 339: Goodbye Miss Shen

    <h4>Chapter 339</h4>


    Gu Ying came back to her senses and turned her head to see Shen Ruxu with hairpins and skirts like thorns, carrying a bamboo basket for vegetables hanging on her arm standing beside her.


    Her expression on her face instantly changed from worry to sarcasm, "Bengbu is so big, I didn''t expect to meet Miss Gu so soon. You said, is this fate or coincidence?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes looked at her lightly, slowly straightening up, with a faint smile at the corner of her mouth, "Miss Shen."


    Shen Ruxu looked up and down at Gu Ying twice, stopping for a while especially on her bulging belly, her eyes slightly colder, with more resentment and jealousy, "It looks like after I got married, you are living quite well."


    In the face of Shen Ruxu''s unconcealed sarcasm, Gu Ying''s tone was still rtively calm, "Thanks to you."


    Shen Ruxu let out a coldugh, thinking of something, her eyebrows suddenlyughed open, "Gu Ying, you must not have thought that we would have the chance to meet again, right?"


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows slightly. She actually thought about it. As long as Yu Gu stayed in Bengbu for one day, Shen Ruxu would eventuallye sooner orter.


    Moreover, she had said that someone would make the decision for her.


    This person was Yu Gu.


    With Shen Ruxu''s temperament, she would never give up using Yu Gu as her backer. She just didn''t understand where Shen Ruxu''s confidence came from that Yu Gu''s words would make the Eldest Prince listen.


    Shouldn''t it be so? The Eldest Prince was upright and frank, and did things fair and square. Even when he was unruly, he had never done anything he couldn''t show in public, it was impossible for him to be controlled by an unknown woman.


    Besides, would the Eldest Prince be such an obedient person?


    Gu Ying couldn''t figure it out, so she simply didn''t think about it anymore. It would be better to try to draw something out of Shen Ruxu.


    With this in mind, she deliberately showed some apprehensive expressions to lower Shen Ruxu''s vignce.


    "Isn''t Miss Shen with Liu Chang back home? Howe you want toe to Bengbu?"


    Shen Ruxu smiled sinisterly, "If I don''te to Bengbu, how can I see you?"


    Gu Ying widened her eyes in "shock" and carefully took a step back, "You... are still thinking about the Eldest Prince?"


    Shen Ruxu let out a coldugh, as if she had heard some joke, "The Eldest Prince doesn''t belong to you alone, why can''t I think about him?"


    Probably because she had Yu Gu''s support, the Shen Ruxu in front of her now had a few more vicious qualitiespared to the gentle girl in the past. Seeing the thin scar on her neck and her face was not as fair and delicate as before, Gu Ying also knew that she did not have a good time following Liu Chang these months.


    "I heard that you quarreled with Liu Chang and separated."


    "No." Shen Ruxu walked two steps closer to Gu Ying, raised a pair of resentful eyes, "He and I did not separate, I took advantage when he was drunk asleep, and directly cut his throat. The blood flowed all over the bed, he was sleeping like a dead pig, and died without a sound. But his old mother limped in, saw her son''s body stabbed full of holes by me, and was so frightened that she cried on the spot. The old woman was really annoying, I was afraid someone would hear it, so I simply grabbed her hair and stabbed her heart with a knife. She thrashed around before finally stopping after a while, her old eyes wide open, unable to close even in death."


    Gu Ying frowned in disgust.


    Liu Chang and Shen Ruxu were a nest of snakes and rats, but the olddy was innocent. How dare Shen Ruxu, as a doctor, murder the innocent!


    Shen Ruxu excitedlyughed, nced at Gu Ying''s slightly angry face, and continued, "You didn''t expect it, right? The marriage you arranged for me eventually killed his whole family. Gu Ying, you are the real murderer, do you know? If it wasn''t for you, Liu Chang and his mother wouldn''t have died!"


    Gu Ying looked at her lightly, clenching her fingers and pressing her lips, "You''re wrong, the murderer is you, the culprit is you. You don''t have to switch concepts and impose guilt and self-me on me. Even if it wasn''t Liu Chang, with your nature, you would still kill."


    Shen Ruxu didn''t expect Gu Ying, with her temperament as a youngdy, to be so calm after hearing about such bloody events.


    But thinking back to her methods in the military camp, she roughly understood that Gu Ying was no ordinary girl.


    She must have outstanding qualities to be liked by the Eldest Prince.


    To deal with such a woman, she alone was not enough.


    However, fortunately, she still had her mother to back her up.


    Shen Ruxu quickly reassured herself, the corner of her mouth raised in a smug smile, "Do you know who my mother is?"


    Gu Ying finally heard the most critical point and looked at her with focused eyes.


    Shen Ruxu''s red lips parted slightly, and said word for word, "Yu Gu."


    Gu Ying said lightly, "Yu Gu is just an ordinarymoner. Even if she saved the Eldest Prince''s life, the Prince has already repaid the favor."


    Shen Ruxu shook her head, "You''re wrong. The Eldest Prince can never repay my mother''s kindness in this lifetime."


    Gu Ying murmured, with a faint smile at the corner of her lips, "No wonder Yu Gu brought you to live in Like Alley. In the Eldest Prince''s eyes, Yu Gu is just an insignificant doctor. Since she wants to leave, the Eldest Prince will never keep her. You want to take advantage of Yu Gu''s lifesaving favor to force favors, enter the Prince''s mansion. Miss Shen, you are still a little too naive."


    Shen Ruxu dangerously narrowed her eyes, "We are only living here temporarily, don''t believe me then just wait and see."


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth was slightly raised, "Alright, then I''ll wait and see."


    After speaking, she turned and left.


    Yu Gu was standing at the street corner. Seeing Gu Ying, she politely bent over.


    Gu Ying gave her a proper faint smile, then returned to the door of the Cheng¡¯s house.


    ...


    Seeing Yu Gu appear, Shen Ruxu''s face instantly turned aggrieved. She ran over in three steps and clung to Yu Gu''s arm, rubbing Yu Gu''s shoulder coquettishly.


    "Mother, Gu Ying bullied me."


    Yu Gu looked back at the receding figure of Gu Ying. Seeing her walking briskly, her figure a little rounder than when she left, she must have been drinking nourishing medicine for the sake of the child in her belly.


    Knowing that she was safely taking care of the little prince in her belly, her heart was also more at ease.


    Yu Gu retracted her gaze, walked towards her own yard, "How did she bully you?"


    "She is pregnant with the Eldest Prince''s child, so she deliberately came to show off in front of me. Daughter feels very upset, mother. You said, what should your daughter do?"


    "What can you do, let it go."


    Yu Gu took out the key and opened the door, then walked into the house.


    Shen Ruxu stomped her feet in displeasure, "Mother!"


    After entering the house, Yu Gu put down her medicine box, turned around and said seriously to Shen Ruxu, "No matter what, she is the Eldest Prince''s officially matched wife. You are also married and had a miscarriage. As you are now, the Eldest Prince may not be willing to want you."


    As soon as Shen Ruxu heard this, her face copsed instantly. She pulled Yu Gu''s sleeve with her little hand, her eyes red, "But daughter is like this all because of Gu Ying! If it wasn''t for her, daughter would still be the Eldest Prince¡¯s fianc¨¦e, the woman mother specially raised for the Eldest Prince. But now not only did she upy the Eldest Prince, she also made daughter fall to this, wouldn''t mother bear to see daughter lonely and pitiful for the rest of her life!"

 Chapter 340: She is the mother of the Prince.

    <h4>Chapter 340</h4>


    Shen Ruxu cried so pitifully, with scalding tears falling down her face like broken beads.


    Even someone as cold-hearted as Yu Gu had to soften. After all, Shen Ruxu was the child she had raised since a young age - when she first took Ruxu in, the girl was only five or six, nothing but skin and bones.


    At that time, Yu Gu was ill herself, living in hiding day to day, yet she still took care of the young Ruxu. It was because of Ruxu''s existence that she was notpletely alone in her loneliness...


    She had always treated Ruxu as her own daughter, secretly hoping she could be her daughter-inw one day... Yet now...


    "Ruxu, let''s forget about all that," Yu Gu suddenly said solemnly.


    "Why, Mother?" Ruxu did not understand. Glory and riches were within her grasp, so why give them up? On what grounds?


    Yu Gu''s nose turned slightly sour. "Mother feels tired. Life in Bianjing is suffocating - it would be better to return to the countryside, free and simple. The two of us can forget about Du, forget about Bianjing, and go back to the ordinary, peaceful days we had before. Wouldn''t that be nice?"


    "But are you willing, Mother?" Ruxu retorted. "Willing to let everything be taken by that woman? Willing to let your son call her ''Mother''?"


    "I..." Yu Gu''s face was conflicted, her brows furrowing. Of course she hated Cheng and Zhao Hui.


    But she had always lived as she wished, saving lives as a doctor by nature. She could neither take revenge nor act against them. After living in the Duke''s Residence these months, just seeing Du safe and sound was satisfaction enough.


    Though she did not like Gongzhu Ying''s bold personality, her son loved Ying, so as his mother she had noints and gave her full support.


    "Mother... daughter begs you..." Ruxu ced her head in Yu Gu''sp and wept, "Daughter''s heart belongs to the Heir alone. And Mother, you are the Heir''s mother--"


    "Ruxu! Don''t speak nonsense!"


    Yu Gu immediately interrupted Ruxu''s words and pulled the tearful woman up. "I''ve told you many times, Bianjing is different from other ces. Some things must never be said carelessly! Do you understand?"


    "But I spoke no falsehoods... Mother, you truly are..."


    Yu Gu''s gaze was severe, her chest heaving as she said sternly, "If you say more, Mother will disown you as daughter!"


    "I..." Ruxu was helpless, and could only shut her mouth. Staring at Yu Gu with red eyes, she said, "Alright, I won''t say more, don''t be angry Mother... Please."


    Yu Gu''s eyes held a hint of sorrow. With a resigned sigh, she got up and returned to her own room.


    Ruxu clenched her fists tightly, forcing back humiliated tears.


    She truly could not understand why Mother insisted on shrinking away, when she had such a noble status and had given birth to Dong Li''s Divine General. Yet Mother had fled Bianjing for so many years, living in remote viges to heal people and live a selfless, simple life.


    What was so great about mingling withmoners every day?


    She was the Duke''s wife - if she reimed that status, they could live in the Duke''s Residence with its carved beams and painted rafters, enjoying endless glory and riches. And she could fulfill her promise to marry Ruxu to the Heir and make her his daughter-inw.


    So why did Mother choose to abandon her for Gongzhu Ying?


    Just because the child in Ying''s belly was also Mother''s grandchild, she readilypromised?


    The more Ruxu thought about it, the more upset she became, the more she hated it. Her chest felt oppressed by a boulder, and she found it hard to breathe.


    Tears flowing, she smiled mockingly to herself as she stood up. Staring fixedly at Yu Gu''s room, she thought: No, I cannot ept this!


    Mother said I was the daughter-inw she was most satisfied with, and would send me to the Heir''s side if there was a chance.


    Now that I am in Bianjing, I absolutely will not leave easily.


    I will make the Heire personally to bring me into the Duke''s Residence!


    ...


    Gu Ying had just returned to the residence where Cheng used to live when she saw Huai An and Yin Lan walking over together.


    Huai An''s eyes brightened slightly. "Mistress, we''ve finally found something."


    Yin Lan smiled and continued, "Back then there was a schr named Yuan Xing who stayed in the neighboring residence for a month. After that month he left Bianjing, but he loved reading and often went to the century-old bookstore outside Xing Alley to buy books."


    Gu Ying murmured, "Yuan Xing, Yuan Xing, his name also contains the character Xing?"


    Yin Lan said, "What''s more, very coincidentally, that month he stayed was when Cheng imed she was pregnant."


    Smiling radiantly, Yin Lan ryed the information she had gathered. The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth turned up as she listened and got into the carriage. "Since we know his name, it will be even easier to find the person. Huai An, have someone check among officials first."


    Holding the horse''s reins, Huai An asked in puzzlement, "Mistress, why look among officials?"


    Inside the carriage, Gu Ying folded her hands into her sleeves and strategized, "He came to the capital that year to participate in the imperial examination. Whether or not he passed, there must have been someone by that name who showed up at the exam. Moreover, knowing Cheng''s personality, if she let Yuan Xing off, she must have paved the way for him in secret. After all, he is her child''s father, she couldn''t have made things too difficult for him. And she herself came from an official''s family. Even if she entered the pleasure quarters back then, deep down she understands a man needs an official position to have a better future. Over the years, what she valued most was face and dignity. If she could not attach herself to the Duke, I fear Yuan Xing would have been her next target."


    Yin Lan smiled and gave a thumbs up. "Mistress analyzed perfectly. Cheng was desperate to be an official''s wife, otherwise she would not have kept Yuan Xing around."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth turned up slightly. "Not dealing with him at first was perhaps to keep an escape route. Not dealing with himter was likely because she could no longer do so."


    From the other side of the carriage curtain, Huai An stroked his chin as he flicked the whip. He said in a clear voice, "This subordinate understands now. Yuan Xing must not have a low position."


    Gu Ying''s expression was t as she lifted the carriage curtain and took onest look at Xing Alley.


    This farce had begun in Xing Alley, so it should end in Xing Alley as well.


    ...


    With a lead, news of Yuan Xing indeed came swiftly.


    In less than two days, Huai An brought a record to Gu Ying. Combined with the earlier intelligence from Fuyun Building, most of Cheng''s life story was nowid bare before her eyes.


    At dusk, the mncholy red clouds hung quietly in the sky as the sun set in the west, and night was soon to fall.


    Leaning against the low couch by the bed, Gu Ying flipped open the record to read.


    Back then, Cheng did not have many close friends. Most were privileged youngdies from official families, daughters of her father''s colleagues before he passed away. After the Cheng family''s downfall, those women had severed ties with Cheng. Only after she attached herself to the Duke at the teaching hall did those people reconnect with her. Of her acquaintances, only Zhao Rou had a prestigious status.


    Gu Ying recalled how she had deliberately probed Cheng some days ago, and the flustered Cheng had sent people to invite none other than Zhao Rou.


    At that moment, her heart was somewhatplicated.

 Chapter 341: The Prince is Not Angry.

    <h4>Chapter 341</h4>


    Although Zhao Rou had note, Cheng''s behavior undoubtedly told her that she had an intimate rtionship with Zhao Rou, and Zhao Rou might even be rted to Mrs. Lin''s death back then...


    How could this be?


    She was the Crown Prince''s aunt... She couldn''t have harmed the Crown Prince''s birth mother!


    Gu Ying shook her head and quickly dismissed this absurd idea from her mind. She picked up Yuan Xing''s information and read it carefully.


    Yuan Xing, a lecturer at the Hanlin Academy, passed the imperial examination in the first year of Tianqi''s reign. He soon received an official position, first serving as a judicial aide in several ces for a few years, then was promoted to county magistrate, andter became a prefect. When he grew older, he found a way to enter Bianjing and became a lecturer at the Hanlin Academy like today. His position was not high, but he was highly respected for rmending talents.


    Usually, this person kept a low profile. Apart from going in and out of the Hanlin Academy, he rarely interacted with others.


    He was well-versed in the ssics and erudite in many fields, focusing on schrship and having taught many children of nobles.


    Even Zhao Changxing had been his student once.


    Seeing this, Gu Ying''s eyes grew cold. Cheng, Cheng... how bold of you, doing this right under the Son of Heaven''s nose, in the Grand Duke''s residence! She even sent her son right in front of his birth father!


    "What are you looking at?"


    The man''s low voice brought Gu Ying back from her thoughts. Gu Ying unconsciously tried to hide Yuan Xing''s information.


    Zhao Changdu''s features were chiseled and handsome. He stretched out two slender, bony fingers to grasp her fair wrist, nced up, sat down beside her, and looked at the name on the paper.


    "Yuan from the Hanlin Academy?"


    Gu Ying carefully licked the corner of her mouth. "Yes... Zhao Changxing''s birth father."


    Zhao Changdu looked at her mockingly. Of course he already knew what Gu Ying had found out, but recently he had been busy with military affairs and hadn''t devoted much attention to it.


    He looked up and down Yuan Xing''s information a few times, feeling that Zhao Hui''s life had been an utter failure. He let go of the woman who loved him and kept a woman who didn''t love him and cuckolded him by his side for so many years - how ridiculous!


    Gu Ying saw the extremely sinister look in the man''s eyes again, and a sense of invisible pressure climbed onto her heart. "Ah Du, I know you feel terrible, but please give me a few more days. I will definitely avenge our mother."


    The man''s fierce gaze was obscured by his thick, longshes. Looking at the cute appearance of the little girl grinding her teeth, Zhao Changdu suddenly chuckled lightly and put his arm around her waist, gently saying, "Ah Rong, thank you."


    Seeing the man''s softened gaze, Gu Ying rxed slightly. She leaned her head on his shoulder, held his fingers in her little hand, and said, "This is what I should do for you. Cheng''s behavior is really disgusting. Such a person is simply unworthy of living in the Duke''s residence. Moreover, I think it''s better if our home is clean and tidy, with fewer troublemakers, so that our residence can be more peaceful."


    Zhao Changdu murmured in agreement, looking quite calm.


    Gu Ying nced at him doubtfully several times.


    The man leisurely raised his eyebrows, and rubbed her soft waist with his big hand. "What are you looking at your husband for?"


    "Oh, why isn''t Ah Du angry today?"


    "Why should your husband be angry?" Zhao Changdu stretched out his finger and fondly pinched the girl''s nose. "Anger is a sign of weakness. Does my wife think your husband is a weakling who can do nothing?"


    Gu Ying was not stingy with her praise at all. She pursed her red lips and nodded. "Of course not. In my eyes, there is no man in this world more wise and martial than Ah Du. What''s more, you are the War God of Dongli, the cold Yama who strikes fear into the Qiang people!"


    Zhao Changduughed contentedly. The girl''s beautiful eyes were filled with shimmering water as she looked at him wholeheartedly. Her appearance was too alluring.


    His gaze darkened as he simply picked her up and threw her onto the brocade quilt in the canopy bed, thoroughly enjoying herpany and neglecting even the evening meal.


    Gu Ying indulged him given his mood recently.


    Finally, she barely satisfied him and was left hot all over by him, nestling weakly in the quilt.


    Her breathing was chaotic, and faint sounds escaped from the corners of her lips as she pleaded for him to stop, but she still felt unwell.


    Especially since she was pregnant, it was somewhat inconvenient.


    A man who had tasted meat had greater needs in that area. Yet the Crown Prince wholeheartedly devoted himself to one woman.


    Gu Ying knew he was suffering too, but she really could not openly take concubines for the Crown Prince.


    She was willing to work harder, pleasing the Crown Prince more in bed, rather than letting him go to other women.


    Zhao Changdu propped himself up halfway and looked down at her flushed cheeks. His gaze moved down and settled on her full, swollen chest.


    The girl''s figure had developed even more spectacrly after getting pregnant... Especially that soft pair of jade rabbits that he couldn''t stop fondling.


    His gaze was deep and dark, seeming to form a whirlpool to suck her in.


    Gu Ying was experienced and naturally knew something was amiss from his gaze. She panicked and turned her face away, rolling over to get off the bed. "I''m dirty, I have to go bathe first..."


    Zhao Changdu hugged her from behind and pulled her back, leaning by the blushing girl''s ear. His voice was low and hoarse. "I''m the one who dirtied you. I''ll carry you there."


    Gu Ying''s legs went soft and she almost couldn''t stand. "No need, Ah Du..."


    Zhao Changdu murmured, "Didn''t we just see everything? Why are you still so shy, Ah Rong?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip tightly. "I didn''t see everything clearly..."


    When they were entwined, she had nearly shed all her clothes while he had only bared his sturdy chest.


    Zhao Changdu grasped her soft, limp hand and slowly inteced their fingers. He chuckled, "You smell so nice, Ah Rong."


    Feeling his scorching breath on her ear, Gu Ying could barely speak. Her voice trembled. "I was wrong, it''s better if my husband carries me."


    "Mm, knowing your mistakes and correcting them is the greatest virtue," the man''s voice was husky and sexy. He effortlessly picked Gu Ying up and entered the bathing chamber.


    After more frolicking, Zhao Changdu finally allowed her to get out of the warm water. He dried her body with his own hands, patiently helped her put her clothes back on, and wrung her hair dry.


    These trivial female affairs were originally Yin Lan and Yanzhi''s duties. Now whenever Zhao Changdu was free, he would do them for Gu Ying.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi waited outside, listening to the sounds from the room. They looked at each other, both blushing.


    "Sister Yin Lan, should we go in and ask the mistress toe out for dinner? The evening meal has been heated up several times already. If we don''t eat it soon, it won''t be able to be heated anymore."


    The little maid was innocent and unaware of worldly affairs. She actually still thought of going in to disturb the masters at this time. Yin Lan pursed her lips and pulled the blushing girl away from the door, teasing, "Don''t go in, didn''t you hear the Crown Prince talking with the mistress?"

 Chapter 342: Now that’s a Real Couple.

    <h4>Chapter 342</h4>


    Yanzhi was the youngest and didn¡¯t know exactly what was going on between the mistress and the prince everyday, but she could see that the prince really cherished the mistress.


    She had grown up with the mistress, so of course she hoped to see the young master treat the youngdy well. Now, not to mention the other youngdies in Bianjing who envied the mistress for marrying such a good man, even the people at Dongping Earl Manor were jealous beyond description.


    Yanzhi scratched her head nkly and said, "I don''t know why, but ever since my youngdy got married, I''ve had much more free time."


    "How could you not have more free time?" Yin Lan poked Yanzhi on the forehead with one finger, smiling gently. "The prince doesn''t let you or me get involved in anything he can do himself. Although we''re the mistress'' personal maids, the only one who can truly serve her personally is the prince."


    Hearing this, Yanzhi only then realized that she hadn''t drawn the mistress'' eyebrows, changed her nightclothes, or bathed her for a long time!


    For a dignified eight-foot-tall man, the prince was actually willing to condescend to groom, dress and bathe a woman.


    This was really something no woman in the world would dare to even imagine!


    "The prince treats the mistress too well," said Yanzhi.


    "That''s what a real husband and wife should be like," said Yin Lan, somewhat gratified. Whenever she kept night watch, she could hear the soundsing from the masters'' room, which made her heart feel warm too.


    Especially the prince...he seemed insatiable, always clinging to the mistress.


    Before the mistress got pregnant, the prince had no concept of restraint whatsoever. At least after the mistress conceived, the prince was finally able to restrain himself a little. These little details showed how much this man loved the woman.


    The more she thought about it, the hotter her cheeks felt. Hearing her mistress'' voiceing from the room, she quickly nudged Yanzhi and said, "The mistress is calling for someone. She must be hungry. Go quickly and tell Hai Tang to prepare food."


    "I''ll go prepare food right away. Sister Yin Lan, you go in first."


    Yin Lan nodded and steadied her mind before pushing open the door and entering the room.


    It was summer, and all kinds of exotic flowers were nted in the courtyard, their fragrance assailing the nose. As soon as Yin Lan went in, she saw her mistress'' face under the south window, even more delicate and flushed red than a begonia, and the dark-clothed master sitting on the short couch, his nose high, his brows deep, unparalleled in sternness, his handsome features making one unable to look at him directly.


    Yin Lan took a deep breath and swiftly lowered her head to ask the mistress if she had any orders.


    Gu Ying got up and said gently with a smile, "Have Yanzhi and Hai Tang bring dinner here, the prince still has to go to the study to review documents after eating."


    Yin Lan bent herself and said, "Yes."


    Not until after dinner did Zhao Changdu still have apletely calm expression, with not a hint of fierceness in his eyes. He was even in a good mood and apanied her on a long stroll around the courtyard.


    Although Gu Ying was very curious, she didn''t ask anything.


    It was the next day when Cheng came to her looking extremely anxious that she found out the prince had secretly ordered the arrest and imprisonment of several of Cheng¡¯s coteral rtives that she had been supporting, using them of provoking trouble and bullying others.


    These were Cheng¡¯s only remaining blood kin, all supported by her with the Duke¡¯s money and power, and relying on Zhao Hui¡¯s influence to receive idle official posts in Bianjing, living extravagantly and unrestrained.


    Now they had fallen from the clouds into the mire overnight. Before dawn, the women of those families were already at the door of the Duke''s manor, kneeling and begging Cheng as their auntie to help the men and children of their families.


    When Cheng heard this news, she immediately panicked.


    Thesest few days, her heart had already been a big tangled mess. Lady Sun''s matter still hadn''t been resolved, and now there was fire in the backyard again. She didn''t dare plead with Zhao Changdu as a mother to release those people. She could only pathetically lead Granny Wang by the hand toe to Changfeng Pavilion.


    How could Gu Ying give her this face? She immediately had Yin Lan find an excuse to send her away empty-handed.


    Cheng left with an ashen face, furious and helpless, and returned to Baomo Hall.


    Sitting in his wheelchair, Zhao Changxing still looked quite rxed seeing his mother so angry, except for a glint of coldness and gloom in his eyes. "Mother, is there something you''re hiding from me?"


    Cheng sat ufortably on the bed, ncing at her useless son. "There''s no such thing. Don''t make trouble for me."


    The culprit who had ruined his manhood was still atrge, and she had already spent a lot of money trying unsessfully to find him. She was thinking of giving up, but this boy not only couldn''t help her, he was criticizing her.


    Zhao Changxing sneered. "What, Mother thinks I''m a cripple now?"


    Seeing her son about to throw another tantrum, Cheng had no choice but to cate him. "Mother didn''t mean it that way. It''s just that Gu Ying is too arrogant. I went to see her personally at Changfeng Pavilion today, but she pretended to be ill and refused to see me. Does she not care about the king''sw anymore? She''s acting as if she owns the Duke''s manor. If she really gives birth to the Duke''s rightful heir, where will there be room for you and I, mother and son, in the manor in the future?"


    Zhao Changxing listened expressionlessly, but when he heard the words "rightful heir", his brows and eyes moved slightly, and his gaze instantly became somewhat irritable and vicious.


    The events of that night seemed to be right before his eyes. Now she was pregnant with Zhao Changdu''s child.


    Heh, the irony of fate.


    If it wasn''t for Gu Ying... how could he have be a useless cripple?


    And to save face for the Duke''s manor, and prevent Zhao Changdu from finding out what he had done to Gu Ying, he could only swallow the humiliation and keep the matter buried in his heart.


    Gu Ying thought she had ruined his manhood so she could sleep easy?


    One day he would make her pay the price for emascting him!


    At the moment, Cheng didn''t have the patience to take care of her son''s feelings. She murmured, "In any case, I still have to appease your father more... As long as your father is still in this household, I can rely on him... Gu Ying and her husband won''t be able to aplish anything."


    She didn''t know if she wasforting him or herself, but after sitting for a while she couldn''t keep still and got up clutching her handkerchief, saying she was going to make pastries and stew for Zhao Hui.


    Zhao Changxing sneered coldly. "Mother needn''t waste effort. Haven''t you noticed Father rarelyes to Baomo Halltely?"


    Zhao Changxing''s words made Cheng pause in her footsteps.


    She turned around, her expression changing slightly. "Where has your father been goingtely?"


    Zhao Changxing narrowed his eyes. "My people said he often goes to Ruyi Alley recently."


    Cheng was surprised. "What''s he doing going to Ruyi Alley?"


    Zhao Changxing''s handsome face was cold. "Unknown."


    He didn''t care one bit about Zhao Hui''s matters. He only wanted to know when Zhao Changdu would get out of the manor and go back to the bordends.


    Cheng''s mouth twitched. But on second thought, she used to live on Ruyi Alley herself. The Duke must be reminiscing about their intimate days back then, which was why he was wandering around their old residence. Her heart felt not worried but sweet.


    But no matter how reassured she was, she also sensed something amiss.

 Chapter 343: Will the Prince be with her when she gives birth

    <h4>Chapter 343</h4>


    In the past, Zhao Hui would always return home on time every day. Even if he couldn''t make it back, he would have someonee and inform her.


    But on this day, she waited in the courtyard until the moon had set, and he still hadn''t returned.


    Cheng''s heart skipped a beat, and she called Granny Wang with a cold face.


    Granny Wang entered the room in confusion, only to find that her mistress was already wearing a ck cloak, concealing herself in the darkness, with only a cold face visible, looking like she was about to go out.


    "Mistress, what are you doing?" Granny Wang asked, puzzled.


    "Prepare the carriage," Cheng said.


    "It''s sote, Master will be back soon. Where does the mistress want to go?" Granny Wang replied.


    Cheng sneered, "He probably won''t being back tonight. Hurry up."


    Helpless, Granny Wang went to prepare the carriage.


    Just as Cheng stepped out of the door, Gu Ying had already changed her clothes and was also preparing to go out.


    When Zhao Changdu returned, he saw the young girl dressed in night attire. Her ck hair was tied up in a simple bun, held in ce by an exquisite jade hairpin, and only her cold face was visible in the dim light. She looked like she was about to go out in a hurry.


    He pulled her back firmly and spoke in a somewhat threatening tone, "Where are you going sote, Ayin?"


    Gu Ying blinked her eyes, with a hint of cunning in them, "I''m going to see what Cheng is up to."


    Zhao Changdu nced at her displeasedly, "You''re going like that with a big belly?"


    "Otherwise, should I take off my belly?" Gu Ying pouted her red lips and ced her small hand on her swollen belly. "Besides, my belly isn''t that big..."


    "Foolish." The man tugged at her nose and instructed Huai An to bring the horse.


    "It''s quiet at night. Are you using the carriage to follow secretly, afraid that Cheng won''t notice?" Gu Ying exined, "It''s because of Nian that I didn''t ride a horse."


    Zhao Changdu lifted his gaze and looked at her, saying, "How good is your horsemanship, Ayin?"


    "I''m quite good at riding," she replied.


    "Then, when Nian is born, I''ll take you to the hunting grounds for a good horse race," he said.


    Being able to race horses with the Eastern Li War God, what an honor it was!


    Although Gu Ying was Zhao Changdu''s wife, as soon as she heard that she could race horses after giving birth to a child, her eyes lit up, and she eagerly looked at his sharp and smooth jawline. "Alright, alright!"


    A thick cushion was ced on the horse''s back, and Zhao Changdu lifted the excited young girl and ced her on the horse. Then he mounted the horse himself, wrapping his long arms around her waist, resting his hand on her belly to hold the reins.


    Gu Ying nestled in his embrace, feeling a sense of security on her back.


    "Let''s go."


    The man gently pulled the reins, and the handsome ck horse started walking slowly on the street. The speed was controlled perfectly, as if it knew that there was a pregnant woman sitting on its back, without any jolting.


    Gu Ying tilted her head and her gaze fell on the man''s well-defined slender fingers. These hands were incredibly beautiful, and every action of casually handling the reins was so seductive and enticing.


    "Ado, why did youe back sote?"


    "We had a conversation with His Majesty about the Qiang ethnic group. The border has been unstabletely, and my grandfather''s health isn''t as good as before. He doesn''t have as much energy as he used to."


    A faint smile appeared at the corner of Gu Ying''s mouth. "Grandfather is getting old. It''s time for him to retire and enjoy his remaining years."


    The man responded in a gentle voice, "Hmm."


    Gu Ying was taken aback for a moment, feeling a bit disappointed in her heart. She held his wrist with her small hand and gently exerted some force.


    She knew that the Crown Prince wouldn''t stay in Bianjing for much longer.


    If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, the Qiang tribe made their final move around May or June of this year. It was the time when their grasnd people were at their strongest, and their leader led the cavalry to repeatedly plunder food and women in ten cities of Bianjing, catching the border off guard.


    Fortunately, the 100,000 Zhao Family Army under the Duke of Laoguo managed to withstand the powerful enemy.


    But the remaining few cities were driven into chaos by the Qiang tribe, and the main general almost lost the city.


    Emperor Tianqi was furious and ordered several main generals to fortify the cities and prevent the Qiang tribe from invading again. However, the Qiang tribe didn''t care about these orders. In order to restore their tribes'' vitality with food and grasnds, they would continue to raid the eastern border. In another month, the Crown Prince would lead the army to set out and provide support.


    And then, the Crown Prince and his father would join forces to defeat the enemy, gaining fame in one battle. His father also made significant contributions in that battle and was praised by His Majesty. As a result, the Dongping Marquis''s mansion also shared the glory.


    That victory was truly remarkable!


    The Crown Prince and his father not only made the Qiang tribe abandon their armor and flee, but also brought back a surrender letter from the Qiang tribe and a princess for a peace marriage.


    However, when the Crown Prince returned to Bianjing with the army, it was already the deep winter of December.


    Gu Ying silently calcted the days and realized that Nian was probably born in September. If she tried her best and Nian patiently waited, at most, she could only wait until the end of October...


    The Crown Prince probably wouldn''t be able to be with her when she gave birth.


    She sighed silently. She understood that she shouldn''t ask the Crown Prince for anything for the sake of the country and righteousness. But this was the first time in her past and present lives that she was giving birth to a child, and her husband was not by her side. Her heart was inevitably filled with a sense of bitterness and worry.


    Cheng''s carriage slowly traveled through the street, with Zhao Changdu quietly riding a horse behind the carriage.


    The night breeze was soft, swirling gently in people''s hearts. Gu Ying felt a deep sorrow, remaining silent.


    Zhao Changdu could sense the sudden mncholy in the young girl''s mood. He turned his face and lowered his head to gaze at the tender and blushing cheeks in the night breeze.


    The young girl was exceptionally beautiful, dressed in a ck gown that entuated her delicate and snowyplexion, with her dark hair cascading down. Her thick, ck eyshes fluttered like two small fans, giving her an extremely gentle appearance.


    Hisrge hand caressed her fingers, silentlyforting her.


    Resting his handsome face against her soft cheek, he spoke in a sexy and deep voice, "What''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying''s face flushed, emitting a warm breath. She smiled and said, "It''s nothing."


    Zhao Changdu furrowed his brows slightly when he wanted to ask further, but Cheng''s side had already gotten off the carriage.


    The carriage came to a stop at the entrance of Ruyi Alley. Cheng, holding up her skirt, walked inside with the support of Granny Wang.


    Gu Ying quickly dismounted from the horse and pulled the crown prince to hide at the mouth of the alley.


    Zhao Changdu angrily nced at the mischievous girl and reluctantly turned his gaze towards Cheng''s departing figure. However, the more he looked, the colder his expression became.


    ...


    Cheng could never have imagined that the Duke of State would actuallye out from a woman''s courtyard behind her back. Moreover, when he emerged, there was a contented smile on his face.


    It was afort and ease that she hadn''t seen on his face for a long time.


    Furious, Cheng tightened her grip on Granny Wang''s wrist.


    Granny Wang winced in pain and took a breath, "Madam, don''t be hasty... That person seems somewhat familiar to this servant... It seems like I''ve seen her somewhere."


    Gritting her teeth, Cheng said, "How can she not be familiar? She''s Yu Gu! She was staying at the Duke''s residence not long ago, and she only recently moved out!"

 Chapter 344: There Is the Charioteer

    <h4>Chapter 344</h4>


    Granny Wang did not know Yu Gu well, but she knew there was such a person in the Duke''s Residence. However, Yu Gu had always kept a low profile, often secluding herself in Changfeng Pavilion. Unless she went out to get medicine, she was basically invisible.


    When did she get involved with the Duke?


    Also, with so many women avable, how could the Duke take a fancy to a female doctor?


    Hiding behind a corner, Cheng saw Zhao Hui and Yu Gu standing far away at the entrance to the small courtyard. She did not seem to know what they were talking about.


    The longer she looked, the more the woman under themplight seemed somewhat familiar.


    "Granny Wang, don''t you think this Yu Gu looks..."


    Granny Wang did not hear clearly. "Madam, what did you say?"


    Cheng nced at her impatiently. Realizing she was not her confidante Granny Sun, she said dejectedly, "Never mind, you wouldn''t know anyway."


    Seeing Zhao Hui shut out by Yu Gu and about to head home, Cheng had to hurry back to the carriage.


    On the way back, she kept thinking about Yu Gu''s brows and eyes. The more she thought about it, the more she felt Yu Gu resembled thete Mrs. Lin who had jumped off a cliff...


    The thought frightened her, making her break out in a cold sweat.


    But Jixue Cliff was so high. How could anyone survive jumping off it?


    Yu Gu could not possibly be Mrs. Lin!


    Cheng''s face turned deathly pale. She ced a hand over her heart to calm herself down repeatedly, telling herself that Mrs. Lin had died years ago. Her soul must have dispersed. It was impossible, impossible. Yu Gu and Mrs. Lin merely had simr eyes.


    But when Cheng returned to Baomo Hall, she became restless again. Zhao Rou refused to give her any clues. Now she had no idea what to do. Should she just let the Duke get involved with Yu Gu?


    What if Yu Gu was promiscuous and threatened her status after entering the Duke''s Residence?


    Until now, all she cared about was her status and wealth, afraid that Zhao Hui would lose interest in her.


    Sitting anxiously in Baomo Hall for a while, unwilling to give up, Cheng had herself groomed and made up beautifully. Swaying her hips, she took a bowl of deer tendon soup to Qingyun Elegant Building.


    In the study, Zhao Hui was staring nkly at Mrs. Lin''s portrait on the wall.


    Cheng brought the soup in, narrowed her eyes coldly at the portrait, and removed her formal blue outer robe to reveal a glimpse of the embroidered peony chiffon skirt inside.


    She pulled down her shoulder cape, hooked up the corners of her lips, and embraced Zhao Hui from behind.


    "My lord, why have you only just returned home tonight? You''ve kept your wife waiting for so long."


    She clung weakly to Zhao Hui, reaching for his waist. In the past, Zhao Hui would surely be unable to restrain himself and make passionate love to her.


    But tonight he was really not in the mood. He pulled her down and nced at her coldly, "What''s with you, the prestigious wife of the Duke, dressing like this? Where are your manners?"


    Cheng was experienced in seduction. This was the first time Zhao Hui had rejected her so directly.


    She bit her lip aggrievedly. "You don''t like me dressing like this?"


    Zhao Hui said impatiently, "I don''t."


    Cheng knitted her brows, hooking his belt with her hand. Her red lips pouted, "But you used to like it a lot."


    Zhao Hui pushed her away helplessly and sat down on a nearby chair. "I''m really not in the mood tonight. Go back first. I still have official business to deal with."


    When Cheng was kicked out of Moyun Pavilion, she still couldn''t believe it.


    It was only when the study door closed behind her that she finally reacted - the Duke had actually rejected her!


    Could it be that the Duke... had lost interest in her body?


    Realizing this, Cheng froze. For the first time, she felt a sense of crisis.


    ...


    Having unintentionally watched the spectacle, Zhao Changdu scoffed coldly.


    As for Yu Gu, he did not take her to heart either.


    Gu Ying was full of doubts. "Brother Changdu, why would Father be with Yu Gu?"


    Zhao Changdu put his arm around the little girl''s waist, his expression aloof. "Who he likes and wants to be with is none of my concern."


    In the man''s arms, Gu Ying looked back into the alley. In the dim alley, a cold candle flickered before Yu Gu''s courtyard gate. She recalled Shen Ruxu''s words, and had a strange feeling in her heart.


    Could what Shen Ruxu said refer to the secret affair between Yu Gu and Father?


    But judging by Yu Gu''s frigid personality, she did not seem like the type who would seduce a man for power and status. Besides, her appearance had been ruined.


    "Brother Changdu, don''t you think Yu Gu is a bit odd?"


    "Why is Little Ying so concerned about Yu Gu? Are you still upset about Shen Ruxu''s matter?"


    "No, I know you only have me in your heart."


    What a self-satisfied tone.


    Zhao Changdu hooked his lips indulgently. "Then don''t mention her again in the future."


    Having said that, the man narrowed his phoenix eyes, and picked her up in his arms.


    Gu Ying instinctively put her arms around his neck, blinking at him. She knew the Crown Prince cared about her, so she would stop tormenting herself by mentioning Yu Gu and Shen Ruxu.


    ...


    Gu Ying was carried back to Changfeng Pavilion by Zhao Changdu.


    Halfway through, she started to feel drowsy. A taut string in her mind quivered slightly, and her consciousness blurred for a moment.


    Before she could realize anything, his kiss had fallen.


    Dazed by his kiss, it took her quite some time to recover her senses, only to find herself back in the carved bed at Changfeng Pavilion.


    The man still wanted to lean down to bite her.


    Gu Ying''s eyes swiveled as she gazed deeply into his dark and profound phoenix eyes. She raised her hand to stop his bare chest. "Although I don''t like Cheng, I have to admit she is adept at managing her husband. For so many years, only she has been by Father''s side. I wonder what spell Cheng has cast on Father to make him only fond of her."


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyes narrowed slowly. His jet ck gaze fell on Gu Ying''s face like a wild beast.


    Before Gu Ying knew it, he had hooked up her fingers to his lips. When she tried to retract her hand, he grasped it firmly.


    "Brother Changdu..."


    "Still trying to get away?"


    Gu Ying''s face suddenly flushed crimson. "I didn''t..."


    Zhao Changdu''s breathing grew heavy, his voice hoarse and low. "I think you''re even more formidable than her."


    "What?" Gu Ying looked up innocently with her shiny obsidian eyes, radiating a cold yet seductive light.


    Her ignorant and innocent gaze seemed to see into the man''s heart.


    "Little Ying, you are much more formidable than Cheng." Zhao Changdu was instantly inmed. His blood boiled and rushed down to a certain ce.


    Yet she still appeared clueless, blinking her longshes like fluttering butterfly wings. Her cherry lips opened and closed, saying she had no idea how to serve her husband.


    Little girl, if she didn''t know how, who would?


    No woman in this world could wield an innocent youngdy''s natural charm.


    She had already been with a man and was carrying his child.


    Yet she revealed such purity in this matter, making him want to tear her apart.

 Chapter 345: I am Not a Pervert

    <h4>Chapter 345</h4>


    Gu Ying saw the man''s adam''s apple bob up and down and the bulging veins on his neck, and for some reason, her eyes misted over, "I''m not like Cheng, okay?"


    "Of course you''re far better than Cheng," Zhao Changdu smirked, "Does Miss Gu really think it was Cheng who tamed her husband?"


    Gu Ying said, "If not?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, "It''s just my Zhao family rules. Zhao men take protecting the family and country as their duty and are only allowed to marry, not take concubines."


    Gu Ying was surprised, "I''ve never heard of that before?"


    "You weren''t originally from the Zhao family, how could you have heard? What''s more, Zhao Hui had already ruined the reputation of Zhao men, so naturally people outside have forgotten about this old family rule of the Zhaos. They all think we Zhao men are shameless male fox spirits."


    Gu Ying snorted withughter, looking at the man''s handsome face like a painting, "The words ''male fox spirit'' suit you perfectly, Changdu."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep and obscure. He reached out and untied her waistband, "Go on."


    He undid it, and Gu Ying tied it back up again, deliberately teasing him, "Go on what?"


    "Tell me what magic potion you gave me to make me so hopelessly obsessed with you."


    The man pinched her waist with his big hand. Gu Ying let out a lingering, tantalizing moan, "I didn''t..."


    This coquettish whine was undoubtedly his magic potion.


    Zhao Changdu ground his teeth, and his eyes misted over. With a wave of his big hand,


    therge red canopy bed curtains suddenly fell down, blocking the endless spring scenery inside.


    Soon after, the faint cries of a woman could be heard from inside the room.


    Yin Lan, who was standing guard at the door, blushed again and again. Thinking that since her master had already retired, she should go and boil the hot water first.


    Inside the small kitchen, Huai An came in after finishing his patrol to eat a midnight snack. Seeing Yin Lan''s pretty flushed face, he asked in puzzlement, "Yin Lan, what''s the matter with you?"


    Yin Lan touched her burning hot face and said, "It''s nothing."


    Huai An was starving, with his chest sticking to his back. He lifted the pot lid, and was a little disappointed to see it was just boiling water. "Are there any buns left?"


    Yin Lan wiped her hands on her skirt, went to the steamer and took out tworge white buns for Huai An, "Eat these."


    Huai An looked at Yin Lan from the side, staring straight at her without saying anything.


    Yin Lan felt very ufortable under his gaze, "What are you looking at me for?"


    Huai An grinned foolishly, "You don''t call me Master Huai anymore these days."


    Yin Lan pursed her lips, "I just feel there''s no need to be so distant between us..."


    Hearing this, Huai An was overjoyed. Without letting her finish speaking, he leaned over and kissed the corner of her mouth swiftly.


    Yin Lan was stunned, and subconsciously wanted to move back, but when she met the man''s dark, eager gaze, she froze.


    Huai An had thought Yin Lan would reject him and was scared he wanted to run away. But seeing that she neither hit him nor refused his kiss, he was instantly delighted.


    "Yin Lan, I...I''m so happy..."


    Although the two had feelings for each other, ever since returning from Yueyang, there seemed to be a veil between Yin Lan and him...unspoken, yet vaguely ambiguous.


    Sometimes he felt very distressed, not knowing whether Yin Lan loved him or was just grateful to him.


    Hey awake all night, wanting to ask her clearly, but every time he saw her face, he couldn''t bring it up... He thought, this girl had such a miserable life before, and was mistreated by bad men. Should he force her too?


    The Lady had said, to care for someone is to hope for their well-being. Why should he give Yin Lan pressure and troubles?


    For the rest of his life, as long as he treats her well, caters to her every need, and sees her living healthily and happily, he would be content.


    He never expected that an impulsive kiss tonight, and Yin Lan didn''t push him away.


    Huai An was ecstatic. He gingerly walked up to Yin Lan, still holding the two big white buns in his hands, "Yin Lan, do you want some? Let''s eat together?"


    Seeing the honest smile on his face, Yin Lan chuckled and teased, "Are you sure you want to keep holding them like that?"


    Huai An lowered his eyes. Not looking at the buns in his hands, but at Yin Lan''s "buns" on her chest.


    He suddenly felt his nose go hot. He hurriedly raised his head, "Sorry, sorry, the weather is getting hotter, I''m really restless...it''s nothing to do with you!"


    Yin Lan was startled by his actions. Fortunately, she was mature and sensible, knew a lot, and immediately took a handkerchief, soaked it in cool water, and put it on the back of his neck.


    After flustering about for a while, Huai An finally settled down next to Yin Lan, like an obedient big dog, sitting neatly beside its owner.


    He held his neck rigidly, his face red, not diverting his gaze, "Yin Lan, you know so much, no one ever taught me before that a nosebleed can be treated like this."


    Yin Lan was quiet for a while, then suddenlyughed, "Huai An, turn around."


    Huai An licked his dry lips, "Turn...turn around for what?"


    Yin Lan pulled his arm.


    Huai An turned around as if facing a formidable enemy, and was met with Yin Lan''s fair little face. Before he could speak, he saw Yin Lan lean in to kiss him.


    Her kiss was different from his. Her lips were soft as hell.


    Wet and sweet, that soft and warm thing was like a naughty little rabbit, sneaking into his mouth when he least expected it.


    Huai An''s mind buzzed, and his whole body froze in a daze.


    Even more humiliating was that his body waspletely out of control, and had reacted very inappropriately when Yin Lan leaned in!


    Yin Lan''s eyes were misty as she let him go, her gaze lowering...


    She froze for a moment, instantly turning red, also not expecting that the tall and sturdy Huai An would get so easily excited...and looking at it, it was quite sizeable too.


    Huai An was still frozen. He hurriedly covered his crotch with his hands. For a while, he didn''t know what expression he should make, after all, he was still a virgin who hadn''t touched a woman before, but his own... was really disobedient...in front of the woman he liked, he had utterly embarrassed himself!


    "Yin Lan...I..."


    "Um...you go take care of it yourself."


    After Yin Lan said that, she walked into the kitchen, her face red.


    Huai An nervously swallowed, and followed to exin, "Yin Lan, I''m not a pervert, nor did I do it on purpose...you mustn''t get the wrong idea..."


    "Do you think your exnation now would be convincing like this?"


    "But I''m worried about you..."


    "Then why don''t you go back to your room now..."


    "I...Yin Lan..." Huai An was so anxious he didn''t know what to do. There was an inexplicable urge in his heart, making his heart thump like a deer, wanting to hold Yin Lan in his arms.


    But Yin Lan was ruthless, not even looking at him once.


    He wasn''t the kind of person who would force others either. Seeing Yin Lan like this, it was as if there were ants on a hot pan in his heart now.


    "Yin Lan, I''ll go back first then..." He felt a little aggrieved, not knowing exactly what he was aggrieved about.


    He just felt it would be good if Yin Lan could help him out now.


    But how could she help? He didn''t dare think further down that path. Having no choice, he lowered his head and walked out, even forgetting to eat the buns.


    Hearing the rustling sounds behind her, Yin Lan finally turned around, her face red.


    The hot water had already boiled several times. In the wee hours, there was still no sign of stopping from the main room.


    She stood under the corridor, thinking of Huai An''s silly look, and the corners of her lips curved up.


    ...

 Chapter 346: Planning

    <h4>Chapter 346</h4>


    Cheng was really sick this time.


    As soon as the Duke finished court, he rushed to see her in a frenzy. All the imperial physicians and local doctors were invited to the mansion. When Zhao Hui saw that she was still lying in bed looking ufortable after taking medicine, he specially sent someone to take his name card to the pce to invite the imperial doctors. Medicines were delivered nonstop to Baomo Hall like flowing water.


    Everyone in the mansion who had eyes could see clearly that thisdy was still dear to the Duke''s heart. No one dared to neglect Cheng anymore.


    When the Pce sent invitations to the families for Concubine Wan''s birthday celebration, Cheng naturally received one too.


    Zhao Hui''s favor had returned, and there was also an invitation from the Pce. Cheng was reinvigorated. In good spirits, she put Granny Sun''s matter aside and concentrated on preparing to celebrate Concubine Wan''s birthday in the Pce.


    However, no matter how lively Baomo Hall was, Gu Ying didn''t dare forget about Lin''s death for a moment.


    Thesest two days, she specially sent Hai Tang to probe Yuan Xing''s attitude in Cheng''s name.


    Yuan Xing was a cautious man. At first he didn''t believe Hai Tang was sent by Cheng, and even more unbelievable that Cheng would actively look for him. But no matter how cautious a man was, how could he not have any lingering feelings for Cheng after half a lifetime alone? Moreover, the two had a illegitimate child between them.


    Gu Ying lightly wielded a brush as she stood at the desk in the study.


    Yin Lan stood beside her, grinding ink for her. When she looked up, she could see her mistress'' beautifully tranquil eyes.


    She was stunned for a moment, unaware of when Yanzhi hade in.


    "Mistress, we''re back!" Yanzhi was an open sort of girl. The little restraint the Marquis of Dongping had raised in her waspletely unleashed by Gu Ying in the Duke''s estate Changfeng Pavilion.


    She pulled Hai Tang in and excitedly and mysteriously said, "Yuan Xing epted the purse Hai Tang gave him!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes shed. Her wolf-hair brush paused slightly.


    Peony was Cheng''s favorite flower pattern. No matter if it was a purse or sachet that she embroidered for Zhao Hui, there was always a shadow of peony.


    The noblewomen of Bianjing admired the Four Gentlemen; few would like the ostentatious magnificence of peony.


    She looked at the sample of Cheng''s handwriting she had been imitating, then looked at the sample of Yuan Xing''s handwriting.


    "What was his expression when he epted it?"


    Hai Tang thought carefully and replied, "Mistress, he was still rather calm, but looked a bit moved. After epting the purse we embroidered, he stared nkly for a while before turning to leave."


    Gu Ying understood in her heart. She had spent so much effort on Yuan Xing. It would be uneptable if he was still unmoved.


    It seemed he still cared about Cheng.


    But she didn''t know how much effect this emotion between a man and woman could exert. For the parents, the child was of immense significance.


    She neatly folded the two notes she had written, giving one to Yin Lan and one to Hai Tang, as the corners of her lips slowly curved up. "Remember, don''t deliver them incorrectly."


    She wanted to arrange for Cheng and Yuan Xing to take a trip to Ruyi Lane. There couldn''t be the slightest mistake in this matter.


    Seeing Yin Lan carefully putting away the note, Yanzhi eagerly raised her hand to volunteer. "Mistress, let this servant deliver Cheng''s note! I''ve mixed in the Duke''s estate for so long, and also have some connections. I can deliver the note inconspicuously!"


    Gu Ying considered for a moment. Yanzhi was a bit careless, but she had matured a lot recently. Compared to Yin Lan, this "slippery" servant girl might handle the matter more resourcefully.


    So she smiled and said, "Alright then. If anything goes wrong, watch me forbid you from eating for half a month."


    Yanzhi smiled as she took the note from Yin Lan''s hand. "Mistress, don''t worry. There''s nothing your Yanzhi can''t aplish."


    Gu Ying smiled and ruffled the girl''s hair. "It''s decided then. You and Hai Tang must deliver the notes to them personally. I''ll think of a way to deal with the Duke."


    "Yes, Mistress!"


    Yanzhi was brimming with confidence, Hai Tang calm and steady.


    Gu Ying looked out the window at the sky. Luckily tonight was an ordinary, mundane night.


    Just like every other uneventful night, Cheng would dine at the first quarter past shenshi, then rest in Baomo Hall.


    ...


    After leaving Changfeng Pavilion, Yanzhi went to loiter around Baomo Hall.


    She finally found a chance to inconspicuously slip the note in, but identally bumped right into Granny Wang.


    A slip of white paper fluttered to the ground.


    Granny Wang''s eyes were sharp. She immediately bent down to grab it.


    Yanzhi''s heart leaped to her throat. She plopped down on the note. "Ow, Granny Wang, you hurt me!"


    Granny Wang squinted her old eyes and stood up. "What are you doing in the main kitchen, Yanzhi? Doesn''t Changfeng Pavilion have its own small kitchen? What business could possibly require you to run over here yourself?"


    Yanzhi swiftly pinched the note back into her palm. She was extremely nervous. "I came to see if there was any fresh vegetables...to bring back for my mistress."


    Granny Wang snorted derisively. Everyone knew the vegetables for Changfeng Pavilion were specially purchased. As for fresh fruits, they were gifted by the Pce. Baskets and baskets were delivered to Changfeng Pavilion everyday that the servants like her didn''t even get a look. Why would Yanzhi need toe to the main kitchen for anything?


    It was obvious Yanzhi had another motive foring here.


    Granny Wang brusquely pushed her aside. "What fell on the ground just now? Move and let me see."


    Yanzhi''s heart dangled by a thread. "Nothing fell..."


    Granny Wang red at her. "Impossible. I clearly saw something."


    Yanzhi forced a smile. "You must have cataracts blurring your vision."


    Granny Wang looked around for a while but didn''t find anything, so she gave up. Picking up the jujube silver fir soup she had simmered for Cheng, she shot Yanzhi another re before heading towards Baomo Hall.


    Yanzhi anxiously stroked the note in her palm...not knowing how much Granny Wang had actually seen.


    If she messed this up today, Mistress would definitely beat her to death.


    The more she thought about it, the more nervous and afraid she became...


    Seeing the sky darkening more and more, even if she delivered the note now, if Granny Wang discovered it, she would certainly warn Cheng in time. Then...


    Her mind went nk, too scared to think further.


    ...


    The Heir Apparent wasn''t dining at the estate tonight. If nothing unexpected happened, he would stay in the Pce to discuss state affairs. After Gu Ying finished dinner, she sent a letter to the Heir Apparent with Huai''an, telling him toe back early to enjoy the show.


    Huai''an happily went to wait outside the Pce gates. Gu Ying then had a carriage readied to first make a trip to Ruyi Lane.


    Yin Lan was still rather steady, but that girl Yanzhi was absent-minded, standing next to Yin Lan looking rather flustered.


    Gu Ying held her icy little hand and asked what was wrong.


    Yanzhi shook her head. "It''s nothing, Mistress! Don''t worry..."


    Gu Ying looked at her meaningfully but didn''t say anything. She got on the carriage.

 Chapter 347: My Baby Almost Died.

    <h4>Chapter 347</h4>


    After arriving at Ruyi Alley, she went to find Yu Gu for tea, then sent a message to Zhao Hui on behalf of Yu Gu.


    Yu Gu was still quite nice to her, she didn''t stop her from entering the yard when she arrived unexpectedly. Not only did she take her pulse to check her health, but also asked about the Crown Prince''s condition.


    Gu Ying only said, "The Crown Prince is healthy, thank you for your concern."


    Yu Gu put away her pulse pillow and lowered her eyes. Her entire face was still hidden behind her veil. Her face was disfigured so one couldn''t tell if she was beautiful or ugly, but her eyes were extremely attractive. Even the corners of her eyes were like a phoenix spreading its wings, making one gasp in admiration.


    Gu Ying felt her eyes looked familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere before.


    "Madam, has the Crown Prince been taking any medication recently?"


    "No, the Crown Prince rarely takes medicine. The weather has been good recently and he has had no major issues."


    "I wonder if the Crown Prince has been sleeping peacefully at night?"


    She was prying into the bedroom now. Gu Ying pursed her lips and still said, "Peaceful enough."


    Gu Ying answered whatever Yu Gu asked, like it was just a casual inquiry, but she could sense that Yu Gu''s concern for the Crown Prince exceeded a doctor''s limits for a patient.


    If not for their age difference, she would have suspected that Yu Gu had feelings for the Crown Prince. However, Yu Gu''s eyes were cold and clear, showing no signs of romance between them. Having lived two lifetimes, Gu Ying was quite discerning when it came to people. This Yu Gu was clearly no ordinary vige woman with some medical skills. Just her eyes alone showed that she was nomon woman.


    After talking about the Crown Prince, conversation between the two of them lessened considerably.


    Gu Ying nced inside the room. Yu Gu said lightly, "Xu is not here today, there''s no need to keep looking."


    Gu Ying smiled awkwardly. "Auntie, don''t me me. I harbor no ill intentions toward Miss Shen."


    "I know clearly what Madam feels toward Xu."


    Gu Ying was baffled. What did she know clearly?


    What had Shen Ruxu told Yu Gu about what happened at the Yueyang camp?


    Judging from Yu Gu''s expression, she clearly disliked her, and there was an inexplicable look of disgust in her eyes. It seemed that Shen Ruxu hadn''t told Yu Gu the truth at all, she had just exaggerated about being forced to marry at the camp.


    Shen Ruxu was Yu Gu''s adopted daughter, so of course she would stand up for her.


    But...


    Yu Gu calmly put the medicine box away and tidied up the tea set in the yard. Stars were scattered across the silver river in the sky, adding to the tranquility of this small courtyard.


    Gu Ying''s mood stirred restlessly as she watched Yu Gu busying about. She suddenly spoke up, "Auntie, do you know...On the way to Yueyang to find the Crown Prince, I almost lost my child."


    Yu Gu''s figure stiffened. She slowly turned around with aplex expression, staring at Gu Ying''s stomach.


    Gu Ying pulled up the corners of her lips in an innocent smile. "Knowing I was pregnant, Miss Shen still lied to me, nearly causing me to miscarry while trying to save her. Later, she even wanted to harm Yin Lan to kill my child. If I had not struck first, I fear my child, myself and Yin Lan would no longer be alive now."


    Yu Gu looked incredulous, a teacup falling from her hand andnding on the ground with a thud.


    "Auntie, my child is also the Crown Prince''s child."


    "You are also very fond of him, aren''t you?"


    Yu Gu was struck speechless, staring intently at Gu Ying''s smiling lips, her eyes slightly red.


    Seeing Yu Gu''s flustered reaction, Gu Ying thought that she had probably guessed something.


    ...


    In the evening, Ruyi Alley was still very lively with the sound of carriages and horsesing and going.


    As night fell, the houses in thisrge residential area gradually quieted down.


    Bianjing had a curfew andmoners rarely went out at night. If the patrolling city guards saw thoughtlessmoners, they would shoot them dead.


    As an Imperial Reader of the Hanlin Academy, Yuan Xing certainly knew about this rule.


    But when he saw the contents of the note sent by the Chengs, he still couldn''t help changing his clothes and sneaking out in the dark.


    He was extremely familiar with Bianjing''s terrain, not to mention Ruyi Alley where she used to live.


    Yuan Xing pulled his ck cloak tightly around him as he walked over, his mind gradually filled with memories of that stormy rainy night...


    He was staying at his distant rtive Yuan''s ce next to the Chengs'' residence. His elder cousin had generously lent him the house to live in while he was in the capital for the imperial examinations.


    At that time, he didn''t know that a fallen nobledy lived next door, who spent her days immersed in books.


    It was only that nightter on, when thunder roared loudly and torrential rain poured down relentlessly.


    The youngdy knocked on his door in a red embroidered dress, drenched from head to toe, crying and telling him that she was afraid of the thunder.


    In the rainy night, holding up a swayingntern, he sank into her misty, infatuated eyes.


    He didn''t know how he brought her into the room, or how they ended up in bed together.


    He only remembered that night of passion thatpletely wiped out over a decade of reading sage books.


    That tender cry of "Yuan Lang" pulled him out of his recollections of the past.


    Yuan Xing stopped in front of that old courtyard, the night was deep and serene in his dark eyes.


    Coming tonight was probably a mistake. He knew that there was absolutely no possibility between him and that woman, but there was still a shred of hope in his heart to see her onest time.


    He thought that just seeing her again would be good. There would still be decades more to live.


    As long as he could watch her from afar, he could still endure.


    As for the child she mentioned in her letter, he didn''t even dare think about it.


    Yuan Xing sighed softly and pushed open the dpidated yard gate.


    Thick cobwebs covered the gate frame and weeds grew wildly in the yard. The flowers and trees were withered, it was a scene of utter ruin.


    However, as soon as he stepped into the yard, he saw a dim bean oilmp burning in the room.


    A graceful figure stood by the broken Eight Immortals table, the light and shadow entuating her rich, dignified cheeks.


    Yuan Xing froze in disbelief at the sight of the woman turning around.


    "You--"


    "You--"


    They spoke in unison, then stopped abruptly.


    Lady Cheng pursed her lips and shot Yuan Xing a disgusted look. "Why did you ask me toe here sote? I already told you, that night was just an ident. It would be best if you never look for me again for the rest of your life. Why won''t you listen? Why do you insist on staying in Bianjing to deliberately offend my eyes?"


    Yuan Xing was confused. What was going on? Wasn''t it her who asked him toe?


    He opened his mouth to speak but Lady Cheng marched up to him angrily. She pped him hard across the face with a loud crack.


    "Yuan Xing, don''t even think about it!"


    Lady Cheng''s face was filled with anger as she red at him resentfully. Just thinking that he hade topete with her for the child made her see red.


    The p left Yuan Xing dumbfounded as he clutched his handsome face, even more puzzled. "Lady Zhao, just what are you talking about? It was clearly you who wanted to discuss the child and asked me to meet here. That child...is actually..."

 Chapter 348: Is She, Lin

    <h4>Chapter 348</h4>


    Cheng sneered coldly, angrily interrupting him, "Yuan Xing, don''t you dare try to threaten me with this matter. I, Cheng Li, have never been threatened by anyone in my life."


    Yuan Xing frowned deeply, "Why would I threaten you?"


    Cheng gritted her teeth, "Are you still pretending?"


    Yuan Xing was puzzled again, "Pretending what?"


    Cheng was furious. She had received a message from Yuan Xing earlier in the evening, saying that he already knew the truth about the child back then and wanted to meet her in the yard tonight to discuss the child''s matters, otherwise she would have to bear the consequences.


    As soon as she heard this, she was scared out of her wits.


    Apart from Sun Mammy, no one else knew about the child. And the night she spent with Yuan Xing, only Yuan Xing himself knew clearly!


    If Sun Mammy had exposed this matter to Gu Ying, Gu Ying would not have endured it for so long without reacting. The only person who knew about the events of that year, apart from Yuan Xing, she couldn''t think of anyone else!


    She knew Yuan Xing had stayed in Bianjing as an official all these years with some ulterior motives. At first, she had secretly helped him a bit too, feeling that since she owed him, she would secure him a good future.


    He was low-key, and had nevere looking for her again. Gradually, she had put the matter behind andfortably lived as the duchess of the duke.


    asionally at some spring banquets she could still meet him, but they never spoke, only regarding each other as strangers, as if that night had never happened.


    But she did not expect that Yuan Xing had been dormant all these years for his own official career. Now seeing her favored, and knowing Chang Xing was his own flesh and blood, he wanted to ckmail her.


    She felt anxious and afraid, and worried that if Yuan Xing really made this matter public, and the Duke found out... then... all her glory and wealth would vanish in smoke!


    As Cheng thought more and more angrily, she approached Yuan Xing step by step, staring at him with blood-red eyes through gritted teeth, "Don''t think that just because Chang Xing is your offspring you can use him to threaten me to pave the way for you! Yuan Xing, don''t even think about it!"


    Yuan Xing was stunned, "What...what did you say?"


    Seeing the puzzlement on the man''s face, Cheng suddenly realized something was wrong.


    But it was toote now!


    The courtyard door was kicked open fiercely from outside with a "dong", and her heart skipped a beat as she looked straight at the door!


    Zhao Hui, dressed in dark green robes, stood fuming at the door, his narrow eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared at them coldly.


    Behind him was Gu Ying in a light blue cloak, and another woman wrapped in a shabby robe, her features obscured from view, only a pair of eyes resembling Mrs. Lin''s gazing coldly this way.


    Cheng''s breathing hitched, and her mind exploded as her body stiffened where she stood.


    "Your Grace..."


    Was she seeing right? Why would the Duke be here?


    How much had the Duke heard of what she just said to Yuan Xing?


    Cheng''s heart suddenly burned wildly. She didn''t dare think further, but meeting alone with another man in the yard in the middle of the night was a major taboo in the Duke Manor. The Duke would definitely not let her off!


    She was stunned for a moment, then walked tremblingly towards Zhao Hui. Meeting the man''s frighteningly cold gaze, she grabbed the corner of his robe, her eyes slightly red, "Your Grace, I can exin what happened tonight..."


    Zhao Hui smiled without mirth, pointing to the stunned Yuan Xing in the yard, "Go on then, exin to me, who is he?"


    "He..."


    "And who exactly is Chang Xing''s father!"


    Cheng shuddered, swallowing hard as tears streamed down her face.


    Zhao Hui watched her tears andughed heartily. Heughed until he bent down to grab her neck, "Cheng Li, you''ve made me suffer for so many years!"


    "Your Grace, it''s not like that, our Xing''er..."


    "Shut up!" Zhao Hui yelled angrily, his handsome face turning icy, "Don''t mention that ursed bastard''s name, it makes me sick!"


    Cheng panicked and pleaded tearfully, "Your Grace, I beg you. After so many years as husband and wife, don''t you have any feelings left for me or Xing''er?"


    Zhao Huiughed in extreme anger and kicked her to the ground, mocking, "How can you say that?"


    Cheng fell miserably to the ground, her face deathly pale. She now knew that saying anything more was useless.


    Yuan Xing looked worried and was about to bend down to help her up, but she pushed him away harshly, "Get lost!"


    Yuan Xing awkwardly froze in ce, unsure whether to help or withdraw his hands.


    Cheng couldn''t care less about Yuan Xing now. She only wanted to win Zhao Hui back desperately.


    She looked up anxiously and happened to see Yu Gu wrapped up. She mocked hysterically, "me me, Your Grace! But what about you? Don''t you also keep a woman outside? We''re both guilty of the same!"


    Zhao Hui couldn''t believe that at this point, Cheng still dared to be unreasonable.


    He clenched his fist and walked over to yank her up from the ground. "Shameless! Come back with me, I have to settle ounts with you! And bring that bastard child of yours too!"


    Cheng was flustered as the man dragged her out by the hair stumbling.


    Reaching the door, she suddenly lunged at Yu Gu wildly, "She''s your mistress, isn''t she! Since Your Grace shows me no mercy, we''ll make everything public tonight! Bring her back too! Make trouble, if you want trouble, let''s make trouble together. I want to see what others will think when they find out a man of your age still keeps a woman outside! If you don''t care about Zhenguo Duke Manor''s reputation, then neither do I!"


    Caught off guard, Yu Gu''s face veil was torn off randomly by her, revealing a small scarred face.


    She hurriedly covered her cheeks, but it was toote, Cheng and Zhao Hui had seen her features under the thick veil clearly.


    Cheng was stunned speechless, as if struck by lightning.


    Zhao Hui also suddenly stopped.


    On the side, Gu Ying looked up curiously at her appearance.


    The night breeze blew, and the fragrance of unknown flowers in the alley floated subtly.


    Yu Gu hung her head low, her cheek contours elegant, nose bridge straight, lips slightly pale, but not at all marring her extraordinary beauty.


    Even with the hideous scars covering her face, one could still discern her once beautiful countenance, and...


    Gu Ying stifled a gasp. She couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    When she had first married into the Duke Manor, she felt the Heir only resembled the Duke in 30%. Now she knew, the Heir''s features were the spitting image of Yu Gu...


    Yu Gu was not a mermaid at all - she was highly likely to be the Heir''s mother, Mrs Lin!


    The previously noisy chaos suddenly went silent.


    Seeing Yu Gu''s appearance clearly, Cheng''s expression instantly changed as she cowered behind Zhao Hui, trembling in fear.


    Zhao Hui stared fixedly at Yu Gu. He couldn''t help but tremble, "You... you are..."

 Chapter 349: Shen Rushu’s Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 349</h4>


    Yu Gu swept over his face, bit her teeth heavily, and said, ¡°I''m not!¡±


    After speaking, she turned around and walked away in a hurry.


    Zhao Hui thought about chasing after her without thinking. Gu Ying gathered her frowning brows and called out to stop him, "Father, Cheng is still waiting for you to deal with her."


    Zhao Hui stopped his footsteps, he had no choice but to stop irritably first and let someone seal Cheng''s mouth and drag her onto the carriage.


    Cheng was tied up with her feet, her eyes flushed red, panicked and stared at Gu Ying standing outside the carriage.


    Gu Ying tilted her head and showed a smug smile of a winner.


    Cheng''s eyes narrowed, and her tied hands hit the carriage heavily.


    If she still didn''t understand what was going on now, she would be too stupid.


    What happened tonight was clearly designed by Gu Ying for her and Yuan Xing!


    But Mrs. Lin''s matter caught her off guard.


    Cheng was ups and downs in her heart, shrunk in the carriage, her eyes full of confusion and loss. She never thought that Lin Yushan could still survive after jumping off such a high cliff... At that time, she tried her best to find a way into the Duke''s Residence. As the wife of the Duke, Zhao Hui was not without any feelings for her... It waster that Mrs. Linmitted suicide by jumping off the cliff. Without thedy of the house, she happened to be pregnant with Zhao Hui''s child and was promoted to wife.


    Moreover, when Mrs. Lin was poisoned at the beginning and her mental state deteriorated day by day, letting hermit suicide by jumping off the cliff was nned long ago between her and Zhao Rou. But she couldn''t help being jealous of her naturally beautiful face, and cut her face with a hairpin before pushing her down.


    After so many years, not only did she upy her position, but also bullied her son...


    Mrs. Lin must havee back for revenge...


    She would never let her go...


    Thinking of these, Cheng''s heart kept panicking, and she felt dizzy and the sky copsed.


    Zhao Hui had no mood to deal with Cheng at all. He asked people to take Cheng back to the Duke''s Residence first. His whole person seemed to have lost his soul, walked dumbly towards Yu Gu''s yard.


    "Ah Fei..."


    He raised his hand andnded heavily on the dark wooden door, and knocked gently on the door. No one in the yard responded.


    Seeing the carriage leaving with Cheng, Gu Ying turned back and breathed a long sigh of relief.


    Looking at the closed yard, for some reason, her mood was a littleplicated. She wanted tofort Zhao Hui but didn''t know what to say.


    However, since Mrs. Lin was still alive, it must be a godsend. The prince would definitely be very happy when he knew it...


    ...


    Overnight, at the dawn.


    The soft spring light shone in through the windowttices, but the Zhao ancestral hall was cold and gloomy.


    Cheng waspletely defeated in this battle. Her whole person was like a defeated hen, embarrassed and decadent, kneeling in front of the ancestors of the Zhao family.


    Zhao Hui stayed at the yard all night without getting Yu Gu''s response. When he returned to the Duke Mansion, he first dealt with Cheng.


    An unchaste woman used someone else''s blood and flesh to deceive him for more than ten years. How could he tolerate it!


    The Duke''s Residence couldn''t lose face. He couldn''t tolerate Cheng''s deception, let alone her presumptuously confusing the Zhao family''s bloodline andmitting adultery with other men. Which man could tolerate such humiliation?


    In addition, Gu Ying sent Sun Mammy to him, revealing the truth about Mrs Lin''s harm at the time.


    After Zhao Hui listened, he was furious. Thinking that he had condoned Cheng to harm Mrs. Lin, he hated that he couldn''t kill that stupid self!


    He was decisive and ruthless, without thinking too much. He sealed Yuan Xing''s mouth and found a way to drive him out of Bianjing.


    Under the severe punishment, Yuan Xing confessed to the absurd things that night.


    After Zhao Hui listened to it, his eyes turned ck with anger. He immediately stripped Cheng of the title of wife of Duke, and on the grounds of her violent illness, sent her to a remote manor.


    As for the bastard Zhao Changxing, of course he couldn''t stay at the Duke''s Residence either.


    Overnight, earth-shaking changes took ce in the Duke''s Residence.


    When Cheng left the Duke''s Residence, she was beaten dozens of times, covered in blood and barely recognizable. Finally, her mouth was blocked with cloth and stuffed into the carriage.


    Taking advantage of the dark, when no one was around, she was sent out of the Duke''s Residence.


    Zhao Changxing had long dismissed the many women in his Zhaoxing Hall, leaving only himself. Zhao Hui looked at him expressionlessly, blocked his mouth no matter how he struggled, broke his leg, and took him away.


    From beginning to end, Cheng and Zhao Changxing did not even have a chance to speak.


    Silently, the Duke¡¯s Residence changed.


    Gu Ying did not watch the excitement. Baomo Hall and Zhaoxing Hall were emptied soon. Among the servants in the mansion who were in charge of serving, some were sold and some went to the manor. In a short while, only Changfeng Pavilion was still lively as usual in the huge Duke¡¯s Residence.


    And when the prince learned that his mother was still alive, he was overjoyed and immediately let Huai An prepare the carriage to go to the yard to pick up Yu Gu.


    Gu Ying thought about it and decided to persuade Yu Gu to return as the prince¡¯s wife.


    Yu Gu was tired of life in the Duke''s Residence. At first, she didn''t want to go back no matter how the prince weed her many times.


    Later, she couldn''t stand the prince''s repeated visits. She finally decided to abandon the grievances with the Duke back then and chose to return to the Duke''s Residence.


    Yu Gu was the prince¡¯s biological mother. Gu Ying respected and loved her in her heart, and was willing to ept her as well.


    But her return at the same time brought back her adopted daughter, Shen Ruxu.


    Due to the status as mother, both the prince and Duke readily agreed to the request.


    Shen Ruxu had known that such a day woulde, deliberately showing off in front of Gu Ying, "Second Miss Gu, didn''t expect it, right? Not only can we meet again, maybe we will live together someday in the future."


    Gu Ying''s expression remained unchanged, her gaze calm, and she didn''t speak.


    Shen Ruxu''s unting did not get a response, and all her emotions had nowhere to vent, like a punch on a cotton pad.


    She frowned her eyes ufortably, walked in front of Gu Ying, leaned in and whispered proudly, ¡°Do you know that I have secretly met the Prince? Seeing my mother, the prince does not dislike me, and asked me to speak good words for him in front of my mother. The prince said that as long as I can persuade my mother to go back to the Duke¡¯s Residence, he would grant me a wish. Do you know what it is? Guess, will we serve the same husband in the future?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes slowly turned cold.


    Seeing Gu Ying''s expression finally changed, Shen Ruxu wascent and grinned, "Mother, I packed my stuff! Let''s go!"


    After speaking, she turned around and walked back, and went to intimately hold Mrs. Lin¡¯s wrist.


    "Madam, this..." Yin Lan was a little worried.


    Gu Ying shook her head, indicating not to publicize it. At this time, it was a big reunion for the prince and his mother. Some words could not be said, it would spoil the mood and upset others.


    Yin Lan pursed her lips and finally shut up.


    Gu Ying looked at Shen Ruxu smile yfully at her, holding her waist, silent as she got into the carriage.

 Chapter 350: Lin’s Request

    <h4>Chapter 350</h4>


    A long line of people returned to Duke Zhao''s manor, with carriage after carriage stopping in front of the manor gates.


    The news that Mrs. Lin was still alive spread swiftly throughout the entire capital city of Bianjing, not to mention Duke Zhao''s neighbors. Even the entire former Eastern Li dynasty had heard of this incredible event, so naturally the news soon reached the pce as well.


    The former madam of Duke Zhao''s manor who hadmitted suicide by jumping off a cliff during a winter hunt years ago had miraculouslye back to life.


    Not only that, but Duke Zhao himself had gone to wee her back to the manor.


    Zhao Changdu did not intend to conceal Mrs. Lin''s return. He wanted to broadcast it far and wide, to let everyone under heaven know that his mother was still alive, and that Zhao Hui should give her the status and position of a mother.


    Zhao Hui did not refuse.


    Mrs. Lin had suffered much hardship wandering outside over the years. Zhao Hui had wronged her back then. Now that he saw her return safe and sound, it was fair to describe it as tears of regret streaming down his face.


    He personally took the vermilion edict bestowed upon the Zhao family by the previous emperor and went to the pce to have an audience with His Majesty. Not only did he restore Mrs. Lin''s position as the madam of Duke Zhao''s manor, but he also petitioned for an imperial decree on her behalf.


    However, no matter how Zhao Hui tried to ingratiate himself, Mrs. Lin remained cold towards him.


    Only when facing the heir apparent did the pitiful woman soften, "Changdu, over the years, your mother has let you down greatly..."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was calm, but turmoil churned in the depths of his eyes. "It''s alright. As long as mother is safe and sound, that is all her son asks for."


    Mrs. Lin hugged Zhao Changdu tightly, her eyes instantly brimming red.


    Zhao Changdu heaved a sigh, and likewise held his frail mother tightly in his embrace.


    So many years had passed, and he had already grown from a weak young boy into the peerless God of War general of Eastern Li. Now he had the ability to protect every person dear to him, be it his mother or Gu Ying.


    Mrs. Lin felt gratified and proud of the heir apparent, but even more, she felt distress.


    In her powerlessness and weakness, she did not dare fight with Lady Cheng over Duke Zhao''s manor, only daring to watch her son grow up from afar.


    Now, hearing her son address her as Mother, she deeply regretted that when she had survived after falling off the cliff, she should have chosen to return and fight for her child instead.


    But Zhao Changdu felt that no matter what decision his mother had made back then, as long as she was alive now and could remain by his side, that was best.


    He only resented himself for misjudging people in the past and driving his mother out of Duke Zhao''s manor, nearly losing her as a result.


    Now that his mother had returned to his side, he only wanted her to live the best life possible.


    ...


    After Mrs. Lin entered the manor, Shen Ruxu''s status correspondingly rose as well. She became Duke Zhao of Eastern Li''s adopted daughter, instantly transforming from an ordinary country girl into a high-born nobledy.


    Moreover, there were rumors that she was the fianc¨¦e raised by Mrs. Lin for the heir apparent, originally meant to marry the heir apparent but seized by the heir apparent''s wife in the manor.


    The servants in the manor were skilled at going with the flow and currying favor with those of high status while looking down on those of lower status.


    Seeing this nobledy enter the manor, and noticing her looks, they said she might be the heir apparent''s concubine in the future, and so they all began to fawn over her.


    Gu Ying was not unaware of the winds stirred up by Shen Ruxu in the manor, she just couldn''t be bothered to pay attention as her pregnant body grew heavier by the day.


    What gave Gu Ying the biggest headache after Mrs. Lin entered the manor was where she would live.


    Duke Zhao''s manor was enormous, but Mrs. Lin refused to live in Lady Cheng''s former residence, the Treasure Ink Lodge, nor would she return to her former Clear Rhyme Elegance.


    Zhao Hui wanted to arrange for her to live in the courtyard closest to himself, but Mrs. Lin bluntly rejected it, clearly unwilling to be close to him and not giving him any face.


    Zhao Hui had no choice but to hand this matter entirely over to Gu Ying to handle as she saw fit.


    Gu Ying did not actually want to take on this thorny task, but since the heir apparent also wanted her to have a closer rtionship with his mother, she was now stuck riding a tiger and could not get off. She had no alternative but to first house Mrs. Lin temporarily in Long Wind Pavilion.


    "Mother, this is theyout map of Duke Zhao''s manor. Please take a look, is there a ce you like? A Ying will have people prepare it for you to live in."


    Mrs. Lin''s gaze slowly swept over the picture on the table, and she was silent for a long while without speaking.


    Gu Ying pointed at a few ces near Long Wind Pavilion and smiled while asking, "How about Lingxi Pavilion for Mother to look at?"


    Mrs. Lin was quiet for a moment without agreeing or rejecting it.


    Lingxi Pavilion was the closest courtyard to Long Wind Pavilion. Gu Ying did not understand what else Mrs. Lin was unsatisfied with. She could not let Mrs. Lin live in the former mourning hall again. Moreover, as an elder, she could not always live together with her juniors in Long Wind Pavilion either.


    Furthermore, she and the heir apparent still had their own married life to lead. How would it look for her to live together with her mother-inw?


    "Is Mother unsatisfied with Lingxi Pavilion as well?" Gu Ying still had a good temper and patiently inquired again.


    Mrs. Lin paused briefly before answering, "Lingxi Pavilion is quite good."


    Having obtained her approval, Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief.


    But then Mrs. Lin added, "However, I have another request."


    Gu Ying gave a faint smile. "What is Mother saying? Just order away whatever you require. Your daughter-inw will carry it out."


    Mrs. Lin''s mood brightened somewhat. She smoothly continued, "Ruxu is alone and without support. From today onward, she will live together with me."


    Gu Ying was rendered speechless for a moment. "Miss Shen may live wherever she pleases. She is Mother''s adopted daughter. Mother may arrange it herself without needing to ask my opinion."


    To put it bluntly, she was still just Mrs. Lin''s daughter-inw. Mrs. Lin had only just returned to Duke Zhao''s manor and was still unfamiliar with the affairs of the inner residence. After some time had passed, control over the inner residence would be handed back to her. Wherever she wanted Shen Ruxu to live was fine, as long as the heir apparent and Duke gave their permission.


    Other than this, Mrs. Lin did not have any other requests. Shen Ruxu was someone she had raised with her own hands, even closer to her than her son.


    A kindly smile appeared on her face as she held Gu Ying''s hand and earnestly advised, "Although she made some youthful mistakes out of ignorance, I have already privately punished her. Ying, you shouldn''t hold it against her anymore, right?"


    Mrs. Lin regarded Shen Ruxu like her own daughter. Now that she was older, she hoped for peace in the family and harmony in all matters. Gu Ying also had nothing more to say. She smiled and replied, "As long as the child in my belly is fine, I have nothing to resent her for."


    "It was all because I gave her unrealistic fantasies when she was little... When she was young, I thought of having her be my daughter-inw. Later when she grew up, I told her about Changdu''s matters. She has always been a proud girl, talented in medicine since childhood, and good-looking too. The older she grew, the more drawn she became to Changdu. After I secretly let her see Changdu once, just that one meeting was enough for her to harbor deep feelings for him... vowing to marry none but him." Mrs. Lin sighed and slowly continued, "Rest assured, as long as I am here, Ruxu will not dare to do anything to the child in your belly. After all, this child is also my grandson. I will naturally protect him."


    Gu Ying believed her words.


    Mrs. Lin still cared deeply about the heir apparent''s bloodline, otherwise she would not have given her so many restorative pills before leaving Bianjing previously.


    "Mother jests. A Ying of course trusts Mother."


    Seeing the smile on Gu Ying''s face, Mrs. Lin knew she was sensible. Her tone was meaningful as she said, "It''s good that you understand, A Ying."


    As the mother-inw and daughter-inw were speaking, Yin Lan came to report that Shen Ruxu requested an audience.

 Chapter 351: Shen Rushu’s Careful Machine

    <h4>Chapter 351</h4>


    Ying let Yin Lan bring her in.


    Soon after, a delicate and soft figure entered the main room of Changfeng Pavilion.


    When Ying looked up, she saw that Shen Ruxu had changed into a light blue embroidered silk gown with butterfly patterns. Her ck hair was coiled neatly into a chignon bun. She walked in gracefully, lifting the curtain.


    "Gu Ying, greetings."


    Upon entering, Shen Ruxu immediately gave Ying a proper youngdy''s courtesy, affectionately calling her "Gu Sister" with an insincere smile on her face.


    Having been in the Prince''s residence for less than two days, she had already assumed an air of arrogance. Ying felt nauseous hearing it, but still maintained herposure and smiled back at her, signaling for her to rise.


    "What brings Miss Shen here?"


    Shen Ruxu sat down next to Mrs. Lin and curved her lips, saying, "I waited for a long time without seeing Mother return, so I was worried and wanted toe see what is going on, Mother. What were you discussing with Gu Sister that kept little Xu waiting so long at home?"


    Mrs. Lin smiled kindly, "Nothing much, just selecting the yard where we will live in the future."


    "Oh? Have you decided? Xu hopes to live with Mother. I wonder if Gu Sister can oblige?"


    Mrs. Lin gentlyughed, "Ying has agreed already. We will live in Lingxi Pavilion next to Changfeng Pavilion from now on."


    Shen Ruxu stiffened. She had thought Ying would deliberately make things difficult for her, so she could gain some sympathy in front of Mother. She did not expect Ying to not cause her any trouble at all, instead depriving her of an opportunity.


    She forced a smile, and happily said, "That is wonderful news. This way, Mother is closer to the Heir Apparent. Over the years, Xu has seen how much Mother misses the Heir Apparent. Now she can finally be reunited with him clearly under the moonlight. Xu is overjoyed for Mother."


    Shen Ruxu chatted and joked with Mrs. Lin,pletely disregarding Ying.


    Ying was unbothered as well. She took the warm water brought by Yin Lan and leisurely drank a sip, silently ridiculing in her heart.


    Shen Ruxu''s words were quite interesting. Mrs. Lin was the Heir Apparent''s birth mother. What could possibly happen to her in Changfeng Pavilion? By saying she was worried, she was implying that Ying, the proper daughter-inw, was not a good person.


    Moreover, it was almost dusk, around the time the Heir Apparent woulde off duty. Hering at this moment clearly revealed her ulterior motives that Ying understood perfectly.


    After Cheng left the Prince''s residence, no one had dined in Chunshan Courtyard.


    If nothing unexpected happened, the Heir Apparent usually took his meals in Changfeng Pavilion. Now that Mrs. Lin was back and residing in Changfeng Pavilion again, she would naturally dine with the Heir Apparent.


    Zhao Hui dining alone was boring, so he also went to Changfeng Pavilion to eat.


    The father and son had finally begun reconciling after much difficulty, so Ying turned a blind eye, allowing Changfeng Pavilion to be the main base of the Prince''s residence.


    As Mrs. Lin''s adopted daughter, Shen Ruxu entered the residence. To please Mrs. Lin, Zhao Hui also recognized her as an adopted daughter. To Zhao Hui, she was just an adopted daughter without blood rtions or feelings. She had no right to dine with the Heir Apparent, yet she deliberately came to Changfeng Pavilion to wait for Mrs. Lin, purely to wait for the Heir Apparent.


    Sure enough, not even half a stick of incenseter, noise of the Heir Apparent returning to the residence came from outside.


    Shen Ruxu''s eyes lit up as an enchanting, bewitching look shed through her eyes.


    Ying did not miss the abnormal anticipation in her eyes. She felt even more irritated. Shen Ruxu was merely a fallen flower. How dare she fancy the Heir Apparent? This girl was far too ambitious.


    What upset Ying the most was that Mrs. Lin was clearly aware of Shen Ruxu''s behavior, yet she condoned it...


    Ying''s chest felt stifled and frustrated. She found it hard to breathe.


    Why did Mrs. Lin dislike her so? Was she not better than Shen Ruxu?


    ...


    Although lively with many people, Ying had no appetite for this dinner. She ate a few bites and used the excuse of feeling unwell to return to her chambers.


    Yin Lan brought tea for her to rinse her mouth. Yanzhi pitifully stayed by her side as well. She was indignant, "My Lady, how can that Shen girl be so excessive? I saw her eyes practically sticking onto the Heir Apparent... Calling him Elder Brother Du affectionately, clearly trying to irritate someone."


    Recently, Yanzhi had made a mistake by passing on a letter, so Ying punished her to stand facing the wall in reflection.


    Feeling wronged, she bit her lip. Righteously angry for her mistress, she asked, "My Lady, you don''t look well. Are you alright?"


    Seeing Yanzhi''s aggrieved appearance, Ying no longer had the heart to be angry at this maid. In this life, she owed her for a lifetime. She only wanted to treat her well. The punishment over thest few days was just to make her remember an important lesson. She smiled and stroked Yanzhi''s head, saying, "I''m fine."


    Seeing her mistress forcing a smile, Yanzhi felt even more heartache. "Does Miss Shen really get to live in the Prince''s residence? If not, let''s find a way to drive her out!"


    Yanzhi''s naive words made Yingugh out loud. Afterughing for a while, she sobered up again, feeling awful. She rinsed her mouth, pursed her lips, and suppressed her smile as she contemted how to get along with Mrs. Lin and Shen Ruxu next.


    Yin Lan poked Yanzhi''s little head, "Silly girl, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    Yanzhi pouted, "I''m not spouting nonsense. The Heir Apparent treats our mistress well. As long as Mistress is willing to mention it to him, the Heir Apparent will certainly be able to resolve this Shen girl problem."


    Yin Lan turned to look at Ying''s expression. Seeing her face slightly pale, she said sympathetically, "Does my mistress want to tell the Heir Apparent? I also feel that keeping Shen Ruxu is asking for trouble. Back in Yueyang, she nearly harmed you and the young heir. Who knows if she will plot something malicious again in the future? The young heir in my mistress'' belly will be five months soon. That woman is very sinister and has Mrs. Lin''s favor. We cannot underestimate her."


    Ying sat silently for a while, her small hand caressing her bulging belly. Her mood was a bit heavy.


    Yin Lan''s words struck her weakness. Shen Ruxu was not a good person.


    She had thought that exposing Shen Ruxu''s true colors to Mrs. Lin would make Mrs. Lin wary of her. She did not expect Mrs. Lin to be soft-hearted, easily moved by Shen Ruxu''s tears and pleas.


    Now was the time the Heir Apparent wanted to make amends with Mrs. Lin. As long as Mrs. Lin did not wish for Shen Ruxu to leave, even the Heir Apparent would find it very difficult.


    Ying sighed softly, feeling exhausted and helpless for the moment.


    She rubbed her aching temples, "Let me think carefully about this. It cannot be rushed."


    Yin Lan said sympathetically, "Mydy, don''t be too worried. At worst, Shen Ruxu would not dare extend her hands into Changfeng Pavilion."


    Ying nodded helplessly and let them exit first.


    After washing up and changing, she had just prepared to lie down and rest when she heard steady, masculine footsteps at the door.


    Still upset, Ying knew it was the Heir Apparent returning but did not wait for him. She turned and went to bed, pulling the covers over herself.


    After drinking some hot wine, Zhao Changdu''s mind was restless and his body heated. Not seeing the person he wanted to see upon entering, he walked around a screen to the inner room. Seeing a small mound under the embroidered quilt on the bed, the corner of his mouth lifted in a faint smile.


    These days, Mother had safely returned, putting him in a very good mood.


    He walked over and sat on the bedside, patting the young girl and asking, "Asleep?"

 Chapter 352: His Romance

    <h4>Chapter 352</h4>


    Gu Ying was tired and didn''t feel much like talking. She gave a soft murmur.


    Zhao Changdu could tell the little girl was in low spirits. He reached in from behind her with his big hand and gave her soft waist a rub.


    Gu Ying was ticklish. Her body moved and she sat up in the quilt, turning her misty eyes to look at him. "I''m sleepy already. Why is the prince teasing me?"


    Looking at a beauty bymplight made her even more enchanting.


    This little girl''s exquisite and unparalleled foxy white face was so touching with a hint of grievance. Her wet eyes were like a tame deer''s.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was burning as he stared at her flushed cheeks. He couldn''t restrain himself anymore. He stretched out his big hand to hold the back of her head and pulled her in for a meticulous kiss.


    The man was strong. In no time, the kiss had grown intense.


    Gu Ying could smell the rich wine on his lips and teeth. She was addled by the fumes, her mind hazy and unable to breathe.


    She leaned against him breathlessly and was let go after quite a while.


    Zhao Changdu was satisfied. He caressed the girl''s swollen lips, still feeling unfinished.


    "What''s wrong? You don''t look too happy."


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together, hesitating over whether to speak. "Does Changdu feel that Mother doesn''t seem to like me too much?"


    Zhao Changdu raised his brow. "You''re so nice. How could Mother not like you?"


    Gu Ying sucked in a breath. She always felt that Mrs. Lin disliked her because of her own sake, because they sympathized with each other for marrying up.


    She had married the prince and was doted on in every way, while Mrs. Lin had been neglected by the duke her whole life.


    The same circumstances, different results - to Mrs. Lin, she didn''t like Gu Ying simply because she didn''t like that past Lin Yushan who was forced to marry up but didn''te to a good end.


    So no matter how hard Gu Ying tried to please her, Mrs. Lin would not like her, and that was what made her feel so powerless.


    "Forget it. I''m probably overthinking," Gu Ying said, not wanting the prince to fall out with Mrs. Lin over this matter and end up caught in the middle between mother-inw and daughter-inw. She smiled. "I''m probably moody because I''m pregnant."


    "That won''t do." Zhao Changdu pinched the girl''s soft little face. "No matter if my Ying''er is doing the mother-inw thing or not, she must always be happy."


    After saying so, he called outside.


    Huai An immediately came in smiling and put a food box on the table. "This is food that I specially went to the eastern market to buy for Madam after getting off work. It has Madam''s favorite pastries and Donghua Pavilion''s steamed milk cow! There''s a surprise in the box too! Madam,e take a look yourself!"


    These past few days, Zhao Changdu had been busy preparing for Mrs. Lin''s return home,ing and going early andte, and had neglected the little girl quite a bit. He knew she would be unhappy, so he specially bought some nice things to cheer her up.


    Zhao Changdu nudged her up and signaled with raised brows for her to go take a look.


    Gu Ying got out of bed and went over, lifting the cover on the box. Hundreds of exquisitely fragrant fresh flowers sprang into view, vying to bloom, brightening one''s eyes.


    She loved flowers. Back in the days at the dpidated temple, it was the flowers blooming all around that had given her dark life its only light and hope.


    Huai An smiled and hurriedly withdrew.


    Gu Ying blinked back the heat in her eyes. She was nkly stunned like a child, not yet grown up. "These flowers..."


    Zhao Changduzily narrowed his phoenix eyes. "I picked them myself. Does mydy like them?"


    Seeing the beautiful food and flowers before her, and the pretty, delicate hairpin in the small rosewood box, Gu Ying''s mood lifted. A woman couldn''t be happier than with these trifles.


    That he could let go of his status to coax her, what did she have to sulk about? The corners of her eyes crinkled with joy that brimmed over.


    "Not bad. I like them very much."


    She leaned in to sniff the flowers, then picked up a piece of milk cow pastry and popped it in her mouth.


    When she was halfway through eating it, the man behind her hugged her from behind, tangled with her red lips to snatch away the pastry in her mouth.


    Gu Ying''s face grew hot. Her whole body was embraced in the man''s arms.


    He bowed his head to kiss her, his gaze earnest and lingeringly affectionate.


    Gu Ying''s breathing grew chaotic, her eyes misty and brimming with moisture. Their eyes met, full of feelings.


    "Oh right, what did Changdu promise Shen Ruxu?" Even in her dizzy state from the kisses, Gu Ying didn''t forget about Shen Ruxu''s showing off in front of her.


    She pushed him away a little, pressing both hands against his chest to keep him from getting close.


    Zhao Changdu was taken aback. "What did I promise her?"


    Gu Ying looked at him seriously. "Shen Ruxu said she met the prince before."


    It took Zhao Changdu a moment to recall this person. Realizing something, the corners of his lips quirked mockingly. "Is my Ying''er jealous?"


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together. "Don''t change the subject."


    Zhao Changdu said happily, "She took the initiative to find me and said she had a way to persuade Mother to return home, so I promised to grant her one thing."


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth, ring at him with eyes brimming with water. "What thing?"


    The little girl''s jealousy was so endearing. Zhao Changdu couldn''t help bowing to kiss her flushed nose. He smiled. "She didn''t say, and neither did I. I was anxious to get Mother toe home then and agreed outright. Now that I think about it, I''ll promise to find a good family for her. What does mydy think?"


    Gu Ying''s longshes fluttered. "Really?"


    Worried that eating too much at night would cause indigestion, the man closed the food box and carried the girl back to bed.


    "Mm," he said as shey down into the quilt and was gathered into his embrace.


    He hugged her very cozily. His big handy over her lower abdomen, the palm scorching hot.


    Unable to sleep, she fiddled with his fingers, lost in thought. "Changdu, what should I do if Mother is unwilling to marry Miss Shen off?"


    Mrs. Lin was the prince''s birth mother, naturally unlike Cheng. She couldn''t deal with Mrs. Lin the same way as Cheng.


    And given how much Mrs. Lin doted on Shen Ruxu, she probably wouldn''t marry her off so quickly.


    Shen Ruxu''s chastity had been damaged and she had remarried before, and had even ruthlessly murdered her ex-husband''s family. With a girl like that, even under the Duke''s protection, it wouldn''t be easy to find her a good match.


    After thinking it over for a long time, Gu Ying understood. Mrs. Lin probably wanted to keep Shen Ruxu by her side and wait for the right time. Then when the time was ripe, she would have the prince take Shen Ruxu as a chamber wife, even as a side consort with bedroom privileges. That would still be better than marrying into another family as a concubine to be bullied.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying felt awful, her five viscera tightly wrenched together.


    She had never experienced much familial love in her life. Her mother died early, her father was often away leading troops, and her grandmother at home had favored her brother. Just thinking about it made her feel very dejected.


    Zhao Changdu looked at the sad little girl and flicked his finger to put out themps in the room.


    In the darkness, he lovingly kissed the girl''s anxious eyes and smiled. "Ying''er, don''t worry. Leave this matter for me to handle."


    Gu Ying was still worried in her heart. "Will Mother let the prince intervene in this matter of a girl in the rear court?"

 Chapter 353: Beating

    <h4>Chapter 353</h4>


    Zhao Changdu gently patted her back, coaxing her like a child, "What''s wrong with that? I''ll take care of Shen Ruxu''s matters, no one can argue about it."


    He knew a young wife would face many difficulties bing a daughter-inw, when the Cengs were in charge of the household, she didn''t need to worry, but Mrs. Lin was his birth mother, inevitably she would have some concerns.


    If she handled some matters, it would make his mother ufortable, but it would be different if he spoke up.


    She was so young, and pregnant as well, he didn''t want her bothered or distressed by these trivial things and insignificant outsiders.


    "Sleep, with your husband here, no one can bully you, not even my mother."


    Gu Ying was stunned, nestled in the man''s arms, listening to his concise words and steady heartbeat, her eyes grew hot as her restless heart finally settled.


    In her previous life, when she married Jiang Yin, she was filial to her parents-inw and considerate of her sister-inw, but she was tormented by Jiang''s mother and Jiang Ling''er for two years. No one knew of her troubles and bitterness, Jiang Yin was consumed by his career,pletely oblivious to the ugliness in the inner chambers, moreover he never loved her, he loathed her, wishing Jiang Ling''er would pester her to death.


    This life she assumed that when the Heir brought Mrs Lin back it would put her in the same plight, but she never expected the Heir to indulge and consider her so...


    It turns out there really were men in this world who understood a woman''s troubles, what virtue had she cultivated to meet the Heir?


    She smiled, silently shedding tears, in the dark canopy she hugged the man''s strong waist tightly.


    She gently nuzzled his chest, her voice hoarse, "Changdu."


    The man''s voice was low and attractive, "What is it?"


    Laughing through her tears she said, "Nothing."


    She just loved this man desperately, unable to resist calling his name.


    ...


    The next day, Zhao Changdu went alone to see Mrs. Lin.


    Last night Mrs. Lin had moved into Lingxi Pavilion.


    Lingxi Pavilion was not far from Changfeng Pavilion. Zhao Changdu would visit Gu Ying before he went out.


    Mrs. Lin knew her son was filial and was happy, but her intention was for Gu Ying to join them in morning and evening greetings to foster family feelings.


    Zhao Changdu frankly declined on Gu Ying''s behalf with a smile, "Ying intended to apany Mother more, but I feel we are family by blood, no need for such formalities. So called morning and evening greetings are rigid rules intentionally created by idle, ignorant women of the inner chambers to torment daughters-inw. We don''t practice this in the Duke''s estate. Moreover, Mother, when you married into this household, Grandmother treated you well, I''m sure Mother doesn''t want to make things difficult for the pregnant Ying, correct?"


    His words choked back all of Mrs. Lin''s rebuttals.


    When she married in high status back then, Zhao Hui didn''t love her, in the entire household, except Zhao Hui, the old Duke and old Duchess treated her exceptionally well.


    Not to mention morning and evening greetings, she had almost overslept the second day after her wedding, but the old Madam didn''t scold her, instead told her with a smile to quickly eat breakfast and not starve herself.


    Recalled by Changdu''s words, she felt somewhat guilty. If not for Xu whispering maliciously in her earst night, she wouldn''t have thought to make Gu Ying formally greet her.


    Moreover, although Gu Ying was an officer''s daughter from Dongping Prefecture, she was well read and knew propriety. In the months since marrying Changdu she had managed Changfeng Pavilion perfectly without any oversight, everyone above and below Changfeng Pavilion liked her, she really was a capable daughter-inw and mistress.


    Furthermore, Changdu cared for her, doted on her, loved her, a young couple affectionate with each other was a blessing.


    Having just returned to the household, she didn''t want conflict with her son over a woman.


    Considering this, she smiled kindly, "It was Mother''s mistake, don''t be angry Changdu, I''m very fond of Ying, she''s pregnant so I wanted her to visit more, so I can see that she''s well."


    When Shen Ruxu entered, Zhao Changdu was raising a cup of hot tea by his side.


    The man had painterly brows and eyes, handsome features, exceedingly refined and beautiful, unbelievable. He wore grand crimson official robes and ck belt, sitting upright and slender in the chair, refined, righteous, yet with undeniable piercing cold, like an deity.


    Seeing him, Shen Ruxu''s heart raced, flushing she walked to Mrs. Lin in tiny steps, greeting her then turning to the man, also greeting him as "Brother Changdu".


    Zhao Changdu was expressionless, cing the teacup on the table without a smile.


    Receiving the man''s cold gaze and disregard, Shen Ruxu felt rather awkward standing straight, "I came to see if Mother had woken, unexpectedly I ran into Brother Changdu¡ª"


    "Brother Changdu?" Zhao Changduughed coldly, looking away with detached coldness.


    nced by his hawkish eyes, Shen Ruxu shuddered, utterly embarrassed without ce to hide, this man''s manner was too oppressive, recalling his cold yet frightening demeanor at the military camp, she forced a smile, enduring her fear, "What''s the matter, does Brother Changdu feel it''s inappropriate?"


    She was Mother''s daughter, naturally she should call him brother...


    Zhao Changdu''s deep phoenix eyes were obscure and ruthless, with indifferent expression, carrying bone-chilling cold, "You and I aren''t blood kin, in the future, address me the same as everyone else in the household, as Heir."


    Shen Ruxu''s face froze, the man''s emotionless words left her awkwardly mortified.


    She was merely amoner, able to live in the Duke''s estate was thanks to Mrs Lin''s grace, the Heir''s attitude warned her not to foolishly fantasize.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t waste time on her, instead said to Mrs Lin, "Ying is the woman I love most, Mother treating her well is treating your son well. She carries my child and it''s very difficult, Mother''s medical expertise is superb, I hope Mother can diligently care for Ying''s health."


    Recalling the child, joy still rose in Mrs. Lin''s heart, "Don''t worry Changdu."


    After breakfast with Zhao Changdu in Lingxi Pavilion, Mrs. Lin personally saw him out.


    Returning inside, Mrs. Lin immediately pped Shen Ruxu''s face.


    Stunned by the p, Shen Ruxu was incredulous, "Mother, you hit me?"


    Never in her life had Mrs. Lin hit her before, now she actually hit her?


    "Why?" Shen Ruxu swiftly reddened, unseen resentment appearing in her eyes.


    Mrs. Lin red at her resentfully, feeling awful for hitting her daughter, quickly had someone fetch a handkerchief to apply to her cheek.


    Shen Ruxu irritably turned her face away, sobbing grievously with knitted brows.


    Mrs Lin sighed, "I already told you Changdu''s heart is only filled by Gu Ying, stop fantasizing about him. You''re already a youngdy of this household, what more are you dissatisfied with? Why must you insist on marrying Changdu?"


    Shen Ruxu unwilling, crying loudly, "Why can''t I? Why can''t I!"

 Chapter 354: Sincerity is always the best skill

    <h4>Chapter 354</h4>


    Mrs. Lin raised her palm, trembling, but did not hit down again.


    After all, she was the girl who she had watched growing up. She stroked Shen Ruxu''s swollen red face in a doting manner and slowly said earnestly, "Child, why are you so stubborn? A Du just left the manor and told me seriously that he nned to select a talented and good-looking husband for you among the noble sons in Bianjing. You just stay in the manor and wait. When the time is right, he will marry you out gloriously as the youngdy of the Duke Manor. I thought it would be good... I treat you like my own daughter and surely want you to have a good life in the future, Xu. This is the best oue for you."


    When Shen Ruxu heard that the heir apparent was going to marry her off, she panicked. She quickly threw herself into Mrs. Lin''s arms and cried with tears streaming down her face, pleading, "No... Please don''t, Mother! Do you bear to marry me off?"


    Mrs. Lin smiled wryly. "I don''t want to either, but now that I''ve heard A Du''s words, I understand. Qing is A Du''s wife so she belongs to A Du. He doesn''t want to take concubines and I don''t want to force him. Over the years, I have wronged him. I will never go against his wishes when ites to his marriage. Moreover, Ying has a gentle, tough, generous and elegant personality. She is virtuous and sensible with no ws. There is nothing wrong with her."


    When Shen Ruxu heard Mrs. Lin ept Gu Ying so readily, she couldn''t believe it and asked anxiously, "Mother, you just ept Gu Ying like this?"


    Mrs. Lin was kind by nature and not really a bad person. She did have some prejudice against Gu Ying at first, probably because she couldn''t stand to see her leading a better life than she did in the past. Butter she figured it out - she suffered a tragic fate not because of others but due to her own bad luck in meeting such a heartless and cold-blooded man like Zhao Hui. How could she me Gu Ying?


    "Why wouldn''t I ept her? She''s my daughter-inw and did nothing wrong. How could I not ept her?"


    Shen Ruxu felt a sudden pain in her heart. She clenched her hands tightly, a trace of vicious resentment shed across her eyes.


    "Xu." Mrs. Lin tried to earnestly advise her, "I treat you like my own daughter. But you can only be my daughter. Just give up everything else. Stay safely in the Duke Manor and live the life you''ve always wanted. In the future, when you marry, you''ll still be the main wife of an aristocratic family and have a bright future ahead of you. Why are you so stubbornly clinging to A Du?"


    "Mother..."


    "I don''t want us to be estranged."


    "I..."


    Shen Ruxu was still unwilling, but she was helpless against Mrs. Lin''s persistence which could overwhelm her. She was afraid of upsetting Mrs. Lin which would make her feel cold towards herself.


    "Alright, stop crying. Get up now." Mrs. Lin thought Shen Ruxu had finally epted reality.


    "I... I understand. I''ll be obedient and listen to Mother from now on."


    Shen Ruxu felt extreme heartache. She didn''t expect Mrs. Lin to change her attitude so quickly.


    It was all Gu Ying''s fault!


    It was all Gu Ying''s mistake!


    Her blood surged as immense hatred welled up from the bottom of her heart. She stared straight ahead with bloodshot eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    She would definitely not let Gu Ying and her child have a good life. Just wait and see!


    Mrs. Lin had advised Shen Ruxu all she could. The rest was up to Shen Ruxu to ept it herself. She believed Shen Ruxu was an obedient and well-behaved good child who would eventuallye to see reason.


    ...


    Gu Ying stood outside Lingxi Pavilion, quietly listening to the entire conversation between Mrs. Lin and Shen Ruxu. Her heart rxed and her face took on a hint of a smile.


    The heir apparent had just left. After getting out of bed, she had bathed, dressed up neatly and came over to pay her respects to Mrs Lin.


    Yin Lan smiled. "Madam need not worry now. This Mrs. Lin is much more reasonable than Cheng."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth turned up slightly in agreement. "After all, she''s the heir apparent''s birth mother and was the youngdy of a prestigious medical family. How could shepare to Cheng?"


    Yin Lan had been worried earlier that after returning to the manor, Mrs. Lin would make things difficult for Madam because of Shen Ruxu. She did not expect to feel more goodwill towards her after hearing Mrs. Lin''s reasonable words.


    "Madam, let''s go in."


    "Alright."


    When Gu Ying and Yin Lan entered the Lingxi Pavilion hall, they saw Shen Ruxu looking awkward quickly wiping away her tears. Then she straightened herself with feigned calmness and lowered her reddened, defiant eyes.


    Seeing Gu Ying, she quickly stood up and said, "Mother, I''m feeling unwell so I''ll go back to my room first."


    Mrs. Lin knew she didn''t want to see Gu Ying, so she waved her hand to let Shen Ruxu leave first.


    As Shen Ruxu walked past Gu Ying, her cold gaze fell upon Gu Ying''s smooth, flushed cheeks. Her expression became even more displeased.


    But Shen Ruxu was not stupid either. She did not make a scene on the spot but smiled politely and left the hall.


    Gu Ying had tranquil brows and eyes. Her pitch-ck eyes were like ck jade. Dressed in milk-yellow brocade robes, she looked even more adorable and cute. Her slightly bulging belly did not make her look clumsy. Instead, she seemed like azy cat, very endearing.


    After convincing herself, when Mrs. Lin saw Gu Ying, she also felt happier. Hearing A Du''s words, she dispensed with Gu Ying''s etiquette and asked her to sit down to talk.


    Mrs. Lin was a doctor herself. She pointed to the small table next to her. Out of habit, Gu Ying stretched out her wrist.


    Also out of professional habit, Mrs Lin ced her fingers on Gu Ying¡¯s pulse.


    They were both taken aback for a moment, then smiled at each other.


    "Look at me, I''ve be obsessed." Gu Ying patted her own forehead. "Mother, don''t think too much. I didn''t mean to do that."


    Then she asked Yin Lan to bring out the silver ear soup she had prepared early in the morning, "I cooked this with my own hands for Mother. I wonder if you''ll like drinking it?"


    Mrs. Lin said lightly, "Put it down first. I''ll drink itter."


    Gu Ying looked up and gazed sincerely into Mrs. Lin''s eyes. Ever since she entered the manor, she still wore a veil and didn''t want to show her real appearance.


    The two looked silently into each other''s eyes for a moment. Mrs. Lin could see Gu Ying had something to say. So she said, "Do you have something to tell me?"


    Gu Ying said frankly, "Yes."


    Mrs. Lin said solemnly, "Alright. Go ahead, I''m listening."


    Gu Ying was not the coy type. She just went straight to the point, "I know Mother doesn''t really like me, though I don''t know why. But I came to see you today just to tell you that my feelings for you are genuine. I will be a good daughter-inw and treat you well. If Mother has any thoughts, you can tell me directly. As long as it''s within my ability, I''ll do it for you without hesitation. If I''ve offended you in any way, I hope Mother will point it out to me in a timely manner. If it can be changed, I will definitely change. I''m telling Mother all this not for any other purpose, only hoping that there won''t be any estrangement between our family and we won''t be distant over some trivial matters."


    Gu Ying pulled up the corners of her mouth sincerely. "Perhaps Mother doesn''t know my feelings for the heir apparent."


    A shallow, blissful smile yed about her lips as she looked up and continued, "I love him. That''s why my feelings for you, Mother, are different from others''. Since I was little, I never had a mother. I don''t know how to get along with one. Over the years... my brother and I had a tough time growing up in my uncle''s manor. In fact, I also hoped for a mother''s love... Fortunately I met the heir apparent in this life. After marrying into this family, he never let me suffer any grievances. As his wife, I also want to make him happy and spare him any worries about domestic affairs. So... I''ll try my best to treat Mother well."


    Having said so much all at once, she was still afraid that Mrs. Lin might not believe her. So she carefully reached out to hold Mrs. Lin''s cold fingers, "Mother, can you like me a little too?"


    When Mrs. Lin looked into Gu Ying''s clear and limpid eyes, she couldn''t help but freeze for a moment.

 Chapter 355: I don’t Hate You

    <h4>Chapter 355</h4>


    She lowered her eyes to look at the little girl''s tender white fingertips, and heard her carefully ingratiating tone. She couldn''t help but grasp her small hand tightly, "I don''t actually dislike you."


    She added, "The Cheng family caused me to fall off a cliff and ruined my appearance. I don''t dislike her either. You''re Du''s wife, my grandson''s mother. Why would I dislike you?"


    Gu Ying felt a warmth in her chest and her eyes turned slightly red. "Mother..."


    Sincerity is always the most touching. Mrs. Lin admitted that at this moment, she was genuinely moved by Gu Ying''s words.


    She really hadn''t expected this girl to ce those words so candidly and starkly in front of her. She had just openly bared her heart to her like this, which made her somewhat at a loss instead.


    "I didn''t actually dislike you, silly girl... I just felt back then that with your extraordinary and peerless beauty, you would not be well-behaved. And I also heard that you were indecent with someone surnamed Jiang, so I was somewhat unhappy... Butter I gradually epted you. Think carefully, if it wasn''t for the medicine I matched for you, would the baby in your belly be able to stay?"


    Gu Ying was stunned. "That''s true, thanks to Mother''s medicinal pills that I conscientiously took the whole way."


    "You are," Mrs Lin poked at her brow and the corners of her lips curved up slightly. "Such a worrywart. Pregnant and going to Yueyang to find someone, which youngdy from a prestigious family could do that?"


    Gu Ying smiled with red-rimmed eyes. "I just missed the Crown Prince so much. I was worried he was injured and afraid he wouldn''te back..."


    Mrs Lin sighed. "I understand, you love him."


    It was precisely because of her wholehearted affection for Du that also moved her as his mother. When she left the Duke''s residence those days prior, she had thought it through clearly and was at ease leaving Du to Gu Ying. Her bringing Xu to wander Jianghu would also be good.


    Gu Ying felt extremely sour in her heart. Somehow she felt like crying a little. She went over and leaned on Mrs Lin''sp, looked up at her with misty eyes and said in a small voice, "Then, can I call you Mother now?"


    Mrs Lin was nearly melted by Gu Ying''s ingratiating gaze. How could she still dislike her? She was so fond of her she couldn''t stand it. "Of course you can. I''m your mother to begin with. Get up now child, you have to be careful of your unborn child, don''t move around and risk the fetus."


    Gu Ying was helped up by Mrs Lin and smiled as she wiped away her tears.


    After leaving Lingxi Pavilion, she suddenly felt lightened. She had known all along that simplicity, kindness, sincerity and honesty were the most important weapons to move people''s hearts.


    Now to Mrs Lin, she only had this method to make her feel at ease towards her.


    Mrs Lin was knowledgeable and reasonable, she was just soft-hearted. As long as she treated her well, over time she would definitely be fonder of her.


    ......


    Ever since bringing back the first wife, the Duke''s residence had be more and more harmonious. Even Zhao Huiplimented Gu Ying for being capable in handling household affairs with gentle temperament.


    Shen Ruxu had also settled down quite a bit and no longer deliberately went in front of Gu Ying and the Crown Prince to liven things up.


    Gu Ying already liked medicine to begin with. After that conversation with Mrs Lin, she went to Lingxi Pavilion everyday.


    Seeing her about to go out again, Zhao Changdu, who finally got to rest at home, unhappily pulled the little girl''s slender waist back, "Not apanying your husband, where are you preparing to go?"


    Gu Ying turned a flushed charming little face to look at the man''s dark handsome face. The corners of her eyes curved as she smiled at him. "To see Mother."


    Zhao Changdu frowned. "No need for morning and evening greetings?"


    Afraid that he had misunderstood, Gu Ying quickly exined, "Don''t get the wrong idea about Mother. I took her as my master and want to learn medicine from her. Also, in the Compendium of Misceneous Diseases, there are still many medicines I haven''t seen before. I''m nning to show them to Mother to take a look. Maybe we can find medicine to treat the scars on her face. Then she won''t have to wear a face veil all day."


    Zhao Changdu''s long brows knitted together. He was very happy that his wife and mother could get along well with each other.


    But his mother couldn''t monopolize her all the time either, leaving him able only to see but not touch her.


    He had nothing to do today anyway, so he grasped her hand. "Fine, I''ll go with you."


    "Ah... Du, what''s a big man like you going there for?" Gu Ying recalled that yesterday, Mother had taught her many remedies for women''s use. Said it could not only regte feminine qi and blood, but also enhance intimacy between husband and wife. She blushed to her ears and pulled him back forcibly, "I have private matters to discuss with Mother, don''t go."


    The displeased man nced at her as he lifted up her chin. "What, tired of me so soon? Now that you have Mother you''ve forgotten your husband?"


    If only he knew earlier that his mother would be his biggest "rival in love", why did he bother mediating between them?


    Gu Ying said embarrassedly, "How could that be? You get jealous over everything. She''s your mother."


    "So what if she''s my mother? She can''t monopolize you either. After all, you''re my wife."


    "Is Du that reluctant to part from me, even for a moment?"


    "Naturally. Your husband not only wants to see you, but also to..." She was pregnant but still so irresistibly attractive to him.


    Gu Ying pushed him away, her earlobes hot. "Hey! Don''t... You''re absolutely indecent... Outside it''s said the Duke''s noble Crown Prince is cold and abstains from feminine charm. Doesn''t seem to be the case from my observation!"


    "What would they know?"


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes. Seeing the girl''s flushed cheeks, his heart was filled with tender passion for a moment.


    How could he bear to let her leave, he directly carried the person back into the room. With a sweep of his wide sleeve, the door was shut closed by a powerful surge of true energy.


    Gu Ying didn''t even have time to struggle before she was encircled at the waist from behind by a pair of big hands.


    She cried out in surprise, breathing quickening slightly. Then her entire body fell into a solid, broad embrace.


    The man''s actions were skilled and experienced. He hugged her waist without a word.


    His movements weren''t particrly intense, but no matter how Gu Ying struggled, she couldn''t break free. She narrowed her enchanting, affectionate eyes. Having entered her, she let out a moan. By then it was already toote to escape.


    Not long after, the sounds of a woman''s faint whimpers, somewhat aggrieved, somewhat pitiful, and somewhat unable to endure, transmitted from the bedchamber.


    Today there weren''t many people at Changfeng Pavilion. Shen Ruxu had onlye in wanting to say a couple words to Gu Ying before leaving. But unexpectedly, when she had just walked under the corridor, she heard peculiar soundsing from the room.


    She stood under the corridor and listened for a while. She could hear the hurried, powerful breathing of a man. She could also hear Gu Ying''s bewitchingly tender moans. Her heart suddenly feltplicated.


    She lifted her foot wanting to leave, but couldn''t help halting.


    That despicable Liu Chang was violent and vulgar. Compared to the Crown Prince... it was simply worlds apart.


    The more she listened to the activity inside, the more stirred up she felt. She couldn''t help imagining the Crown Prince''s handsome, peerless looks, as well as that high nose bridge damp with a sheen of sweat.


    The Crown Prince had a tall, upright figure. Especially when wearing martial attire, his fit, robust body was very attractive. His legs were long and powerful, his entire being exuded masculine charm.


    The sounds from the room were endless, like shocking waves crashing on the shore. Gu Ying''s voice grew increasingly shrill.


    Listening made her blush to her ears. She secretly clenched her fists, feeling envy, jealousy and hatred all at once!


    Why does Gu Ying get to obtain the Crown Prince''s favor? And let the Crown Prince dote on her without restraint?


    Just because of her appearance as dazzling as the gorgeous dawn and beauty to overthrow cities and kingdoms?

 Chapter 356: Lihua Lane, Chu House

    <h4>Chapter 356</h4>


    She was a pregnant woman... How could she serve the Eldest Prince well? It was possible that in bed, the Eldest Prince would have to amodate her instead. When Shen Ruxu thought about the Eldest Prince, the prestigious Eastern Li War God, being so dignified and cold, yet having to lower himself to sleep with a pregnant woman, she felt even more upset.


    She felt indignant inwardly as anger surged. She hated that she could not rush in and strangle Gu Ying to death.


    But reality made her calm down again.


    The Eldest Prince was ruthless and had an icy restraint. He would not easily be emotionally moved by other women. Mrs. Lin was also unwilling to stand up for her. Fine. She would think of a way herself!


    Shen Ruxu took a deep breath, stared coldly ahead, and hurriedly left Changfeng Pavilion.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi passed by her. Yin Lan felt somewhat puzzled, "What is that woman doing hanging around Changfeng Pavilion?"


    Yanzhi said, "Sister Yin Lan, should we have someone keep an eye on that Miss Shen?"


    Seeing Shen Ruxu walking toward the side door of the Duke''s Mansion, Yin Lan looked back andughed. "Don''t worry. The Mistress has already made preparations and assigned Hai Tang specifically to serve her in Lingxi Pavilion."


    When Yanzhi heard this, her eyes lit up and she nodded in satisfaction. "That''s good! The Mistress is indeed wise and farsighted! Sister Hai Tang is smart and capable. Most importantly, no one can buy her off! Having her follow Miss Shen is the best!"


    Yin Lan nodded with a faint smile and led Yanzhi into Changfeng Pavilion.


    Shen Ruxu was not polite to anyone in Changfeng Pavilion. As she left Changfeng Pavilion, she felt annoyed and could not calm herself down at all. So she decided to go out for a walk.


    Just as she walked out the side door of the Duke''s mansion, a little beggar ran straight into her.


    "Filthy beggar!" She was about to lose her temper when she saw the little beggar grinning as he stuffed a note into her hand before running off swiftly, as if escaping.


    She narrowed her eyes and went to a secluded spot to open the note.


    There was nothing written on it, only a ce name left -


    "Pear Blossom Alley, Chu Residence."


    Chu Residence? Who gave her this note?


    She looked left and right for a long time but did not see any suspicious figures. The people living on this street were all nobles and rich men. Ordinary people rarely gathered here. She was unfamiliar with anyone in Bianjing, let alone anyone surnamed Chu. Just who wanted to meet her?


    With knitted brows, she stuffed the note into her sleeve and decided to take a gamble.


    She was not familiar with Bianjing. After leaving the main street where the Duke¡¯s Mansion was, she carefully asked a passerby for directions.


    Compared to the remote and dpidated Ru Yi Alley, Pear Blossom Alley in the easternmost part of Bianjing was considered rtively prosperous. Many traveling merchants from different ces lived there.


    It took some effort to find the obscure location of Chu Residence. She found someone to lead the way through seven turns and eight detours before finally arriving at the unremarkable residence. It was not a big house with a secluded and tranquil environment. There were two rows of climbing vines on either side of the outer wall. At this time of year, the white walls were covered in lush green leaves.


    She stood at the entrance and looked up at the que above carved from pear wood with the characters "Chu Residence" written vigorously and boldly, clearly by someone talented.


    She became increasingly puzzled. Just as she lifted her hand to knock on the door, she heard movement from inside.


    Someone inside opened the door, and she pressed her lips before suddenly meeting a familiar pair of eyes. Then that person''s face waspletely revealed.


    She swallowed and stared with wide eyes full of shock.


    "You..."


    "Miss Shen, pleasee in to talk."


    ...


    Gu Ying was tormented by someone to the point of back pain that afternoon before she had time to go to Lingxi Pavilion to apany Mrs. Lin to research herbs.


    Mrs. Lin had opened up arge patch ofnd around Lingxi Pavilion to nt somemonly used medicinal herbs by herself.


    Gu Ying arrivedter than originally nned. She stood by the overturned soil in the yard and watched for a while, intending to help out. But her legs were weak and her face was flushed. She did not have any strength.


    Mrs. Lin was not annoyed with her and had someone bring a small stool for her. She smiled meaningfully and said, "Didn''t you tell him to show some restraint?"


    As a doctor and elder, it was still somewhat embarrassing for Mrs. Lin to speak of such matters.


    But Mrs. Lin had seen all kinds of situations as a doctor. Gu Ying did not need to be overly reserved with her.


    Gu Ying stroked her burning cheeks and smiled helplessly, "Actually, the Eldest Prince has always taken the initiative in these matters. It seems I have little say..."


    Although she also thoroughly enjoyed the Eldest Prince taking the initiative. He was very experienced and skilled, respecting her feelings. The prating physical and mental pleasure that other women did not have ess to, she had experienced through and through. So most of the time she would not reject the Eldest Prince''s overtures.


    Mrs Lin thought of how Zhao Hui had also been like a insatiable wolf when he was young. She could not help but smile, "He resembles some of histe father¡¯s temperament - stubborn and overbearing. You¡¯ll need to tolerate more."


    Gu Ying got up with some difficulty, moved next to her and whispered a few words softly.


    Mrs Lin smiled gently and gave her a meaningful look. She instructed, "Themon people only know about suppressing women¡¯s feelings. But actually, there should also be normal needs between husband and wife. As a doctor, you don¡¯t need to feel embarrassed or ashamed."


    Gu Ying responded frankly, "I don''t feel embarrassed at all."


    Mrs Lin seemed to recall something and reminded, "However, Ah Ying, you must not indulge him for thest two months. The child in your belly is most important. After you give birth, I will regte your body before anything else happens."


    Gu Ying''s eyes brimmed with joy. After opening up to Mrs Lin, she actually liked being with her very much.


    She was not ambitious. When the Duke wanted to hold a celebration and invite all the wives in Bianjing to wee her, she was not willing.


    As a modest person with a kind heart focused on medicine, she liked ying with her flowers and nts in her spare time. When Cheng was taken away that day, she did not even go take a look.


    Such a nonchnt and carefree person was definitely different from those women born destined to be locked away deep in the inner quarters.


    Gu Ying held onto Mrs Lin''s arm and snuggled gently. "Alright, I''ll listen to mother."


    Anyway, she knew the Eldest Prince would not likely stay in Bianjing to apany her in childbirth. In herst life, her body had deteriorated at a young age from drinking countless bitter herbal soups until she died in terrible pain in the end. In this life, no matter what, she would take good care of herself and the child she had sought after all her life.


    Gu Ying touched her growing belly. As time went by, her stomach got bigger and bigger.


    And the child that Jiang Yin helped terminate in herst life was growing more and more alive.


    Sometimes when she ced her hand on her stomach, she could even clearly feel a thumping sounding from within.


    Her child...her precious one...was alive and well, greeting her. He must also very much want toe out and see her!


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the more her heart seemed to overflow with warmth. A myriad of emotions welled up, but she did not know how to give expression to the joy and poignancy she felt at that moment.


    "Mother, do you think my child will be safely born?¡±


    Mrs Lin put down the small hoe and also touched her belly. Her smile was gentle and warm. "Rest assured. Your precious one will definitelye into this world safe and sound.¡±


    "With mother here, I have nothing to fear."


    "You can rest assured. When it is time, your mother and Ah Du will be by your side for the delivery."


    Gu Ying did not bring up that the Eldest Prince would be leaving for the border. The corners of her lips curled up slightly. "Alright..."

 Chapter 357: Mail Delivery

    <h4>Chapter 357</h4>


    Returning from Lingxi Pavilion, the Eldest Prince was still handling government affairs in the study.


    Gu Ying ordered people to prepare the evening meal, and after thinking about it, asked Yin Lan to open her private treasury.


    She had been busy with matters in the Duke''s manor these days that she almost forgot Aunt Zhao had just given birth to a little gentleman not long ago.


    Right after Aunt Zhao gave birth, Gu Shuang happily sent a post from the Duke''s manor.


    Gu Ying was terribly busy and worried about not getting along well with Mrs. Lin, so she didn''t have time to go over.


    Now that her rtionship with Mrs. Lin had eased up, she wanted to give Aunt Zhao a congrattory gift.


    Yin Lan picked out a few items for Gu Ying to choose from, "I heard that Aunt Zhao''s little gentleman weighed eight catties when he was born. He''s a chubby little guy and looks extremely cute. It''s a pity My Lady didn''t have time, otherwise going to see him might have brought some joyful air to our little Eldest Prince."


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth curved up slightly. That child was the same as her unborn baby. He didn''t get to be born alive in her previous life, but managed to be safely delivered in this life.


    She hoped her baby would be as healthy as Aunt Zhao''s child when meeting her one day.


    Gu Ying stroked her belly, happy inside, feeling it was great news and a good omen. "I wonder if they have named him yet."


    Yin Lan said, "Yes, it was the Earl who named him. His name is Gu Qing and his nickname is Qingqing."


    In the future, he would be the only legitimate son of the Duke of Dongping''s main room, and the future of the Earl''s manor would fall on his shoulders.


    Gu Ying''s eyes moved slightly as she smiled faintly, taking out a small object from the purple sandalwood box, "Hmm, that''s a nice name. This little gold lock used to be worn by A Ning as a child. Yin Lan, take this to the little Qingqing as a gift."


    Yin Lan carefully took it and the Ye family was a centuries-old powerful n, extremely rich and powerful. The dowry Madam Ye brought to the Gu family back then was extremely generous, so this little gold lock worn by A Ning was made of pure gold, exquisite and beautiful.


    "My Lady is so thoughtful. With this gold lock, the little gentleman will surely grow up well."


    Gu Ying looked pensive, "Now that Aunt Zhao has given birth to a son, it is time for Father to promote her status, isn''t it? It doesn''t look right to keep dragging this out."


    Yin Lan smiled and said, "After My Lady had someone talk to themst time, Father Earl and Old Madam have eased up, saying they would hold a feast in the manor to officially make Aunt Zhao the Duke of Dongping''s Madam when the little gentleman turns one month old."


    Gu Ying nodded, the corners of her lips raised, "That''s good. With Aunt Zhao formally bing the legal wife, my little sister will also have the legitimate status of a daughter of the Earl''s manor. By then Wang won''t have anything to say and her marriage will also go much more smoothly."


    Yin Lan smiled, putting away the little gold lock, "Just as My Lady said. Master Fu''s career has been going well recently too. With the Eldest Prince''s help, Master Fu got promoted to Gentleman for Ceremonials in the Ministry of Personnel. I heard the Fu family was quite happy about it and even invited our family over for a drink."


    Gu Ying said gently, "The Ministry of Personnel is a good ce."


    Yin Lanughed and said, "With Master Fu''s smooth career, our Fourth Miss will not be looked down upon in the future. Especially those Wangs always making things difficult regarding Fourth Miss''s marriage."


    Gu Ying chuckled softly, lowering her longshes. Of the entire Duke of Dongping''s manor now, she cared most about Gu Shuang.


    Fu Xunzhi was a good man, but his family members were not easy to deal with. With Gu Shuang''s innocent nature, it was hard to say if marrying into that family would turn out good or bad.


    But luckily Fu Xunzhi cared for Gu Shuang, and with him protecting her, Gu Shuang could have as nice a life as Shang Jiao in their past life.


    Her heart was a little more at ease at this thought. Recalling that Aunt Zhao had always been one who loved beauty, how could a woman lose her love for beauty just because she had a child, she picked two high quality head ornaments from her private treasury, and had Yin Lan prepare some child items to send to the Duke of Dongping''s manor.


    After counting the days, it would be Concubine Wan''s birthday in three more days.


    Cheng''s post was retracted by the pce, but Concubine Wan let someone send a new invitation to Mrs. Lin, saying she muste to the pce to see an old friend and reminisce about the past.


    Mrs. Lin had been healing people in the wilderness all these years and was probably not used to such asions like pce banquets.


    When Gu Ying sent the post to Lingxi Pavilion, she clearly saw Mrs. Lin''s expression change subtly.


    Although she concealed it extremely well, Gu Ying could still feel the panic and unease hidden in Mrs. Lin''s eyes.


    The pce was not a nice ce. Concubine Wan and The Empress had fought fiercely like tigers and dragons for so many years. Those imperial concubines, official''s wives and daughters were nothing but tools for the fights between consorts.


    Concubine Wan was holding her birthday celebration in grandeur this year, seemingly to deliberately show off power against The Empress like previous years.


    Gu Ying pondered and felt she should carefully choose a nice birthday gift for Concubine Wan. She would apany Mrs. Lin into the pce then, watching over her along the way. As long as they came out of the pce safely, everything would be fine.


    After giving all orders, Gu Ying personally went to the private treasury and found a white jade Guanyin statue from the South China Sea, letting the rouge container be ced inside the brocade box.


    Coming out of the private treasury, the study''s light was still on.


    The Eldest Prince''s tall and upright figure was cast on the gauze window.


    Gu Ying was worried about him leaving for the borders soon. In order to get the Eldest Prince back sooner, she did make some preparations.


    Battlefields were dangerous ces. Although she didn''t know the Qiang Tribe''sbat strategies, she knew the time they would invade and several key battles.


    Returning to her room afterwards, she carefully wrote these down, wanting to send them to her Father in Huang City to have him make preparations early and not fight unprepared battles.


    However, over so many years, it wasn''t like she hadn''t written letters to Father before.


    When she and her brother were bullied in the manor as children, she cried asking people to write letters and send them to Huang City every several days.


    But Father rarely responded. It was the same in this life. When A Ning nearly became disabled in the Earl''s manor, why was Father still indifferent despite knowing?


    Gu Ying knitted her brows, wondering what Father had experienced over the years that made him like this. She felt somewhat disappointed, yet also worried about his safety.


    If she hadn''t been reborn and known Father would have another victory, she would suspect he had already died on the battlefield. Moreover, Jiang Yin had died in this life and there was no one who could frame Father anymore, so Father should be fine.


    She quietly sat at the desk, staring at the letter in her hand for a long time. Suddenly she realized that Father only had her and brother, two children, and loved Mother so much. How could he neglect her and brother?


    Could it be that Father hadn''t received her letters all these years?


    She suddenly frowned, immediately asking Yin Lan to call Huai An in.


    "What orders does My Lady have for me?"


    Gu Ying frowned. "Huai An, does the Qilin Army have routes to deliver letters to Huang City in Dong Li?"


    Huai An looked at her with bright eyes. "The Prince''s power spreads throughout Dong Li and Huang City is naturally covered. My Lady, what''s the matter?"


    Gu Ying handed him the letter, her expression tranquil. "Please trouble you to have someone send this letter to Huang City for me."

 Chapter 358: If He Die in Battle

    <h4>Chapter 358</h4>


    Huai An took the letter and asked, "For General Gu?"


    Gu Ying nodded and asked again, "Can the Qilin Army deliver this letter directly into General Gu''s hands?"


    Huai An ufortably scratched his head, looking a little guilty, "General Gu''s tent...also has my people."


    Gu Ying frowned in irritation, "The Crown Prince''s hands...reach so far?"


    Huai An pulled his mouth into a smile and quickly made excuses for his master, "My Lord only does this to facilitate matters. Rest assured, madam, the Crown Prince only inserted people into General Gu''s tent to protect the General''s safety. He has no other intentions! Hehehe, madam, I''ll take this letter down right away!"


    "Go on then," Gu Ying said helplessly with a smile, waving her hand.


    Huai An slipped away from Changfeng Pavilion like a loach.


    Only then did Gu Ying remember that in her previous life, Jiang Yin had deliberately shifted the me for her father''s disastrous defeat and treason to the Crown Prince.


    Back then, she had no impression of the Crown Prince apart from that one night, and since he had forced himself on her, she didn''t have any good feelings towards him. She was convinced in her heart that the Crown Prince and Jiang Yin were birds of a feather...and also caused the downfall of her father.


    If she hadn''t be the Crown Prince''s wife in this life, how would she have known that he was the best man for her?


    Fortunately, heaven had taken pity on her and allowed her to have her present rtionship with the Crown Prince.


    Gu Ying''s mouth curled up slightly as she smiled and went to the study to join the Crown Prince for dinner.


    It was just the two of them for dinner tonight. Gu Ying told Zhao Changdu about the impending Qiang invasion in the form of a dream.


    After listening, Zhao Changdu''s longshes fluttered as he calmly said, "What else did Ying dream about?"


    Gu Ying picked up a piece of bamboo shoot and curved her eyes with a smile, chatting leisurely, "I dreamed that the Crown Prince and Father won a great victory together and triumphantly returned to a hero''s wee from all the citizens along the streets. The Crown Prince brought back the Qiang princess, entered the pce to meet the Emperor, and she married as part of a peace treaty between the two countries, agreeing not to fight each other for ten years."


    There was no joy on Zhao Changdu''s face. His long pupils narrowed slightly as he asked, "Anything else?"


    Gu Ying didn''t notice the subtle change in the man''s expression. She justughed and said, "Nothing else. I just had this dream out of the bluest night. I don''t know why I would dream about this. Maybe because I miss Father so much that I dreamed about Father and the Crown Prince fighting the enemy together."


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth tightened and his brows furrowed slightly.


    Gu Ying looked up. "What''s wrong, A Du? Not eating anymore?"


    Zhao Changdu put down his chopsticks and looked deeply at the little girl by his side.


    The Qiang had long intended to invade Dong Li. The Qiang troops had been harassing the borders for half a month. Although no war had broken out yet, it was only a matter of time.


    Since his return to Yueyang, he had been sending military reports to Bianjing every three days.


    Only he, the Emperor, the Minister of War, and Prince Duan Li Hao knew about these military secrets.


    His little girl was living in the rear pce. She worried about her rtionship with her mother every day. How did she know about these military secrets from beyond the border?


    Could she really have dreamed it?


    Zhao Changdu frowned. He had never believed in gods or Buddhas. He didn''t believe there were any supernatural things in this world that could let a woman thousands of miles away dream so clearly about the time and details of a great battle.


    He suddenly remembered what had happened in Yueyang.


    She had said that one day she would tell him the secret about her.


    Since Gu Ying had said this, it meant there was indeed a secret about her that he could not find out...


    What exactly was the secret about her?


    What was the rtionship between that secret...and Jiang Yin?


    The man felt even more irritable. After Jiang Yin''s death, the feeling of being unable to control things did not disappear.


    Although Gu Ying was still before his eyes, apanying him by his side, he always had the illusion that he would lose her.


    Thinking of this, Zhao Changdu''s frown grew even tighter.


    Gu Ying waved her little hand in front of him, "What''s wrong with you, A Du?"


    Zhao Changdu came back to his senses. He grasped her little hand tightly and said heavily, "It''s nothing. I was just thinking since the Qiang intend to invade my country, Dong Li can''t just sit back and do nothing."


    Although she had expected there would be a day of parting, Gu Ying still felt a little sad in her heart. She bit her lip and hesitated before asking, "When does A Du n to depart for the border?"


    Zhao Changdu pulled her to sit on hisp, his arm circling her slender waist. He chuckled, "Does Ying not bear to part with me?"


    Gu Ying lifted her chin, her clear eyes shing as she frankly admitted, "Yes, I can''t bear to part with the Crown Prince."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression froze, his big hand stilling on the girl''s waist. His heart stalled for a moment,plex emotions on his face.


    Going to the border was something the Emperor had been discussing with him.


    He was worried the little girl would overthink things, so he had been hiding it from her, nning to bring it up at an appropriate time.


    But he didn''t expect her to take the initiative to mention it herself.


    Gu Ying smiled brightly. Her small hand stroked the man''s tall nose bridge as she considerately said, "But I also know that for the sake of the people of Dong Li to avoid the scourge of war, I can''t convince myself to make the Crown Prince stay in Bianjing...The Crown Prince is Dong Li''s God of War. The soldiers at the border are all waiting for the Crown Prince to return, and there''s Grandpa...he''s getting old and his health is not what it used to be. Only if the Crown Prince goes can he assist Grandpa."


    The little girl''s tone was sad and despondent, but she was so sensible, speaking righteously of family, country and the people''s livelihood. She didn''t consider herself, a pregnant wife waiting for her husband''spany.


    She knew in her heart that he would leave, yet she neverined or made troubles for him. She even considered things for him, helping him n the timing and telling him her dreamt dangers for him to avoid.


    Once he left for the border, it might be months before he could return. But she meekly and tenderly told him, "Don''t worry A Du, just go. I''ll obediently wait for you toe back home."


    How could his Ying make his heart ache like this?


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a long time, softening inside. Eventually he stroked the little girl''s soft hair and sighed, "After the Cold Food Festival, alright?"


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying''s eyes reddened slightly. She nestled against the man''s chest, rubbing her cheek on his brocade robe, and whispered tremulously, "Alright."


    Her soft body was in his arms, yet Zhao Changdu''s heart ached terribly. His big hand gripped her waist tightly, wishing he could fuse her into his marrow and take her with him anytime.


    But he knew he couldn''t. The little girl was pregnant and couldn''t endure the long journey''s jolts.


    Moreover, his fight with the Qiang was a life or death battle.


    If he could win aplete victory as the little girl said, that would of course be best. But if not...he didn''t want the little girl to take the risk with him, much less see her sad and heartbroken.


    The corner of his mouth quirked up and he kissed the tip of the little girl''s nose. He had already made the best arrangements for her in his heart.


    He had personally written a letter of divorce and left it at Prince Duan''s mansion. He had also put all his shops,nd, and most of the Duke''s mansion''s assets under her name.


    If he died on the battlefield...and could not return.


    This letter of divorce would be delivered to her. She could choose to remarry someone else anytime...

 Chapter 359: Wan Fei’s Birth

    <h4>Chapter 359</h4>


    Zhao Changdu no longer thought deeply. This was only the worst n. Just thinking that his Ah Ying would marry someone else and apany another man made his heart feel as if it was being squeezed by an invisible big hand, and ayer of ck fog instantly appeared in the depths of his eyes.


    No matter what the future holds, he swore that he would resolve the Qiang tribe as soon as possible, return safely to Bianjing, and have children with Ah Ying.


    Gu Ying''s head hurt a little. She unknowingly fell asleep in the man''s arms.


    She missed the ferocity and coldness in the man''s eyes, and missed his "I''m sorry".


    Zhao Changdu sat quietly for a while, listening to her calm, shallow breathing before the ferocity all over his body dissipated.


    If he was an uncontroble demon, Gu Ying was the only medicine that could restrain him.


    If fate wanted to separate them, then he would go against the heavens.


    The man''s gaze was profound as he nced at the beautiful scenery full of flowers outside the window.


    He got up and carried the woman in his arms back to the main room.


    ...


    After Gu Ying woke up, she still felt a little groggy. She didn''t know if it was her illusion, but as her belly got bigger and bigger, the frequency of her drowsiness increased more and more, and the feeling of headache became more and more severe. She was just more enduring and didn''t take it seriously after taking some medicine prescribed by Mrs. Lin.


    In the past few days, she couldn''t stand the pain a little and wanted to find Mrs. Lin for a consultation.


    Mrs. Lin took her pulse and found nothing unusual.


    It was normal for pregnant women to be prone to sleepiness.


    But Gu Ying''splexion was a little solemn. She raised her right hand and gently pressed her temple, where there was a meridian, pulsating.


    Mrs. Lin didn''t understand, moved her hand away from Gu Ying''s pulse, and also followed to massage the acupoint for her. "Ah Ying, have you been worrying too much recently?"


    Gu Ying shook her head heavily, "No... My mother and I have figured out almost all the strange poisons in the medical books. It doesn''t look like it was caused by the poison. Mother, what is wrong with me?"


    She had experienced illness before. If it was just ordinary headache, it would be fine. But this disease came for no reason, leaving her at a loss and unable to treat it, making her a little irritable.


    Mrs Lin thought for a while and said, "It''s probably because your body''s tolerance has decreased after pregnancy, so it caused the headache. In addition, you were busy working hard during the early stages of pregnancy, so it left seque. But... I''ll try to find a way for you. Continue taking the pills."


    Gu Ying nodded, "Okay."


    It was better to have Mrs. Lin find a way than no way at all. She didn''t think much more about it and concentrated on preparing Concubine Wan''s birthday gifts.


    There were many people entering the pce this time, and the Gu family also received a post. As the eldest daughter, Gu Shuang also had to enter the pce, as well as Ning Si, who would not be absent this time.


    Gu Ying hadn''t seen Ning Si for a long time. She heard that she was locked up in Prince Duan''s Mansion and was very worried about her.


    Now that she had the opportunity for Concubine Wan''s birthday, she just wanted to see Ning Si.


    ...


    Three dayster, it was Concubine Wan''s birthday.


    Concubine Wan''s birthday this time was personally hosted by the Emperor. The parade was very grand. Not only did the imperial edict cancel the curfew and allow themon people to celebrate together, the pce also ordered the officials to scatter copper coins and set off firecrackers all over the city.


    As soon as it dawned, the whole Bianjing city was filled with the sound of firecrackers and became lively.


    Early in the morning, Gu Ying took the carriage with the prince.


    Mrs. Lin was still unwilling to take the carriage with Zhao Hui, but today there was no way. Even if it was for outsiders to see, she had to keep up appearances for the Duke''s Residence.


    Gu Ying was a little worried and kept lifting the carriage curtain to look ahead from time to time.


    The carriage was driving on the pce avenue. Zhao Changdu was worried about her safety and unpleasantly pulled her back to his side, "Don''t worry too much about mother''s side. Zhao Hui is there."


    Gu Ying tilted her head and blinked.


    She was not worried that the Duke would do anything to her mother. She just felt that Mrs Lin became a little nervous as soon as she heard Concubine Wan''s name, and she didn''t know why.


    Zhao Changdu murmured, "Even if Concubine Wan has great power in the pce, she wouldn¡¯t dare to act rashly there. But you, Ah Ying¡ª" The man''s dark eyshes drooped down, carrying a strong sense of oppression.


    Gu Ying was stunned, "What''s wrong with me?"


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his phoenix eyes dangerously, bent his slender fingers, scraped her nose tip, and said lightly, "Remember to stay away from Li Yang."


    "I have nothing to do with him. Ah Du is jealous again for no reason."


    Gu Ying''s eyes were filled with brilliant smiles. She shrugged her nose and took a bite of his fingers.


    Her expression was like azy yet agile cat.


    Zhao Changdu was deeply attracted by her lively and charming eyes. Ovee by emotion, he hugged her in his arms and couldn''t help but kiss her.


    It wasn''t until the carriage shook as it entered the pce that Gu Ying tidied up her messy clothes with her face flushed red before getting off.


    From a distance, the Gu family''s carriage also stopped.


    Gu Shuang ran over happily, grabbed her hand, her eyes shining bright like stars, "Sis, I haven''t seen you for a long time. Are you well?"


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "I''m very good. How about our fourth sister?"


    Gu Shuang''s face was full of joy. Her ck hair was styled into a beautiful and delicate bun, studded with pearls and jewels.


    She was dressed up today, wearing a peach red embroidered auspicious cloud cheongsam, with two green pce ribbons around her waist, setting off her plump rosy cheeks even more delicate and alluring, evidently she had been living a good life recently.


    "Mother gave birth to a brother. Little Qingqing is so well behaved. Sis,e visit when you have time. You will definitely like little Qingqing."


    The girl had a bright smile that made people feelfortable.


    Gu Ying thought for a while and smiled, "After leaving the pce, I''lle back to visit in a couple of days."


    Gu Shuang was extremely excited, her eyes eager, "Then I''lle to pick you up sis, okay?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth rose in a smile, "Okay."


    No wonder Gu Shuang was so enthusiastic to her. The Duke''s Residence helped Fu Xun, so the Fu family also looked at her in a new light. The marriage between the Gu and Fu families was finally on the agenda.


    The marriage of the little girl had been dyed again and again by the Fu family. Seeing others start ridiculing her, she must have felt ufortable.


    Now that the two families were about to set a wedding date, the little girl must have been extremely happy.


    Gu Ying was about to take Gu Shuang into the pce when Ye Qingchi finished talking to the prince and happened toe over to ask about her condition.


    Gu Ying was fine, but Gu Shuang, who was chattering just now, suddenly stopped talking when she saw Ye Qingchi. The palm-sized little face instantly became nervous.

 Chapter 360: Fear Him

    <h4>Chapter 360</h4>


    Ye Qingchi asked Gu Ying, his eyes turning back and falling on Gu Shuang''s flushed face. His ambiguous gaze went from top to bottom, looking at her lips dotted with rouge.


    He gathered a meaningless smile. "I heard that the Fourth Young Lady has good newsing?"


    The marriage between the Gu family and the Fu family had gone through bright prospects a few days ago, and the wedding date was officially set.


    Right after the Xingqing Festival.


    Gu Shuang did not know what was going on with herself. She did not dare to raise her head to look at the serious and handsome man in front of her. Her fingers were twirling the handkerchief in her sleeve. She swallowed her saliva and smiled, "Yes...the date is set...at the end of the month..."


    Seeing the happy and satisfied smile on Gu Shuang¡¯s face, Ye Qingchi¡¯s eyes darkened. The corners of his mouth tightened slightly, and he felt inexplicably unhappy in his heart.


    "The end of the month is still a good day. So let me congratte the Fourth Young Lady first on finding a good marriage.¡±


    Although they were words of congrattions, the man¡¯s tone was not very good. It was cold and gloomy, and somewhat gloomy.


    "Thank you, Lord Ye Qingchi..." Gu Shuang¡¯s heartbeat quickened. She was extremely afraid of Ye Qingchi¡¯s cold and stern face, did not dare to speak, lowered her head, and sped her little hands tightly together.


    She really did not know what she had offended him, or annoyed him.


    Even seeing him smile made her feel creepy.


    "Alright, older cousin, why are you bullying my Fourth Sister? What did she do wrong to offend you? Can''t you be a little nicer in your tone?" Seeing Gu Shuang like a child who had done something wrong, Gu Ying feltpassion. She pulled Gu Shuang to her side, raised a shallow smile to break the tense atmosphere at the moment, "The Prince is still waiting for you, go meet the Prince first.¡±


    Ye Qingchi knitted his brows expressionlessly and nced at Gu Shuang. He also felt very strange about himself.


    Gu Shuang''s engagement, marriage, marrying someone, what does it have to do with him?


    Why does he feel inexplicably angry every time he hears about her affairs, and even more so now, he can''t even hear the name Fu Xunzhi. As soon as he hears it, his chest feels particrly depressed.


    He was not an emotionally unstable person, but now he was bing irritable and angry because of Gu Shuang, which was really iprehensible.


    "I didn''t mean to scare her."


    "We know, you go ahead."


    Gu Ying pushed him with a smile and watched Ye Qingchi leave. Only then did she turn her head to look at Gu Shuang.


    "My Fourth Sister seems to be very afraid of my cousin?"


    Gu Shuang breathed a sigh of relief. An embarrassed blush appeared on her face. "Second sister, I don''t know why either... Lord Ye Qingchi makes people feel quite scary, especially his eyes, a bit like a man-eating beast, and also like the old tutor who used to hit me with a nk when I was young... so I feel nervous when I see him..."


    Gu Ying was puzzled. Ye Qingchi had always been gentle and refined. As a person from the Censorate, it was inevitable that he would have an aura of rigid austerity and cold aloofness. But weren''t his eyes still kind and benevolent? How did they be a man-eating beast in her Fourth Sister''s eyes?


    Gu Shuang didn''t want to mention the fierce "old tutor" anymore. Seeing Fu Xunzhi''s sedan chair from afar, the corners of her mouth rose again. She chirped, "Second sister, do you see Xunzhi?"


    Gu Ying thought there was no way she couldn''t see him. Among all the distinguished families in Bianjing, only the Fu family¡¯s carriage was the most simple, and also that docile old horse of his.


    Fu Xunzhi got off his horse and kept looking over here. He wanted toe over and say hello, but was a little wary, showing his honest character.


    "Second sister, can I go over and talk to Xunzhi for a few words?"


    Gu Shuang hadn''t seen Fu Xunzhi for a few days. Apart from thest time she saw him at the Fu family banquet when Fu Xunzhi was promoted, she had hardly spoken to him in private.


    Their marriage had been dyed for too long. There were peopleughing at her everywhere in Bianjing for being self-indulgent.


    She had locked herself in the room and cried bitterly for several days. On those lost and desperate nights, she was lonely and hopeless by herself, and she did miss him quite a bit, hoping that he wouldfort her, and personally tell her that he woulde to marry her soon.


    Gu Ying held her back. "It''s indecent in front of everyone, it''s better for my Fourth Sister to restrain herself."


    Then she teased, "Anyway, you are going to get married soon. There will be plenty of time to be lovey-doveyter, why the hurry for this moment?"


    Gu Shuang''s face reddened with shame. She said awkwardly, "You¡¯re right, then let''s go to the pce first."


    Gu Ying nodded slightly and nced at everyone present, but did not see Ning Si. She was a bit worried.


    "Strange, where is the Ning family?"


    Gu Shuang also looked around. "Second sister, don''t you know? Lord Ning is ill, so the Ning family is not attending the pce banquet this time."


    Gu Ying frowned. Lord Ning fell ill? So ill that he couldn''t even attend the pce banquet?


    "Then where is Ning Si?"


    Gu Shuang thought for a while and said, "Didn''t Eldest Miss Ning get engaged to Prince Duan? It seems she has been living in Prince Duan¡¯s Mansion for some time now. Today the Prince should bring Miss Ning to the pce to meet Empress Dowager."


    "Oh yes, Second Sister, I heard that Prince Duan has been wanting Empress Dowager to set a wedding date, but judging from the pce¡¯s attitude...it has to wait a little longer. We don¡¯t know what exactly they are waiting for. I heard it from Mother and Father. It¡¯s mainly Lord Zhou from the Ministry of War. He had been going to Prince Duan¡¯s Mansion every day recently...I don''t know what he was thinking, suddenly provoking Miss Ning like that... Offending Prince Duan, and people said that even someone as even-tempered as the Prince got angry and had Lord Zhou beaten up by the mansion¡¯s servants. Lord Zhou came back with a bruised face carried by the servants. Oh dear, I heard he looked pitiful."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened. It must have been that Ning Si''s pregnancy was not kept from Prince Duan.


    She remembered Prince Duan as an bullied good-for-nothing Prince who had a gentle, honest personality. Reasonably speaking, if Ning Si had been a little tougher, the marriage should have been called off long ago.


    However, from Du''s implicit wordster on, Prince Duan was not a simple man. It was just that he had been gued by illnesses for many years which worn down his spirit. Now that he had solved the chronic poisons in his body, some things began to get out of control.


    Since he was making things difficult on his side, Gu Ying didn¡¯t know if Ning Si could still withdraw from the marriage sessfully.


    Gu Ying pursed her lips and felt someone tugging at her sleeve.


    "Second sister?"


    She came back to her senses and saw Gu Shuang''s puzzled little face. She smiled and said, "It''s nothing, let''s go into the pce first."


    All the carriages stopped at the pce gate. They had to walk the rest of the way themselves from here.


    Beside her were the eunuchs and pce maids walking in single file, and the nobledies and madams were also orderly following the eunuchs into the pce.


    Gu Ying took Madam Lin by the hand and led her in, bringing Gu Shuang all the way to the front.


    ...


    After entering the pce, the women first went to the Empress Dowager¡¯s Pce to meet Empress Dowager Su and Concubine Wan.


    Compared to Empress Dowager Su¡¯s low-key birthday celebration every year, Concubine Wan¡¯s birthday was always grand. Concubine Wan was alsovishly dressed today, sitting beside Empress Dowager Su. She wore a big red pce costume, not showing any inferiority to the Empress¡¯ phoenix robes at all. On her hair bun was a bejeweled phoenix hairpin, dazzlingly challenging Empress Dowager Su.

 Chapter 361: Public Against Wan Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 361</h4>


    Empress Su had a good temperament, somewhat sickly, with pale lips and gaunt cheeks, yet always wore a kind and amiable smile on her face, not bothered at all by Concubine Wan''s provocations.


    After paying their respects and giving gifts to the Empress and Concubine Wan, Concubine Wan publicly called out Mrs. Lin''s name.


    All eyes swiftly turned to look over here, some curious, some mocking, some puzzled, and some meaningful.


    Gu Ying was sitting next to Mrs. Lin. She could clearly feel Mrs. Lin inexplicably tense up.


    She calmly and casually took Mrs. Lin''s hand in her little one, gave it a gentle squeeze, and softly encouraged, "Mother, don''t worry, I''ll be right here with you."


    "Alright, Ying''er, you..." Mrs. Lin''s throat went somewhat dry, and she didn''t continue. She wore a heavy veil over her face and was wrapped up in a ck brocade robe.


    Not a few appraising gazes swept over her, making her even more nervous.


    She got up from her chair and walked to the center of the hall, respectfully saluting Empress Su and Concubine Wan.


    From not too close yet not far away, Concubine Wanzily narrowed her eyes, smiling as she reminisced, "So many years have gone by. I really didn''t expect Little Feather to still be alive."


    "Yes," someone chimed in. "Back then, the rumors of what happened between the Duke''s wife and the Duke were raging loud and clear all over Bianjing. Who would''ve thought that after the Madam gave birth to the Heir Apparent, she''dmit suicide by jumping off a cliff. Howmentable!"


    "Fortunately Madam Zhao is alive and back. No one knows if Madam Zhao really couldn''t bear it andmitted suicide back then, or if there was something else going on?"


    "Haven''t you all heard that Madam Cheng has already been sold off by the Duke?"


    "It seems that Madam Cheng made her move. After all, who let Miss Lin not be favored back then and gave Madam Cheng a chance?"


    There was a constant buzz of discussion in the hall, forcibly tearing open Mrs. Lin''s past sufferings, bloody and ring, simply to entertain Concubine Wan, with no one caring about Mrs. Lin''s pain.


    Empress Su smiled faintly without a word. Concubine Wan smiled charmingly, her bewitching eyes falling meaningfully on Mrs. Lin.


    Mrs. Lin awkwardly tugged at the corners of her lips without speaking.


    Mocking sounds rose and fell all around as most nobledies looked down on Mrs. Lin.


    Gu Ying knitted her brows, pained at the sight of Mrs. Lin kneeling in the middle of the great hall. Is Concubine Wan deliberately shaming my mother? Why is she so arrogant and aggressive? Isn''t she afraid of displeasing the Heir Apparent who will then impeach her before His Majesty?


    Concubine Wan nced around and added, "I remember back when Little Ying''er was born, it was Little Feather herself who nursed me back to health. Now after so many years I still haven''t been able to have any more children for His Majesty. I wonder if Little Feather has time to take my pulse and see if I can give His Majesty a little prince or princess?"


    Gu Ying could clearly see Mrs. Lin freeze up upon hearing this, panic filling her eyes. She opened and closed her mouth, about to answer.


    But Gu Ying beat her to it. "Concubine Wan, your precious body already has the imperial physicians in the pce who specialize in medicine taking care of you. My mother has just returned to the Duke''s estate, exhausted in body and spirit, so she really cannot take on such an important task. Please forgive us, My Lady."


    Concubine Wan narrowed her eyes slightly. "And you are?"


    Gu Ying gracefully stood up, a bright and charming smile on her lips. "I am Gu Ying, wife of the Heir Apparent of the Duke Who Pacifies the State''s estate."


    Concubine Wan let out a coldugh. She naturally knew who she was, but wanted to remind her to know her ce and not oppose her so boldly.


    However, Gu Ying would not yield to Concubine Wan''s domineering power.


    Lifting her skirt, she walked to the center of the hall and helped Mrs. Lin, still kneeling there, up to her feet. Unhurriedly hooking the corners of her lips up, she loudly reminded everyone, "The one kneeling here is not some doctor giving out free medical consultations and pulse readings. She is the mother of the Heir Apparent of the Duke Who Pacifies the State''s estate, the legitimate daughter of the renowned Lin medical family, Lin Yushan."


    The Eastern Li still relied heavily on the Zhao family. Concubine Wan was merely a favored concubine. What right did she have to trample Mrs. Lin under her feet?


    Gu Ying had a gently warm smile as she spoke reasonably. "Concubine Wan understands the big picture. Surely she wouldn''t deliberately make things difficult for my mother, right?"


    Concubine Wan let out an embarrassedugh. Her smile didn''t reach her eyes. "Miss Gu is overthinking things. I merely mentioned it in passing."


    Gu Ying smiled harmlessly. "Since My Lady only mentioned it in passing, then I will take my leave with my mother."


    Hearing this, Concubine Wan''s face turned ashen.


    Empress Su, however, helped support Gu Ying with a smile. "Miss Gu still has that straightforward temperament. Hurry and help your mother back to her seat. Lady Zhao has only just returned safely. She must rest well. Come, take out the thousand-year ginseng from my pce and bestow it to Lady Zhao to nourish her body."


    With Empress Su speaking up, Gu Ying became even more fearless. At ease, she brought Mrs. Lin back to her seat.


    Empress Su deliberately made things difficult for Concubine Wan. Chatting andughing with Gu Ying, she specially asked about Mrs. Lin''s health.


    Gu Ying answered everything asked of her, advancing and retreating appropriately, giving Empress Su sufficient face.


    With the Empress here directing the flow of conversation, Concubine Wan couldn''t get a word in edgewise.


    Sitting ramrod straight for a while, her face shed between green and red. Finally unable to stand the anger from being ignored, she flounced away furiously from the imperial harem.


    All the way, Weimian almost couldn''t keep up with her hurried steps.


    "My Lady, don''t be angry... The Empress only gained a temporary advantage. At tonight''s imperial banquet, with His Majesty''s support, the Empress will only be able to envy and hate you... And as for that Gu Ying, she''s just a young miss from a subordinate''s household. She won''t make any big waves!"


    "Don''t let a negligible young woman make you ill, My Lady!"


    Concubine Wan suddenly halted her steps, the swaying beaded flower in her hair violently shaking.


    Her lips tightened as she recalled how her son had urgentlye to the pce in the dead of nightst night to ask her to help him obtain Gu Ying.


    Concubine Wan couldn''t help but let out a coldugh. "What a negligible young woman!" She actually dared to publicly humiliate her in front of the Empress and all those nobledies!


    This Gu Ying was truly an unruly vixen!


    "Weimian!"


    "This lowly one is here..."


    "Isn''t Yang fond of Gu Ying?" Her gaze was sinister as the corners of her lips hooked up into a gloomy arc. "Go and properly arrange things for me. She must be my son''s woman."


    "Ah?"


    Concubine Wan shot her a sharp nce. "Can''t understand my words?"


    Weimian licked her dry lips and lowered her head, hurrying to say, "Yes, My Lady, I will go arrange it right away... But what of the Heir Apparent if he finds out?"


    "Then don''t let him find out!"


    "Then this lowly one will..."


    "Don''t do this inside the pce. Take my token to find Master Xia. Have him ambush and kidnap Gu Ying on her way out of the pce. Handle this matter cleanly without implicating me or Yang."


    Weimian steadied herself. "Yes, this lowly one understands what to do."


    Concubine Wan finally felt somewhat relieved. Recalling Mrs. Lin''s cringing appearance, she narrowed her eyes, supported by the little eunuch at her side, and headed magnificently towards Rippling Wave Pce.


    ...

 Chapter 362: So much for You

    <h4>Chapter 362</h4>


    The banquet was the highlight of today''s pce banquet.


    In the afternoon, it was free time for everyone. Since entering the pce was not easy, the nobledies and madams who were invited went to Changyin Pavilion to watch the opera. Everyone cherished the rare opportunity to meet up and gathered in groups of three to five to chat casually, mostly getting together to gossip about Mrs. Lin''s return to the Duke of Guo''s residence.


    At the winter hunt years ago, Mrs. Linmitted suicide at Xueya Cliff, shocking the imperial court and the public.


    And now she hade back safe and sound, with so many ugly scars on her face. After drifting among themoners for so many years, no one knew whether she had been vited by other men given her looks.


    Several madams sat by the waterside pavilion, covering their mouths exaggeratedly with their kerchiefs and sneering coldly, "How shameless of her, Mrs. Lin, to still show her face ande back like this?"


    Back then, they had coveted the young Duke of Zhao who was still a boy, but did not expect he would be snatched away by the insignificant Mrs. Lin.


    Now that Mrs. Lin was back, they just wanted to see her make a fool of herself.


    The Duke brought her back openly and uprightly only because he had to for the sake of the Crown Prince.


    Mrs. Lin must have already lost her chastity. How could she still gain favor?


    Mrs. Lin could feel the malice from them. Not in the mood to reminisce with those gossipy women, she was brought by Gu Ying and Gu Shuang to a pavilion in the Imperial Garden to sit for a while.


    With Yin Lan and Yanzhi guarding nearby, no one dared to approach this ce.


    Mrs. Lin still had some panic in her eyes and her expression was tense, but she sat up straight with not a hint of cowering before Concubine Wan.


    Gu Ying sat down in front of her and held her cold fingers. She paused for a moment, then said, "Mother, what exactly happened to you? Can you tell me about it?"


    Gu Shuang apanied at the side and asked worriedly as well, "Mrs. Zhao, did you offend Concubine Wan?"


    Over the years, Concubine Wan still enjoyed the holy favor and was overbearing and arrogant, looking down on everyone.


    But her attitude towards Mrs. Lin was somewhat strange, seeming to deliberately target her, yet also deliberately provoke her.


    Gu Ying frowned tightly, gently caressing Mrs. Lin¡¯s trembling fingertips, smiling tofort her, "Mother, it¡¯s fine if you don''t want to say. We''ll be leaving the pce today and won''t intersect with Concubine Wan anymore. Don''t be afraid, mother. The present is different from the past. The Crown Prince and I are still here. We will surely protect motherpletely."


    Gu Shuang nodded busily in agreement. The Crown Prince held great power and relied on His Majesty, so Concubine Wan as a favored concubine could not do much.


    But Mrs. Lin''s lips couldn''t help but tremble. "Ying, I..."


    Gu Ying looked at her calmly, hoping she could trust her a little more. She also knew what Mrs. Lin wanted to say.


    Meeting Gu Ying¡¯s sincere gaze, Mrs. Lin sighed and said, "These words... I originally intended to take to the coffin with me. But now that I have chosen to return to the Duke of Guo''s residence, with my life''s honor and disgrace tied to Adu, I have to say it... only... Fourth Young Lady... you..."


    She understood the rules of survival among the nobility. But after living a carefree life for too long, she had forgotten that prosperous and luxurious days were like an inescapable cage.


    During the year plus she was married to Zhao Hui, she was on tenterhooks for a year, not daring to let down her guard for a year, let alone entrust her true feelings to anyone.


    Later, for Adu''s sake, she also learned to tter and defer to those aloof nobledies.


    But the result was... devastating damage.


    Now she was worried that her past would implicate Gu Shuang.


    Gu Shuang quickly waved her hand with a harmless smile, shyly saying, "I''m here with Second Sister. Mrs. Zhao doesn''t have to avoid me. My lips are sealed."


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, "Although little sister is simple-minded, she also knows propriety and distinguishes priorities. Mother need not worry."


    Mrs. Lin paused for a moment, murmuring softly, "This is a long story..."


    Her gaze became distant as she recalled her maiden days.


    She too had carefree days where she only followed Father and Mother up the mountain to gather herbs, or immersed herself in all kinds of prescriptions, making medicine, healing, saving people. It seemed that apart from her patients, she had no other troubles in life.


    Her senior brothers all doted on her very much, especially Eldest Senior Brother, who took meticulous care of her, allowing her to grow to sixteen without realizing the manyplex entanglements between men and women.


    Not until she was noticed by the old Duke of Guo and got betrothed to Zhao Hui did her life undergo aplete change.


    Originally an unknown, she was frequently targeted after the engagement, and every household would invite her to their spring garden parties and poetry meets.


    As long as she went, more often than not those youngdies of good families would deliberately make things difficult for her.


    There were too many girls who liked Zhao Hui. At that time, among the unmarried girls of marriageable age in the imperial capital, none did not want to marry him. Zhao Rou from a prestigious background had always looked down on her as the future sister-inw, and would join those girls in ridiculing and bullying her.


    As a result, she suffered a lot of torment and contempt.


    She did not like the rules and regtions of those powerful families to begin with, but as Zhao Hui''s fianc¨¦e, there were some things she could not refuse, especially that one time...


    After Concubine Wan was brought into the pce by His Majesty, at a pce banquet, Concubine Wan heard that her family had practiced medicine for generations and gleefully had her brought to Yn Hall to take her pulse.


    The magnificent, gilded pce was illuminated withnterns, clearly showing the favored concubine''s prestige.


    That day, she thought this was just an ordinary, perfectly normal pulse...


    But that night, the newborn little princey in a small bed beside Concubine Wan, a baby the size of a palm... lying in the luxurious swaddling clothes.


    Not long after she ced her hand on Concubine Wan''s pulse, she discovered an earth-shattering secret.


    Concubine Wan''s body was weak, clearly damaged by takingbor-inducing drugs, and the Crown Prince was obviously premature, yet His Majesty said the child was born full term...


    She did not hide her panic, abruptly withdrawing her hand and staring nkly at the woman sitting on the noble concubine''s couch.


    Concubine Wan was a shrewd person. She remained unperturbed at the moment, but her gaze was piercing, demanding medicine from her to nourish her body for the future when she could bear more little princes and princesses for His Majesty.


    How could that be possible... Labor-inducing drugs severely damaged a woman''s body. With Concubine Wan''s current physical condition, she was afraid it would be extremely difficult for her to conceive again in the future.


    No matter how brilliant her skills, it would be impossible for her to allow Concubine Wan to conceive imperial offspring again.


    She lowered her head in terror, collected the pulse cushion into the medicine box, perfunctorily agreed, then left the pce.


    But after that day, Concubine Wan had people summon her every few days.


    Each time she entered the pce, she was nervous and anxious, not daring to expose that she had seen through the concubine''s secret.


    Before long, she also became pregnant... Rumors that the Crown Prince was not born of His Majesty also circted in and outside the pce for a period of time.


    She pleaded with Zhao Hui to decline Concubine Wan¡¯s invitations on her behalf.


    Zhao Hui looked at her coldly and sneered, "Are you, ady of the Lin family, so pretentious that you can treatmoners with your medical skills yet cannot treat the favored concubine of the present?"


    She turned pale. Caressing her belly, her heart was uneasy, helpless, and afraid.


    But he spoke mockingly, "Lin Yushan, you''re nothing more than this."

 Chapter 363: Ningsi Appearance

    <h4>Chapter 363</h4>


    He left the residence, no one knew where he went, and was gone for three days.


    She had no choice but to enter the pce again. This time, she identally saw Concubine Wan and themander of the Imperial Guards, Xia Zixi...


    That day when she came out of the pce, she knew that she probably wouldn''t live much longer...


    She had no other extravagant hopes, she only wished to safely give birth to the child in her belly...


    She began to live reclusively in the residence, feigning illness.


    Zhao Hui seldom came back to see her. asionally when she was too afraid Concubine Wan would take action against her, and wanted to find him to help her, even if it wasn''t to help her, just to let him do it for the sake of the child, and block Concubine Wan.


    But as soon as she went to look for him, she saw him together with Cheng.


    The sourness in her heart rushed up quickly, she stood not far away in a daze, she could only force down her helpless heart and walk back.


    Her heart felt stifled, and was eventually reced by fear.


    Since Zhao Hui couldn''t protect her, she went to find her elder martial brother.


    Her elder martial brother wanted to bring her back to the Lin family, but Zhao Hui was unhappy about it. He refused to allow it, and flew into a violent rage. His eyes were as cold as ice as he dragged her back to the room, and ordered the servants to nail shut all the doors, not allowing her to leave.


    She lived in the Prince''s residence, anxious and afraid all day. Her face was haggard from crying. When she gave birth to Du, she heard that Zhao Hui had rushed back from Cheng''s courtyard.


    At that time, she was thinking that it would have been better if he hadn''t returned.


    This child was hers alone, and had nothing to do with him.


    He stayed with her peacefully in the residence for a period of time after she had given birth. The two of them did not get along very well. Soon after her confinement period ended, Cheng became more and more unrestrained.


    She repeatedly came to the door to provoke them, and spread all kinds of rumors. In Bianjing, she and the Lin family''s reputation waspletely ruined. Her father and mother sighed every day. Not long after, her mother passed away due to illness.


    After her father finished organizing her mother''s funeral affairs, he followed after her.


    Her health was already poor to begin with. After hearing those words, and losing her parents, she became distressed. Her health deteriorated.


    Sometimes she thought about directly divorcing Zhao Hui, but he dragged his feet and refused to divorce her. Instead he wanted to take her to the winter hunting event to distract her.


    She thought that she was still too naive, and believed he would restrain himself to live peacefully with her.


    Until at the Winter Hunting Party, she encountered Cheng disguised as Zhao Rou''s maidservant, and saw Zhao Rou, and also saw Concubine Wan.


    Standing on the Jixue Cliff, she was gradually driven to the edge by Cheng.


    She remembered that it was Zhao Hui who had brought her here, he must also hope that she would die soon to make way for Cheng.


    At that moment, her heart was deadened, and hoped to end it all with death.


    "So... Mother jumped off Jixue Cliff herself?" After hearing these words, Gu Ying only felt her heart shake.


    Mrs. Lin nodded, and gave a bitterugh, "Cheng shed my face, I became somewhat clearer headed from my groggy state. But standing at the edge of the cliff at that moment, I... suddenly forgot about Du, and was already hopeless about life, and thought that death would be for the best."


    Gu Ying tightly grasped her hand, her brows knitted together. She did not me her for giving up on the Heir Apparent, only asked caringly, "The poison in Mother''s body, it was given by Concubine Wan?"


    Mrs. Lin''s eyes reddened, she didn''t speak, but it was tacit acknowledgment.


    How could Mrs. Lin, whose medical skills were unparalleled in Bianjing, be unaware if someone had slowly poisoned her?


    It was just that her heart had died... She also knew that she could not escape the hands of that person in the pce... Unwilling to cause trouble for the Prince''s residence and the young Heir Apparent at the time.


    Gu Ying sympathetically clenched her fists, Concubine Wan and Zhao Rou were merely Concubine Wan''s pawns. Concubine Wan was the one who had designed the plot to harm Mrs. Lin behind the scenes...


    No wonder when Cheng was driven out of the Prince''s residence, Mrs. Lin was utterly unaffected. Because she knew the one who had harmed her was someone else, someone she could absolutely not touch.


    This Concubine Wan... her mind was too meticulous. She had harmed an innocent woman for life by borrowing a knife to kill. She had extended her hand into the Prince''s residence.


    And... in that case, Li Yang was indeed not the son of Emperor Tianqi.


    She also didn''t know how Su He''s investigation in Changzhou was going. Thinking back now, the fire at Concubine Wan''s family home back then was rather suspicious.


    "Muddying the imperial bloodline..." Gu Shuang, who had been silent all along, moved her lips. Her small face was unusually serious, "That is the crime of deceiving the ruler and destroying the n, punishable by execution of entire families..."


    No wonder Concubine Wan would take action against Mrs. Lin.


    After all, if the imperial n''s bloodline was muddled, not to mention Concubine Wan, even if it was the Empress, the entire family would be executed.


    This exined Concubine Wan''s attitude towards Mrs. Lin today.


    She was deliberately provoking Mrs. Lin, to get her to shut her mouth, not to speak recklessly. Otherwise, she didn''t mind revisiting the events of the past.


    The three of them strangely fell silent for a long time in the pavilion. These shocking secrets left Gu Shuang stunned for a long time.


    Compared to the inner pce, the Gu residence''s inner courtyard matters were nothing...


    Mrs. Lin pursed her lips, looked up, and grasped Gu Ying''s fingers. "Ying''er, I want to return home first..."


    In the past at the Prince''s residence, with Cheng in Zhao Hui''s heart, no one protected her, she always faced danger alone.


    But now, Gu Ying''s mouth curved up into a smile. She helped her stand up and decisively said, "Alright, I''ll have someone escort Mother home! Today, no matter whoes, they cannot block my Mother from returning home!"


    Gu Shuang also hurriedly stood up.


    Mrs. Lin gratefully nced at her. "Thank you, Ying''er."


    Gu Ying chuckled lightly. "Mother, you and I are family. What''s with the polite words?"


    As she spoke, she went to instruct Yin Lan toe prepare the carriage.


    She and Gu Shuang personally escorted Mrs. Lin to the pce gates, only letting down their guard after watching Mrs. Lin''s carriage leave the pce under the protection of the Prince''s guards.


    The pce banquet had not yet started, so they could not leave yet.


    After sending off Mrs. Lin, the two of them started to head back.


    The long, wide imperial avenue seemed endless. The tall pce walls encircled this narrow piece ofnd.


    Gu Shuang was still somewhat distracted. "Second sister..."


    Gu Ying spoke solemnly, "Younger sister, pretend you never heard any of today''s events, and absolutely do not speak of it to anyone, understand?"


    Gu Shuang hurriedly covered her mouth. "Second sister, don''t worry, I''m not stupid."


    Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief. Today''s revtions had too great an impact on her. After sending off Mrs. Lin, she could finally calm her heart to think back on her past life.


    Concubine Wan did not meet a good end in the end. Xia Zixi and Li Yang''s pce coup failed, and they died in the pce.


    But how could this make up for the harm Mrs. Lin suffered?


    Concubine Wan''s actions harmed an innocent woman for life. She wanted to quietly turn the page?


    Even if she agreed, she still had to ask if the Heir Apparent agreed!


    She absolutely could not let Mrs. Lin be threatened by Concubine Wan again. No matter what, she had to strike first this time.


    "Second sister, isn''t that Elder Sister Ning over there!"


    Gu Shuang''s delighted voice pulled Gu Ying''s thoughts back.


    Gu Ying had made up her mind. Looking up to nce at the Imperial Gardens, she saw Ning Si dressed in splendid, wide pce attire. She looked emaciated, like a little white flower in the wind that could topple over with the slightest breeze.


    She had an anxious expression, appearing to be looking for something in the crowd, looking like a pitiful, unwanted child.


    Gu Ying hurriedly walked over and grabbed her thin, white wrist, propping her up. Sheughed, "Sis Ning, what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 364: Do Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 364</h4>


    Ning Si was stunned, her small face extremely pale, with a burst of tears brimming in her eyes in an instant.


    "Woo woo, Gu Ying..."


    Ning Si turned back and hugged Gu Ying, feeling wronged and scared in her heart. Her small hands were wrapped tightly around Gu Ying''s waist, not daring to let go at all, afraid that Prince Duan''s people would take her back to the prince''s manor if she let go.


    "Ah Si, what exactly is going on with you?"


    Ning Si''s lips trembled slightly. She pulled Gu Ying to another ce, "This is not the ce to talk...let''s find a ce with no one around."


    Today there were many people in the pce. Everywhere were nobledies leisurely strolling in the Imperial Garden. Naturally some looked down on the Ning Family, and some gossiped about Ning Si.


    "Did you hear? The young miss from the Nings was taken into the prince''s manor by Prince Duan. I wonder what''s going on. They''re not married yet, so why are they living together?"


    "After all, Ning Si was raised by the Nings. Even if Prince Duan is not favored by His Majesty, her doing this is just too shameless!"


    "Have you guys heard about Zhou Yan being beaten half to death by Prince Duan?"


    "I did hear about that. The Prince is usually very good-tempered and rarely conflicts with his subordinates. I wonder what happened this time? Could it be because of Ning Si?"


    "Ning Si couldn''t be secretly involved with Zhou Yan, right?"


    The voices of discussion gradually faded away.


    When they reached a remote ce without people, Gu Ying realized Ning Si didn''t have her personal maid with her. She was alone, appearing solitary and helpless, as pitiful as she could be.


    "Ah Si, where is Qing Yun?"


    "Huh?"


    Ning Si''s memory had not been good recently. She couldn''t eat or sleep well, and her spirit was increasingly worse. She still had to pretend everything was fine in front of Li Hao. She felt more and more exhausted physically and mentally.


    Her eyes were nk for a while. "I remember now...I left Qing Yun at home. Cai Xiu is serving me now...that maid Cai Xiu..."


    She remembered Cai Xiu threatening her with the child and bit her lip. "She is ambitious. I can''t order her around..."


    Moreover, she didn''t need a maid in Prince Duan''s manor at all.


    Prince Duan took care of everything himself. He watched her personally...


    Only when he was not around would she have some time to sleep.


    Even though Cai Xiu was still by her side, she couldn''t get close most of the time.


    Gu Ying had long seen that Cai Xiu was not good to get along with, so she advised solemnly, "Ah Si, keeping someone like her by your side is always troublesome. It''s better to find a way to send her away."


    Ning Si smiled bitterly. "Gu Ying, I don''t even have the heart to deal with Cai Xiu now. My marriage with the Prince... If he insists on not calling it off, if he doesn''tpromise, and even hurt Zhou Yan, what should I do..." She grabbed Gu Ying''s hand eagerly, "Today after much persuasion he finally agreed to let me out. As soon as the banquet in the pce ends, he''s going toe get me... I don''t want to go back to the manor...the Prince is so fierce..."


    After Li Hao found out she was pregnant with Zhou Yan''s child, he had be exceptionally terrifying. A prince who had always followed rules and protocols broke norms by taking a youngdy to his manor. This made her utterly confused about what to do.


    The first night she was taken to the manor, he pinched her chin and forced her to drink medicine to cause a miscarriage.


    She desperately struggled to keep the child, but he was still not satisfied, smiling as if he was a death god.


    She was extremely frightened, trembling as she fell onto the couch. She saw his eyes turn icy cold, looking condescendingly at her lower abdomen. Her body kept shrinking towards the corner.


    In all her years, though she had admired him for so long, she had never felt this man was so terrifying before.


    Fortunately in the end under her threat to die, he spared the child.


    But afterwards, from time to time... he would take liberties with her.


    He clearly knew she was pregnant, yet he recklessly... did some crazy things to her.


    Especiallyst night, when she asked to participate in the pce banquet, his eyes turned cold. He pressed her directly onto the bed...and tormented her all night.


    Previously, she had always resented that he was not intimate enough with her. But now, rememberingst night, she still felt terrified as she stroked her belly, extremely anxious for her child.


    Her eyes slightly reddened, tears swirling nonstop in her eye sockets. She cried, "He wants to kill my child, and also wants to kill Zhou Yan!"


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed. Sheforted, "Ah Si, calm down first."


    Ning Si breathed rapidly before she finally settled down, tears streaming down her face.


    She leaned against a corridor pir, exuding despair and powerlessness all over.


    "Gu Ying, I heard Zhou Yan was beaten until he was covered in blood... I''ve let him down... Can you help me think of something?"


    Ning Si eagerly pulled her hand. Gu Ying''s brows knotted. "Ah Si, what exactly does the Prince think? Have you talked it over with him? He still refuses to call off the engagement?"


    Ning Si''s face paled. Flustered, she said, "After returning to the capital, I talked with him... At that time after hearing about my rtionship with Zhou Yan, he was still calm with a gentle smile on his face. Staring at my belly, he told me to go home and rest at ease, not to worry. I thought he had agreed to call off the engagement, but soon after I returned, he sent people to bring me away... No matter what I said, he insists on not calling off the marriage. I can''t figure out what he''s thinking...and my belly is getting bigger and bigger... Soon it''ll be hard to hide. What will I tell the Empress and His Majesty about the Ning Family then?"


    Gu Ying was silent for a while. Ning Si''s matter involved the imperial family''s reputation, which was rather tricky.


    But now was not the time to oppose the imperial n either.


    She thought for a bit. "Since Prince Duan refuses to call off the marriage, and doesn''t dare hurt your child, Ah Si, you might as well hold your position."


    Ning Si was stunned. "Hold my position?"


    "Yes." Gu Ying''s mouth curved up slyly. "If you behave yourself, the Prince will naturally not do anything more to Zhou Yan. As for your marriage, if he insists on not calling it off, then bite the bullet and marry him."


    Ning Si was confused, her long eyshes blinking at Gu Ying. Her gaze was somewhat bewildered.


    The smile at Gu Ying''s lips deepened. She continued, "You don''t know that when ites to men, they all have amon failing. That is looking down on women who actively throw themselves at them. If you give him the cold shoulder and reject him, he''ll immediately be interested in you, eager to think of ways to conquer you. But if you really cater to his every need, care for him considerately, show concern gentle and warm, he''ll quickly find you annoying."


    "So--" Ning Si felt the tight string in her mind suddenly rx. Staring at Gu Ying with her red eyes blinking, she said, "Gu Ying means for me to not confront the Prince, go along with him, and let him take the initiative to loathe me?"


    Gu Ying nodded. "That''s right."


    Ning Si thought about her years of fawning over Prince Duan. It seemed Gu Ying was correct. The more she fawned over him, the more indifferent he would be towards her.


    And now that she was going to marry Zhou Yan, he became displeased.


    No matter how gentle the Prince''s disposition, he was still the Crown Prince of Dong Li. After all he had his dignity. How could he allow her to casually marry another.

 Chapter 365: Think of Her as a Sister

    <h4>Chapter 365</h4>


    Ning Si finally had a hint of a smile on her face. After returning from Yueyang, she had been troubled by this for more than a month, always feeling that she was not clean. Even if His Highness was willing to marry her, she did not want to disgrace His Highness''s reputation.


    But His Highness had changed too much this past month, and his forceful seizure caught her off guard.


    She did not know if His Highness loved her or hated her, or what other emotions he had. In any case, this marriage could not happen.


    "With A Ying''s method, I can rest assured." Ning Si rxed and became happy, "It''s perfect that Cai Xiu has always used my out-of-wedlock pregnancy to threaten me to find her a position. Since she wants to climb up, I will send her climbing up to see His Highness."


    Gu Ying asked worriedly, "Is A Si''s heart not hurt to send Cai Xiu into Prince Duan''s bed?"


    Ning Si pursed her lips, sourness welled up in her heart, and was quickly suppressed, "His Highness and I are destined to have no fate, so why force it? What''s more... even if His Highness doesn''t dislike me and marries me, there will always be a child of unknown origin between us in the future, and we will eventually be a resentful couple... I don''t want to torture each other for a lifetime with him, it''s better to separate now."


    Gu Ying said nothing, gently holding her icy little hand, no longer dwelling on this topic, smiling and teasing her to make her a little happier.


    After all, she was pregnant and looked so frail that her belly was barely noticeable, it was really heartbreaking to see.


    Under Gu Ying''sfort, Ning Si finally calmed down a little, and secretly pondered in her mind the method of retreating in order to advance.


    It was a good thing for Cai Xiu to want to stay in Prince Duan''s mansion.


    She could just persuade His Highness to keep her. If His Highness was unwilling, she would help pick some otherdies for him.


    ...


    It took a long time to wait for the pce banquet, where the emperor and his subjects enjoyed themselves, lively and brilliantly.


    Emperor Tianqi and Concubine Wan sat on the dragon throne, leaving Empress Su alone on the phoenix throne like a joke.


    Halfway through the banquet, Empress Su left.


    The liveliness belonged to Concubine Wan, while the other concubines had nothing.


    Gu Ying felt that the emperor''s women were very pitiful. It was a good thing Ning Si chose not to marry Li Hao.


    The youngdies of prestigious families vied with each other to perform, just to make the princes present smile.


    Gu Ying sat steadily by the prince''s side, inconspicuously observing everyone at the pce banquet.


    The emperor looked much weaker, with ckened lips and knitted brows, in low spirits and poor health. The imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Bureau tried to nourish his body every day, but to no avail.


    Concubine Wan was gorgeous and made up borately, smiling contentedly as she watched the excitement below.


    As themander of the Imperial Guards, Xia Zixi was naturally inseparable from guarding the emperor and Concubine Wan.


    He stared straight ahead. If Gu Ying didn''t know the inside story, she really couldn''t imagine that he actually had an affair with Concubine Wan.


    Prince Duan had a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, gentle and refined, with a schrly grace. Despite his illness, he had an unfettered air, making it impossible to imagine his control over Ning Si.


    It had been a long time since Gu Ying had seen Li Yang. He was particrly high-spirited today, showing off in front of Emperor Tianqi and Concubine Wan.


    Gu Ying withdrew her gaze, rested her cheek in her hand, and was about to pick up a cup of hot tea to drink.


    Zhao Changdu raised his hand to stop her, and said indulgently, "A Ying, endure it, don''t drink the tea."


    Gu Ying realized that she had migraine, and drinking this tea would probably keep her awake all night.


    She put down the teacup with a smile, but did not notice the fleeting light in Li Yang''s eyes.


    After dinner, it was just dusk. The gorgeous sunset quietly spread out on the horizon, the evening sun fiery red. Concubine Wan suggested everyone go together to Chuanyin Pavilion to watch the show, and there would be a splendid fireworks disy at night.


    Gu Ying and Gu Shuang were not interested, preferring to find a ce for the sisters to eat some fruits and pastries, drink two pots of hot wine, and have a heart-to-heart talk.


    Seeing their thoughts, Zhao Changdu stroked the girl''s soft hair, the corners of his mouth raised, "It¡¯s boring here, I¡¯ll have someone take you back first?"


    This was exactly what Gu Ying wanted to hear. "Would His Majesty say anything about it?"


    Seeing the girl''s bright ck eyes, Zhao Changdu''s heart softened a few degrees. He smiled gently, "No."


    Gu Ying looked up at him, tiptoed, and couldn''t help kissing the man''s sexy lips.


    Seeing his stunned expression, she couldn''t help but bend her eyes and smile, "Remember toe back early, I''ll be waiting for you at home."


    After speaking, she turned and left, not giving him a chance to speak.


    Zhao Changdu was stirred up by the girl''s fleeting kiss. He narrowed his dark and deep eyes, restless at heart.


    "This girl¡ª" was truly an enchanting little fairy.


    "Why, just let her go like that?"


    Walking over from behind was Ye Qingchi, with his hands folded in his sleeves, standing upright.


    Zhao Changdu turned his face. In the evening sun, Ye Qingchi''s gaze was indifferent, but he stared straight ahead with a meaningful smile in the corner of his mouth.


    Following the man''s gaze, he saw the innocent and naive Gu Shuang beside A Ying.


    The two sisters were very close, walking hand in hand through the crowd. Passing Fu Xunzhi, Gu Shuang''s face turned red as she hurriedly stuffed a purse into the honest man''s palm.


    Fu Xunzhi''s face turned red, but Ye Qingchi''s eyes grew even darker.


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly.


    But Ye Qingchi''s face darkened, and his beautiful reddish brown eyes sank. "What is the Crown Princeughing at?"


    Zhao Changduughed slowly and meaningfully. "Laughing that the great young master Ye has met his match today."


    Ye Qingchi''s expression grew even uglier. He had been able to maintain his calm, but after seeing Fu Xunzhi carefully put the purse into his sleeve, he could no longerugh.


    He forcibly suppressed his emotions, even more irritable. Thinking of the foolish Gu Shuang who knew nothing, actually trying to get close with that useless honest man, his eyebrows wrinkled tightly. He slowly spat out two words, "Foolish."


    But Zhao Changdu raised his eyebrows, "Since you call her foolish, why bother spending your efforts on her?"


    Ye Qingchi frowned, "When did I spend effort on her?"


    Zhao Changdu just smiled without answering. He knew about the things Ye Qingchi secretly did, nothing could be hidden from Floating Cloud Building.


    Ye Qingchi realized that Zhao Changdu''s eyes and ears were everywhere in Bianjing. Embarrassed, he pulled at the corner of his mouth and argued, "She is close with A Ying, I only treat her like a sister, nothing else, don''t think too much."

 Chapter 366: Gu Shuang’s Message

    <h4>Chapter 366</h4>


    Zhao Changdu nced at him lightly, as if seeing through all the secrets hidden deep in his heart.


    Ye Qingchi said irritably, "Prince Zhao, can you please not look at me like that?"


    Zhao Changdu said leisurely andcently, "Her wedding with the Fu family is set for early May. If you want her, you still have time to find a way."


    "Do you think I have a bandit''s temperament like you?" Ye Qingchi said disdainfully, "A forced marriage would be worthless to me."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep and he said solemnly, "But if you don''t seize her, you won''t even have a moment''s possession."


    Just like him, he simply couldn''t watch A Ying marry someone else. Unless he died, no one could take his A Ying away.


    Upon hearing this, Ye Qingchi pressed his lips into a tight line. With his Ye family''s upright reputation, he absolutely could not force a marriage.


    He knew well what he wanted, and was also clearly aware of what he could not do.


    People are like this - the more sober-minded, the more heartache inside.


    Moreover, for Gu Shuang, she loved Fu Xun. The Fu family was the best ce for her.


    As for him...he just needed to continue treating her like a sister. On her wedding day, he would present her with a gift, congratting her on holding hands with another man and growing old together.


    He gave a self-deprecatingugh and said lightly, "Liking does not necessarily mean getting. After all, people with affinity but no destiny cannot force it."


    Zhao Changdu stopped talking. He knew Ye Qingchi''s disposition well, and persuasion would be useless.


    It would be better if Gu Shuang married soon, so Ye Qingchi could give up sooner and find another good marriage prospect.


    "Your Highness, Young Master Ye, you were so hard for this old ve to find!"


    Eunuch Guo suddenly appeared, smiling as he said that His Majesty had asked them to talk in the Imperial Study.


    Zhao Changdu looked back expressionlessly at the empty dragon chair in the main seat of Changyin Pavilion.


    Li Hao, looking frail, sat behind Concubine Wan in a cloak, ncing lightly in this direction.


    Zhao Changdu nodded almost imperceptibly and went to the Imperial Study with Ye Qingchi.


    After Zhao Changdu and the others left, Li Hao''s cold gaze finally turned to Ning Si, who was not far away.


    Seeing her looking down with her attention not on the stage, from his perspective, the woman had a slender figure, disheveled hair and a pointed chin. Her face no longer showed the panic fromst night, and his eyebrows rxed slightly.


    He had been too impulsivest night and shouldn''t have treated her like that.


    She had cried pitifully all night and her eyes were red and swollen this morning, which made people''s hearts ache when they saw her.


    The corner of his mouth curled up in a faint smile as he deeply reflected for a while - he had wronged her and needed to make up for it properly after the evening banquet ended.


    Just as Li Hao was about to withdraw his gaze, he saw her slowly ce her small hand on her bulging belly, a shallow smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. His eyebrows instantly wrinkled.


    After just one trip to Yueyang, she had such deep feelings for Zhou Yan''s child?


    She was willing to give up her affection for him over so many years for the sake of a Zhou Yan?


    Li Hao unconsciously clenched his fists tightly as the fire in his heart instantly zed up.


    ...


    The carriage from the Duke of Dongping''s residence came out of the pce gate all the way down Zhengyang Avenue in Bianjing.


    The evening scenery of Bianjing was great. Shops lined both sides of the wide street, and the Yangtze River''s embankment was lined with willows. A light breeze blew by, making it extremely pleasant.


    After passing Zhengyang Avenue, it started to turn into Anning Alley. After traveling for a cup of tea''s time, it would reach Changning Avenue where the Duke''s residence was located.


    Gu Ying and Gu Shuang chatted happily along the way.


    When they passed an intersection, there was a century-old famous shop where Gu Shuang got out and specially bought a box of red bean cake.


    After getting back on the carriage,


    Gu Shuang reluctantly started speaking, "Second sister, Grandmother always says she wants to see you but has been too busy. Shall we go to the residence today and take the chance to see little Qingqing?"


    Gu Ying took a piece of red bean cake and fed it into her mouth. Her eyes were indifferent as she said, "Grandmother wants to see me?"


    "Yes." Gu Shuang licked her lips hesitantly, "She said it was about tomorrow''s martial arts training."


    She hadn''t wanted to be the go-between, but Grandmother kept pressing Mother on the matter of being the wife of the Duke of Dongping, so she had no choice but to pass on the message here.


    Gu Ying''s mouth curled up as she gave a coldugh, "It''s about A Ning''s martial arts master, right?"


    Aunt was very efficient and quickly found Shen Muyun for her. She then announced that she had found a martial arts master for A Ning, the renowned number one swordsman of Jianghu, Li Yunzhi.


    Naturally, given Uncle and Aunt''s doting on A Ning, they also conveniently invited Li Yunzhi over.


    Li Yunzhi had outstanding martial arts skills but was also arrogant. He rarely took disciples, only epting A Ning due to the Ye family''s face.


    As a result, when Grandmother heard that the disabled A Ning could be taught by Li Yunzhi, she could no longer sit still. She sent people here several times tomunicate, but she was easygoing and pretended not to hear, nor did she mention it to Aunt.


    Now Grandmother was still not willing to let it go, sending Gu Shuang here as a go-between for the eldest son of the main branch. Why was she so good to the main branch?


    Strangely, she really didn''t understand Grandmother''s indulgence and pampering of the main branch. Father and Eldest Uncle were both her own sons. One was just an idle official while the other was the nation-protecting General. How could she be so tantly partial to the main branch?


    Over so many years, had she ever cared about Father''s life and death on the border?


    Even with Gu Ying''s good temper and tolerance of Grandmother, when she thought of Grandmother''s indifference to her own family, she still felt somewhat angry.


    Gu Shuang smiled awkwardly, "Second sister, don''t overthink. I also feel it''s quite embarrassing to go begging someone to ept a disciple... If he wants to learn martial arts tomorrow, we can hire a master ourselves. But Aunt Wang cried in front of Grandmother, so Grandmother softened a bit and insisted A Ming should be under Li Yunzhi like A Ning. Mother has advised against it, but Grandmother said... Second sister is the daughter-inw of the Duke''s main heir. If second sister goes to plead with the Ye family, they will certainly ept A Ming as well..."


    The shamelessness of the Gu family made even Gu Shuang unable to continue.


    Gu Ying almostughed when she heard this. "On what basis should the Ye family ept A Ming?"


    Gu Shuang said awkwardly, "Grandmother said it''s because he''s A Ning''s brother."


    Gu Ying''s mouth turned up mockingly. "My mother only gave birth to us two siblings. Where did he get a brother from? Tell Grandmother to give up on this. Li Yunzhi epted A Ning as a disciple due to my Aunt Qin''s face. If Grandmother insists on having Gu Ming learn martial arts together with the Ye family, then let her personally go beg my Aunt."


    As an elder, even with her favoritism, there should be a limit. With Father not at home, the glory and wealth of the Duke of Dongping''s residence over so many years were all thanks to the main branch. And now they actually wanted to take advantage and reach into the Ye family?


    On what basis should the Ye family help the Gu family? They were thinking wishfully!


    Aunt Qin had a fiery temper. If Grandmother really went begging, she could probably make it known all over the city in less than a day.


    What face would the Gu family have left then?

 Chapter 367: Robbed

    <h4>Chapter 367</h4>


    Gu Ying was determined not to get involved in this matter.


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips and quickly rubbed Gu Ying''s shoulder with a smile, "Second sister, don''t be angry. I''m just a messenger and have no intention of speaking for Gu Ming."


    Gu Yingughed softly, "I''m not angry with you, just annoyed that Grandmother can''t tell right from wrong."


    Grandmother had never liked flirtatious women and naturally did not favor Lady Zhao as much as Lady Liu and Lady Wang.


    With Lady Liu dead, only the useless Lady Wang was left to gain her favor. As a result, she cared more about Gu Wan and Gu Ming.


    At first, Grandmother had suppressed Lady Zhao. Seeing that Lady Zhao got along well with her, she was even more unwilling to make her the Lady of Dongping Earl. It was not until Lady Zhao gave birth to a son that she had no choice but to agree to Big Brother''s decision and raise Lady Zhao''s status.


    Gu Ming was Lady Wang''s son. When Lady Zhao was not yet pregnant, besides Gu Ning, he was the only male descendant of the Gu family. To ensure session, Lady Liu specially raised Gu Ming by her side, and the whole family doted on him as the heir to Dongping Earl Manor.


    After Lady Liu died, Gu Ming was moved to live in Yongshou Hall under Grandmother¡¯s personal care. His food, clothing, and expenditures were all ording to the standard for the eldest son of nobility.


    Gu Ning, who had disabled legs, was sent to the Ye family. Grandmother did not even ask about him once. This showed how deeply Grandmother favored Gu Ming while disregarding Gu Ning!


    Gu Ying sneered inwardly, feeling extremely sarcastic. As an elder, Grandmother was clearly too biased!


    Her expression indifferent, she put down the red bean cake and said lightly with upturned lips, "If Grandmother wants Gu Ming to go to the Ye family to learn martial arts, she cane to ask me herself."


    Gu Shuang responded directly, "Alright, I will remember sister¡¯s words and visit Yongshou Hall when I return."


    Gu Ying had just murmured in agreement when she suddenly sensed something strangely quiet outside.


    "Fourth sister, wait!"


    Gu Shuang and Yin Lan were both startled and looked at Gu Ying in bewilderment. "Second sister, what..."


    Before Gu Shuang could finish speaking, a sharp arrow shot through the carriage.


    Gu Shuang did not know martial arts and could not react in time. The arrow pierced her right shoulder.


    The force of the arrow was so great that it nailed her to the carriage.


    The carriage stopped abruptly outside, and the sound of fierce fighting could be heard.


    Yin Lan anxiously held Gu Shuang¡¯s hand, "Fourth youngdy, how are you now?"


    Gu Shuang was stunned. Soon, her breathing became rapid, "Ah... hurts..."


    The pain rushed up quickly. Blood seeped from her sleeve, gradually staining her moon-white dress.


    Yin Lan panicked, "Broad daylight, right under the emperor''s nose..."


    Gu Shuang looked incredulously at the arrow piercing her right shoulder and gasped in fright, her eyes instantly reddening. "Second sis...sister..."


    Gu Ying remained rtively calm. Her brows furrowed as she pressed Gu Shuang¡¯s wound. Swiftly shielding her, she said gently but firmly, "Don''t be afraid, Shuang¡¯er."


    Hearing the steady voice, Gu Shuang''s body trembled. Taking a long breath, she blinked back her tears and tried to calm herself. "Al...alright, I''m not afraid... Second sister... leave me... don''t mind me..."


    "Yin Lan, tear off the skirt."


    Yin Lan responded, "Yes!"


    How could Gu Ying leave her alone here now? She deftly snapped off the arrow shaft and wrapped Gu Shuang¡¯s wound with the skirt. Then she helped her stand up.


    Gu Shuang gritted her teeth in pain, her face deathly pale.


    Yin Lan also frowned, supporting the injured Gu Shuang. Her eyes showed panic, "Mydy, what exactly is going on? Weren''t the Eldest Prince''s men escorting outside... How dare anyone attack the Zhenguo Duke Manor?"


    Although she had seen assassination attempts before, this was the first time she witnessed someone robbing nobles in Bianjing City.


    Gu Ying''s eyes darkened. "They may not havee for the Zhenguo Duke Manor."


    Yin Lan tutted. Only then did she remember they were not in the Duke''s carriage but the Earl''s.


    "It seems they came for Fourth Young Lady."


    Gu Shuang''s lips turned white, and soon beads of cold sweat appeared on her forehead. "Second sister, Sister Yin Lan, I''m sorry..."


    Gu Ying took a deep breath and stroked her belly. Listening silently to the sounds outside, she said, "Don''t speak, Shuang¡¯er. Let¡¯s hold still for now."


    After the first arrow, no more came. It was not a chaotic attack, meaning the attackers did note to kill them.


    Her eyes tranquil, Gu Ying waited in the carriage for a while. Soon, a gloomy male voice sounded outside.


    "Hey slut inside, get the hell out here for me!"


    Gu Shuang became even more frightened, looking at Gu Ying in panic.


    Gu Ying pursed her red lips and shook her head. She gripped Gu Shuang¡¯s pale little hand and secretly handed her the unicorn dagger hidden in her sleeve, whispering, "Fourth sister, no matter what happenster, protect your own life first. Understand?"


    Tears brimmed Gu Shuang''s eyes as she sobbed please no.


    The man''s voice outside grew increasingly impatient. "Get out now or I¡¯ll have my men shoot arrows!"


    Gu Ying squeezed Gu Shuang¡¯s hand and exchanged a nce with Yin Lan.


    Yin Lan nodded heavily in understanding.


    Gu Ying lifted the curtain and bent to exit. Sweeping her gaze around, she saw the Qilin Army escorts sent by the Eldest Prince lying bloody on the ground. The carriage had stopped in a remote alley. Dongping Earl Manor¡¯s coachman had abandoned the carriage and escaped without a trace.


    The carriage was surrounded by over a dozen burly bandits, led by a man in his mid-thirties, dressed in coarse linen clothes. He had an imposing square face, nted eyebrows, a tall nose bridge, and thick lips, exuding a murderous look.


    Seeing Gu Ying, the bandit leader¡¯s eyes instantly lit up. He strode over to Gu Ying and said, "Who''s this pretty girl!"


    When Gu Ying saw the bandit leader¡¯s appearance, her heartbeat quickened as her frown only deepened.


    "Are you Mu Nanfeng?"


    The bandit leader narrowed his cold, slender eyes and sized Gu Ying up and down. "Little beauty recognizes me?"


    Gu Ying gritted her teeth and pronounced each word clearly, "Mu Nanfeng, notorious leader of the Qingfeng Stockade bandits. Of course I recognize you."


    Not only did she recognize him, she also knew this man was the heartless, notorious mass murderer!


    The Dongli Dynasty court had been attacking Qingfeng Stockade for years. Finally in early June this year, Mu Nanfeng and over five hundred of his men were recruited and enlisted.


    Taking advantage, Mu Nanfeng joined the city defense camp and became a petty officer.


    In early July the same year, during a matchmaking for the maids of his household, Dongping Earl had given his daughter Gu Shuang in marriage to a self-proimed soldier, who turned out to be Mu Nanfeng.


    One yearter, a lifeless Gu Shuang covered in injuries had been sent back to the Gu family.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying could no longer remain calm at the sight of the man before her.


    She raised her eyes, covered in bone-chilling frost.

 Chapter 368: Taken Away

    <h4>Chapter 368</h4>


    Mu Nanfeng originally wanted to tease the great beauty in front of him whom he had never seen before, but was scared back two steps by the chill emanating from her eyes. He raised his thick, dark eyebrows, pretended to be calm and angrily said, "What are you looking at, littledy? Haven''t you seen a bandit before?"


    Then he stroked his chin again andughed out loud with his men behind him, "I guess delicate youngdies like you have definitely not seen people like us. How is it, today I will let you gain experience!"


    Feares from the unknown.


    Now that she knew Mu Nanfeng¡¯s identity, Gu Ying was no longer afraid.


    She coldly hooked the corners of her lips, without any panic, with the calmness of Mount Tai copsing in front of her without moving, "Do you know who I am?"


    Mu Nanfeng''s eyes wandered down her belly, "I was just wondering, little beauty who are you?"


    Gu Ying said calmly, "The wife of the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor, Gu Ying."


    Upon hearing the title of the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor, Mu Nanfeng''s eyebrows wrinkled into a ball in a ridiculous way, and he subconsciously shrank back a bit.


    In Bianjing, everyone knew the reputation of Zhao Changdu. He was the killing god who killed all the way to the Huo family when he was only fifteen. Of course, Mu Nanfeng was also afraid of him. He just didn''t expect that today he only came to rob the youngdies of Dongping Earl Manor, but ended up robbing the wife of the killing god.


    But things had already happened. Even if he didn''t do it on purpose, in Zhao Changdu¡¯s eyes, he was probably already at fault. In that case, it would be better to take both of them and ask for arge ransom to flee to the border and rebuild the stockade!


    Seeing that he didn''t speak, Gu Ying''s expression was cold. She gently opened her lips and said, "Who sent you to rob us?"


    Mu Nanfeng grinned, "What do you care who sent us? Today neither you nor the one surnamed Gu in the carriage can leave!"


    "Come on--"


    Gu Ying looked at him steadily and interrupted him, "So you didn''te to kill us, you must havee for the money, right?"


    Mu Nanfeng was silenced for a moment, thenughed out loud, "Not bad for the wife of the heir! Interesting! Someone offered fifty thousand taels of silver for Gu Shuang''s life. I came to take her away. If you know what¡¯s good for you, you can leave now. I can let you go for Zhao Heir¡¯s sake."


    Gu Ying said, "I won''t leave."


    Mu Nanfeng raised his eyebrows, his eyes falling on her bulging belly, and suddenly felt a little troublesome.


    If Gu Ying was a helpless beauty, he would be happy to take her back to the stockade to be the stockade mistress. But she was backed by a Zhao Changdu, and apparently, she was also carrying Zhao Changdu¡¯s child in her belly. If something really happened to cause one dead and two lives... Not to mention his cheap life, I''m afraid even Qingfeng Stockade would be razed to the ground by Zhao Changdu.


    There were a bunch of useless officials in Bianjing, but Zhao Changdu was different from those officials who just upy their position to eat and drink.


    Mu Nanfeng was not stupid. He hesitated for a while.


    Seeing his fear of the heir, Gu Ying smiled and said lightly, "I¡¯ll give you one hundred thousand taels to let me and my sister go, and I won¡¯t let the heir me you afterwards."


    When the three words one hundred thousand taels came out, the other bandits got excited.


    "Boss, boss, that''s one hundred thousand taels!"


    "We can eat for ten years with this ticket!"


    Mu Nanfeng squinted, one hundred thousand taels of silver ingots were still a bit tempting, "Why should I believe you?"


    Gu Ying said lightly, "If you don''t believe me, you can let my maid go back and get the money. We can exchange money and people at the same time. Besides, I can see that you don''t want to kill us, you just want money. In that case, isn''t the temptation of one hundred thousand taels greater than that of fifty thousand taels?"


    Mu Nanfeng hesitated for a moment, frowning and whispering with the other bandits.


    Mu Nanfeng was an extremely evil murderer who had caused harm in Dongli for many years and didn''t know how many lives were behind him.


    Gu Ying didn''t have full confidence, she could only gamble with him and gamble that he needed money.


    She didn''t rush him either. She turned around and went back to the carriage to see Gu Shuang''s injury.


    Inside the carriage, Gu Shuang''s small face was ghastly white. She carefully looked at Mu Nanfeng''s mighty back, and her eyes turned red just by looking at the man''s sturdy back.


    She had been living a smooth life and was well protected by Lady Zhao. She had never seen such a scene before, let alone stayed with so many ferocious men. The more she thought about it, the more scared she became. There were tears of grievance clinging to her eyshes, "Sister... did theye for me?"


    "Don''t worry, your sister is here. Nothing will happen to you." Gu Ying said with sadness, pressing her lips together.


    In her previous life, Gu Shuang must have suffered a lot from marrying such a vicious man. In this life, she must not let her have anything to do with Mu Nanfeng again.


    She secretly made up her mind that now she was pregnant, she couldn''t fight hard with Mu Nanfeng either. No matter what, she had to stay with Gu Shuang to respond at any time.


    After a while, Mu Nanfeng turned around again, staring coldly at Gu Ying, "Okay, I agree with you."


    He pointed at Yin Lan with a knife, "Let her go back to get the money. You and the fourth youngdy of the Gu family wille with us."


    When Mu Nanfeng said the four words "the fourth youngdy of the Gu family", Gu Ying''s eyebrows jumped. There was some inexplicable panic in her heart.


    Lady Liu was dead, a man who would never intersect with Gu Shuang in this life again. Why would he suddenly appear in Bianjing City?


    And specifically target Gu Shuang?


    Gu Shuang was so scared that her whole body trembled. The wound on her shoulder was extremely painful. She didn''t dare to look at Mu Nanfeng, she just cried silently, not daring to scream loudly.


    Yin Lan''s legs went soft as she stood up, and looked up at Gu Ying, "Madam..."


    Gu Ying''s expression was calm. She nodded, "Listen to him, Yin Lan. Don''t go back to the Duke Manor, go to my uncle''s house to get the money order. Remember, don''t let the heir know anything."


    Yin Lan pursed her lips, "Madam, then this ve will leave first..."


    Gu Ying smiled calmly, "Go on, don''t worry, Vige Chief Mu won''t hurt me."


    Yin Lan walked to the alley with her legs trembling, forced by two little bandits.


    Hearing that Yin Lan would not go back to the Duke Manor, but go to the Ye family, Mu Nanfeng nodded satisfied, "You know what''s good for you. Zhao Changdu¡¯s woman is extraordinary as expected, calm enough, strong enough, and sensible enough. Since Madam Zhao is so sincere, I will spare your sister¡¯s life."


    Gu Ying nced at him expressionlessly, helped the weak Gu Shuang up, "Let''s go."


    ...


    In less than two hours, Gu Ying and Gu Shuang were taken by these bandits to a mountain stockade that could not be named.


    It had to be said that Mu Nanfeng was still capable. He was actually able to kidnap people directly under the emperor''s nose without the city garrison noticing.


    Gu Yingughed bitterly. All the way she had been trying to get people to discover her and Gu Shuang, but no one could help.


    By the time she arrived in the mountains, the sky was already pitch ck.


    Perhaps because of her identity as the wife of the heir of the Duke Manor, Mu Nanfeng did not dare to neglect her, but locked her and Gu Shuang in a room that was still rtively good.


    The room door mmed shut, and someone locked it from the outside.

 Chapter 369: The Purpose of Munan Peak

    <h4>Chapter 369</h4>


    After the bandits outside the door cursed and left, Gu Ying hurriedly let Gu Shuang sit down on the stool.


    Gu Shuang''s breathing was rapid, and the blood on her shoulders was increasing. She was in so much pain that she kept biting her lips, but she was still worriedly looking at the pregnant Gu Ying, "Sister, I hurt so badly... Don''t take care of me, just let me die here."


    "Don''t worry, you''ll be fine, you won''t die. Sister will protect you, dear," Gu Ying said.


    Gu Ying herself was also not feeling well. After a bumpy journey here, her stomach was a little ufortable.


    Fortunately, the baby was over four months now, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.


    She went outside to ask for golden sore medicine. The little minions outside originally refused to give it to her. It was only when she threatened and tempted them that the person reluctantly threw the golden sore medicine and gauze in.


    It was a bit cold on the mountain at night. No matter how good this room was, it couldn''tpare to the fragrant boudoir in the Bo Mansion. The gaps in the wooden window were wider than a fist, and the cold wind blew in from the outside, hitting people''s faces, and Gu Shuang felt that her facial skin was tight.


    She endured it for a while without screaming out in pain. She wiped away her tears, looked up and stared seriously at her second sister who was busy with her shoulders.


    "Sister, what should we do now?"


    Even if we live, what''s the use...


    She was an unmarried youngdy from a good family. Now she was taken by a group of bandits to this ce. If this was spread out, it would be better to just die in this mountain stronghold. But her sister fell into danger because of her, so she couldn''t leave her sister behind.


    Although Gu Ying was not panicking, she didn''t dare to pull out the arrow rashly either. She lowered her head to look at Gu Shuang''s big eyes filled with moisture, andforted, "Don''t worry, I''ve already asked Yan Lan to go to uncle''s house to report. My maid Yin Zhu is at the Ye family. She knows martial arts. After Yan Lan goes, she will let Yin Zhu find a way to send a letter to the pce. By then, the prince wille to save us."


    Gu Shuang''s face was as pale as paper. She responded with a murmur.


    The wound on her shoulder hurt too much. In order not to make her sister worry, she endured it.


    In the past, she always thought that she was still a little girl who hadn''t grown up, but tonight, seeing her pregnant sister fall into the bandits'' den with her, she finally realized deeply that she should grow up and can''t always let her sister protect her.


    Thinking of this, she endured the pain and hurriedly pulled Gu Ying to sit down, "Sister, you should sit down and rest too. Shuang is not afraid of death... Shuang will protect sister and little prince..."


    Gu Ying stroked her belly and chuckled, "Little fool, I''m your sister. How can it be your turn to protect me?"


    Gu Shuang smiled palely and held Gu Ying¡¯s hand tightly. Her heart felt warm and fuzzy, "Sister is so nice to me..."


    She was really d that her mother and second sister had a good rtionship, and that she didn''t oppose her second sister like Gu Wan and the others.


    "Sister, why does this Qingfeng Stockade chieftain want me?" Gu Shuang asked in bewilderment.


    Gu Ying affirmed, "Maybe just for money."


    Gu Shuang was very confused. "He said someone paid him 50,000 taels of silver to buy my life. Who would spend so much money? Besides, I have always kept a low profile. It seems like I haven''t offended anyone either... Who exactly wants to harm me?"


    Gu Ying narrowed her eyes slightly and stroked the little girl''s hair. Her heart was not calm.


    Mu Nanfeng was not an ordinary bandit. His appearance was too unusual.


    It was as if someone had deliberately found him and asked him to kidnap Gu Shuang to achieve some purpose.


    But Gu Shuang was just a little-known youngdy. Why would he do this for 50,000 taels of silver?


    A sh of inspiration suddenly crossed her mind. Gu Ying''s heart thumped uneasily. She felt some answer was imminent, but just then, there was a sudden bang bang bang of footsteps at the door, interrupting her train of thought.


    Someone stopped at the door, kicked it open, and walked in arrogantly.


    Gu Shuang was startled and instinctively stood up to shield Gu Ying behind her. Her small face stubbornly looked up at the personing in, "You... What do you want to do... Don''te near me... I, I, I will fight you!"


    Mu Nanfeng was followed by four mountain bandits with knives. Covered in the smell of blood, their faces looked fierce and evil.


    To him, Gu Shuang''s words were like child''s y. A bloodthirsty person like him would not take it to heart at all.


    But she was cute and her skin was delicate. Although she looked miserable with her injuries, she seemed even more pitiful. It made people want to ravage and humiliate her even more.


    More interest appeared in his eyes as he looked at Gu Shuang up and down with a crooked smile. He walked towards her one step at a time.


    Gu Shuang was extremely scared. Her face turned even paler as she bravely stood her ground without backing away.


    "Chief Mu," Gu Ying called out calmly and unhurriedly, stopping him. "Don''t you want the 100,000 taels anymore?"


    "Of course I want it! 100,000 taels, only a fool wouldn''t want it," Mu Nanfeng''s face immediately showed an unsightly smile when he heard 100,000 taels. But this kind of non-smile on his fierce and sinister face looked particrly creepy.


    Gu Ying remained calm in crisis and even smiled. "Shall we talk?"


    Mu Nanfeng actually quite admired Gu Ying. With such a world-shocking exquisite face, facing them¡ªa group of unscrupulous bandits, her expression didn''t change one bit.


    Such a strong-minded girl should not be underestimated.


    He had an unsightly smile at the corner of his mouth as he walked over to sit in front of her.


    With the small wooden table between them, they looked at each other face to face. Gu Ying was not inferior as she sat upright and straight.


    "What does Mrs. Zhao want to talk to me about?" Mu Nanfeng asked mockingly.


    Gu Ying pointed at Gu Shuang, "Let''s talk about her."


    Mu Nanfeng raised his eyebrows, "What is there to talk about her? Don''t worry, Mrs. Zhao, I certainly won''t kill her. She looks pretty good. I¡¯ll keep her in Qingfeng Stockade to be my mistress and have seven or eight sons for me. I won''t mistreat her. And after she marries me, you and I will be rtives. I''ll even have to call you sister."


    Gu Shuang, who stood beside Gu Ying, trembled with anger, but didn''t dare speak out.


    Gu Ying held her cold little hand and smiled faintly at Mu Nanfeng''s mocking eyes. "Is Chief Mu joking? My fourth sister is engaged to Master Fu. Everyone in Bianjing knows about this. Their wedding is scheduled forte April and early May."


    Mu Nanfeng looked as if he had known it all along and said indifferently, "It doesn¡¯t matter. As long as it''s a woman I want, no matter if she''s engaged or not, I''ll snatch her! After tonight, she Gu Shuang will be my woman anyway."


    When Gu Shuang heard this, her face turned even paler. She endured her anger and didn''t dare talk back.


    Gu Ying asked, "So may I ask, what does Chief Mu like about my fourth sister? And when did you start liking my fourth sister?"


    Mu Nanfeng was rendered speechless for a moment by her questions. "It¡¯s none of your business. I just want your sister to be my daughter-inw!"


    Gu Ying muttered in contemtion, "So Chief Mu doesn''t like my fourth sister, but under someone else''s temptation of 50,000 taels of silver, you want to forcibly take her as your wife?"


    Mu Nanfeng sneered. "That 50,000 taels was to buy her life. I¡¯m keeping her because she looks good. I¡¯m giving her a chance."

 Chapter 370: Second Sister, help me

    <h4>Chapter 370</h4>


    Gu Ying did not fall for it, and indifferently said, "If Mu Nanfeng really only took money to kill people, he should have shot arrows to kill us back in Bianjing City, and directly fled Bianjing with his men. Why would he go through so much trouble to bring us to this mountain stronghold where no one knows about?"


    The smile on Mu Nanfeng''s face gradually disappeared as he looked at Gu Ying meaningfully.


    He did not expect her to see through so much. To be honest, he was a viin who did all kinds of evil, but he was not so bold as to openly kidnap people from the imperial city.


    Gu Ying lightly raised her eyes and met his gaze fearlessly, seeming to understand what was going on. "I promise to give you another 100,000 taels. Tell me, who hired you to kidnap my fourth sister?"


    Again! Give! 100,000!


    The four bandits'' breathing stilled, and they looked at Mu Nanfeng in unison.


    There was a sh of resentment in Mu Nanfeng''s eyes. He stroked his thick beard and spoke again, "Not bad, as expected of Zhao Changdu''s woman. Alright, you saw through me."


    Gu Ying looked at him. "Who was it?"


    Mu Nanfeng said, "A woman."


    Gu Ying''s eyes darkened slightly. "What''s her name?"


    Mu Nanfeng grinned and said, "I rarely see such a beautiful woman,parable to Madam Zhao.


    Gu Ying frowned. A woman with exceptional looks used a lot of money to hire bandits to ruin Gu Shuang''s chastity.


    Who was this person? Did she have a grudge with Gu Shuang?


    Or was she infatuated with Fu Xunzhi and deliberately targeted Gu Shuang to sabotage the marriage between the Fu family and Gu family?


    There were not many women who admired Fu Xunzhi. He was introverted and honest, not good with words, so he did not interact much with others. She had looked into all those simple social dealings clearly.


    The only variable was Shang Jiao, but she was just a penniless merchant woman who now only did small business and simply did not have so much money.


    If it was someone from the Gu family, Gu Wan did not have such financial resources, let alone Wang Auntie who could only be confined at home.


    Gu Jia was mentally ill and also did not have this ability.


    As for others...she really could not think of anyone else who would deliberately harm Gu Shuang.


    She turned to look at Gu Shuang and asked with her eyes.


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips and shook her head, speaking firmly, "Sister, you know my temperament. I rarely go out except to see you. I...I really haven''t offended anyone... What''s more, there are few women in this world more beautiful than sister. If I had seen her, I would not have forgotten."


    Gu Ying understood Gu Shuang''s character, so she was even more puzzled in her heart. After all, when trying to ruin someone''s reputation, anyone could be found. Why must it be the bandit leader Mu Nanfeng, who was a major concern for the court?


    Connecting it to Gu Shuang and Mu Nanfeng''s marriage in the previous life, she really did not know if this was someone deliberately scheming, or just the will of heaven ying tricks on people.


    Or...could it be Jiang Yin interfering?


    No no no, impossible!


    As soon as this thought came up, she suppressed it herself. Jiang Yin had already died in Yueyang City, he could not possibly still be alive...


    After hearing Gu Shuang, Mu Nanfengughed and said, "Alright, I won''t waste Madam Zhao''s time anymore. Come on, take the fourth youngdy away for me. I haven''t yed with a woman for a long time. I''ll take her virginity today."


    Gu Shuang''s face changed drastically as she froze there at a loss.


    The two bandits came up and grabbed her. She was so scared that her mind went nk and for a moment she even forgot to struggle.


    Mu Nanfeng looked at hersciviously, stroking his chin as he grabbed Gu Shuang''s delicate neck. His dark glittering eyes looked at her face. "The more I look at you, the more familiar you seem, as if I had seen you in a past life. Be sensible and let me make you feel good tonight."


    Only then did Gu Shuang cry out in fear, screaming sharply, "Sister! Save me!"


    Anger rose in Gu Ying. She grabbed the man''s arm, "Mu Nanfeng!"


    ...


    Bianjing, the imperial pce.


    It was alreadyte when he came out of the study room.


    There were sparse stars scattered across the sky, and the thick clouds indicated it would rain soon.


    Li Yang came down the white jade stairs with an unfathomable expression on his face. He looked down condescendingly at Zhao Changdu and Ye Qingchi walking ahead.


    "Take care on your way back, Prince Zhao," he said, holding his hands in his sleeves. The corners of his mouth were raisedzily, somewhat smug and nonchnt, but his tone revealed an inexplicable delight.


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes narrowed as he expressionlessly watched Li Yang pass by him.


    Li Yang sneered lightly, feeling even more ted as he thought of everything his imperial concubine mother had done for him.


    Xia Zixi''s people were already waiting on the road Gu Ying would take when leaving the pce to kidnap her.


    As long as she got through tonight, Gu Ying would be the talk of the town as an abandoned woman. Then he would find a way by any means to get her into his prince''s estate, whether by changing her identity or taking her as a matter of course. He had to make this woman who had captivated him be his imperial consort.


    Right now, he had no time to contend with Zhao Changdu and the others.


    He had to immediately leave the pce to see Gu Ying and be intimate with her.


    "This Prince Shu has been secretly forming cliques and selling offices and nobility titles behind His Majesty''s back recently, bing increasingly unscrupulous. What''s wrong with him? So openly trying to seize power? The Emperor isn''t dead yet, this dream of his is a bit premature," Ye Qingchi said coldly as he watched Li Yang''s retreating figure.


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a while without answering.


    From the moment he stepped into the study room, he had felt a vague unease in his heart.


    "Huai''an."


    Huai''an stepped forward, "Master."


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was cold and clear, his dark longshes lightly dropped, casting two beautiful shadows on his eyelids. "Have Prince Shu tied up and thrown into a brothel."


    "Yes sir!" Huai''an grinned and left to carry out the order.


    Ye Qingchi was a bit surprised. He turned to ask, "Changdu, what''s going on?"


    A mere Prince Shu, was also worth him being so concerned?


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze focused for a moment, feeling inexplicably nervous in his heart. "Nothing."


    Just as he had just stepped out of the pce gates, he saw Yin Zhu, who was usually expressionless, waiting by the carriage outside the Prince''s estate. "Prince! Bad news! Something happened to Madam!"


    Zhao Changdu''s heart tightened, his eyes instantly darkening.


    "What happened?"

 Chapter 371: Zhao Changdu is Terrible

    <h4>Chapter 371</h4>


    Yin Zhu quickly told about what had happened in the evening.


    After listening, Zhao Changdu and Ye Qingchi''s faces turned ck at the same time, "Go to Ye House immediately!"


    The two rode horses directly back to Ye''s house. Just as they arrived at the door of Ye House, they saw Fu Xunzhi leading an old horse, wandering anxiously at the gate with a disturbed look.


    Seeing the two men getting off their horses like gods, Fu Xunzhi hesitated for a moment, especially Zhao Changdu, whose whole body was filled with icy cold killing intent, which really made people want to stay away. But for the sake of Gu Shuang, he still plucked up the courage to greet them.


    "Zhao...Ye..."


    Ye Qingchi remembered that Gu Shuang had been kidnapped, and his face was solemn. "Why is Young Master Fu here at this moment?"


    Fu Xunzhi had left the pce early. He stuttered and said, "I heard some rumors on the street that Lady Zhao and Shuang''er were taken away by the flower pickers. I was worried...and wanted to go to the Duke''s mansion to take a look. I happened to meet Miss Yin Lan on the way, and then...Miss Yin Lan and I came here together..."


    Taken away by the flower pickers?


    For the two women, this was even more serious than taking their lives!


    Ye Qingchi''s face was ugly. "Since when did the rumors start?"


    Fu Xunzhi hesitated and said, "Two hours ago..."


    At that time, Gu Ying and Gu Shuang had just left the pce. The rumors had already started while they were still in the capital, and it was obvious that someone was deliberately manipting behind the scenes, trying to ruin the reputation of the two youngdies.


    Zhao Changdu had no patience to beat around the bush with Fu Xunzhi. He said solemnly, "Let''s go inside and talk."


    Only then did Ye Qingchi stop talking and hurried to keep up with the man''s pace. He said in passing, "Youe along too."


    Fu Xunzhi was slightly relieved. He eagerly caught up.


    After entering the Ye House, Ye Zhuohua and his wife were frowning and pacing in the hall. "Brother Du, Brother Chi, you two are finally back! Have you heard about what happened to Sister Ying?"


    The two of them were kept in the imperial study by His Majesty. His Majesty refused to let anyone go, so the messages they sent into the pce several times did not get through.


    Zhao Chang entered the great hall with a cold and solemn expression, "Uncle, aunt, how are things now?"


    Qin said anxiously, "Brother Du, after the incident, Yin Lan came back immediately. Your uncle and I have sent people to investigate. There were two groups who went to the alley where Sister Ying had the ident. These two are the bandits who kidnapped Sister Ying and Miss Gu. However, they only came back for money. ording to Yin Lan, the one who kidnapped them was Mu Nanfeng from Qingfeng Stockade."


    Zhao Changdu turned around, and there were dark clouds gathering on his exquisite cold face. "Is it him?"


    The two bandits were tied up and thrown in the middle of the hall, still cursing and asking them to give money.


    "How dare you tie us up? Do you know who we are?"


    "Untie us!"


    "Bring the money quickly! Otherwise our boss will kill those two women tonight!"


    Hearing these words, Zhao Changdu was expressionless on the surface, but his eyes were as dark as the abyss. In a short while, boundless anger had gathered in his eyes.


    The entire hall was filled with cold air...Killing intent and anger quickly intertwined.


    The powerful aura oppressed everyone present.


    Ye Qingchi''s eyebrows jumped, and he nced at the man in panic, intending to stop him first. But he heard the man''s calm yet cold voice had already sounded, "Come."


    I don''t know where two men in ck appeared from. They walked respectfully into the Ye Family Hall and said, "Yes, sir."


    Not to mention Fu Xunzhi and Ye Qingchi, even Ye Zhuohua and his wife Qin were startled.


    "Who are they--"


    No one had expected Zhao Changdu to still have such elusive masters around him. Looking closely, the unicorn pattern on the cuffs showed that they belonged to the Qilin Army.


    Ye Zhuohua''s face sank. His eyes suddenly shed with astonishment. ording to his knowledge, most of the Qilin Army had been buried in the snow disaster in Yueyang. The remaining dozens of people had been arranged by His Majesty to go to the two military camps in the northwest and southeast through an imperial edict.


    The military power of the Zhao family was being gradually dismantled... How could the Qilin Army still appear in Kaifeng?


    If the one in the pce noticed the rebellious heart of the Zhao family, wouldn''t the Zhao family be in extreme danger!


    Qin wrinkled her eyebrows in worry and said, "Brother Du..."


    "It¡¯s alright, uncle and aunt, just leave it to me." Zhao Changdu''s sexy thin lips pulled up a faint smile, but his eyes were not smiling at all, which made people feel particrly creepy.


    The two bandits didn¡¯t know better. At this moment, they also sensed that the man in front of them was not easy to provoke. They shrank back, "What...What are you going to do?"


    Zhao Changdu''s pitch-ck eyes were like a group of raging mes about to erupt, concealing the impending storm. He had the two bandits pulled up and walked over slowly. His eyes were full of coldness, "Do you know whom you kidnapped?"


    "Haha, of course we know! She is the wife of the heir apparent of the Duke of Guarding Country¡¯s mansion, along with her younger sister! Scared now?" That bandit was still somewhatcent. After all, they coulde and go freely in Kaifeng and kidnap nobles as they liked. Only theQingfeng Stockade could do that!


    Zhao Changdu''s pupils shrank. His heart shook slightly but almost unnoticeably, "Since you know who she is, how dare you kidnap her!"


    "What''s the matter? She''s not your woman anyway. Why do you care? Even if our boss slept with her while she''s pregnant, it''s none of your business!"


    As soon as these words came out, Zhao Changdu''s eyes suddenly became as cold as frost, and the air pressure around him dropped to freezing point!


    Ye Qingchi''s heart sank. The corners of his mouth twitched as he silently mourned for the two men.


    "I''ll give you a chance to say where Ying is now?"


    The two bandits didn''t believe in evil and yelled with their necks stretched out, "Give money and we''ll talk."


    The man''s eyes grew increasingly unfathomable, and a faint smile as cold as ice appeared at the corners of his lips, "Oh?"


    The bandit got anxious and eximed, "If you want those two women to stay alive, set us free immediately, otherwise--"


    Before the bandit finished speaking, and before he could see what the man in front of him did, he felt his jaw abruptly broken by a powerful force. Blood spurted from his throat, quickly staining his clothes red. They opened their mouths in pain, their bodies twitching. Only then did they realize that they had provoked someone they shouldn''t have.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes dangerously and clenched his fists to suppress the surging murderous aura in his heart. He said to the two Qilin Army men with impatience in his tone, "Keep them alive."


    A whileter, the two men were lying on the ground. Their miserable state was beyond description.


    Fu Xunzhi watched with mouth wide agape...This Zhao Changdu was too scary!


    He had heard of Zhao Changdu''s ruthless reputation before. This was the first time he witnessed him torturing someone. He was so frightened that his limbs went limp and he almost couldn''t stand firmly. Thinking that he would be the brother-inw of such a death god in the future...his heart was filled with apprehension.


    Ye Qingchi, on the other hand, was fine. He only got goosebumps all over his body. When he looked back at his parents, his father was frowning, as if thinking of something.


    His mother''s eyes were bright, and she looked somewhat itching for action. "Brother Du, I know that brat Mu Nanfeng. He has several footholds outside Kaifeng besides Qingfeng Stockade, eight more."

 Chapter 372: An Accident to Gu Shuang

    <h4>Chapter 372</h4>


    Qin''s father was a bandit. Back then, he only had this daughter Qin, whom he doted on like the apple of his eye. There was no ce in the Three Mountains and Eighteen Stockades outside Bianjing City that she did not know about.


    "Among them, the most hidden ones were probably three ces. Ask Mu Nanfeng again which ce he would take Ah Ying and the others."


    Zhao Changdu squatted down again and patiently asked them.


    The tortured bandits had no choice but to confess everything.


    "Qixia Mountain..."


    Upon hearing these three words, Zhao Changdu''s figure shed, and he directly disappeared from the Ye family, taking the two Kirin troops with him.


    "Such lightness in martial arts..." Ye Qingchi eximed in astonishment. "No wonder even Princess Lesu of the Qiang Tribe fell for him at first sight."


    Qin looked at Zhao Changdu''s disappearing figure in shock, and her heart was filled with more admiration for this nephew-inw. She said frankly in a loud voice, "Alright, I won''t say much either. Old Ye, leave these two to you to deal with. Ah Chi, go prepare the horses. I''m going to Qixia Mountain now to bring Ah Ying back."


    Ye Zhuohua said impatiently, "What are you going to do as a woman, I''ll go!"


    "Your health can''t stand the jolting of the horse yet!" Qin pulled back the anxious Ye Zhuohua and hooked the corner of her lips with momentum, "This olddy hasn''t exercised in a long time. Tonight I''m going to show Mu Nanfeng the might of the Qin Stockade!"


    "Madam!" Ye Zhuohua helplessly shook his head, unable to stop her.


    He was also worried about Ah Ying''s safety in his heart. He patted his son on the shoulder, "Hurry up and follow along, protect your aunt and Ah Ying well, also that young Miss Gu from the Gu family, no idents can happen to any of them!"


    Ye Qingchi''s brows and eyes condensed coldly, and he exchanged a few words with his father, "Don''t worry father, I will bring them back safely."


    Fu Xunzhi did not know martial arts. He watched Zhao Changdu leave helplessly, and immediately followed behind Ye Qingchi in a fluster, "Master Ye, may I borrow a fast horse from you? I want to go to Qixia Mountain to save Shuang''er..."


    In everyone''s eyes, Ye Qingchi would only go for Ah Ying, but only Ye Qingchi knew that he was going this time not only for Ah Ying.


    "Shuang''er?"


    He mulled over this form of address. His expression was cold as he got on the horse''s back. He originally extremely disliked Fu Xunzhi''s slow temper, but thinking that this person was Gu Shuang''s fianc¨¦ after all, he had to bring him to see her tonight.


    To let the frightened girl settle her heart a little.


    "Master Ye?" Fu Xunzhi looked rather anxious, his beseeching eyes fixed straight at the man on the horse''s back.


    Ye Qingchi knew that he and Gu Shuang would never have a chance in this lifetime. He smiled self-deprecatingly and pulled on the reins to signal him to get on the horse.


    Fu Xunzhi thanked him repeatedly. In his impatience, he stumbled onto the horse clumsily.


    ...


    When the few people arrived at Qixia Mountain, most of the bandits in the stockade had already been killed.


    In the center of the stockade stood a wooden building with lights shining inside. Outside the building, a swollen-faced man in his thirties was hanging upside down.


    At first nce, Ye Qingchi recognized the man as Mu Nanfeng, who had rampaged as a bandit chief in the mountains outside Bianjing City for over a decade.


    He and Fu Xunzhi walked inside. There were corpses everywhere. He didn''t know if Ah Ying and Gu Shuang had seen Zhao Changdu''s madness when he went on a killing spree.


    With Young Master Zhao here, he was not worried about Ah Ying''s safety, but that girl Gu Shuang...he didn''t know what had happened to her.


    He nced at the trembling Fu Xunzhi who was pretending to remain calm. He didn''t know what this timid man saw in her.


    But thinking that he hade all this way and was worried about Gu Shuang, he didn''t say much more. He just felt a little more unhappy in his heart.


    Fu Xunzhi was obviously more anxious than him. Lifting his clothes, he ran into the stockade.


    "Shuang''er! Shuang''er, where are you!"


    "Sister Four!"


    Suddenly, Gu Ying''s worried cries came from the wooden building.


    Fu Xunzhi panicked. "Shuang''er! Shuang''er!"


    After speaking, he rushed upstairs impatiently and clumsily.


    Qin also followed. Ye Qingchi scratched his nose, unsure for a moment if he should go up and join in themotion.


    Until Qin''s astonished and trembling voice came, "Gu Shuang! How could this be!"


    He frowned heavily, and no longer cared about Fu Xunzhi. He leapt up the wooden building and strode towards the room emanating dim candlelight.


    The room was not big. The tables, chairs and benches inside were in disarray and broken. There had been a fierce fight, withrge patches of blood trails winding on the floor. At the very end was a small wooden couch, on whichy an indistinct slender figure.


    Gu Ying stood in the door frame, her body swaying unsteadily, still holding a blood-stained dagger in her hand.


    She held her belly with her left hand, biting her lips tightly. Her whole body seemed to be pulled taut like a string.


    She was terrified in her heart... afraid something had happened to Bao Bao. Her little hand clutched the man''s chilling sleeve tightly as she gritted her teeth. "Ah Du, find a doctor...check on the child first."


    Zhao Changdu held her tightly in his arms. His eyes were gloomy, brimming with killing intent. The heartache he felt surged like tidal waves. "Ah Ying, don''t talk first."


    He saw how much pain the little girl was in. His heart ached and raged at the same time. He hated that he could not tear Mu Nanfeng into eight pieces.


    Gu Ying''s lips trembled slightly, her longshes glistening with moisture. Feeling the man take the dagger from her hand, her tense nerves finally rxed a little. As she rxed, her whole body suddenly felt weak and feeble, and her belly throbbed faintly with pain, as if a chord had been pulled taut.


    She was terrified in her heart...afraid something had happened to Bao Bao. Her little hand clutched the man''s chilling sleeve tightly as she gritted her teeth. "Ah Du, find a doctor...check on the child first."


    Zhao Changdu held her tightly in his arms. His eyes were pitch-ck, as if a brewing storm at sea, with surging, suffocating murderous aura.


    Qin also couldn''t help but feel a chill down her spine.


    "Ah Du...is Ah Ying alright?"


    Zhao Changdu frowned. "Aunt, I''ll take her back for Mother to see first."


    Qin was an old hand in the jianghu. She could roughly guess what had happened in the room with one look. She grabbed him and said anxiously, "Ah Du, wait. The Ye family has a manor outside the city. Take Ah Ying there first. There''s an old divine doctor living nearby who''s an old friend of Old Ye. Don''t stand on ceremony with him. Send someone now to carry him to the manor to wait there. It''ll be much faster than taking her back to the Duke''s mansion now."


    Gu Ying''s face was pale as she nodded. "Ah Du, listen to Aunt."


    Zhao Changdu frowned. "Mm," he replied, then carried her out.


    Ye Qingchi met his eyes. "How is Ah Ying now?"


    He looked up. Other than her messy hair bun, the little girl did not seem to be injured anywhere on her body. Mu Nanfeng had mixed in the jianghu for so many years, he certainly wouldn''t dare mistreat her recklessly knowing the infamous reputation of the Heir Apparent of the Duke.


    And with Zhao Changdu here, his heart was finally at ease. "Ah Du, take Ah Ying away first. Leave the rest to me."


    Zhao Changdu''s tone was chilled. "Don''t let him die so easily."


    Ye Qingchi said, "I know my limits."

 Chapter 373: She’s My Fiancee

    <h4>Chapter 373</h4>


    Zhao Changdu leapt silently and swiftly down, using his light skills to reach the mansion in the time it took for an incense stick to burn.


    The overpowering aura of the man gradually faded in this ce.


    Only then did Ye Qingchi shift his attention to another woman inside the room.


    Her condition was much worse than A Ying''s... Her clothes were soaked in blood, her hair disheveled, and the damp strands clung to her cheeks. Her frail and emaciated bodyy lifelessly on the bed... Her skirt had been violently torn apart, exposing a pair of slender and snow-white legs. On those dazzling legs, there were visible marks left by men, purplish and ghastly.


    Anyone with keen eyes could tell what had happened inside. Qin also sighed with regret. Inside, there was no sound of crying. She didn''t know whether she should enter recklessly like this. She always liked Gu Shuang, fearing that it would hurt her pride.


    Ye Qingchi furrowed his brows tightly. Just as he nced inside the room from the doorway, his heart trembled with fear.


    One should not look upon impropriety. He immediately turned his back, unable to bear looking any longer.


    There was still no movement inside the room, and the silence was somewhat eerie.


    He kicked Fu Xunzhi forward with his foot, urging him to go andfort Gu Shuang.


    Caught off guard, Fu Xunzhi stumbled into the room, standing frozen in ce, not knowing what to do. He tried to take a step forward but felt as if his feet were weighed down by a thousand catties... Especially when he saw Gu Shuang''s abused body, his chest felt as if it were pressed down by a huge stone, rendering him unable to move an inch.


    Qin nced at him with disdain and sighed, "Let me go in first."


    As she spoke, she went inside.


    Gu Shuang did hear the sound from outside, but she was trembling in pain, devoid of any strength. She felt ufortable and agonized. When Mu Nanfeng, like a great mountain, pressed down on her, it felt like a nightmare. Even now, she hadn''t snapped out of it.


    "Fourth Miss, how are you...?" Qin sat by the bedside, took off her own outer garment, and tenderly wrapped it around her body.


    After a while, Gu Shuang''s vacant gaze turned to Qin''s concerned face, and she felt like crying. "Madam Ye... What about my second sister?"


    It was heart-wrenching to hear the weakness and destion in her voice.


    Qin held her up with great tenderness. At such a time, she still had the energy to worry about A Ying. This girl was truly deserving of affection.


    "She was taken away by the Crown Prince, but she''s fine now."


    Gu Shuang muttered, "As long as my second sister is safe."


    "Gu Shuang... As long as you''re alive, everything will be fine. We can get through anything." Qin called her, afraid that she would feel distressed.


    Gu Shuang tugged at the corners of her pale lips, trying to smile but failing. She knew that from tonight onwards, her life hadpletely plunged into darkness. She was no longer worthy of her brother Xun...


    What could she defend for herself?


    She had already lost the ability to exin being taken away by a man, and now... what else could she do besides death?


    But her brother Xun was outside. She didn''t want to die... but she also didn''t dare to see him.


    Qin sighed incessantly, feeling both angry and pained when she saw her giving up on lifepletely.


    She squeezed her small hand tightly, letting her lean against her chest. Her bones were delicate and soft. Why did such a small and innocent girl have to experience such things?


    In her heart, Qin cursed Mu Nanfeng with frustration. She held Gu Shuang''s shoulders and asked, "Can you still move?"


    Gu Shuang knew how difficult her current situation was, but no matter how difficult it was, she had to face it. Just as Qin said, no matter what she had been through, as long as she was still alive and as long as Brother Xun doesn''t reject her, she still had hope to continue living.


    Looking at the dark blue robes outside, Gu Shuang stubbornly nodded and said, "I can."


    The two of them came out from inside.


    Gu Shuang looked at Fu Xunzhi with longing in her eyes and softly called out, "Brother Xun..."


    Fu Xunzhi''s face stiffened, wanting to speak but hesitating. His gaze swept over the marks on her body, and the hand that he had reached out inexplicably retreated.


    He clearly didn''t say anything, but it seemed like he had said a lot.


    A sourness crept into Gu Shuang''s heart as she felt a chill under the man''s gaze.


    Fu Xunzhi didn''t make any more moves, and their lips awkwardly remained closed, standing facing each other like that.


    Gu Shuang realized something and felt her breath hitch at the unfamiliarity in his pupils.


    She forced a smile, her knuckles growing stiff.


    "Do you think I''m dirty?"


    "I... I don''t..."


    He said he didn''t, but his body still felt distant from her like a gxy.


    Gu Shuang forced another smile, as if she could hear the sound of her own heart breaking. The only glimmer of light in her eyes gradually dimmed.


    Her heart was filled with various emotions, as if ants were crushed under a wheel, gradually losing everything, all hopes turning to ashes.


    Only then did Fu Xunzhi realize that he had been too heartless. He stammered, trying to exin, "I... I didn''t mean..."


    Didn''t mean what?


    That he couldn''t firmly walk over and hold her, that he found her dirty?


    He was angry at his own uselessness and at the ruthless bandits who vited Gu Shuang. But now, what use was his anger? The deed had already been done, and they could never go back to the way things were.


    He was still caught in a battle within his mind when Ye Qingchi couldn''t bear to watch any longer. With a cold face, he walked over and directly lifted the frail Gu Shuang in front of Fu Xunzhi.


    Fu Xunzhi was stunned, "Hey, what... what are you doing? There should be no intimacy between men and women..."


    Ye Qingchi disdainfully sneered, "What I''m doing, why do I need to ask for the opinion of Master Fu?"


    Fu Xunzhi meekly nodded, "But she''s my fianc¨¦e."


    Ye Qingchi, who had always shown gentlemanly demeanor, couldn''t help but want to smash this honest person''s head. But he didn''t have time to deal with Fu Xunzhi now, so he said to Qin, "Mother, I''ll take Gu Shuang to the estate first. Please take care of Mu Nanfeng for me. I''ll be back soon."


    Qin finally looked at her son with a different gaze, "Go ahead. With me here, everything will be taken care of properly."


    Ye Qingchi carried Gu Shuang down the wooden building without looking sideways.


    The pain in her shoulders pierced her heart, and Gu Shuang''s eyes welled up as she looked at the person carrying her.


    The man''s jaw tightened, "What are you looking at?"


    Gu Shuang''s voice trembled, and her thick, longshes fluttered slightly. "Don''t you despise me?"


    Ye Qingchi''s expression wasn''t very good. "You''re not my fianc¨¦e. Why would I despise you? Just rest well, I''ll take you to see a doctor."


    Gu Shuang forced a bitter smile. It felt like someone was cutting at the location of her heart with a blunt knife, causing a sour and astringent sensation. She weakly closed her eyes and fainted.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t dare to linger any longer. He quickly used light footwork to transport her to the Ye family estate.


    Zhao Changdu stood by Gu Ying''s bedside, where mother and child were safe. He felt relieved when he saw Ye Qingchi carrying Gu Shuang back. His eyebrows raised slightly, "What about Fu Xunzhi?"

 Chapter 374: Leaves are too Late, There’s only One Chance.

    <h4>Chapter 374</h4>


    Ye Qingchi''s face was ashen. "Don''t mention him in front of me. In my eyes, he''s already a useless man."


    Zhao Changdu wasn''t interested in Fu Xunzhi at all. He just found Ye Qingchi''s anxious expression rather amusing.


    "I don''t care about him. I just find the dignified Young Master Ye to be quite flustered at the moment."


    Ye Qingchi''s brows furrowed tightly, the corners of his lips taut. He gave Zhao Changdu a deep look.


    Zhao Changdu indifferently raised his brow and meaningfully reminded, "Ye Qingchi, you only have one chance."


    Ye Qingchi lowered his darkshes and said nothing, only helping the old royal doctor back to Gu Shuang''s room.


    Zhao Changdu gave a softugh without following them. He stayed by Gu Ying''s bedside, hisrge hand grasping her delicate fingers, his fingertips gently caressing the girl''s tender knuckles. His dark and calm eyes finally softened.


    He didn''t dare imagine what he would be like if something really happened to Ah Ying and their child.


    Perhaps he would go mad, or maybe raze the entire Qingfeng Vige to the ground. Or even overthrow this entire dynasty to bury along with her.


    Luckily she and their child were still safe by his side, and the lurking demonic thoughts in his heart dispersed slightly.


    He held the woman''s fair little hand and gently rubbed it against his cheek. "Ah Ying, you must get well soon and wait for me to return."


    The person on the bed showed no signs of awareness, only continuing to sleep deeply with eyes closed.


    ...


    At some point, the rumors spread overnight that Gu Shuang and Gu Ying had been kidnapped by bandits.


    In Bianjing City, all the streets and alleys were discussing how the wife of the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke Manor and the youngdy of the Dongping Earl Manor had been vited. For a time it caused quite the uproar, and all the nobledies and mistresses feared for their own safety.


    Who exactly was so audacious to have abducted these women right from under the imperial city?


    A woman''s reputation was more precious than life itself. And her gentle and obedient daughter had led a smooth and fortunate life since childhood. How could she have encountered such a terrible thing!


    Aunt Zhao was extremely distressed, forcing back tears through the night while worried about her daughter''s wellbeing and reputation.


    To find her, she didn''t sleep all night, secretly sending the manor guards who swore oaths to their deaths to search the route back to the manor. She also sent people to the Zhenguo Duke Manor and Ye family to ask for help.


    It was only upon arrival did she find out that the Heir Apparent''s wife was also missing from the manor.


    Only then did Aunt Zhao be truly panic-stricken, anxiously pacing about the yard like an ant on a hot pan, caughtpletely off guard when the Fu family matriarch came so early to Dongping Earl Manor.


    The Fu Old Lady''s face was icy as she bluntly asked about Gu Shuang''s whereabouts.


    Gu Old Madam''s expression was equally unpleasant. She smiled embarrassedly again and again. "Shuang''er went to the pce yesterday."


    The corners of Fu Old Lady''s lips curled derisively. "And then what?"


    Ever since Gu Shuang disappeared after the imperial banquet, although Aunt Zhao had already silenced everyone in the manor, they still couldn''t stop the outside gossip and rumors.


    Not just this morning, but they had already caught wind of some strange rumorsst evening.


    Beneath the imperial city, one was the young wife of the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke Manor, the other the youngdy of Dongping Earl Manor.


    Just who exactly dared to brazenly abduct these women?


    A woman''s innocence was more important than her own life. And her gentle and obedient daughter had encountered something so awful!


    Aunt Zhao grieved tremendously, forcing back tears all night while worried about her daughter''s safety and reputation.


    In order to find her, she didn''t sleep a wink, secretly sending the manor guards who swore oaths to their deaths to search along the route back to the manor. She also sent people to Zhenguo Duke Manor and the Ye family to ask for help.


    Only to discover upon arrival that the Heir Apparent''s wife was also missing from the manor.


    Only then did Aunt Zhao be truly panic-stricken, anxiously pacing about the yard like an ant on a hot pan. And the arrival of the Fu family caught herpletely off guard.


    The Fu Old Lady''s face was icy as she bluntly asked about Gu Shuang''s whereabouts.


    Gu Old Madam''s expression was equally unpleasant. She smiled awkwardly again and again. "Shuang''er went to the pce yesterday."


    The corners of Fu Old Lady''s lips curled derisively. "Oh really? And then what happened?"


    Ever since Gu Shuang disappeared after the imperial banquet, although Aunt Zhao had already silenced everyone in the manor, they still couldn''t stop the outside gossip and rumors.


    This wasn''t just happening this morning, but they had already caught wind of some strange rumorsst evening.


    Beneath the imperial city, one was the young wife of the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke Manor, the other the youngdy of Dongping Earl Manor.


    Just who exactly dared to brazenly abduct these women?


    A woman''s innocence was more precious than her own life. And her gentle and obedient daughter had encountered something so awful!


    Aunt Zhao grieved tremendously, forcing back tears all night while worried about her daughter''s safety and reputation.


    In order to find her, she didn''t sleep a wink, secretly sending the manor guards who swore oaths to their deaths to search along the route back to the manor. She also sent people to Zhenguo Duke Manor and the Ye family to ask for help.


    Only to discover upon arrival that the Heir Apparent''s wife was also missing from the manor.


    Only then did Aunt Zhao be truly panic-stricken, anxiously pacing about the yard like an ant on a hot pan. And the arrival of the Fu family caught herpletely off guard.


    The Fu Old Lady''s face was icy as she bluntly asked about Gu Shuang''s whereabouts.


    Gu Old Madam''s expression was equally unpleasant. She awkwardly kept smiling. "Shuang''er went to the pce yesterday."


    The Fu Old Lady raised her chin slightly. "Well then, this marriage is likely cancelled. My Fu family will not take a wife who has lost her innocence."


    Gu Old Madam naturally didn''t agree. Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi''s marriage was finally settled with great difficulty. If the two families fell out over this matter now, how would Gu family''s other daughters find husbands in Bianjing in the future? The Gu family already had the unchaste and wanton Gu Jia. They couldn''t afford to have another one like her.


    Since the Fu Old Lady didn''t see Gu Shuang herself, she just kept making snide insinuations that left Gu Old Madam at a loss for words.


    "How can you say things like that?" Aunt Zhao''s eyes turned red. She was already worried about her daughter. Hearing such unkind words from the Fu Old Lady made her feel even worse. "Shuang''er hasn''t returned yet, it doesn''t necessarily mean she has lost her innocence. Old Madam, I respect you as an elder and don''t wish to say unpleasant things. But as a woman yourself, please don''t randomly make usations without evidence. Otherwise you would be unfairly ruining a perfectly innocent youngdy''s reputation!"


    The Fu Old Lady gave a coldugh. "Since you say your daughter is innocent, then produce her and let this old woman take a look, so I can be made to eat my words."


    Gu Old Madam''s face darkened as she frowned without responding, likely also feeling ashamed that things had be this way. Yet she didn''t speak up for Gu Shuang at all.


    The Fu Old Lady''s words were truly unpleasant. And Old Madam didn''t stand up for Gu Shuang either.


    Aunt Zhao was furious but continued to endure it. Raising her voice, she said, "Shuang''er went to the pce with the Heir Apparent''s wife. I''ve already sent people to ask at Zhenguo Duke Manor. The Heir Apparent''s wife also hasn''t returned overnight. Shuang''er and the Heir Apparent''s wife have always been on good terms, so they must be together. I don''t know what Fu Old Madam is still worried about? Even if you don''t trust my Shuang''er, at least you can''t question the innocence of the Heir Apparent''s wife!"


    The Fu Old Lady''s expression became awkward. Even if she disliked Gu Shuang, she didn''t dare question the innocence of the Heir Apparent''s wife.


    After a brief pause, shepromised. "Since Madam Gu said so, then this old woman has nothing more to add."


    She got up and brushed her sleeves, raising a hand for her maid to support her as she left without even ncing at Aunt Zhao. "I wille again tomorrow."


    This was the Fu Old Lady''s way of showing great mercy by giving Gu Shuang one more chance.


    Aunt Zhao was so angry she was about to explode. Yet she couldn''t act out in front of the Fu Old Lady, only maintaining her smile as she escorted the old woman out so their neighbors wouldn''tugh at them.


    Upon turning back, she felt entirely depleted, a heavy weight on her chest.


    Gu Boyan looked at her coldly, angrily swishing his sleeves, extremely displeased. He med her repeatedly, "Just where did Shuang''er go? Why haven''t you sent people to search yet? You even let the inwse reprimand us to our manor. What do you have to say about how you raised your daughter? Aren''t you making our Gu family aughingstock?"


    A barrage of condemnations rained down on her. Aunt Zhao pressed her lips together, too weary to retort as she suddenly thought of Qin.


    Without a word, she turned and left. "Come, prepare my carriage!"


    "You--" Seeing that the man refused to let up, Aunt Zhao uncharacteristically lost her temper. "If Master really cared about Shuang''er he wouldn''t still be standing here! I''ve already sent people to search. What about Master as her father? Can you do nothing but stand there and berate me?"


    "You cheap slut! You''re her mother, yet you dare me me instead! I just made you the official head wife. Yet you already dare put on airs? Who allowed you to be so brazen? Is it that woman from Zhenguo Duke Manor? I warned you not to get close with her, yet you insisted! Cheap slut!" Gu Boyan''s face was livid as he berated Aunt Zhao''s back.


    Eyes reddening, her chest felt sour and congested. Aunt Zhao tiredly massaged her brow without bothering to respond to his outburst. She headed to her carriage all the same.


    Upon arrival at the Ye family manor, the housekeeper who recognized her went in to announce her.


    Soon after, Censor Ye Zhuohua personally came out to receive her.

 Chapter 375: He Came Down at Night.

    <h4>Chapter 375</h4>


    Aunt Zhao did not understand and was full of doubts in her heart.


    Ye Zhuohua took the person to the hall and heaved a deep sigh, "Mrs. Gu..."


    Aunt Zhao already felt something was wrong... Her eyes grew hot and tears instantly welled up and spilled out.


    ......


    Ye Family Manor.


    When Gu Ying woke up, it was already bright outside.


    The bedside was empty, exuding a faint coolness. She reached out and touched it, and was so frightened that she woke uppletely.


    "Du¡ª"


    Hearing the noise from inside, the person outside lifted the curtain and walked in, still holding a bowl of steaming hot medicinal soup.


    The man sat down on the edge of the bed, the corners of his lips hooked up into a faint curve. With one hand, he pulled her into his arms so that she was leaning against his chest.


    "Awake?"


    The delicate little woman in his arms was soft and weak, nestling gently in his embrace. Her cheeks were rosy, the tip of her nose pink, looking extremely well-behaved.


    Zhao Changdu''s heart softened a little. He picked up the medicine bowl again.


    Gu Ying looked nkly at the man''s smooth and graceful jawline, then her gaze fell on the medicinal bowl in his hand, somewhat bewildered. "Du... where are we?"


    Zhao Changdu fed her the medicine with a spoon, his eyes cold and tinged with a hint of imperceptible gloom. "My aunt''s manor. This is the prescription given by the old divine doctor. Last night, your fetus was disturbed. For the sake of our child, Ah Ying needs to be obedient and drink all the medicine."


    Gu Ying lowered her head to take in the bitter medicine, not saying a word, obediently drinking it all.


    After drinking, she turned her face to the side and looked expectantly at the man''s aloof and noble face. "Du, where''s my Fourth Younger Sister?"


    Zhao Changdu put down the medicine bowl and stroked the girl''s soft cheeks with his hand. "Don''t worry, she''s in the next room."


    Gu Ying no longer felt sleepy. She said she wanted to get out of bed.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t dare let her move about randomly. He took her into his arms. "I''ll take you to see her."


    Only when he held her in his arms did he deeply feel just how petite and delicate this woman carrying his child was.


    The man''s brows and eyes sank. An inexplicableplex emotion arose in his heart.


    Gu Ying didn''t think too much about it. She only felt a warmth in her heart. She hooked her arms around his slender neck,pletely satisfied to lean against him and closed her eyes slightly. She really didn''t want to recall what happenedst night. She could let it go, but her Fourth Younger Sister was innocent...


    ......


    When they arrived next door, Qin was also there.


    Gu Ying got down from the prince''s arms and anxiously pulled her aunt''s hand. "Aunt, how is my Fourth Younger Sister?"


    On the bed, Gu Shuang was still unconscious.


    Ye Qingchi was sitting at the bedside, ncing at the person on the bed from time to time, with an unusually serious expression.


    Qin pulled Gu Ying to the side with a smile. "The old divine doctor has seen her. Her body is fine, just some superficial injuries. As long as she rests and recuperates well, she will recoverpletely."


    Gu Ying sat down next to Qin, worriedly ncing at the weak figure on the bed. "Aunt, what about Mu Nanfeng?"


    Qin coldly snorted, "I had someone tie him up and break his limbs first, and locked him in the wood shed."


    Gu Ying frowned in disgust. This Mu Nanfeng was simply a beast.


    If not for herst night, who knows if her Fourth Younger Sister could have kept her life.


    Seeing her displeasure, Qin said seriously, "Ying, how do you want to deal with him? Aunt will listen to you."


    After thinking about it, sheughed again. "In fact, there is no need for Ying to worry. I''m afraid the prince won''t let him off either. As for his followers, the prince killed most of themst night, so there is no more threat."


    Speaking of the princest night, she still had lingering fears.


    Mu Nanfeng''s stronghold was so huge that the Eastern Liang imperial court would send troops to suppress the bandits every year, yet they were never able to conquer the main base of Qingfeng Stockade. Who would have thought that with Zhao Changdu alone, he could wipe out half of their men and horses.


    She turned her face slightly and nced in Zhao Changdu''s direction.


    The man was sitting at the eight immortals table, wearing a ck gold-threaded patterned brocade robe with wide sleeves and a long gown. Lofty, coldly beautiful, like a heap of snow on a high mountain, clear and indifferent, detached from worldly affairs.


    After leaving the pcest night, he didn''t even have time to return home and went straight to Qingfeng Stockade. He killed so many people yet his wide-sleeved long robes were spotless.


    This man... if he wasn''t the national hero who defended the country, I''m afraid he would have be a demon who upended the world.


    Fortunately, this monster could still be restrained by Ying. This was also a good thing.


    Gu Ying''s slender brows furrowed lightly. "Aunt, one Mu Nanfeng alone is nothing to fear. I''m just worried about the person behind him. It can''t be as simple as just targeting my Fourth Younger Sister."


    Qin said solemnly, "What does Ying mean?"


    Gu Ying couldn''t say exactly. She only had an extremely uneasy premonition, as if there was an invisible big hand lurking in the dark, silently pushing everything along.


    For the n now, it would be to start with Mu Nanfeng, and first catch the woman who had instructed him.


    Qin was puzzled when she heard this. "A woman as beautiful as you?"


    Gu Ying nodded. "This is what Mu Nanfeng said. Aunt, who do you think this person could be?"


    Qin had been on good terms with the Zhao family for some time. Whether there was anything going on or not, she would always invite Madam Zhao over to get together. When Madam Zhao was free, she would also bring Gu Shuang along. So she knew Gu Shuang very well. The youngdy was obedient and sensible, not quarrelsome or petty, and would definitely not have casually offended anyone.


    As for beauties that could rival Gu Ying in this city of Bianjing, there weren''t many.


    Qin immediatelyughed. "How is that possible? Ying is peerless in beauty. If there really were such a person, Aunt would definitely not have forgotten her if I had seen her before. Even the nobledies in the circles of nobles in the capital, I haven''t seen any youngdy more beautiful than Ying."


    This was no ttery.


    When Aunt said this, Gu Ying was even more puzzled in her heart.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t know when he had walked over from the bedside. His voice was cold. "Since we can''t guess who it is, then go ask Mu Nanfeng."


    Gu Ying raised her head. "Cousin?"


    Ye Qingchi''s expression was not very good, his brows tightly knitted, shrouded in a cloud of gloomy air over his brow. "Let''s go."


    Gu Ying looked at him nkly for a moment, then nodded slightly and got up.


    The prince came over and took her hand. A warmth transmitted from between his fingers and Gu Ying lightly pursed her lips. She lowered her voice, "Du, don''t you feel that my cousin seems to be too concerned about my Fourth Younger Sister?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly. "Does Ying know who brought your Fourth Younger Sister herest night?"


    Gu Ying blinked. "Who was it?"


    Zhao Changdu smiled faintly. "It was your cousin."


    Gu Ying knitted her brows. "Then what about Fu Xunzhi?"


    Zhao Changdu coldly snorted. "I heard he went down the mountain overnight."


    When Gu Ying heard this, she was full of questions. As her Fourth Younger Sister''s fianc¨¦, it was not Fu Xunzhi who had brought her Fourth Younger Sister back?!


    What was that man up to?


    Did he not want her Fourth Younger Sister anymore?


    Before she could think more, they had arrived at the woodshed.


    None of them were up to any good. As soon as Mu Nanfeng caught sight of Madam Qin, who had not left her residence in a long time, his eyes narrowed. But before he could speak, Ye Qingchi cleanly and decisively pped him.


    The man''s blow was so great that Mu Nanfeng''s teeth were half knocked out instantly. The flesh on his cheeks shook and he was stunned for a long time.


    "Speak, who instructed you to abduct people in Bianjing?"

 Chapter 376: He’s Not in Time

    <h4>Chapter 376</h4>


    Mu Nanfeng''s head was buzzing after being hit. He was just about to curse out loud, but when he raised his head and saw Zhao Changdu''s handsome face that could kill without blinking, he immediately closed his mouth.


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes nced over indifferently, giving people an invisible sense of pressure. With such a strong aura, even the King of Heaven would feel apprehensive in his heart.


    Mu Nanfeng had heard of his methods in the military. At this moment, he was already somewhat shaken, resenting why he had taken this damn job. Not only did he not make any money, but he also offended this killing god.


    Zhao Changdu''s tone was t, but it made people feel a chill. "If you tell me now, I can spare you some physical suffering."


    Mu Nanfeng said with a wry smile, "Young Master Zhao, I really don''t know her name or where she is from! I only know that she is very beautiful, especially her eyes, they are exactly the same as Madam Zhao''s. When she came, she was wearing a veil and I only saw her eyes clearly in the dim light, nothing else! If I''m lying to you, may I be sliced into a thousand pieces!"


    Gu Ying frowned. "Where is she from?"


    Mu Nanfeng quickly said, "From her ent she sounds like she is from Bianjing. She was with a man in ck who was also masked. He seems to be highly skilled in martial arts and was specifically protecting her on the way here."


    Zhao Changdu''s brows furrowed tightly. "Any other characteristics?"


    Mu Nanfeng shook his head. "No, but if there was anything else I wouldn''t dare hide it from Young Master Zhao and Young Master Ye. What happened this time was indeed my fault. I guarantee that in the future I will never dare to touch a single hair of Madam Zhao or her sister¡ª"


    Ye Qingchi scoffed and kicked over viciously, "There''s still a future for you?"


    Mu Nanfeng bent over in pain. Looking at Zhao Changdu''s cold handsome face, he didn''t dare say another word. He only said, "That''s all, that''s all. I beg Young Master Zhao and Young Master Ye to spare my life. This little brother will definitely leave Bianjing far away!"


    Ye Qingchi was surprised. "What?"


    Mu Nanfeng pulled at his neck and said, "I didn''t dare touch Fourth Young Lady. Young Master Ye can ask Madam Zhao if you don''t believe me!"


    Ye Qingchi turned to Gu Ying for confirmation. "Ying...Is what he said true?"


    Gu Ying nodded. "He did not get the chance."


    Mu Nanfeng shrank his neck. He had lust but not the guts. When Gu Shuang was threatening suicidest night, he had already let her go.


    Hearing this, Ye Qingchi''s expression becameplicated instead. Last night, he had clearly seen Fu Xunzhi''s attitude towards Gu Shuang, and while feeling distressed for her, he had even despicably thought that if she was robbed of her chastity by Mu Nanfeng, then at least no one else in the capital would dare marry her...


    As long as she was willing, he would kill Mu Nanfeng for her and wee her into the Ye Family to be his wife.


    This was probably the only chance he could have to get her.


    But now Gu Ying tells him that Gu Shuang is still innocent, then her engagement to Fu Xunzhi...would of course not be called off.


    Ye Qingchi was in a daze for a moment. Qin happily said, "It''s good that nothing happened to Gu Shuang. I was worried that this matter would make her theughing stock of Bianjing. Since Mu Nanfeng didn''t touch her, I can rest assured. Last night when I didn''t let Young Master bring everyone back to the Duke''s mansion, this was also a consideration. Since Fu Xunzhi had mentioned earlier that rumors had already spread to Bianjing, then to protect the reputation of the two youngdies, let''s say they only received my invitation to stay a night at the Ye Family Manor after leaving the pce yesterday. Today we can take them back to the city with great fanfare in a carriage. This will naturally break those rumors and shut their mouths."


    She smiled again, "Now that Fourth Young Lady is still innocent, when we return to the city, she can privately exin things clearly with Fu Xunzhi. What do you think Ying?"


    Gu Ying had nothing much to say. As long as Gu Shuang still wanted to marry him, she would unconditionally support all her decisions.


    "It''s just that I want to keep Mu Nanfeng and have him disguise himself to enter Bianjing to help me find that woman."


    She had a hunch that this woman was definitely not simple. If they didn''t find out who she was, there was no telling how much unseen danger there would be in the future.


    She lurks in the dark and shows herself in the light. An open spear is easy to dodge, a hidden arrow is hard to defend against.


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a moment, ncing coldly at Mu Nanfeng.


    Mu Nanfeng innocently lowered his head like an obedient big dog squatting in the corner of the woodshed. "I have no objection to anything Madam Zhao decides..."


    Zhao Changdu wanted to dissuade her, but Gu Ying smiled and said, "Du, you''ll agree to what I want, right?"


    Facing the smile in her bright eyes, the distinct ck and white eyes, misty with water, staring pitifully at him, even his cold hard heart softened, and he reluctantly said, "I''ll send two more people to secretly protect you. If he makes any strange moves, they''ll kill him directly."


    Gu Ying curled the corners of her lips. "Okay, listen to Du."


    Only then did Zhao Changdu''s handsome brows rx somewhat.


    Mu Nanfeng: "......"


    Qin happily watched the loving couple and turned to nudge Ye Qingchi. "Chi, what are you still dazing around for? Quick, get the carriage ready to go!"


    That feeling of losing control welled up again. Ye Qingchi''s thin lips tightened as he left the woodshed with a tense jaw.


    He didn''t know why, but his feet brought him to stand outside Gu Shuang''s room.


    Today was a sunny day. Last night it had rained coldly on Luoxia Mountain for half the night and the ground was still a little damp. A row of green vines hung under the eaves. A lovely oriole perched on a branch, cocking its little head.


    The window was slightly open, letting in a wisp of soft light into the room. Without needing to peer in, one could see the red sandalwood dressing table, bronze mirror, rouge and jewelry scattered inside, traces of a youngdy everywhere.


    This room was specially arranged by his mother for her daughter-inw. She had bought this manor, and was always nagging him and his father that when he got married, their family of four coulde here to rx and enjoy themselves for a few days.


    And now, Gu Shuang was staying inside.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t know what he was thinking. He only knew that in many long sleepless nights, Gu Shuang''s shadow had appeared in his dreams.


    She was dressed in a red bridal gown, sitting on the big red canopy bed waiting for him, as obedient and sensible as she always was.


    Drunk, he staggered into the bridal chamber, lifting her veil under the candlelight.


    When her trembling eyes looked up at him, he lowered his head to kiss her soft lips.


    She was extremely shy, her gentle doe-like eyes filled with a misty fog, as she timidly raised her hands to untie his belt for him.

 Chapter 377: What are you going to Do

    <h4>Chapter 377</h4>


    She couldn''t think any further!


    Ye Qingchi self-deprecatingly hooked the corners of his lips, trying hard to calm himself down.


    Walking a few more steps into the room, he would be able to see a gilded andcquered couch leaning against the inner wall. In front of the carved floral bedposts hung a golden silk soft curtain embroidered with sea ogives, and inside the brocade folds, a soft figure could be vaguely seen, with the woman''s ck long hair winding beside the pillow.


    He walked to the bedside and looked down into the gauze curtain from above.


    Gu Shuang was actually exquisitely beautiful, with the looks of a delicate family''s jade. She was clean and pure, her skin fair, and upon closer look, there was even a little ck mole by the corner of her eyes, adding a trace of indescribable charm to her originally pure and beautiful appearance. Especially her two cherry lips, extraordinarily tender, like honey peaches, just looking made one feel as if they could smell a sweet scent.


    In addition, she was injuredst night, and her right cheek had an extra scratch.


    The purity interwoven with a touch of allure and pity was even more likely to arouse one''s desire to bully her.


    As he looked, a certain part of his body unconsciously reacted, and Ye Qingchi silently scolded himself as a beast before hurriedly walking out of the inner room.


    Hearing hurried footsteps in the room, Gu Shuang hazily opened her eyes, momentarily unaware of where she was.


    She sat up, looking utterly confused.


    This was a luxurious bedroom, even more extravagant than her own boudoir.


    Where was this?


    Was it Ye Young Master''s home?


    Last night before fainting, it was Ye Young Master who carried her away... But the Ye family had no daughters, so where did such a beautiful maiden''s chambere from?


    Gu Shuang sat nkly on the edge of the bed, staring nkly around the furnishings for a moment. She recalled Fu Xunzhi''s indifference to herst night...and her heart sank heavily.


    Big brother Xunzhi must not want her anymore after seeing her in such a humiliating state.


    Tears fell like rain as her emotions were in turmoil. She randomly flipped open the brocade quilt and got off the bed, walked around argendscape screen in the room, and saw Ye Qingchi''s figure standing by the door.


    "Young Master Ye...is that you?"


    The weak voice sounded from behind, and Ye Qingchi''s figure stiffened as he turned around to see Gu Shuang wearing only a thin white robe, standing gracefully beside the screen. Her eyes were slightly downcast as she said, "You''re awake? How do you feel? Does it still hurt?"


    It was rare for a man to speak to her with such concern.


    Gu Shuang''s heart ached even more. She shook her head woodenly and said in a lifeless tone, "It doesn''t hurt anymore."


    This little pain was nothingpared to the heartache brought by Big Brother Xunzhi''s neglect of her. It was barely worth mentioning.


    Ye Qingchi nced at her bleeding shoulder, then at her bare white feet standing on the ground. He frowned slightly, walked over, and said, "Ady should not casually bare her feet."


    Lost in a daze, Gu Shuang lowered her head to look at her toes and curled them self-consciously, somewhat embarrassed. "I don''t have shoes..."


    Her shoes were left on Mount Luyixia.


    "It''s fine, I''m not afraid of the cold. Thank you for your concern, Young Master Ye."


    She smiled, though the tears in her eyes were a little distracting.


    Ye Qingchi walked over to her side in irritation, bent down, and slipped hisrge hand under her slender legs.


    Gu Shuang was so frightened that she repeatedly retreated, her small hand hooked around his neck as she stared at him anxiously.


    "Young...Young Master Ye...what are you doing?"


    The man''s face looked rather unpleasant, gloomy and cold. He directly put his arm around her waist and said heavily, "Don''t move, be careful of catching a chill. It will make the wound even more painfulter."


    Gu Shuang''s eyes reddened against her will. To her, Ye Qingchi was handsome yet cold, always stern and upright like a strict old tutor.


    She had always been a little afraid of him and didn''t dare to casually get close. She never thought there woulde a day when she would be held in his arms, but now, not only did he hold her, he had done so twice.


    She knew he pitied her.


    Her throat tightened slightly in distress. There was an uncontroble dull pain in the ce where her heart was.


    "Does it still hurt?"


    Gu Shuang''s voice choked a little. "It doesn''t hurt anymore..."


    Ye Qingchi just "hmm"ed without replying.


    If Gu Shuang looked up, she would be able to see his admirable jawline and even smell the faint sandalwood scent on him.


    Her breathing stalled, and she hurriedly lowered her eyes, not daring to look again. Her whole body was tense, and her heart thumped loudly.


    She was afraid she might fall and didn''t dare let go, yet also afraid that holding on too tightly would seem too intimate. She felt a little awkward and conflicted for a moment.


    In all her years until now, apart from her father, no man had ever held her like this. Even her fianc¨¦ Big Brother Xunzhi had always been self-restrained and courteous, not even daring to chat with her.


    But Young Master Ye...as elegant as the moon amidst the winds, she didn''t want her filthiness to tarnish him.


    Ye Qingchi carried her back to the bed. Gu Shuang instantly shrank back under the quilt, her pretty little face blushing as she lightly let out a breath between her two thin lips.


    The corner of Ye Qingchi''s mouth curled up imperceptibly. "I''ve already asked someone to prepare embroidered shoes and clothes for you. Stay in bed and be good for a while. Your second sister is in the back yard and wille keep youpanyter."


    Gu Shuang bit her lip. "Okay..."


    After answering, she abruptly raised her head again, her cheek red with embarrassment and shame beyond words.


    She had only just noticed that her clothes had been changed by someone, and her wounds had also been redressed with new medicine. But weren''t there only the two of them here?


    Was it him who helped change her clothes?


    He was the youngest imperial censor...and an outsider male... How could he...how could he touch her?


    Gu Shuang clutched the quilt in her little hands and buried herself under it, nibbling her lips. She stealthily nced at him once before swiftly lowering her head again when their eyes met.


    Seeing her long curledshes and the way she cautiously wanted to ask yet didn''t dare, like a rabbit, Ye Qingchi couldn''t helpughing. "It wasn''t me who changed your clothes, it was my mother."


    Gu Shuang''s face grew even hotter, but she also felt slightly relieved. "So it was Lady Qin. Is she...also here?"


    "Yes. She was the one who washed you and changed your medicinest night. Don''t worry, the wound on your shoulder is nothing serious. As long as you recuperate properly, there will be noplications or scarring."


    Hearing the gentleness in the man''s voice, Gu Shuang tightened her heart. Keeping her head low, she knew that Ye Qingchi had always been stern with her, and today was only showing pity and sympathy.


    Now that she had lost her chastity, her engagement with Big Brother Xunzhi was also over.


    Once she returned to Bianjing, her father and grandmother might even look down on her. She would probably be aughing stock for Wang and Gu Wan.


    By then, what reputation would she have left? She probably wouldn''t even be able to marry and have children in the future.


    Her life had only just begun, yet it seemed to have already reached its end.


    Lying on the brocade quilt, she couldn''t help but grieve. Her eyes grew misty with heat as she cried, "Thank you Lady Qin, thank you Young Master Ye...Gu Shuang will never forget your life-saving kindness. If there is a chance in the future, I will definitely repay you..."


    Seeing her choking back tears with great difficulty, Ye Qingchi sat down on the edge of the bed and softened his voice. "What are your ns for the future?"

 Chapter 378: Innocence is Still Alive

    <h4>Chapter 378</h4>


    Gu Shuang shifted her body inward a little, "I don''t know..."


    "What if the Fu familyes to cancel the engagement, what would you do?"


    "I..." Gu Shuang looked up with tears brimming in her eyes,pletely at a loss, "I don''t know..."


    It was not just recently that Aunt Fu Old Lady did not like her.


    They both knew clearly that if this happened, Aunt Fu Old Lady would definitely make a big fuss.


    Ye Qingchi said nothing, his handsome face solemn.


    Thinking of her own experience, Gu Shuang gave another wry smile, "Master Ye doesn''t need to worry, I know what I should do...then...I''ll just twist my hair and be a nun, apanying the ancient Buddha under the greenntern for the rest of my life."


    As she spoke, she must have felt embarrassed at letting an outsider see her loss of face, so she curved the corners of her mouth with tears in her eyes, "This is my own fate, it''s no big deal, Brother Xun has been promoted now, he should marry a better girl anyway, I...I will bless him and be happy as long as he is well."


    Although her words sounded sad, the little girl had a heartbreaking shallow smile on her face, so sensible that it hurt.


    Ye Qingchi looked at her shedding tears irritably yet distressed, still unable to say that sentence that she was still innocent.


    He admitted that he was despicable, selfish and vulgar.


    If this could get him the person before his eyes, no matter how despicable he had to be, so what?


    But his upbringing from childhood did not allow him to do such unfilial things, let alone force her.


    Gu Shuang did not want to lose face, the more she did not want to cry, the more the tears fell.


    Seeing her cry, Ye Qingchi sighed, "If you still want to marry Fu Xunzhi, I will try to help you."


    Gu Shuang''s eyshes quivered, tears rolling from the corners of her eyes, "Ah?"


    Ye Qingchi said with a smile, "With me backing you up, the Fu family would not daree back on the marriage."


    Gu Shuang pursed her lips and shook her head, "I don''t want to..."


    Ye Qingchi frowned, "Why not?"


    Gu Shuang choked out, "I want him to sincerely marry me...that would be good, if he was forced to marry me, then when we be husband and wife, we would not be happy for the rest of our lives."


    Ye Qingchi mocked himself with a twitch of the corner of his mouth. He paused, then said, "That makes sense too, but you don''t have to worry too much, Mu Nanfeng did not vite your body."


    Gu Shuang was taken aback and quickly looked up, "What?"


    Ye Qingchi paused and said slowly, "You are still innocent."


    Gu Shuang''s eyes widened. She had already been pressed down by Mu Nanfeng at that time, her clothes torn open, she struggled frantically not wanting him to touch her, but in the process of struggling, she gradually ran out of strength and Mu Nanfeng''s heavy body pressed down heavily.


    She thought...she had lost her innocence.


    But now, hearing Ye Qingchi say so, she suddenly remembered the erotic pictures she had seen together with her second sister in the past, which depicted the matters between men and women in detail.


    So Mu Nanfeng... although he had touched her skin and body, had not seeded in the end!


    Gu Shuang became happy again, curving her eyes excitedly, unable to help but grabbed his finger, "Thank you Master Ye!"


    Ye Qingchi''s gaze gently fell on her red fingertips, smiling bitterly, "Why thank me?"


    Gu Shuang did not notice the mncholy in the man''s eyes, only kept feeling happy, "Thank you for telling me the good news."


    Ye Qingchi felt blocked in his heart, his eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, "Even if you are still innocent, seeing your statest night, aren''t you afraid that Fu Xunzhi would¡ª"


    "He won''t." Gu Shuang''s eyes were as curved as crescent moons, as happy as a naive child, "Brother Xun is not that kind of person, I believe he will not abandon me."


    Ye Qingchi stared at the little girl''s joyful face, not knowing what to say for a moment.


    When leaving the room, he felt relieved, but also slightly disappointed.


    Zhao Changdu walked over from the other end of the corridor, arched an eyebrow, "Well, is it all clear with her now?"


    Ye Qingchi sighed and got off the corridor, the corners of his lips mocking, "It is clear, I, Ye Qingchi, am righteous and would not deceive women and children and do petty things."


    The two walked side by side.


    "If you miss this opportunity, you can only watch Gu Shuang marry Fu Xunzhi."


    Thinking of Fu Xunzhi''s retreat, Ye Qingchi sneered, "I will give Fu Xunzhi one more chance, thest one."


    Zhao Changdu sped his hands in his wide sleeves, leaningzily against the door frame, his eyes calmly watching Ye Qingchi prepare the carriage.


    Recalling what A Ying had said to him, "I feel more and more that my Fourth Younger Sister will be my sister-inw", the corners of his mouth curved up lightly.


    Things in the world are indeed unpredictable.


    A marriage that was set in stone suddenly has a twist.


    ...


    In the afternoon, the weather was getting hotter.


    Bianjing City was especially lively today, the Gu family gate was closed, but rumors flew out as if they had grown wings.


    In just one morning, they had flown to the streets and alleys.


    The experiences of the two Gu sisters soon became a topic of discussion, and the pce even sent someone specially to Zhenguo Duke Manor to inquire about the whereabouts of the heir''s wife.


    Mrs. Lin looked worried, after dealing with the people from the pce, she had just sat down when she heard that there were people from the Ye Family asking her to go over.


    When she arrived at Ye Mansion, Mrs. Lin saw the anxious Aunt Zhao for the first time, and upon learning that she was Gu Shuang''s mother, she turned to look at Ye Zhuohua, "Master Ye, where exactly did A Ying and the Fourth Young Lady go?"


    The two women were anxious, only Ye Zhuohua remained steady as Mount Tai, after all Zhao Changdu was there, he believed A Ying and Gu Shuang would be fine, he just smiled and told them to calm down and wait for good news from Zhao Changdu.


    Aunt Zhao felt uneasy the whole time. Seeing the little servants of Ye Mansioning back with news one after another, she naturally also heard the bad words about the two youngdies outside, making her feel even more ufortable.


    But before things continued to ferment, she heard someone announce, "Master! Young Master and Madam are back!"


    The three people in the hall stood up together, Ye Zhuohua asked anxiously, "Where is madam?"


    The little servant panted, "At the gate! The Heir and Heir''s Wife are also there! All at the front gate!"


    Aunt Zhao said anxiously, "Then...where is my Shuang''er?"


    The little servant had just started smiling when Aunt Zhao heard Qin''s loudughter from outside, "Your Shuang''er is here!"


    Aunt Zhao''s eyes instantly reddened. She ran over in a few steps and hugged Gu Shuang, looking her up and down, "You child, where exactly have you been? Do you know how worried your mother was about you all night?"


    Gu Shuang''s eyes were also red. "Mother, I..."


    Aunt Zhao could no longer hold back her flowing tears. She hugged her thin daughter tightly, the moment sheid eyes on the bandage on her shoulder and scars on her face, her heart sank. Those words being said outside were probably mostly true.


    Gu Shuang gave a bitter smile, also not knowing how to exin to her mother, she could only look at her second sister.

 Chapter 379: Adopted Daughter

    <h4>Chapter 379</h4>


    Gu Ying stroked her pregnant belly and smiled slightly, "Auntie Zhao, don''t cry anymore. Little Sister is fine, she only has some superficial skin injuries."


    Aunt Zhao wiped her tears and carefully asked, "Ying... What exactly happenedst night? Tell me quickly..."


    Qin quickly pulled Aunt Zhao to sit in a chair, and briefly recounted what happenedst night.


    Aunt Zhao listened with fear and trepidation. When she heard that Gu Shuang''s chastity was still intact, her heart that was suspended high finally settled down to earth.


    It wasn''t anything else. She was just worried that the marriage with the Fu family would lead her daughter into an inescapable abyss.


    She had been a concubine in her life, and had finally obtained the status of a legal wife. She didn''t want her daughter to be stared at when it came to marriage in the future. Her daughter would only be able to be a concubine for a vulgar man, and would never be able to lift her head high.


    "But..." Her face turned pale as she worriedly said, "Although it''s good that Shuang''er is still chaste, being abducted like this doesn''t sound good no matter how you look at it. I wonder if the Fu family will mind..."


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "Don''t worry about this. Thanks to my aunt''s arrangement this time, letting us take the national duke''s carriage from the Ye family manor outside the city all the way back magnificently to Beijing, we deliberately got off to buy some things to show our faces along the way. Those who watched the fun saw that we were both safe and sound, apanied by the prince and cousin, surrounded by a group of guards and maids. Naturally, they dispelledst night''s rumors of abduction. Moreover, the prince and cousin have already spread the word that after my little sister and I left the pce yesterday, we went straight to the Ye family manor to stay for a few days. We wanted to stay for two or three days, but when we heard the rumors, we came back to reassure the Fu family."


    She used a handkerchief to wipe away Aunt Zhao''s tears, "So don''t worry, auntie. As long as those of us who know the truth don''t talk, and Master Fu doesn''t talk, my little sister will be fine."


    Aunt Zhao breathed a sigh of relief in her throat, and held her daughter''s little hand distressedly, "I''m really grateful to the prince and Master Ye this time, and to the princess for her arrangements as well."


    Qin quicklyughed and said, "What''s there to be polite about? Aren''t we addressing each other as sisters now? Shuang''er''s affairs are my affairs."


    Gu Ying added, "However, we still need to be more careful with the Fu family. Fortunately, the only person who saw little sisterst night was Master Fu. As long as things go well on his side, no one else is a problem."


    Although this was said, everyone present knew that although Gu Shuang was still a virgin, Fu Xunzhi, who was usually honest, had seen her disheveled appearance in another man''s room.


    He had always been proper and conservative. No one knew if there would be any grievances in his heart.


    Aunt Zhao hesitated and said, "Will Fu Xunzhi ept my Shuang''er? The Fu family has always looked down on Shuang¡¯er¡¯s background. I''m afraid this scandal is just right for Old Madam Fu."


    Qin said loudly, "What''s so difficult about this? I''ve always wanted a daughter. This is a good opportunity!"


    Aunt Zhao was ttered, but also felt embarrassed. She was afraid that Qin thought she was an unscrupulous social climber. She quickly said, "Princess, please... I really don''t mean that."


    But Qin said briskly, "I already know your personality. I know what you mean. Old Ye, what do you say?"


    Ye Zhuohua''s handsome face was still stern without much expression. But his tone revealed joy, "For important matters in the household, listen to me. For trivial things like this, listen to you. You always wanted a daughter. I think the fourth girl is very good. In the future, she will be A''Chi¡¯s little sister."


    Gu Shuang''s clear eyes lit up.


    She really liked Qin and her cheerful and generous personality, as well as her magnanimity andck of pretentiousness, which waspletely different from other noblewomen in Beijing. If she could be her goddaughter, her rtionship with her second sister would be closer and closer. By then, Ye Qingchi would no longer just frown at her all the time as an outsider. Being his little sister would be better than being a stranger.


    Then she would fear him a little less.


    Ye Qingchi silently red at his mother. His eyebrows were tightly furrowed, "Mother, what nonsense are you talking about? I don''t think this is appropriate."


    It was rare for the eldest young master Ye to lose his temper with his mother. Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked slightly as she silently sipped her tea.


    Gu Ying and the prince looked at each other with a smile as they watched the show.


    Hearing Ye Qingchi¡¯s displeased tone, eyebrows furrowed and a somewhat frightening expression, Gu Shuang cowered like a rabbit, "I also think... maybe we shouldn''t... do it..."


    Qin pulled Gu Shuang over and red at her son, "Don''t be afraid, Shuang. He can''t decide this."


    "Mother--"


    "You don''t need to say anything else. I''ve decided to take her as my goddaughter today." Qin had a strong personality. She didn''t understand her son''s actions today at all, "Unless you can give me a reason to convince me otherwise, why can''t Shuang''er be my daughter?"


    Ye Qingchi''s eyebrows were still furrowed as he looked at Gu Shuang''s timid and tender little face. His thin lips parted slightly, but all words were stuck in his throat.


    "What, nothing else to say? Isn''t Shuang''er a nice girl? It will be good for you to have another little sister." Qin looked at Gu Shuang with a smile, "The more I look at this girl, the more I like her. When she gets married, I will have to prepare some dowry for her!"


    Gu Shuang blushed while Ye Qingchi scowled.


    Aunt Zhao had noticed Ye Qingchi¡¯s expression. She smiled and said, "Princess, please don''t say that. Just being able to be a goddaughter of the Ye family is already a blessing cultivated over eight lifetimes for Shuang''er. Please do not prepare any dowry!"


    Aunt Zhao already understood Qin''s personality thoroughly.


    A simple person like her would just act on what she thought. So Aunt Zhao knew that she sincerely cared for Shuang''er. Thus, she also didn''t intend to take advantage of the Ye family at all. Being sisters with someone like Qin was also a blessing for her.


    She secretly swore in her heart that she would be even nicer to Qin in the future to repay today''s favor.


    With Gu Shuang as the Ye family''s goddaughter, the Fu family wouldn''t dare say anything.


    Although seemingly insensitive in human interactions, Qin was actually very skilled. She just disdained pretentiousness with others.


    The matter of recognizing Gu Shuang as goddaughter was settled.


    Ye Qingchi was unhappy, his handsome face dark as the bottom of a pot. He left the hall silently.


    Gu Shuang watched the man¡¯s departing figure, hesitant to speak up.


    Gu Ying walked over to Gu Shuang with a smile and gently asked, "Still not happy?"


    Gu Shuang was somewhat disappointed. "Sister, I always feel that Master Ye doesn''t like me very much."


    Gu Ying smiled and asked meaningfully, "Is that really the case?"


    Gu Shuang asked nkly, "Isn''t it?"


    Gu Ying smiled mysteriously, "Previously I also felt that cousin didn''t like you, but now it seems that''s not necessarily the case."

 Chapter 380: Letters from My Father

    <h4>Chapter 380</h4>


    Gu Shuang heard this and her mind grew more muddled. She was toozy to think about the confusing matters. What concerned her most now was Mu Nanfeng''s attitude toward her.


    "Second sister, do you think Big Brother Mu will forgive me?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head and took Gu Shuang''s tender little hand. "What wrong have you done that he needs to forgive you for?"


    Gu Shuang bit her lip. "But¡ª"


    In anyone else''s eyes, she was the one at fault, not the man.


    Gu Yingughed gently. "Little Fourth, you must remember this is not your fault. The fault lies with Mu Nanfeng and the people behind him. Don''t feel bad in your heart or belittle yourself. What you should do is to tell your Big Brother Mu clearly and inly exactly what happenedst night and the final result. Let him decide your future."


    Gu Shuang carefully pursed her lips. Her heart was tense.


    Gu Ying said earnestly, "Do you understand?"


    Gu Shuang said, "I understand."


    What had happened could not be changed. She could hide it from anyone, but not from Big Brother Mu.


    She had to tell him everything as it originally was and let him make the final decision.


    If after they were open and candid with each other, Big Brother Mu was still willing to marry her, then the wedding could continue.


    If Big Brother Mu still cared, even if they married, their future would be troubled.


    She had to bravely face it head on. She could not evade orpromise.


    After thinking everything through clearly, Gu Shuang raised her reddened eyes. Her tone was firmer than ever. "So, Second Sister, should I meet with him today?"


    Gu Ying stroked the young girl''s cheek tenderly, pondering briefly beforeughing. "No need to meet today. You''ve just returned from outside the city. All sorts of people in Bianjing are watching you. If you meet him now, it would give them an excuse. Rest first. You should think carefully, and let him consider seriously too."


    Gu Shuang''s eyes grew slightly hot. She nodded to show her agreement.


    After leaving the Ye house, Gu Ying and Aunt Zhao parted ways to return home.


    The carriage rumbled all the way. She first sent Mrs. Lin back to Lingxi Pavilion before returning to Changfeng Pavilion.


    The Heir Apparent was busy with work. He had just returned home to change clothes before hurrying out again.


    Gu Ying roused her spirits to see him off.


    When they reached the door, he told her not toe.


    The man cupped the young girl''s round cheeks and kissed the tip of her nose. "Go back and rest. I''ll take care of the rest."


    Gu Ying''s body and mind were exhausted. Her longshes fluttered as she raised her chin to kiss his thin lips.


    Zhao Changdu''s dark eyes grew deeper. His big hand wrapped around her slender waist.


    The two breathed heavily, entwined for a moment before Zhao Changdu released the girl in his arms.


    Gu Ying''s cheeks were burning hot. Her breathing was chaotic. Her small hands braced against his chest. Her watery eyes shone with tempting brilliance.


    Her tone was tender and clingy. "Ah Du, go early ande back early, okay?"


    The little girl had never relied on him like this before. The man''s heart softened. "No more trouble. Be good and wait for me at home."


    "Mm."


    After sending off the Heir Apparent, Gu Ying turned to head back.


    Yanzhi rushed up, anxious. "Mistress, you''ve finally returned. This servant girl was so worriedst night I couldn''t sleep... What on earth happened?"


    Gu Ying reassured the little maid before asking, "Yanzhi, where is Yin Lan?"


    Yanzhi''s mouth drooped sadly. "Still lying down. When she was brought backst night, I saw Big Sister''s eyes were red from crying... She''s always been so tough... I''ve never seen her cry before."


    Gu Ying''s bashfulness faded away, leaving only icy coldness. "Take me to see her."


    When they arrived at Yin Lan''s quarters, Huai An had just emerged from the room. There was distress in his expression. "Mistress?"


    Gu Ying nodded. "How is Yin Lan?"


    Huai An''s eyes chilled. "She''s fine. Luckily those two ruffians weren''t too harsh. They only broke her hand. I just reset the bones for her. For torn sinews and broken bones, one hundred days of rest. She''ll need time to recuperate... Please take extra care of her and have her do less work recently."


    Huai An was a military man, unused to speaking indirectly. He stated inly what he meant.


    Gu Ying did not take offense. She smiled. "Don''t worry. I''m more worried about her than you."


    Huai An finally rxed somewhat,ughing heartily. "Oh right, Mistress. This is the reply letter from Huang City."


    Huai An took out a letter from his chest and held it up respectfully to Gu Ying with both hands.


    Gu Ying was startled for a moment before taking the letter and holding it in her palm. It was just a thin slip of yellow paper, yet felt tremendously heavy.


    This was the first time in her past and present lives that she had seen a reply letter from her father. Though she didn''t know what her father had written, she didn''t have the courage to open it.


    Huai An respectfully said, "If Mistress has no other instructions, this subordinate will take his leave to meet with the Master."


    "Go on."


    After Huai An left, Gu Ying hesitated before collecting the letter and entering Yin Lan''s quarters.


    Seeing Gu Ying enter, Yin Lan struggled to get up. Gu Ying quickly went over to press her back down on the bed. "What are you getting up for? Lie down properly."


    Yin Lan''s cheeks still held two touches of red. Gu Ying stroked her hand and pretended not to notice, smiling. "Yin Lan, rest and recuperate. Don''t worry about anything else for now. Stay in your room these days. I''ll have Hai Tange look after you."


    "Mistress, I''m fine¡ª"


    "How could you be fine?" Yanzhi pouted her lips and quicklyughed. "Aiya, Big Sister should focus on healing. I, Yanzhi am still here! I will take good care of the Mistress."


    Yin Lan smiled helplessly, and could only agree.


    Now that she had a broken hand, she would only burden the Mistress. She might as well properly heal her injury before serving well again.


    After looking in on Yin Lan, Gu Ying finally returned to her own quarters reassured.


    "Yanzhi, grind some ink."


    Yanzhi obediently poured water into the inkstone. Gu Ying lifted her skirts and sat down at the desk.


    Yanzhi tilted her head, busy grinding the ink while asking, "Mistress, why haven''t you opened the Master''s letter yet?"


    It was quite a rare thing.


    When the youngdy was illiterate, Auntie would write letters to the Master in her stead. And when the Master sent letters from the border, it was the Old Madam who read them to the youngdy.


    Truth be told, over all these years, the number of letters the youngdy had received directly from the Master could be counted on one hand.


    Gu Ying took a deep breath. Her gaze swept over the thick envelope. It looked quite thin, yet felt substantial in her hand.


    Perhaps it was the timidity born of their close rtion, but her fingertips trembled and she didn''t dare open it directly.


    "Mistress?" Yanzhi urged curiously.


    Gu Ying came back to her senses, smiling wryly while her gaze hesitated. "What''s the hurry? I''ll open it now."

 Chapter 381: Grandmother’s Deception

    <h4>Chapter 381</h4>


    Yanzhi muttered to herself, ¡°Miss is missing Master so much. Since Master has written a letter to Miss, what is Miss waiting for? If I were her, I would read it eagerly without dy... Unfortunately, I''m not well educated...¡±


    How could it be the same?


    Gu Ying came to her senses with a shake of her head.


    If she didn''t have this new life, she would have had silly expectations of her father. But now that she had been reborn, she knew her father¡¯s neglect of her and her brother was not just a short period, but a full seven or eight years.


    She hated him and resented him in her heart.


    It was not until she heard that he had betrayed his country and died on the battlefield that she felt extremely grieved when she was thrown into the dpidated temple.


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched slightly, and a touch of bitterness welled up in her heart. She slowly opened the envelope.


    As she unfolded the letter, the first sentence that caught her eye was her father''s familiar handwriting.


    "A Ying! Daddy''s dear daughter! Unfilial girl!"


    She chuckled.


    Somehow, it reminded her of her father''s blustery personality back when he was still in the Duke of Dongping¡¯s residence.


    At that time, when she was still young, she was often recklessly held in her father¡¯s arms. Other young girls had been taught since childhood to be well-behaved as women.


    Only her father would hold her unscrupulously in the courtyard, spinning circles and letting her ride on his shoulders to watch the exciting lion dances. He would also excitedly throw her up in the air and catch her steadily.


    Mother would always stand smilingly nearby, telling them to be careful.


    No matter how brave and stalwart Father was outside, he was like putty in front of Mother, very easy to manipte.


    The big man who could take on hundreds of enemies alone on the battlefield, would always speak gently to Mother and her, ¡°Zhuo Zhuo, do you think A Ying and I were ying well just now? Am I a good dad?¡±


    ¡°You always said I don¡¯t know how to be a dad. Now that we have a child, have I taken good care of her?¡±


    ¡°Zhuo Zhuo, you really have a good eye for men. All the women in Bianjing are jealous of you.¡±


    ¡°When A Ying grows up, should I teach her martial arts?¡±


    ¡°Our daughter can¡¯t learn all those delicate youngdies¡¯ manners and graces. After she learns my family¡¯s cudgel skills from me, she¡¯ll be able to fight back herself if anyone dares bully her in the future.¡±


    Mother asked him, ¡°If she can fight people herself, what use would you, her dad, be?¡±


    Father then said, "I''ll be responsible for helping her resolve any trouble of course!"


    Mother thenughed, ¡°Gu Boqing! Still so crude in front of the child!¡±


    Father was grinning from ear to ear. He put her down, carried Mother horizontally, and walked into the room.


    Little her stood at the door and asionally heard Father bullying Mother. Mother cried, which also scared her into wailing loudly. Father would then rush out of the room in a fluster and hold her to coax her, swearing with four upright fingers that he definitely didn''t bully Mother. Even if he did, it was to have a son for her.


    Gu Ying¡¯s eyes went out of focus for a moment as scenes from her childhood shed across her mind. Those memories from the dpidated temple were among the few warm ones in her life during that period of torture.


    Until... Mother passed away...


    Only then did the light in Father¡¯s eyes gradually disappearpletely.


    Gu Ying felt a sourness in her nose. She stopped reminiscing and continued reading.


    The deeper she read, the tighter her frown became.


    Yanzhi craned her neck eagerly, ¡°Mistress, what did Master write in his letter?¡±


    Gu Ying quickly finished reading the thick three pages of the letter, which were full of her father''s grief over the years.


    He missed her and her brother. He wanted toe back to visit them but didn¡¯t dare to. He was afraid they resented him and thating back would open old wounds. That was why he didn¡¯t dare return to Bianjing for so many years.


    She pressed her lips thinly, her voice low and sullen, ¡°Father said in the letter that he sends money and writes to us every month of every year. But he has never received a single letter from me! He thought my brother and I med him and wanted to sever ties with him!¡±


    When Yanzhi heard this, she was dumbfounded, ¡°But Old Madam always read Master¡¯s letters to you, Mistress. In his letters, Master always said he was too busy with military affairs at the border toe back.¡±


    And this was what made Gu Ying even angrier.


    ¡°She lied to me!¡±


    She was furious beyond measure. ¡°She deceived me!!!¡±


    ¡°But why would Old Madam do this?¡± The more Yanzhi thought about it, the more confused she got.


    The Mistress was Old Madam¡¯s granddaughter, the same as Eldest Sister, Third Sister and Fourth Sister. Just because Master didn''t serve Old Madam, would she favor and discriminate between them like this?


    Even if Old Madam favored Eldest Sister¡¯s family greatly, how could she sow discord between father and child?


    The glory of the Duke of Dongping¡¯s residence was all earned by Master at the borders. Without Master, how could there be the present Duke of Dongping¡¯s residence?


    What good woulde out of Old Madam doing this?


    Yanzhi also felt angry. ¡°Has Old Madam gone mad? Master is her own son!¡±


    Gu Ying couldn''t help but sneer coldly. She clenched the three pages tightly in her hand, her knuckles white from the force.


    ¡°What a great grandmother I have!¡±


    Her eyes were ominous, slightly red.


    ¡°Back then, when A Ning was harmed by Eldest Sister¡¯s family to that state, she didn''t say a word for A Ning as his grandmother! She even allowed Eldest Sister¡¯s people to continue tormenting A Ning!"


    In herst life, she even allowed innocent A Ning to die pitifully that winter when she got married! Her brother''s whole body was frozen snow white in the vast expanse of white snow, and was just abandoned there uncared for in the Wind and Sunset Pavilion!


    If she didn¡¯t have this new life, how would things have been?


    Would she still have to watch her dear grandson die again before her eyes?


    This woman was her own grandmother!


    Gu Ying couldn¡¯t help feeling aggrieved. A raging fire ignited in her chest!


    She could no longer sit still. Her face was as heavy as water as she called for someone to ready her carriage before leaving for the Ye family residence again.


    She couldn¡¯t let her brother continue misunderstanding their father. Their whole family must reunite peacefully in this life!


    ...


    As soon as Gu Ying¡¯s carriage left the Duke¡¯s residence, Zhao Changdu received the news.


    At that time, he was seated with an imposing manner on the tiger skin chair at Floating Clouds Tower, and waved his hand lightly after listening to his subordinate¡¯s report, signaling for them to continue protecting Gu Ying secretly.


    Kneeling below were two brothers from Floating Clouds Tower reporting.


    To Zhao Changdu¡¯s left and right in the front row lu¨®h¨¤n chairs sat Ye Qingchi and Su He, who had just returned from Changzhou.


    Su He had a somewhat empty look in his eyes and stared nkly ahead.


    A 17 or 18-year-old girl in green clothes sat quietly by his side. She had a pair of bright, intelligent eyes that blinked brightly, forming a sharp contrast with the slightly dull-looking Su He beside her.


    Ye Qingchi asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t she just leave the Ye residence? Why did she go back there again so soon?¡±


    Zhao Changdu said lightly, ¡°She said she¡¯s going to visit A Ning.¡±


    His tone was light, butced with some displeasure.


    The corner of Ye Qingchi¡¯s mouth quirked upwards. ¡°She¡¯s visiting her brother. Are you really that petty?¡±


    Zhao Changdu impatiently nced at him. ¡°It¡¯s different with A Ying now. She¡¯s pregnant and shouldn¡¯t be rushing about tiring herself out.¡±


    That¡¯s what he said, but he didn¡¯t stop Gu Ying from going to the Ye family, did he?

 Chapter 382: About the Wan Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 382</h4>


    Mother had tried to get A Ying to go to the Ye family to nurture the pregnancy many times, but she had been refused by him every time.


    This man was really stingy.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t say it outright either, he just worried along with her in his heart about A Ying''s health. However, he was very assured about this sister, "Although this is what''s said, A Ying is someone who has her own ideas and won''t do anything reckless. She has her own purpose in going to the Ye family."


    It was precisely because she was someone with proper ideas that Zhao Changdu frowned, worried about her not taking care of herself after he left Bianjing.


    "Alright, alright." Su He yawnedzily. "Let''s first talk about the main issue."


    He had run three horses to death, rushing back to Bianjing overnight. He didn''t even go back to the Yong''an Marquis Manor and came straight to the Fuyun Building. He was feeling sleepy right now.


    Zhao Changdu red at him coldly.


    "I''m blind right now!" Su He eximed. "You''re still ring at me!"


    The girl in green burst outughing. Realizing it was inappropriate for the asion, she quickly covered her lips and swallowed the rest of herughter.


    Su He was even more annoyed now. His handsome face flushed slightly. "Can''t you give your brother some face in front of a woman when I''m blind?"


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth twitched. "You can''t see yet you know I''m ring at you?"


    "I''m blind but not blind in the heart."


    Although he couldn''t see, he instinctively felt that wave of bone-chilling coldness from Zhao Changdu surge towards him.


    He knew A Ying was his precious treasure, so he wouldn''t underestimate him.


    Su He licked his dry lips and hastily sat up straight, saying innocently, "Weren''t you guys saying there were inside details aboutst night? As the owner of Fuyun Building, I rushed over obediently even though I''m blind in one eye to share your worries and solve your problems. Changdu, why are you ring at me for no reason? I didn''t do anything to wrong you, right?"


    Zhao Changdu picked up the teacup and took a light sip, his face expressionless.


    Su He resignedly stretched out his finger, pointing at the empty air in front of him and gesturing at the people below in a somewhat silly manner.


    "You two, hurry and tell this gentleman upstairs aboutst night''s events in every single detail."


    The people from Fuyun Building below spoke up nervously, "Yesterday evening, after the Crown Prince''s wife and Fourth Young Lady had just left the pce, rumors were already spreading in the East Market when their carriage passed by. The rumors originated from a beggar and soon spread across the entire East Market. This kind of transmission speed means there must have been someone pushing the momentum from behind. We searched for a very long time before finding the beggar, but he seemed to have some mental issues and refused to speak no matter how we asked."


    "Oh right, when subordinates were investigating where the Crown Prince''s wife and Fourth Young Lady were taken, we discovered there were two groups of people following Fourth Young Lady''s carriage. One group was Mu Nanfeng while the other group''s identity was unknown. However, Mu Nanfeng also noticed that group and fought with them, killing them before throwing the bodies into the yard of the dpidated residence next door."


    "Two groups?" Ye Qingchi murmured as he stroked his thin lips, feeling like things were bing moreplicated.


    He raised his eyes to look at the man sitting in the main seat. Zhao Changdu''s face was expressionless, only a hint of an impending storm brewing in his dark brows and eyes.


    "The beggar and corpses have already been brought back to Fuyun Building by subordinates."


    After speaking, five corpses were neatly arranged in the center of the great hall.


    A beggar who looked to be in his early twenties was also dragged up and tossed into the hall. He was covered in filth with tattered clothes, looking extremely miserable.


    However, it could be seen that although this person was just a beggar who had wandered for many years with thickyers of dirt on his face that nearly obscured his original appearance, he had a pair of clear ck and white eyes.


    Although Su He couldn''t see, the corners of his eyes and mouth carried a hint of smugness, even his crossed legs couldn''t help perking up.


    After all, these were people trained by him. Fuyun Building handled matters swiftly and appropriately.


    "What do you think? No one''s gone to check the identities of the killers?"


    Zhao Changdu had already risen from his chair when he started speaking.


    Su He closed his mouth awkwardly. Just because his eyes were blind didn''t mean his ears were deaf. From the whiff of Zhao Changdu''s deep fragrant scent that brushed past him, he knew this man couldn''t remain seated.


    In Bianjing city, anyone who dared make a move against A Ying had some abilities.


    He was afraid that when this Prince Yan found out who they were, it would be the end for them.


    He sat there contentedly. Since he was blind, he should just thoroughly enjoy this rare leisurely time.


    After examining the corpses, Ye Qingchi stood up and said coldly, "These five people seem to be masters of the jianghu. Is it necessary to use such skills just to capture two youngdies?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were pitch ck. "They were people from Lu Yitang."


    "Lu Yitang?" Ye Qingchi frowned, suddenly recalling. "Xia Zixi?!"


    Five years ago, Xia Zixi had received orders to eradicate the assassination organization Lu Yitang from the jianghu. Afterpleting this, all of Lu Yitang''s assassins disappeared from the jianghu. When he returned to Bianjing to report, Xia Zixi disyed fifty corpses in front of the Emperor. Twenty more people were still atrge.


    Nothing more was done about it in the five years since. It seemed those remaining people had been recruited by him for his own use in secret.


    Zhao Changdu gave a coldugh. "Xia Zixi is backed by Concubine Wan, and Concubine Wan is backed by Li Yang."


    Ye Qingchi''s expression also turned ugly. "No wonder Li Yang was so unbridledst night. Turns out he already knew early on that A Ying would be taken awayst night."


    If he had really seeded in this matter, then... A Ying''s reputation as the Crown Prince''s wife of the Zhenguo Duke Manor would be ruined overnight, with unimaginable consequences.


    This Li Yang really deserved death!


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes grew increasingly cold and murderous at the thought of Li Yang still coveting his little girl. The urge to kill in his heart stirred restlessly.


    He ground his teeth. "Good...Li Yang."


    Ye Qingchi sneered coldly. "This Li Yang really doesn''t know the immensity of heaven and earth."


    Zhao Changdu was somewhat nonchnt. "Since it''s like this, he can just die."


    Sensing things were getting out of hand, Su He shrank back his neck, feeling chilled.


    Killing a prince wasn''t as simple as killing a pig. There were still many procedures to follow.


    Although they were all on Crown Prince Dong''s side, if they really casually killed Li Yang like this, the one in the pce probably wouldn''t agree to it. It might even implicate their respective families.


    The Zhao family aside, with Zhao Changdu being the only rebel in the family, fearless of heaven or earth and willing to overturn the rule of Dong Li. But his Su family still had an empress presiding in the imperial harem.


    He groped to stand up. "Calm down, you two!"


    "Listen to me." Su He was very sober. After losing sight, his mind had be much more agile and clear. He slowly said, "These two groups had different aims. One group''s target was sister-inw, while the other group''s target was Gu Shuang. Li Yang is easy to handle, he did it just for the sake of a woman in the end. But what about Mu Nanfeng? How can you exin him? He can''t have been after Gu Shuang for marriage."

 Chapter 383: She Called the Kite.

    <h4>Chapter 383</h4>


    Ye Qingchi''s eyes grew a few degrees colder. "What great insight does Mr. Su have to offer?"


    Su He smiled. In his empty pupils, a faint light still glimmered. "If someone wants to disgrace Gu Shuang, why don''t we set a trap to lure the snake out from its hole and see what they are really after."


    Ye Qingchi was the first to refuse. "No."


    Turning his face towards Ye Qingchi''s voice, Su He said, "Is the young master Ye not the sort to cherish fragrant flowers?"


    Ye Qingchi was speechless for a moment, his handsome face gloomy and cold, looking even more terrifying than the current Zhao Changdu.


    Unfortunately, the current Su He was blind. "Gu Shuang is expendable. At worst, we canpensate her afterwards. Mr Du, what do you think?"


    Zhao Changdu knew it was a good n, but seeing Ye Qingchi''s expression suggested he wished to beat Su He to death, the corner of his mouth quirked up slightly. "A gentleman handles matters fairly and squarely. There is no need to take advantage of a youngdy. Do not mention this again."


    Su He''s handsome, ttering face instantly froze. His beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed immediately.


    "Are you two keeping secrets from me? What is it about Gu Shuang that gives her a ce between you two? Wasn''t someone saying to me previously that a gentleman should use cunning plots and schemes when trying to find a wife? And now you want to act all righteous?"


    The corner of Ye Qingchi''s mouth tightened slightly, but he said nothing. His eyes flickered in contemtion.


    He didn''t want to see Gu Shuang hurt by these nasty rumors, even if she only reddened her eyes without shedding a tear, it would pain him greatly.


    This feeling had be even more profound after holding herst night.


    In the past, he had only looked at her a few times from afar. He didn''t think a quiet little girl like her could affect his mood. Butter, as he watched her happy and worried for Fu Xuanzhi, apprehensive and uneasy for him, gradually he began to care for her.


    He never knew a woman couldpromise so much for a man''s sake. Yet the Fu family still picked on her, unwilling to let her marry smoothly.


    If they didn''t like her, then she shouldn''t have married Fu Xuanzhi. Wouldn''t marrying him be better than Fu Xuanzhi?


    As soon as this thought arose in his mind, he scolded himself fiercely in his heart.


    He was fully aware that he was growing fonder of Gu Shuang, and would never allow her to fall into despair and sorrow.


    "There are other ways to deal with this matter. Start from the woman Mu Nanfeng mentioned, and for what Li Yang and Xia Zixi''s people did to hurt A Ying, they will have to pay the price."


    Zhao Chang returned to sit in therge chair, picked up his teacup,pletely agreeing, "I find my desire to kill him grows stronger and stronger, so strong that¡ª"


    His gaze was as heavy and dark as the unfathomable abyss, his tone even more icy and sinister. "I can hardly wait to tear his corpse into ten thousand pieces."


    Ye Qingchi gave an "umm" in agreement.


    This time, Li Yang must have crossed Zhao Changdu¡¯s bottom line. The Prince could tolerate anything exceptpromising when it came to A Ying.


    In a few more days, it would be the Cold Food Festival. After that, the Prince would lead his troops on an expedition. With a frail mother at home and a pregnant little wife, if Li Yang still posed a threat, he would not be able leave with peace of mind.


    Ye Qingchi gave a faint smile. "Since that is the case, it''s time to unearth what we buried in Yueyang."


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly. "What about the pce side?"


    Ye Qingchi said, "Preparations are ready."


    "What are you two whispering about?" Su He said unhappily, frowning. "All I did was take a trip to Changzhou. Why do I feel so out of sync with you two all of a sudden? What''s this about Yueyang and the pce? Don''t tell me you really n to execute Li Yang so quickly? ttery aside, he still is an imperial prince favored by His Majesty. Will the Emperor really forsake fatherly love for him after doting on him for so many years? Not to mention, he still has the most favored Concubine Wan in the pce!"


    Zhao Changdu nced at his agitated back with resignation and gave a helplessugh. "Look at us when we speak."


    Su He spent half the day cursing into thin air before realizing awkwardly that he should reach out to find the right direction. But soon a soft little hand grabbed his gently.


    His restless heart quickly calmed down.


    Mr. Du and Ye Qingchi said they wanted to kill Li Yang now, but he didn''t agree.


    With Concubine Wan''s foundation still firmly in ce, for the sake of the Queen Dowager from the Su family in the pce and the neglected Li Hao, the Su family could not confront Concubine Wan head-on... But the woman standing by his side now gave him the guts.


    He smiled at his own foolishness for babbling on so long that he actually forgot about this trump card.


    Gripping her hand tightly, he turned and smirked at the two men, "I almost forgot to introduce her¡ªshe is called Na Yuan whom I brought back from Changzhou."


    Dressed in a green skirt, Na Yuan stood by Su He''s side, one hand holding his, smiling brilliantly at Zhao Changdu and Ye Qingchi.


    "Yes, I''m Na Yuan, the one who identally blinded him."


    The woman''s mocking, yful smile was somewhatzy.


    Her eyes were very bright and clean, exuding the gentle passion characteristic of the Jiangnan region.


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyes narrowed slightly. Suddenly, on this woman called Na Yuan''s face, he saw the chance to take Concubine Wan down...


    ...


    When Gu Ying handed the letter to Gu Ning, the sky was nearly dark.


    The gloomy weather pressed heavily down. Soon, a drizzling rain began to fall.


    The Cold Food Festival was approaching. In the fickle weather of April and May, the rain at this time was like a thin fog, lightly shrouding the small courtyard.


    Gu Ning''s eyes were grave. Although the ten-year-old boy still had some baby fat on his cheeks, his brows already held a resolute look.


    The letter rested on his palm as he could already recognize enough words to understand its contents.


    But after reading it, his face remained very calm without the slightest ripple of emotion for this kinship.


    Gu Ying''s heart ached. She held her brother''s hand and stroked the boy''s hair. "Father didn''t ignore us on purpose, Ning. Don''t resent him."


    Gu Ning spoke very calmly, raising his jet ck eyes to look at his sister beside him. "I don''t hate him."


    Gu Ying''s heart clenched. She said, "Ning, I think you''ll feel better if you cry."


    Gu Ning pulled at the corner of his mouth. "I can''t cry."


    Gu Ying parted her lips to speak, but suddenly didn''t know what to say.


    After years of no news or visits, even if someone had sabotaged their rtionship, absence of fatherly love was still absence. No matter what, it could not be remedied.


    She hugged her brother and gave him a warm embrace. "It''s alright. When Fatheres back, I''ll tell him how amazing our Ning is. Father is Grand General who leads troops to guard our borders. You''ll surely like him."

 Chapter 384: Want to fuck Her

    <h4>Chapter 384</h4>


    In her previous life, Gu Ying didn''t get the familial love she yearned for. In this life, she doesn''t want to leave any regrets between her and her younger brother.


    Father is not at fault. He was only deceived by Grandmother.


    After this campaign, when the Crown Prince returns victorious, she will have a good talk with Father. Their family will definitely be together happily from now on.


    Leaning on his sister''s embrace, Gu Ming said nothing, his dark eyes flickering. After a while, he asked lightly, "Sister?"


    Gu Ying loosened her hold on him slightly. "What is it?"


    Gu Ming asked tonelessly, "Why does Grandmother dislike us?"


    This had also gued Gu Ying for two lifetimes. After her rebirth, she racked her brains but couldn''t figure out why Grandmother disliked her. "I don''t know. Sister really doesn''t know why. Grandmother is unfathomable."


    Seeing the perplexity on his sister''s face, Gu Ming slowly hooked up a faint smile. "Since she doesn''t like us, why do we still treat her as Grandmother?"


    Gu Ying raised her brow. "What does Ming mean?"


    Gu Ming said, "She doesn''t let Sister be happy. I don''t want to let her be happy either."


    Gu Ying chuckled. "What do you want to do?"


    There was a cold gleam in Gu Ming''s eyes, though his tone was still light. "She wants Gu Ming to go to the Ye family to learn martial arts, doesn''t she? Let''s just do as she wishes."


    After leaving Qinghe Garden, Gu Ying was still thinking about the expression on her brother''s face when he talked about tormenting Grandmother.


    Sardonic, cold, with a touch of indescribable morbidity.


    Just what did this brat learn at the Ye family?


    How pleasant!


    It seems she can rest assured with Uncle and Aunt looking after Ming.


    ...


    As she left the Ye family, Lady Qin kept persuading Gu Ying to stay, while talking to her.


    "Ying''er, it''s really strange. Bianjing seemed a bit uneasy yesterday. First there was that incident between you and Gu Shuang, then this morning Prince Shu was dragged back by Commander Xia Zixi of the Imperial Guards from the brothel. Your uncle said Prince Shu is still kneeling outside the Emperor''s bedchamber now."


    Gu Ying was full of doubts, somehow feeling this was no coincidence. "Aunt, you mean Prince Shu?"


    "That''s right," Lady Qin said. "I watched that boy grow up. He''s been pretentious since young, crafty and hypocritical. Everyone praises him for his gentlemanly elegance, virtue and schrly grace, but it''s not true. He''s best at ying the good son in front of the Emperor."


    "Yesterday getting caught spending the night at a brothel, the Emperor was furious on the spot and said he would demote him to amoner."


    Gu Ying still found it strange. "He kept up the pretense for so long without exposing himself. Why did he slip up yesterday?"


    "I don''t know about that. Anyway he deserved it," Lady Qin said mockingly. "Concubine Wan must not have expected her son would be caught red-handed by the Imperial Guards. Made a huge embarrassment of himself. I heard she threw quite a tantrum in Yn Hall."


    This hearsay was interesting.


    The families ced spies in the pce, and the pce also had people nted in the families.


    The honorable centuries-old Ye family indeed had its reasons for enduring.


    Thinking of Concubine Wan''s furious tantrum, Gu Ying felt somewhat delighted. "Serves her right."


    "Exactly, serves her right," Lady Qin chimed in.


    She saw Gu Ying to the door, still reluctant to part. Even such a cheerful woman revealed a hint of grievance. "Ying''er, when will youe stay with Aunt for a few days? Aunt really wants to take care of you. Look at how big your belly has grown. The Crown Prince is a man, how can he take good care of you? What''s more, you really shouldn''t be living together in your condition now."


    "Why doesn''t Aunt wait a little longer?" Gu Ying smiled. "I''ll move over as soon as the Crown Prince leaves."


    Lady Qin pped her hands, eyes lighting up. "Good--"


    Thest "Ah" stuck in her throat at the sight of a certain tall figure standing before the carriage.


    Following her aunt''s gaze, Gu Ying looked up to see a tall and straight silhouette standing under the rain curtain.


    The man wore ck brocade robes with a leather belt cinching his waist. He cut a striking figure like a gardinia tree in the night.


    He held a green bamboo umbre in his hand, thick brows and deep-set eyes, his rugged features extraordinarily sharp in the dim light.


    After sharing the same bed every day and night for so long, Gu Ying was still defenseless against his unique beauty.


    When his dark eyes looked over from afar, her breath hitched.


    Before she could react, the man had already walked over with a smile.


    "Aunt doesn''t need to keep Ying''er. I''m here to bring her home."


    Lady Qin said awkwardly with a smile, waving her hands, "Now that Changdu is here, I''ll leave Ying''er to you. You two husband and wife go home quickly. The rain is getting heavier, I wonder if Xingqing Festival will keep raining."


    Gu Ying looked absentminded, seemingly lost in thought.


    Not wanting to disturb the couple, Lady Qin saw them off and returned home after bidding farewell.


    Zhao Changdu handed over the umbre and leaned down, breathing warm air by the girl''s ear. "What is Ying''er thinking about?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head, tone somewhat coy. "What else could I think about except you?"


    The corner of the man''s mouth hooked up as he kissed her earlobe. "Such a good girl."


    He really liked her earlobes in bed. And she was extremely sensitive there, unable to withstand teasing.


    Gu Ying''s cheeks flushed. His unique fragrance overwhelmed her, quickening her heartbeat.


    "Changdu, why did youe?"


    They had visited the Ye family too often today. People might gossip if they saw.


    "To fetch you home."


    "I could have gone home myself."


    "I don''t feel assured otherwise."


    Just yesterday she had been abducted. As long as he was in Bianjing, he would never let her go out alone.


    By being so protective, those with eyes and ears would naturally know who could be touched and who could not.


    Gu Ying stopped and gripped the bamboo umbre tightly, the smile on her lips blossoming.


    The man''s gaze was predatory as he looked at her profoundly. His line of vision slid down from her face to her corbones.


    As the weather grew hotter, the girl wore less and less. The glimpses of fair smooth skin had a glistening rosy sheen, like a sea pink bud about to bloom.


    Seeing her like this made his mouth dry with thirst. He carried her onto the carriage. But just sitting on the soft couch, he already felt like taking her here.

 Chapter 385: Ah Ying is right.

    <h4>Chapter 385</h4>


    Gu Ying grabbed his cor, looking up at the man''s fierce eyes, her face flushed as she bit her lip, "No, I''m not feeling well down there, the old doctor said we need to refrain."


    They had done it a few times before when the baby was stable.


    A man like him...would never shortchange her in that area.


    So each time was over an hour...


    This time after the danger, the baby almost got hurt, she had decided not to let the Prince touch her before the birth.


    Zhao Changdu dangerously narrowed his eyes, looking at her protruding belly, and slightly suppressed the restlessness in his heart.


    "Alright alright, I won''t touch you." The man''s tone was indulgent as his big hand held the girl''s slender waist, gently caressing her. Soon his big warm palm moved to her small belly, gently stroking.


    The baby in her belly was still small, just over four months. Gu Ying''s stomach was only the size of his palm.


    Who knows when he''ll be back from the border this time.


    Gu Ying''s gaze fell on his long, slender fingers. Her ears reddened slightly, "That''s more like it. When youe back, we can do it anytime..."


    Zhao Changdu''s Adam''s apple rolled as his breathing grew heavier, "Really, anytime?"


    Gu Ying didn''t think he coulde up with anything fancy. She nodded innocently, "As long as others don''t find out, this is our secret."


    God knows how hard it was for her to say something so embarrassing, but she wanted to reassure him and let him know her feelings.


    When you love someone, you can''t control yourself in that area.


    Although she was just a woman, she couldn''t avoid worldly desires.


    "Alright, our secret." Zhao Changdu''s gaze was deep as he uttered hoarsely.


    Barely discernibly, he smirked. Various tantalizing images had already popped up in his mind, just waiting for his return and the baby''s birth. Then he should properlypensate the girl.


    Gu Ying let go of her cor, her vicle already a bit red.


    Zhao Changdu''s hot gaze swept over her. The girl''s skin was too delicate.


    The carriage went all the way back to Zhenguo Duke Manor. On the way, Zhao Changdu told Gu Ying everything that happened yesterday in detail.


    Gu Ying also told the Prince about Mrs. Lin''s matter.


    The carriage stopped at the gate of the Duke Manor and silence filled the carriage.


    Gu Ying put her hand into the man''s palm and turned her head to peer into his deep eyes. He was calmer thanst time but his eyes were veryplicated.


    She quietly didn''t speak, giving the man time to digest this.


    After all, it was uneptable to anyone that Cheng wanted to harm a Duke''s wife while Concubine Wan was the favored beauty in the pce. For so many years, she held her position steadfast even without giving birth to even half a child for Tianqi Emperor. The Emperor''s feelings for Concubine Wan could not be shaken. Wanting revenge for Mrs. Lin was not something that could be aplished overnight.


    Just then the Prince was about to depart for the frontier, with unknown chances of survival once on the battlefield.


    No one would be willing to let their enemy enjoy life freely forever.


    "A-du, I''ve thought about this. I have to avenge my mother." Gu Ying looked at the man with some distress. "Although Concubine Wan is not an ordinary person, she still harmed people so she should pay with her life. Her existence ruined my mother''s whole life. She deserves death."


    Zhao Changdu was silent for a long time. When he spoke again, his tone was very calm. "A-ying is right."


    Gu Ying was slightly stunned. The Prince didn''t seem sad at all?


    Zhao Changdu''s taut handsome face softened a bit as he curled his fingers and tapped them on the tip of the girl''s pert nose. "However, it shouldn''t be A-ying seeking revenge but me as her son to personally handle it."


    Thest three words contained thick hatred and some sense of confidence.


    Gu Ying blinked thoughtfully, "Judging by A-du''s expression, did you already know?"


    "How could Cheng have the ability to harm a Duke''s wife? When Granny Sun said someone had looked for Cheng, I had people investigate secretly." Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, still looking rather rxed. "There was a record in the information repository at Fuyun Building about when Zhao Rou went to Ruyi Alley. Using that as a lead, I actually discovered that Concubine Wan and Zhao Rou had conspired to harm my mother."


    Gu Ying knitted her brows in shock. "There''s Zhao Rou''s hand in this too?"


    Zhao Changduughed sarcastically. "Yes, I didn''t expect that either. Born in Zhenguo Duke Manor, she looked down on my mother''s status, feeling she wasn''t worthy of Zhao Hui. So she secretly found Cheng to cooperate with her to spread rumors that Zhao Hui kept mistresses outside, wanting to force my mother to give up the marriage. But their tricks didn''t work. Later, the two started slipping my mother drugs, causing her to be mentally ill and deranged before jumping off Jixue Cliff."


    Gu Ying was speechless for a moment.


    Every family had their troubles but Zhao Rou was the Prince''s own aunt! How could she do this to the Prince''s mother?


    No wonder the Huo family hadn''t been doing so well recently with Zhao Rou unable to find a good match for Huo Qiyan at various households before falling ill in bed after a few days.


    Now it seemed there was the Prince''s hand behind this.


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth slightly smirked. "At first I thought the mastermind was only Zhao Rou. It was just jealousy sparking hatred between women."


    "Until today when I saw a girl at Fuyun Building, I realized there was an even deeper cause behind all this."


    Gu Ying''s breathing tightened. "A girl?"


    Zhao Changdu''s bright eyes dimmed. "Yes, a girl who looks somewhat like His Majesty."


    Gu Ying''s brows rose as if realizing something. She suddenly remembered something and her eyes instantly lit up.


    Zhao Changdu looked at the girl in his arms, a pair of unparalleled bright eyes, hiding starlight within.


    The two of them were very smart people, naturally understanding what this girl signified!


    For a moment, the atmosphere in the carriage was strangely quiet.


    Under the dim beanmp, Gu Ying''s sea pink-hued face was as bright as a flower, unable to conceal the excitement and tion in her eyes.


    Zhao Changdu uttered profoundly, "Concubine Wan''s secret was discovered by my mother so she wanted my mother dead. That''s why she instigated Zhao Rou to be her murder weapon. I investigated that Zhao Rou was very close with Concubine Wan back then."


    As Gu Ying listened, her heart suddenly chilled.


    Imperial affairs were unfathomable, Concubine Wan''s mind was even more vicious than men.


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to stare at the girl''s taut snowy face as he collected her small hand into his big one, slowly kneading her soft fingers. Lightly he continued, "A-ying doesn''t need to worry. Before leaving Bianjing, I will get justice for my mother."


    "Yes." Gu Ying also smirked.


    ...From that day on, it kept raining in Bianjing.


    Misty rain like curtains with spring pavilions shrouded in fog everywhere on the long streets lined with willows.


    Gu Ying handed Mu Nanfeng to Fuyun Building.

 Chapter 386: Grandmother’s Door

    <h4>Chapter 386</h4>


    Having Su and this specially appointed Fuyun Building ownere to investigate people was much better than her blindly groping around on her own.


    In her previous life, she had suffered from being too honest, and because she had spent the first two years of her marriage only revolving around Jiang Yin, she was confined to the inner residence,peting and currying favor with all kinds of women, and had few friends.


    She had to bear everything alone and swallow all grievances alone.


    After being reborn, she finally knew what it felt like to be protected and doted on. She also knew that when she encountered difficulties and troubles, she could let her friends share the burden.


    The Prince Consort let her rest and nurture the fetus in her womb, and didn''t allow her to worry and overexert herself. She also thought that this child in her belly was the one she looked forward to most in her life, and she certainly couldn''t let outsiders harm her child because of some outsiders.


    So the matter of Mu Nanfeng was temporarily shelved for the time being.


    Although Gu Wan¡¯s marriage with the Fu family had not yet been finally settled, in order to avoid suspicion and prevent outsiders from gossiping, after the Fu family learned that Gu Wan had returned from the Ye Family Manor, they did note to ask for an exnation.


    It was unknown whether this could be considered a good thing, but at least the Fu family did not mention withdrawing from the engagement.


    The Dongping Earl Manor had suffered sessive incidents, and its reputation was no longerparable to before. Now it couldn''t withstand Gu Wan being withdrawn from marriage again.


    The marriage of Gu Ying was also put on the agenda, and several families had been considered but were all rejected for one reason or another.


    As for the deranged Gu Jia... after Jiang Yin¡¯s death, she had be a widow and had always been kept in the Earl Manor.


    It was a pity that Grandmother couldn''t bear to see her granddaughter having no one to rely on in the future, and was actively looking for someone to propose another marriage for her everywhere.


    When she went out, she was even using the identity of her eldest daughter, the wife of the Duke!


    When Gu Ying heard about this, she directly cut off Grandmother''s thoughts.


    Afterwards, because of Gu Jia¡¯s marriage and Gu Ming¡¯s martial arts training, Grandmother sent greeting cards to the Duke Manor several times.


    Gu Ying declined twice, giving them a warning, and only met with her on the third time.


    Inside the Changfeng Pavilion, on the Luohan bed.


    Grandmother was still the same grandmother, dignified and tranquil. Those dim old eyes showed a sharpness that could not be ignored, and was also full of deep resentment and grievances.


    The half-crazy and half-confused Gu Jia wore exquisite smoky purple brocade long dress, drooling while sitting next to Grandmother.


    A mad woman with her hair neatly styled, head full of pearls and jewels, dazzling and brilliant.


    It could be seen that the person taking care of her was extremely patient and caring.


    Gu Ying smiled mockingly, her eyes sweeping over her empty and foolish gaze, she really could no longer associate this person with her ruthless and heartless eldest sister from her previous life.


    The winds of karma really took turn blowing east for thirty years and west for thirty years.


    In this life, she didn''t take her life but let her live without dignity, which could also be considered an act of greatpassion on her part.


    Gu Old Madam sat stiffly, speaking sarcastically, "Now that you''ve be the Princess Consort of the Duke Manor, you''ve made quite a name for yourself. For me to see you, I have to bow down and beg three times. If this gets out, who wouldn''t say my second branch¡¯s daughter has done well for herself?"


    Gu Ying smiled without emotion, the smile not reaching her eyes, "If Grandmother is here just to pick a fight, this granddaughter will not entertain you, after all this granddaughter is pregnant with the Prince Consort''s child. If something happens with the fetus, when the Prince Consort asks, I can''t say it was because Grandmother got angry, right?"


    Gu Old Madam was rendered speechless, her brows knitted tightly into the shape of the character chuan ´¨, her face ck with anger.


    She didn''t expect Gu Ying to be so unmoved today, showing no respect for her at all, and even daring to use the Prince Consort to pressure her.


    She really didn''t put her grandmother in her eyes at all!


    Seeing Gu Ying about to leave with the help of her maid, she couldn''t hold back and called her back. She spoke righteously, "Jia is your eldest sister, she has cared for you since you were young, inseparable from you. She was very good to you. Ying, it''s been so long, you¡¯ve married the Prince Consort, and your eldest sister has also repented about Jiang Yin¡¯s matter. Everyone says there are no overnight grudges between loved ones. No matter what, Jiang Yin was still an outsider after all. You and Jia are blood-rted sisters. In the future, you sisters will have to rely on each other for life. Don''t you care about her? Do you only care about your own reputation?"


    How could she, as a grandmother, say such words?


    Gu Ying sat down again, cynical in her heart but smiling indifferently on her face, "If she is my sister, why doesn''t she care about me as her younger sister?"


    Gu Old Madam paused for a moment, impatiently said, "What can Jia do for you? You are the Princess Consort of the Duke Manor, you should help your sister a little, it¡¯s only right. There is also the matter of Ming learning martial arts. I begged and pleaded to swallow my pride ande to ask you for help. He is also your brother. It just so happens that Gu Ning has a good mentor. What''s the harm in letting Ming go there and learn for a while? You are all one family, why insist on being so estranged and unwilling to lend a hand to help your siblings?"


    Such tant favoritism was simply shameless.


    Gu Ying sneered and hooked her lips, "I''m afraid Grandmother is mistaken, I and Gu Jia and Gu Ming can''t really be considered siblings. My father and mother only have me and my brother as biological children. As for the children of the main branch, that is the main branch¡¯s business and not for me to worry about."


    Gu Old Madam didn''t expect her topletely distance herself, and angrily said, "Gu Ying, how can you say such heartless words?"


    Gu Ying raised her brow and said, "Why can''t I say that? I''m not Gu Boyan''s daughter anyway."


    "You--" Gu Old Madam shot up, boiling with anger. Her old face flushed red, pointing her finger at Gu Ying''s nose and gritting her teeth in anger, "You ungrateful child! Come back here! Do you really think the Gu Family can''t get by without you?"


    Gu Ying calmly sipped the pregnancy medicine handed over by her maid. She knew Grandmother was unhappy.


    She was the granddaughter Grandmother disliked the most, yet she had married the best. She used to think that Grandmother would be proud of her, and tried her best in everything to please her.


    Until living two lifetimes, she finally understood that no matter what she did, no matter if she married into a prestigious family and became a noble wife, Grandmother would never like her.


    Moreover, Grandmother had provoked and created a rift between her and Father behind the scenes. In any case, this was not something a grandmother should do.


    The former her would have felt wronged, distressed, and sad that Grandmother didn''t care more about her.


    But now, she had seen through Grandmother''s true face. Other than disappointment, there was only disappointment. She no longer had any feelings for her.


    Since this was the case, then as her brother said, she would no longer treat her as Grandmother, and if she was severing this kinship, then she would do so decisively and cleanly.


    "Grandmother, please go back. I absolutely won''t say a word for Gu Jia. As for Gu Ming, if he wants to go to the Ye Family to learn martial arts, I can reluctantly agree for Gu Ning''s sake."


    "Gu Ying! You damned girl! Come back here! Do you really think the Gu Family can''t get by without you!" Gu Old Madam hobbled forward with her cane, trying to grab Gu Ying''s hand.

 Chapter 387: He went to the Army.

    <h4>Chapter 387</h4>


    Yanzhi quickly dodged back and pushed the rouge in front of her. She raised her chin and said, "Madam, if you dare to touch mydy again, don''t me me for being ruthless!"


    Gu Old Madam''s chest heaved violently as she red at Gu Ying with terrifying coldness. "Good! Now that you''ve married, you turn your back on me?"


    Gu Yingughed lightly. "I haven''t turned my back on you. I just won''t have dealings with the Duke of Dongping''s residence from now on."


    Gu Old Madam red with anger again. "Gu Ying!"


    Gu Ying smiled gently without a hint of anger. "Grandmother, it''s useless no matter how much you yell. I married into Prince Guo''s estate. From now on, I will take the Zhao surname. It''s none of your business since you are surnamed Gu."


    Gu Old Madamughed coldly again and again. Fury filled her chest and her old face turned purple. "Fine. It was you who said it. If you suffer any grievances in your husband''s house in the future, don''t condescend to take half a step into my Gu house!"


    After the Old Madam finished yelling, an awkward silence filled the entire Changfeng Pavilion.


    The Eldest Prince had gone to the garrison today. Inside and outside the yard, the servants who were attending clenched their nerves. After all, this woman held an extraordinary status. And she was carrying the little Eldest Prince of Prince Guo''s estate in her belly. No one dared to be negligent and let Gu Old Madam harm her.


    Soon, more than a dozen maids gathered around. Yanzhi and Hai Tang in particr red at the old woman.


    Gu Old Madam''s expression was extremely ugly. Her lips were pressed into a taut straight line. "I''m your grandmother. How dare you treat me like this?! Do you still care about face if this gets out?!"


    Gu Ying knew that she didn''t dare make trouble in Prince Guo''s estate. The corner of her mouth contained an extremely indifferent smile as she quietly looked at her.


    Gu Old Madam stared at her with the pair of clear eyes and suddenly didn''t know whether to continue yelling and shouting.


    Gu Ying''s lips curled into a cold smile. She patted Yanzhi''s shoulder and walked out from behind her to stand in front of her grandmother.


    Until today at seventeen years old, she had never dared to look her straight in the eye like this.


    As she looked into those old eyes filled with anger, hatred, resentment and malice, she really couldn''t understand why she had desperately tried to please her and the main room in the past.


    She finally awakened. The huge boulder pressing on her heart had finally fallen to the ground.


    "Grandmother."


    Gu Old Madam stared fixedly at her.


    Gu Yingughed lightly. She casually said, "Imunicated with Father recently."


    Gu Old Madam''s body trembled. She stiffly moved her eyes.


    Gu Ying didn''t miss the panic in the depths of her eyes and continued tough. "Father said he will be back this winter to see me and A Ning."


    Gu Old Madam''s lips quivered slightly as she tried to speak but couldn''t make a sound. "You..."


    Gu Ying sighed ruefully, her brows and eyes clear. "At that time, Grandmother shoulde too. Family should reunite, right?"


    As soon as she said this, her most respected grandmother fled in defeat, only leaving her a flustered back view when she left.


    Gu Jia cried and made a fuss like a child. She couldn''t bear to leave the tasty pastries at Changfeng Pavilion and had taken a liking to the beautiful ssntern at Prince Guo''s estate.


    "Mine! They are all mine! These are all mine!" She mored and shouted to im ownership of the ssntern.


    Gu Ying looked down at her from a high vantage point. She raised her hand and smashed the ssntern in front of Gu Jia''s face. There wasn''t the slightest ripple in her eyes.


    Under such a gaze, Gu Jia was so frightened that she wet herself. The stench of urine meandered out from under her skirt, flowing a long way.


    "Ah!" She cried out with a wail. Her exquisite made-up face became even more ghostly.


    Gu Ying only felt refreshed. Gu Jia''s miserable state pleased her. She wouldn''t let her die but would only let her live a lifetime of humiliation like this.


    After Gu Jia was thrown out of Prince Guo''s estate, Gu Yingpletely broke off dealings with the Duke of Dongping''s residence.


    When the Eldest Prince returned and heard about this, he praised her for doing well. At night, he helped massage her sore waist and back and even personally bathed and washed her hair by himself.


    She didn''t have anything else to do on ordinary days either, still studying medicine with Mrs. Lin and managing medicinal herbs during her leisure time as usual.


    Shen Ruxu calmed down a lot. She almost never came to liven things up around her anymore. She would only asionally run into her at Lingxi Pavilion. They wouldn''t exchange more than a few words before Shen Ruxu hurriedly left.


    Mrs Lin said that she had recently opened a medicine shop outside to see patients¡¯ illnesses and grab medicine. She seemed a lot more down-to-earth.


    Hai Tang often followed Shen Ruxu. Everything she said and did, every little detail would be reported back.


    Therefore, she wasn''t worried that Shen Ruxu would make some sinister move behind the scenes. In any case, it was almost impossible for her to enter Changfeng Pavilion¡¯s territory.


    It was just that Su He hade to the estate as a guest more often recently.


    He went to Changzhou to investigate the fire in Concubine Wan¡¯s hometown. On the way, he was assassinated and identally blinded both eyes when saving people.


    The doctors outside couldn''t cure it. Only Mrs. Lin could treat it.


    When Mrs. Lin treated him, he still bragged with satisfaction that he adapted well. In just over a month, he hadpletely adapted to the darkness and his hearing became even more acute.


    Gu Yingughed at him. "Then isn''t it even better to not treat it?"


    Su He said, "How could that be okay? Li Yang''s cronies mocked me yesterday. I have to secretly heal my eyes to shock everyone."


    Gu Ying stared at the gauze over his eyes, lost in thought.


    Tianqi Emperor still forgave Li Yang under Concubine Wan¡¯s whispers. She heard the emperor¡¯s health had been poor recently and Dongli¡¯s courtiers were worried there would be no sessor for the dynasty. They frequently pressed him to establish a crown prince as soon as possible at court.


    Prince Duan and Prince Shu each had their own supporters. The battle for the crown prince became increasingly fierce.


    She also didn''t know how Ning Si was doing at Prince Duan¡¯s estate.


    After passing Qingjie, she should find an opportunity to go to the prince¡¯s estate and see her, lest Prince Duan had no sense of propriety and harmed her.


    Su He murmured, "Sister-inw, do you still remember my nephew?"


    Gu Ying was startled. "You have a nephew?"


    "Has pregnancy made you stupid for three years that you''ve forgotten him so quickly?" Su He was surprised as he pursed his lips and reminded, "Marquis Yong¡¯an¡¯s young master, Su Huanfeng."


    Gu Ying hadn''t heard that person''s name in a while. In her memory, he was her former brother-inw who protected her elder sister''s glory, riches and honor for a lifetime.


    After she was reborn, she had broken off his marriage fate with Gu Jia.


    It was just a fluke that she had originally wanted to find him, but in the end found A Du instead...


    Gu Ying felt it was somewhat funny and also marveled at the wonders of fate.


    In this life, he hadn''t done anything to wrong her and had treated her very well. He even helped make things difficult for Gu Jia at the winter hunt.


    She recalled his bright smile and unruly grin then. He really was a dashing and unrestrained handsome youth who dared to love and hate.


    "How is he now?"


    Su He shouldn''t have brought up Su Huanfeng. If A Du heard this, he would give him a good beating.


    But he couldn''t help but mention him.


    "After your dissolved engagement, he enlisted in the army."

 Chapter 388: The Man Who Robbed Him

    <h4>Chapter 388</h4>


    Life on the march was rough. For such a young master who had been pampered since childhood, to endure the harsh conditions on the border was truly difficult.


    Gu Ying smiled lightly. "Joining the army is quite good."


    She remembered in his previous life he had built up great military achievements, and single-handedly restored the precarious Yong''an Marquis Manor.


    Su He could not see Gu Ying''s expression but could hear her calm, gentle voice. She was soposed, clearly showing no romantic feelings for his nephew.


    He hesitated for a long while before finally saying, "He''s doing well on the border. He even went to visit your father recently and received guidance from General Gu. He almost became the son-inw of my revered father-inw. General Gu really likes him and taught him a set of spear techniques, saying it would be great if he was his son-inw."


    Gu Ying''s mouth twitched. "My father can be so magnanimous?"


    Ever since reconnecting with her father through letters, she had solemnly informed him again about her engagement to the heir of the Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    Previously her letters had all been intercepted by her grandmother at the Bo Manor.


    Her father had no idea she was married. Upon finding out, he wrote back a thick stack of letters to "lecture" her on why she did not inform him sooner! For such a big event as marriage, as her father he not only did not recognize his son-inw, he was not even present!


    After "reprimanding" her, he further expressed his dissatisfaction and dislike of Adu in the letter.


    He said that when he returns to the capital to report on his duties by the new year, he will be sure to have a good long chat about life with Adu.


    Even from thousands of miles away, she could feel the distaste in his tone. It''s said that the more a mother-inw looks at her son-inw, the more she likes him. It seems her father was no exception!


    Gu Ying helplessly hooked the corners of her lips. "My father will like Adu. Adu is no worse than the young marquis."


    Su He chuckled. "In any case, the future of my Su family rests on him bringing glory. In the past he was a useless yboy, but now he has finally grown into an outstanding youth, fighting one against ten on the battlefield, and has won honors in several surprise attacks against the enemy. His father and I are quite gratified."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying happily narrowed her eyes.


    "He will be an outstanding son who brings glory. He will also protect Dong Li''s people from the ravages of war. In the future he will be the hero in the hearts of themon people."


    Su He casuallyughed. "You''re so certain?"


    Gu Ying affirmed with a slight smile, recalling the prudent and wise Marquis Su Huanfeng from the previous life. With utmost sincerity she said, "Yes, I just know he''s that kind of person."


    Blinded, Su He was extremely pleased, the corners of his lips raised high. "That''s right, this is the kind of man my Su family raises."


    In this life he would never be able to walk in the public eye. From the moment he became the sessor of the Su family, he was destined to live his entire life unable to inherit the glory of the Yong''an Marquis Manor like Su Huanfeng, to take up that long spear, and fight with the Qiang Tribe People.


    But he would make every preparation and leave an escape route for the Su family.


    Just as Gu Ying was about to agree, she suddenly felt her body go weightless as she was swept up tightly into an embrace.


    She was about to cry out when the man''s cold gaze swept over.


    It sent chills down her spine. She didn''t know how she offended him. Seeing his unpleasant expression as dark as the bottom of a pot, she swallowed her words.


    "Su He, get out."


    Su He was stunned. "Adu, you''re back-- Ah!"


    Before he could finish speaking, he was kicked out into the yard by a sweeping leg attack. Unable to see, he cursed the empty yard.


    "What did I do to offend you! Why did you kick me? Can''t you see I''m still recovering from an illness? I''m still blind! Have somepassion for the disabled!"


    After being blinded, he had be much more lovable.


    Gu Ying secretlyughed behind her hand at the scene. The man holding her lowered his longshes. "Funny?"


    Gu Ying met the man''s jealous eyes. "Pretty funny."


    "From now on, don''te see him when he''s changing his medicine."


    "Adu, I just randomly dropped by to take a look."


    "Even randomly is not allowed. He''s not worthy."


    Su He''s mouth twitched as he crawled up from the ground. Shouting loudly he called, "Na Yuan! Na Yuan! Na Yuan! Where are you?"


    But Na Yuan hadn''te at all. With no one to help him up, he fled on his own, afraid that a certain ruthless death god would take out his anger on him.


    It was just a casual mention of Huanfeng, was there a need to be so jealous?


    Zhao Changdu was hopeless! Completely henpecked by a woman, useless!


    The yard emptied out. Gu Ying carefully hooked the man''s slender neck, blinking her eyes. "Adu, you''re not actually jealous are you? Don''t worry, I don''t like Su He, and I don''t like Su Huanfeng either."


    The man''s brows sunk. "But you praised him."


    Gu Ying blinked nkly. "He is...quite the big hero after all."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak, silently carrying her from Lingxi Pavilion back to Changfeng Pavilion.


    The man''s body emanated a keep-your-distance chill that the maidservants along the way couldn''t avoid fast enough.


    Until the sound of a "bang".


    The main chamber doors of Changfeng Pavilion were tightly shut.


    Shortly after, faint pleas for mercy and hurried gasps could be heard from the room.


    "Tell me, who is your hero?"


    Gu Ying''s breathing hitched. Her mind already muddled by his actions, she answered between alluring, glistening red lips, "Just...random...praise...Adu...mm..."


    "Just randomly?"


    He saw herpletely sincere expression when she spoke those words.


    "Really...why would I...lie to you..."


    "..."


    "Adu, be gentle...our baby..."


    "Slow...down..."


    Gu Ying looked up at the man''s flushed handsome face. When met with his searing gaze, she timidly looked away.


    Her slender, fair hand gripped his lean muscles tighter and tighter as he moved.


    The man gazed at her shy, blushing cheeks, dangerously narrowing his dark eyes. He leaned down, avoiding her belly, and kissed her lips and chin.


    After a period of such entanglement, Gu Ying could barely withstand it anymore.


    Her breathing grew ragged, her entire body went limp and powerless as she fell back into the brocade quilts.


    The gilded embroidered silk canopy above swayed again and again.


    She really could not take it anymore and tearfully begged for mercy, clinging to his strong waist for a long time before he finally gave a muffled grunt and finished.


    Gu Ying waspletely spent. Her delicate arms softly slid from his back and fell to the sheets.


    Her brows were scented red, eyes zed with misty moisture. "Adu, what are you so afraid of?"


    Zhao Changdu''s body froze. He put on a robe, slipped under the sheets, and gathered the little girl in his arms. "Nothing to fear, just always feel like I stole his woman."


    So he felt guilty deep down.


    Gu Ying red at him. She angrily bit his nose. "I''m not his woman."

 Chapter 389: He and his mother-in-law are bitter Enemies.

    <h4>Chapter 389</h4>


    "You are his fianc¨¦e."


    "No one belongs to anyone, I am my own person."


    The man''s eyes darkened as he stared at her intently.


    Feeling the grip on her waist tighten, Gu Ying spoke coquettishly again, "I have never had feelings for him. Our engagement was just a ploy for revenge against my elder sister. But didn''t I end up with you by chance in the end? It''s obvious that Adu and I are a match made in heaven, even the heavens are trying to bring us together."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes, and tightened his arms around the soft beauty in his embrace, the corners of his lips tilted up, "That may be so, but there''s still the issue of your father¡ª"


    He would be leaving for the border soon, their military camps were only separated by three cities, for both emotional and practical reasons, he had to make time to travel to Huang City.


    What if General Gu did not like him?


    He could not possibly separate from Ah Ying, but he also did not want Ah Ying to be caught in a dilemma between himself and her father.


    His brows furrowed in frustration, regretting that he did not first get General Gu''s approval before marrying his daughter. Now that Ah Ying was carrying his child, would her formidable father me Ah Ying...and him?


    The more Zhao Changdu thought about it, the tighter his frown became. He was good at fighting wars, but had little experience handling conflicts between inws.


    Back then at the borders, he did not like this general who only knew conservative tactics and emphasized benevolence. He had always...looked down on him.


    When he first entered the battlefield at fifteen, even when fighting intensely, he had heard that General Gu, stationed three cities away, still scolded him for being an ignorant calf who knew nothing, and said that he did not know how to lead troops or fight wars, that he would surely die on the battlefield one day.


    Ten years had passed, and General Gu still did not think highly of him. Who would have thought he would be his father-inw...


    Gu Ying bit her lip and smiled. She gently stroked the crease between the man''s brows with her fair, slender index finger, roughly guessing what he was worried about¡ªthe fact that her father was his "archenemy".


    He looked especially handsome when frowning seriously over his troubles. It made her want to tease him.


    "Is Adu worried that Daddy won''t like you?"


    Zhao Changdu was somewhat embarrassed to admit it. "No, although he does not approve of my military tactics and strategies, your father and I admire each other on many levels."


    Some admiration that was. If Gu Ying had not reincarnated, she might have believed him.


    But she knew that in their past life, her father and this young General Zhao often shed, and had even fought over whether to divide their troops.


    It was at the end of this year''s battle that their rtionship began to ease.


    She would never have imagined that she would marry her father''s "archenemy" in this life...


    But what to do now?


    Her father would soon have a grandchild. He might refuse a son-inw, but surely he could not refuse his own grandchild?


    Thinking of this, Gu Yingughed softly.


    Finally having soothed the man''s worries, she heaved a sigh of relief. Afterforting him half the night, she was starving.


    Without another word, Zi''er got up to buy food for her. A bowl of hot yangchun noodles was served, along with a dazzling array of snacks and fresh sheep''s milk. It made her eyes shine.


    He said, "This is your reward for working hard tonight."


    Gu Ying was exasperated. She red at him and said, "Don''t do this next time, Nian will hold a grudge."


    Having gotten his way, the mannguidly hand-fed her supper as if he were an old father, attentive and considerate.


    He watched the girl''s pink, delicate lips. Seeing her take small bites of the snacks, nibbling daintily like a kitten learning to drink milk, she was just so cute and adorable.


    She ate whatever he gave her, obedient and endearing.


    "No wonder women like to raise children."


    It brings great joy to provide for them.


    Gu Ying was puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"


    Zhao Changdu wiped away the crumbs from the corners of her mouth, chuckling. "It''s nothing, just eat up."


    After a few more bites, Gu Ying felt increasingly uneasy under the man''s intense gaze next to her.


    She swallowed the dry snack with some difficulty, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Why do you keep staring at me...Adu, I can''t eat anymore if you look at me like that."


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up. For some reason, although he had just eaten his fill, the sight of the girl before him made him hungry again.


    He simply leaned in to gently capture her lips.


    As his tongue gently probed, he forcefully invaded her mouth.


    Gu Ying had not finished her snack before she felt her mouth go empty. Then came the man''s scorching breath and burning lips.


    Her face grew hot as he grabbed her by the waist.


    And then...came a night of passion behind closed doors.


    ...


    Bianjing remained as peaceful, prosperous, and vibrant as always.


    But beneath this prosperity, there was an undercurrent of inexplicable tension.


    The girl Su He had saved was the one Zi''er called Yuan¡ªGu Ying had met her. She was exquisite and charming, withrge, round eyes. Compared to Li Yang, she resembled more the one in the pce.


    With this trump card in hand, the Crown Prince''s position against Imperial Concubine Shu would be much stronger.


    Gu Ying increasingly looked forward to the Xingqing Festival.


    Yet this anticipation soon turned to mncholy, because Zi''er would also be leaving Bianjing.


    It kept raining before and after the Xingqing Festival, making the whole Bianjing seem immersed in water.


    The one in the pce was in increasingly poor health. It was said she had not eaten in two days. Neither Prince Duan nor Prince Shu dared to leave the pce, standing vigil at her bedside. In any case, there was an unusual atmosphere both inside and outside the pce.


    When the empire was unstable, people were bound to harbor ulterior motives.


    Her Majesty''s illness was questionable, and the imperial doctors could not determine its cause, so they did not dare prescribe potent medicine, they could only let it drag on.


    It was the obstinate Tianqi Emperor who insisted on going to the Imperial Ancestral Temple himself to pray and exorcise evil spirits causing the illness.


    The Crown Prince was fully in charge of preparing the Tianqi Emperor''s journey to worship.


    Every night at home, Gu Ying waited for Zi''er to return, seeing himing and going hurriedly, the clean-cut features of his face lined with fatigue. She felt somewhat worried.


    "Adu, have the arrangements been properly made?"


    She did not dare to speak too explicitly, as long as Zi''er understood her meaning.


    "Mm, more or less." After removing his armor, when Zhao Changdu embraced the young girl, the exhaustion that had pervaded his entire body gradually dissipated. "There''s still one more day."


    Gu Ying held hisrge hand and massaged his icy cold fingers. Smiling gently, she said, "Both inside and outside the pce cannot do without Adu, you must be tired."

 Chapter 390: Private Meetings

    <h4>Chapter 390</h4>


    Zhao Changdu closed his eyes for a moment, his thick long eyshes casting two deep ck shadows underneath. "It will be fine as long as we get through the Xingqing Festival safely."


    Gu Ying undid his hair bun for him, gently massaging his temples. She took the opportunity to ask him the details of the Xingqing Festival.


    Zhao Changdu did not hide anything and told her everything one by one.


    Gu Ying listened attentively, carefully rehearsing the arrangements of the Xingqing Festival in her mind a few times. By the time she came back to her senses, the man in her arms had fallen asleep.


    She chuckled softly, her small hand gliding over his sturdy pir, unable to resist nting a kiss on his thin lips.


    Soft and extremely sweet.


    "Don''t make trouble."


    Gu Ying was not going to listen to him. She lowered her head and continued to peck at his brow, then his exquisite brow and eyes, the tip of his nose, his lips, his chin, teasing him until he slowly opened his eyes.


    Meeting his passionate gaze, Gu Ying regretted it then.


    Her body turned and somehow she was pressed onto the bed, those hungry wolf-like eyes staring straight at her.


    She gave an embarrassedugh, covering her chest. "Um... Changdu, I was just teasing earlier..."


    Zhao Changdu leaned over her, whispering hoarsely next to the youngdy''s flushed ear as he toyed with her earlobe. "Ying, I''m leaving soon. Let me eat my fill, okay?"


    Gu Ying''s ears grew hot. Facing the man''s desirous eyes, she could not get the words of refusal out.


    "Then be gentle."


    "Alright."


    "And go slowly, not likest time."


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lowly, hisrge hand deftly undoing her sash. "Okay, okay, anything you say."


    Gu Ying''s body was pushed into the sheets. Soon, she felt the heat rising, and the sturdy bed began emitting one long, slow rocking sound after another.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, it was the Xingqing Festival.


    This day was a grand festival for Dong Li tomemorate ancestors and worship deities.


    Not only did the officials get time off, every household would stop their work and worship the gods,memorating their ancestors.


    The Crown Prince had gotten up before dawn to prepare to go to the pce to perform the morning court ritual.


    Gu Ying also got up to follow him, vaguely aware of being kissed for a good while by the man before being pressed back into bed. "Be good, sleep a while longer."


    Still dazed, she watched the man''s back as he changed clothes. Her body felt too heavy, and she soon fell back asleep.


    When she woke up again, it was bright out.


    Yanzhi and Yin Lan brought over hot water and towels to bathe and dress her and do her hair.


    "Did the people I borrowed from Auntie arrive?"


    Yanzhi put a hairpin in her updo and smiled. "They''ve arrived and are waiting for you, mydy."


    Gu Ying nodded. She took Yin Lan''s hand and walked out, "Yin Lan, is your hand better?"


    Yin Lan smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern, mydy. It''spletely healed now."


    Thedy had been extremely kind, sending many precious health tonics, and having the Princess Consort personally look at her injury. With someone as attentive as Huai An looking after her day and night, how could she not recover quickly?


    Yanzhi teased, "Sister Yin Lan was able to recover so swiftly thanks to Lord Huai''s help. If not for Lord Huai not eating or sleeping¡ª" Ow!"


    Yin Lan''s face flushed slightly as she quickly covered Yanzhi''s mouth. "Yanzhi, quiet!"


    Yanzhi smiled behind her hand, eyes full of joy.


    This was her first time participating in the Xingqing Festival at the Duke''s estate, so naturally she was excited, almost dragging Yin Lan along to share her delight.


    Gu Ying watched Yin Lan and Yanzhi joking with a smile, also feeling somewhat emotional.


    When she was at the Earl of Dongping''s estate, she hardly had the chance to leave the estate and participate in festivals like this. Now she could represent the Duke of Zhenguo''s estate and apany the Consort Shou to Qingyun Temple. It really made one sigh with emotion.


    His Majesty had summoned the civil and military officials before dawn to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Considering the time, they must have already left the temple and gone to the Imperial Altar now.


    Only the Empress was qualified to apany the Emperor to the Imperial Altar. The other pce women were not granted ess.


    Thus every year the Consort Shou would be granted permission to leave the pce and go to Qingyun Temple to mourn her sister who died in a great fire.


    This year was no exception.


    For her safety, it was still done ording to convention, with Captain Xia Zixi of the Imperial Guards personally leading people to protect her outing from the pce.


    Gu Ying followed behind the Consort Shou''s carriage with the other two pcedies. They swayed along all the way to Qingyun Temple.


    "Mydy, do you see that one in green? That''s Madam Zhang, wife of Lord Yang of Bianjing Prefecture. Lord Yang is in charge of the prisons and like a brother to Captain Xia. Ten years ago, he was promoted entirely thanks to Captain Xia. "


    Well-informed and discerning, Yin Lan pointed to the woman about the Consort Shou''s age next to Madam Zhang. "That''s Madam Li, wife of Marquis Juying. She and Madam Zhang often apany the Consort Shou in the pce to y. The Consort Shou is from Changzhou. She didn''t have any friends or family after entering the capital, so His Majesty was afraid she would be unhappy and had people bring her close sisters from Changzhou over. Madam Li married over from Changzhou and is a fellow townswoman of the Consort Shou. There are rumors in Bianjing that Madam Li once had that kind of rtionship with Prince Shu... Later, after the Imperial Guards gave a warning killing, no one brought it up anymore."


    Gu Ying nodded slightly to indicate she understood.


    Come to think of it, the Consort Shou had been much more low-key this year.


    Perhaps because His Majesty was unwell, she didn''t dare be extravagant. She also brought fewer people with her.


    Madam Zhang and Madam Li stood together, chatting andughing together intermittently.


    "But why did the Consort Shou ask you to apany her this year?" Yanzhi wondered.


    Somehow Madam Zhang and Madam Li were the Consort Shou''s own people, while thedy was an outsider. She couldn''t integrate into their circle either. Also, things had been unhappy between them since the Consort Shou''s birthday banquet at the pce.


    Yin Lan also looked over wonderingly. "Could it be rted to when you were kidnappedst time, mydy? I heard Huai An say the one behind it was Prince Shu''s people. Prince Shu coveted you, so when one n failed he hatched another... This Qingyun Temple is clearly another Hongmen Banquet."


    "To say it''s a Hongmen Banquet is overestimating the Consort Shou." Gu Ying scoffed. "This is where she rendezvouses with Xia Zixi. It''s clearly a den of iniquity."


    Yin Lan suddenly understood. "No wonder those Madam Zhang and Madam Li are also unruly characters with unsavory reputations in Bianjing."


    Yanzhi was shocked, mouth agape. "So they''re a nest of snakes, rats and weasels! I''d only heard that Madam Zhang and Madam Li relied on the Consort Shou''s favor to run amok outside, forcibly taking men. I thought they were just rumors. Looking at how those two olddies are still making themselves up attractively now, they don''t seem like properdies at all. So every year when theye to Qingyun Temple, on the surface apanying the Consort Shou to mourn her sister, but actually... right in front of the gods and immortals they privately meet with men?!"

 Chapter 391: The Wan Concubine Gives Flower Tea

    <h4>Chapter 391</h4>


    Gu Ying greatly admired Yanzhi''s eloquence and smiled as she ruffled the little girl''s hair, "My little Yanzhi is bing more and more clever."


    Yanzhi bashfully bent her lips and said, "Oh, it''s all thanks to Madam teaching me well. I will keep improving and be even more clever!"


    Yin Lan''s thoughts were deeper than Yanzhi''s. Upon hearing this, she couldn''t help but ponder, "Madam, we have a purposeing here today, don''t we?"


    Before the Heir Apparent left the manor, he had clearly ordered people to secretly protect them near Changfeng Pavilion.


    Today, Madam should not have left the manor.


    Gu Ying nodded and did not hide anything from the two capable maids beside her. She said solemnly, "We just need to keep Concubine Wan in check. Everything else, we don''t need to worry about. The Heir Apparent has calcted the timing and will reveal Concubine Wan''s adultery with Xia Zixi before everyone at the critical moment by bringing His Majesty to Qingyun Temple."


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi''s expressions instantly became tense.


    A favored imperial concubinemitting adultery with the Commander of the Imperial Guards was a huge scandal!


    If they were caught red-handed adultery in public, His Majesty would surely be furious.


    By then, no matter how much Concubine Wan tried, there would be no chance of turning things around!


    Gu Ying smiled faintly, "Don''t be so nervous. The Heir Apparent has arranged everything."


    Including some of the Heir Apparent''s people among the Imperial Guards escorting Concubine Wan here this time.


    Also, the Heir Apparent has arranged his confidants within Qingyun Temple.


    The grand y of revealing the adultery has been fully prepared, now they just need the two main characters to make their appearance.


    Yanzhi heaved a long sigh of relief, and Yin Lan also slightly rxed her mouth corners, "But why did Concubine Wan ask for Madam to apany her?"


    Gu Ying''s mouth corners raised amusedly, "We''ll find out when we go in."


    Her gaze calmly swept over Madam Zhang and Mrs. Li. She got off the carriage behind them.


    Closely following behind her was a tall, sturdy figure - Shen Munian, Ah Ning''s martial arts master, whom she had borrowed from her aunt.


    At first nce, Madam Zhang''s eyes lit up when she saw Gu Ying. She smiled and walked over, "Oh my! This must be the young madam of the Heir Apparent of the Duke of Zhen Guo''s manor! I have long heard of the famous beauty Gu Er Young Miss. Seeing you today, your beauty is truly unmatched, just look at that exquisite face that can bring down countries and cities. You are really pitiable."


    Gu Ying politely bowed and said, "Thank you for your praise, Madam Zhang. Ah Rong is truly undeserving."


    Madam Zhang was easy-going. Clutching her handkerchief, sheughed, "Look, such a well-behaved girl. Rumors say the young madam is disrespectful to elders and arrogant, but they are clearly false."


    Gu Ying maintained a proper smile.


    Madam Zhang''s gaze shifted meaningfully to her belly, "Young Madam, how many months pregnant are you?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth smiled, "Almost five months."


    Madam Zhang enthusiastically said, "Oh my! That''s not an early stage, may I touch it?"


    Yanzhi was about to stop her, but Madam Zhang''s hand was already on Gu Ying''s rounded belly, gently caressing it. Her eyes instantly narrowed joyfully, "Young Madam''s belly is so round and smooth, I reckon this is a little Heir Apparent."


    Gu Ying expressionlessly took a step back away from her.


    Mrs. Li scoffed and her meaningful gaze lingered on Gu Ying''s belly. She tly said, "Alright, Concubine Wan''s carriage is almost here. Let''s go wee her."


    Unlike the habitual ttering of Madam Zhang, Mrs. Li had an inherent arrogance.


    Although not good-looking, even the gold and silver she wore could not conceal her vulgarity.


    Yet she still looked down on Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying took in Mrs. Li''s expression but did not expose it. She went with them to the temple gate.


    Concubine Wan got off an exquisite, luxurious carriage, with the cold and tall Xia Zixi by her side. Behind her were over a dozen pce maids and eunuchs. Although low-key, the pomp befitting an imperial concubine was present.


    After exchanging pleasantries, they directly entered Qingyun Temple.


    Since Concubine Wan said she would stay here for a while, Qingyun Temple had stopped receiving outside guests. The old abbot had long led some young monks to stand guard at the gate waiting for the noble guest.


    After seeing Concubine Wan, they had people lead them to their respective meditation rooms.


    Only Gu Ying was left behind.


    Gu Ying''s brows and eyes were smiling as she calmly and unhurriedly asked, "I wonder what Concubine Wan wants to say to Ah Rong?"


    Concubine Wan sat upright on a rosewood chair iid with golden threads. Her gaze was loving as she looked this way and sighed, "I have always liked you and wanted you to stay behind to chat."


    Gu Ying thought they had nothing intimate to talk about, but her face still maintained a smile and said, "Madam, please go ahead and speak, this servant is listening."


    Concubine Wan''s mouth corner curled into a faint smile, "Serve the rose tea I brought from the pce and let the young madam have a taste."


    After she spoke, the rose tea was quickly served and ced next to Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying''s gaze calmly looked over. The pce maid''s hand was fair, her fingers slender like scallions, which made the rose tea in the ss cup appear even more blood red.


    This meditation room belonged exclusively to Concubine Wan. Once she entered, it was filled with Xia Zixi''s people.


    The atmosphere was somewhat tense.


    After so many years of intrigue in the harem, Concubine Wan was extremely cunning and careful in her actions.


    Today, with heavy guards around her, it made Gu Ying feel a subtle sense of pressure.


    "Why aren''t you drinking it?" Concubine Wan''s eyes shed a hint of meaning as she raised her brows. In her own hand she held a cup. Her slender fingers lightly grasped the rim as she sipped and smiled enchantingly, "Do you dislike my tea?"


    Gu Ying regained her senses and smiled faintly, "This servant does not dare. Just that during pregnancy I seldom drink this kind of floral tea, afraid I won''t be used to it."


    Concubine Wan said, "Don''t worry, this flower tea is harmless to the fetus in your belly. When I was pregnant with Yang''er I also liked to drink it. Look how big he has grown now."


    Gu Ying picked up the ss cup from the pce maid''s hand and nced down.


    Concubine Wan''s eyes shed a hint ofughter, "Why still refuse to drink what I offer? Could it be Ah Rong suspects I would drug you?"


    Her words were somewhat snide, but it fit Concubine Wan''s personality.


    That day after the banquet, she and her three younger sisters were kidnapped.


    Later the Heir Apparent investigated and found people of Concubine Wan and Xia Zixi were involved. So from the beginning, Concubine Wan had tried to get her for her son.


    Today at Qingyun Temple, Concubine Wan offered her another cup of floral tea. Who knew if it wasced with something.


    But Gu Ying understood Concubine Wan. Having been favored for so many years, she had always disliked defiance.


    If she didn''t drink this cup of tea today, given Concubine Wan''s personality, she might not let her leave this room intact.


    Considering this, she raised her eyes to meet Concubine Wan''s deep and charming ones.


    Concubine Wan raised her hand, not angry but authoritative, making a "please" gesture.


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth lifted slightly. Reluctant but with no choice, she silently drank down that cup of floral tea.

 Chapter 392: What a Big Bed

    <h4>Chapter 392</h4>


    Concubine Wan watched as she swallowed the floral tea, her smile deepening at the corners of her mouth, ¡°Actually, this consort had nothing important to discuss with you. Since you''ve already drank this cup of tea, Ying can go and rest first.¡±


    Gu Ying got up, bowed ceremoniously, turned around and left the meditation room.


    After Gu Ying left, Concubine Wan waved away her pce maids beside her.


    Then, a tall figure slowly paced out from the inner chamber of the room.


    The man said in a deep voice, ¡°I thought she was a prudent person, didn''t expect she would drink the tea just like that.¡±


    Concubine Wanughed openly,zily said, ¡°She didn''t fail to notice that this consort had added something to the floral tea. It''s just that she knew to mind her own business. If she didn''t drink it, how could this consort let her leave this ce?¡± Speaking of which, this consort is looking forward more and more to it. When the Zhao Prince finds out that the woman he loves most is pregnant with my son''s child and sleeping in the same bed, wouldn''t he be hopping mad?¡±


    Xia Zixi raised his brows, sat down on a chair, "So is this Gu Ying clever or stupid?"


    Concubine Wan sneered and curled her lips, "No matter if she is clever or stupid, with her in my hands, Zhao Changdu can forget about making any tricks."


    "Is this your purpose for asking her toe over? Aren''t you afraid that she will uncover our affairs and report it to the Emperor, then we would be charged with an offense punishable by execution of nine familial exterminations?"


    Concubine Wanughed, "Why take it so far? She is merely a woman ofmon birth. How could she possibly have the courage?"


    But Xia Zixi did not agree. He always felt that Gu Ying was not as simple as Concubine Wan made her out to be.


    Moreover, behind her stood Zhao Changdu, who held great power over the Imperial Guards.


    Just thinking about Zhao Changdu''s aggressive actionstely, clearly targeting him intentionally, Xia Zixi''s brows furrowed, "During this procession of Qingjie, Zhao Changdu and the Tianqi Emperor were both acting peculiar. I also discovered people sent by Zhao Changdu among my Imperial Guards. Fortunately I found them in time and had those people removed early on. You and I need to be more careful, so as not to be caught in wrongdoing during this time."


    Concubine Wan was fully aware of Xia Zixi''s capabilities.


    In recent days, with the Emperor gravely ill, the various factions were itching to make a move. It was only natural for Zhao Changdu of the Prince Duan faction to prepare something for his master.


    But how could the Imperial Guards that Xia Zixi had controlled for over twenty years be so easily shaken by a Zhao Prince?


    Did they think they could pull her down from the position of favored concubine simply by inserting a few people into the Imperial Guards, or by scheming to suppress and frame Xia Zixi''s cronies?


    How naive.


    Concubine Wan gave a contemptuousugh, the corners of her brows lightly raised in disdain, unconcerned, "His Majesty went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Even if he returns quickly on fast horses, it would still take two hours."


    Xia Zixi frowned, picked up the remaining floral tea on the table and poured himself a cup.


    Seeing this, Concubine Wan hurriedly tried to stop him, "Brother Xi, don''t drink it, there is medicine inside."


    Xia Zixi just smiled and joked, "Didn''t you say it would take two hours even if hees back?"


    Having said that, he directly downed the entire cup of floral tea in one go.


    Concubine Wan helplessly pursed her bright red lips, teasingly said, "I''m afraid this medicine will make you die on top of me."


    "Oh? You gave such a strong drug to a pregnant woman?"


    "It wasn''t my idea, Yang was the one who wanted it. He only wants her person, not the child in her belly."


    As Xia Zixi contemted this, he could feel the medicine seeping into his limbs and hundreds of bones through his throat, arousing a faint heat that instantly put him in the mood. "Since my son rarely wants a woman, let it be so. If something happens, I will cover for him."


    Concubine Wan''s smile grew even more radiant as shezily got up and threw herself into the man''s arms. Lifting her little face, she nuzzled affectionately against the man''s cheeks, "Brother Xi, it really has been such a long time since I could get this close to you."


    There were some concerns within the pce, but Qingyun Temple was their own territory where they could be unrestrained and intimate.


    Xia Zixi wrapped hisrge hand around the woman''s slender waist. The corners of his lips curved up in a roguish smile. "Why so eager? The Emperor can''t satisfy you?"


    "With his condition now, how could he still perform?"


    Xia Zixi teased, "If he doesn''t perform, can''t you take matters into your own hands?"


    "Brother Xi, what nonsense are you saying!" Concubine Wan leaned against the man''s chest, her fingers lingering and tracing circles on his pecs suggestively, "Even if I wanted to make a move, I would only want to die under you. Two hours, Brother Xi, do you have the stamina?"


    The corners of Xia Zixi''s lips tilted up slightly. "Then I''ll ravage you until hees. How about it?"


    Concubine Wan narrowed her eyes coquettishly. "That''s great. Only Brother Xi has such vigor."


    Xia Zixi was pleased by the woman''s words. Gripping her slender neck in one hand, he fiercely kissed down.


    After a moment of steamy, passionate entanglement, Xia Zixi carried Concubine Wan in his arms and strode into the inner chamber of the meditation room.


    Inside was a huge, bright bed.


    The bed had pearl-embroidered, silk gauze canopy embroidered all over with brightly painted Chinese hibiscus flowers and silver threads. When the wind blew, it was like a fantasy of clouds and mountains.


    ...


    Coming out of Concubine Wan''s meditation room, Gu Ying still looked fairly calm on the surface. But the little hand gripped tight in her sleeve nearly betrayed her emotions.


    Yin Lan pulled her along hurriedly, brows knitted tight, "Mistress, how muddled of you to ingest Concubine Wan''s things so casually!"


    Gu Ying steadied herself, gently patting her protruding belly, smiled, "It''s fine, I merely drank a cup of floral tea, no big deal."


    "But Mistress clearly knew Concubine Wan had ulterior motives... She once directly poisoned to death a pce consort with a cup of tea in Yn Hall. A woman like her is far too ruthless and vicious... Mistress should have been vignt and on guard." Yin Lan sighed, looking worried.


    Gu Ying''s expression remained unchanged as she grabbed Yin Lan''s hand. Looking back at the tranquil little courtyard of the meditation room, she asked, "Yin Lan, were you standing guard outside? Did you see Xia Zixi anywhere?"


    Yin Lan shook her head, "No, it seems Big Boss Xia disappeared as soon as we entered Qingyun Temple."


    Gu Ying understood, pondering, "He didn''t disappear. He''s probably in Concubine Wan''s meditation room right now."


    Yin Lan hurriedly covered her mouth, "Ah, then, this is..."


    Gu Ying smiled lightly, "Let''s go. Even if we go catch them in the act right now, it would be useless."


    Yin Lan''s heart thumped wildly as she closely followed behind her mistress, not even daring to breathe loudly.


    She realized Qingyun Temple was far more heavily guarded than she had imagined. Other than a few daoists, there were almost all Xia Zixi''s men.


    She had initially wanted to casually walk around and take a look everywhere, but had only taken a few steps before being blocked by the imperial guards. That meant they currently could not go anywhere besides Mistress'' meditation room.


    "Yin Lan, don''t worry. I''ll take care of everything."


    Gu Ying squeezed Yin Lan''s cold little hand as they walked,forting her all the way.


    "Your servant is fine. I''m just being a little more cautious."


    "Mm."


    Returning to the meditation room, Gu Ying immediately saw Shen Munian as soon as she entered the yard. He was holding a jug of wine while squatting at the doorframe, an unrestrained look that waspletely devoid of his former aura as Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards.

 Chapter 393: Flower Tea Attack

    <h4>Chapter 393</h4>


    Shen Munian looked up at her.


    Gu Ying''s face was calm as she smiled faintly, "Did Shen Captain look closely at the temple entrance earlier?"


    Shen Munian''s face was expressionless as he replied inly, "I saw clearly."


    Gu Ying "Mm"-ed and said, "That''s good then."


    With that, she went inside, and as she walked, she secretly calcted when the drug Concubine Wan had slipped her would take effect.


    Yanzhi was tidying up inside, making the bed and organizing things. Seeing her mistress and Yin Lan return, she perked up the corners of her lips, "It looks like we''ll be staying here another day or two, Mistress. I''ve sorted out the luggage and changed the bedding."


    Gu Ying smiled appreciatively at Yanzhi, instructing her, "Yin Lan, go prepare a meal, I''m hungry. This afternoon, I need to get a good sleep."


    Yin Lan was exasperated. "Mistress, is that tea really alright?"


    Gu Ying blinked. "Even if something happens, it won''t happen now. We need to eat first to have the energy to handle anything else."


    Yin Lan was still anxious and tense.


    Yanzhi nudged her and chuckled, "Sister Yin Lan, don''t worry, our mistress has things figured out."


    Yin Lan pressed her lips together. She was just worrying too much out of concern.


    She knew their mistress hade here with a purpose, but when she was standing guard outside Concubine Wan''s meditation room and heard her being forced to drink that cup of flower tea, her heart had clenched with worry.


    It was very likely Concubine Wan''s intention was to deliberately make the mistress lose her innocence here at Qingyun Temple...


    And their mistress was pregnant as well...


    What a beastly, less than dog-like creature Concubine Wan was!


    If her aunt knew about this, she would surely y Concubine Wan!


    Yin Lan grew angrier the more she thought about it.


    The mistress had really drunk that whole cup of tea... There was no telling when the drugs would kick in, or if it would affect the little prince in her womb...


    She bit her lip, her mood solemn as she went to fetch food from the main kitchen.


    Gu Ying stayed inside her residence the entire afternoon withouting out.


    As dusk fell, she still did not emerge or even send anyone out for the evening meal.


    The young Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li came together to chat with her, but she used the excuse of feeling unwell to decline seeing them. It was Yin Lan who stopped them at the door.


    Leaving Gu Ying''s residence, Little Mrs. Zhang covered her mouth andughed. "It looks like Her Majesty''s medicine worked!"


    Mrs. Li snorted. "I suppose so. Did you see how dark that head maid''s face looked? No idea when Prince Shu will arrive, but there''s a great beauty waiting for him to enjoy in that room."


    Lady Zhang said, "I heard he''s already on the way here."


    Mrs. Li knitted her brows. "Can His Highness really leave the pce without anyone noticing?"


    As they walked towards the exit, Lady Zhang exined, "No one will realize it. His Highness apanied the Emperor to the Imperial Ancestral Temple first, then pleaded ill health as an excuse toe here. Even if the Emperor finds out, he''ll just say he came to apany Her Majesty. His Highness and Her Majesty share a deep mother-son bond. The Emperor won''t say anything."


    Mrs. Li looked askance at her. "Well, aren''t you well-informed."


    Lady Zhang didn''t respond. The corners of her lips turned up as she pointed at Gu Ying''s residence, her eyes swiveling around. "That child in her belly¡ª"


    A faint, mocking smile spread across Mrs. Li''s lips. "Once His Highness arrives, I''m afraid that child will be gone."


    Just like how he had been so affectionate and sweet with me, but after two or three times, lost all interest.


    Men are inherently contemptible like that, incapable of loving one woman for long.


    What feelings could Prince Zhao possibly have for Gu Ying?


    If Gu Ying became his woman tonight, I fear Prince Zhao would discard her soon after, finding her filthy and disgusting.


    Mrs. Zhang scoffed. Recalling the vile tactics Prince Shu used on women in secret, her eyes filled with pity and disdain.


    "Alright, alright, let''s go see Her Majesty first."


    The conversation Lady Zhang and Mrs Li had made Yin Lan, who was hiding nearby, break out in cold sweat.


    Her heart pounded loudly. She had never felt so panicked before. As she walked back, herplexion was ghastly pale and her limbs felt soft and weak. She almost couldn''t stand up straight.


    Pushing open the door and entering, she saw her mistress curled up on the bed, unconscious and burning with fever. Yanzhi stood anxiously by the bedside, her little face scrunched up worriedly.


    Seeing Yin Lan return, Yanzhi stammered out jerkily, "Sister Yin Lan... The mistress is unwell... It seems that tea from this afternoon really did have something wrong with it."


    "As if it could be fine!" Yin Lan bit her lip. Her premonition had been right!


    Yanzhi was at aplete loss standing there by the bedside. "Sister Yin Lan, what should we do?"


    Yin Lan rushed over in three quick steps, touching Gu Ying''s forehead. "She''s burning up... It must be the drug taking effect."


    Yanzhi was extremely rmed, her little face turning ghastly white in an instant. "I wanted to go find a doctor, but the people standing guard outside wouldn''t let me leave..."


    "Don''t panic." Yin Lan took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn''t lose her head, or Yanzhi would be even more bewildered. "I''ll go plead with Concubine Wan right now. She can''t just let the daughter-inw of the Zhenguo Duke Manor die here at Qingyun Temple!"


    Yin Lan was always more quick-witted than Yanzhi. Having her take charge helped settle Yanzhi''s heart.


    Gu Ying blearily opened her eyes in distress, clenching her elegant brows. Her cheeks were drenched in sweat. "Yin Lan..."


    Her voice was hoarse as she softly called out.


    Yin Lan immediately turned around, tightly grasping Gu Ying''s hand. Her tone was grave, "Mistress, Concubine Wan designed a trap for us. Prince Shu will arrive soon..." Arriving to...


    Such vile matters were too unspeakable for Yin Lan to borate on. "...Mistress, can you still get up? With Yanzhi and I assisting you, and Master Shen''s help protecting you, we will definitely find a way to escape with you."


    Gu Ying''s lips were pallid. She slowly shook her head. "I have no strength left in my body now... I cannot walk anymore... The prince and His Majesty are on their way to Qingyun Temple. You and Yanzhi should split up, one of you go plead with Concubine Wan, the other think of a way to get word out to the prince and his men..."


    After saying all this, she had nearly spent thest of her energy.


    Gasping for breath, she leaned heavily into her pillow. Herplexion like icy jade took on a faint crimson flush. Her petite face was so red it resembled a winter plum blossom. In the dim candlelight, her countenance brimmed with allure and passion.


    One look and anyone could tell this was no ordinary drug. If Prince Shu arrived and saw the mistress in this state... How could she possibly survive?!

 Chapter 394: King Shu Comes

    <h4>Chapter 394</h4>


    Still, there was the little Crown Prince in Her Ladyship''s belly... How could he withstand this drug?


    Yanzhi felt her heart pound anxiously. She cried out in rm, with tears plopping onto her hands.


    Yin Lan''s fingers were trembling, but she had to pretend to stay calm. "There must still be a way. There must be!" My Lady, don''t sleep... Wake up!"


    Gu Ying smiled wryly again and opened her eyes once more. She lifted her hand to brush aside Yanzhi''s sideburns, damp with tears. "It''s alright. Don''t cry. I''ll be fine..."


    "How could you be fine?" Even the usually steady Yin Lan couldn''t help but want to cry. "Does My Lady know where the Crown Prince''s men are? Shall I go find them right now to help?"


    Gu Ying shook her head. "Useless... Yanzhi already asked them... the Crown Prince''s men..."


    Yanzhi bit her lip, eyes red. "Sister Yin Lan, Lord Xia dealt with the Crown Prince''s men. The entire Qingyun Monastery is filled with Concubine Wan''s people now. Concubine Wan sent My Lady the poisoned flower tea... her intentions are too malicious... Sister, look at My Lady''s state. We must think of something..."


    Yin Lan was stunned for a moment, cold sweat on her body. Her lips were pinched tight. "My Lady, wait for me. I will go find a way right now!"


    "Yanzhi, you must swear to stand guard right here and not leave no matter what. Do you understand?"


    She didn''t dare let Yanzhi leave. As she departed, she ordered Yanzhi to stand guard over the meditation room without letting anyone else enter.


    Yanzhi nodded heavily, eyes brimming with hot tears. "Sister Yin Lan, don''t worry. I swear I will guard My Lady with my life! No matter who tries to harm My Lady, they''ll have to step over my dead body first!"


    Yin Lan clenched her fists. Still uneasy, she told Shen Munian to keep watch over Yanzhi before she felt somewhat reassured to head toward Concubine Wan''s meditation room.


    As expected, Concubine Wan''s people seized her right outside the room.


    Concubine Wan had Yin Lan gagged and thrown into the meditation room.


    Yin Lan red fiercely, unable to break free no matter how she struggled.


    As she watched Concubine Wan leave with Madam Zhang and Mrs. Li, the despair in her tear-filled eyes gradually intensified.


    The wind was mild, the clouds carefree. Birds chirped softly.


    A fine rain fell pitter-patter, tapping the tranquil green tiles in a smooth, delightful melody.


    In Gu Ying''s meditation room, a solitarymp glowed like a firefly.


    The anxious Yanzhi paced back and forth in the room, eyes zed over. She peeked outside from time to time before looking back worriedly toward the bed.


    In the vast Qingyun Monastery, beneath the tranquil and harmonious exterior churned tumultuous undercurrents.


    ...


    After an unknown period of time, the urgent clopping of hooves stopped at the monastery gates. Li Yang leapt off his horse with a smiling brow.


    He casually threw the horsewhip to a young monk before striding proudly through the gates.


    Concubine Wan came to receive him personally. Upon seeing each other''s faces, before Li Yang could even take a sip of warm water, he hurriedly asked, "Imperial Concubine Mother, where is Gu Ying?"


    Concubine Wan said unpleasantly, "Why the hurry?"


    Li Yang raised a brow. "How could a son not hurry? That drug is potent. If I don''t go now, she may die here."


    Concubine Wan eyed him coolly. "Now that you have her, do you no longer care for your mother?"


    Li Yang thought of Gu Ying''s soft pink skin and felt his whole body grow hot. He couldn''t wait a moment longer.


    At thest banquet, it was bad luck that he was somehow knocked unconscious and randomly thrown into a brothel, causing him to miss the chance to frolic with Gu Ying on Mount Wu.


    This time, no one would interrupt his affair.


    The more unattainable she was, the more he liked her.


    Especially at the banquet, watching her belly grow bigger, the twisted desires in his heart grew increasingly unrestrained.


    He had thought he disliked pregnant women, but upon seeing Gu Ying, he understood that when you truly like someone, even if she bes pregnant or uglier, you would still be overjoyed.


    Moreover, unlike other women, Gu Ying only became more radiant and buxom when pregnant, drawing even more eyes.


    Her figure had also be more charming...


    He even fantasized about how she would look leaning against him with downcast eyes and a faint smile, pregnant with his child.


    He thought that if he obtained her this time, he would dismiss all his other women and wholeheartedly treat her well, letting her give birth to four or five children for him, sons and daughters alike.


    "Imperial Concubine Mother, what is this you say? How could a son not care for his mother? This time your son must thank you for your assistance." Li Yang sidled up to her coquettishly, catching a strange whiff of sandalwood from his mother. He eximed in surprise, "What happened to Imperial Concubine Mother''s neck?"


    Concubine Wan awkwardly pulled up her cor to hide the intimate marks. "I was carelessly bitten by bugs. There are many trees here in the monastery. Surely you know that."


    Li Yang paused, brow slightly furrowed. "Let me see."


    "What''s there to see?" Concubine Wan pushed him away. "Gu Ying is in the second meditation room behind Imperial Concubine Mother''s courtyard. Considering the timing, the drug should have taken effect. Why haven''t you gone yet?"


    Li Yang''s attention was immediately diverted. He hooked the corners of his lips upward and left.


    After Li Yang''s departure, Concubine Wan nkly gazed into space for a while. Since the afternoon, she had felt strangely restless.


    Yet she also couldn''t specify what exactly was wrong. Everything seemed under control¡ªshe had people watching the Emperor''s whereabouts, and Gu Ying''s situation was also in her grasp.


    Her affair with Xia Zixi was also undiscovered. Logically, she should currently be cavorting blissfully with that man in a secret room.


    But no matter how shey awake this long night, she couldn''t fall asleep or be in the mood for pleasure.


    She sat stiffly for a moment before dismissing the pce maids. Carrying an oilntern herself, she headed toward the stillroom located deep within the meditation chambers.


    The stillroom was at the very end of the winding blue stone path, with candle mes flickering faintly on both sides. The light extended down the long corridor before fading back into darkness.


    After arriving in Bianjing, she had specially asked the old Daoist priest of Qingyun Monastery to establish this stillroom for the Nn family¡ªherself, her husband, and her son. Counting now, it had nearly been eighteen years.


    She raised the paperntern with bare hands and pushed open the dark heavy doors.


    Inside, long wax candles burned in rows atop wooden shelves. In the center of the altar stood three spirit tablets carved from ebony.


    At thiste hour, Xia Zixi was also present in a light robe loosely tied at the waist, exposing much of his chest.


    Concubine Wan wore only a thin peach-colored brocade gown herself, the long skirt trailing behind her as she slowly walked inside.


    Xia Zixi''s eyes shifted slightly to nce at the woman behind him.


    "Where is Yang?"


    "He went to Gu Ying''s room," Concubine Wan replied.


    Xia Zixi raised a brow. "Didn''t you ask him about the Emperor''s whereabouts?"


    Concubine Wan inserted three incense sticks into the burner. She lowered her gaze and closed her eyes, pressing her palms together in prayer. "He was anxious to see Gu Ying, so I didn''t ask. But I did ask his escorting guards. After making offerings, His Majesty returned to the pce. Zhao Changdu also escorted him back with all the attending Imperial Guards."


    "Are you certain he returned to the pce?"


    "Mm. I sent that man to escort Yang. He''s very clever and wouldn''t make a mistake."

 Chapter 395: Trance

    <h4>Chapter 395</h4>


    Xia Zixi heaved a sigh of relief. He had thought that Zhao Changdu''s recent actions meant he was going to target him, or that he had found out something.


    He hadn''t expected that His Majesty would return to the pce. It seemed he was getting on in years and had grown more timid, with the slightest rustle leaving him restless and overcautious.


    As such, preupied as he was with the name Zhao Changdu, he hadn''t been able to fully enjoy himself this afternoon. His body still harbored some of the drug''s effects.


    If that was the case, he had nothing to worry about. He stretched out his arm and pulled the woman beside him close. "Did you enjoy yourself this afternoon?"


    Concubine Wan shifted her shoulders andined, "Don''t move me."


    Xia Zixi squeezed the woman''s perky bottom and chuckled lowly. "What''s with the act? This afternoon you were gazing at me coquettishly as I took you with pleasure beneath me. And now that we''ve crossed the river, you''re dismantling the bridge and refusing to acknowledge me?"


    "How can you say that? I just have this vague sense of unease in my heart."


    "Oh?" Xia Zixi slid hisrge hand downward and rested his chin on the woman''s shoulder. He said softly, "Is it because you''re ufortable before the spirit tablet of this sister you''ve never met?"


    The word "sister" made Concubine Wan''s body stiffen for an instant.


    Xia Zixi kissed the side of her ear from behind, calming her. "What is there to fear? She''s dead. It''s just a cold spirit tablet. Don''t keep living in the past. We have to look forward and n well for Yang''er."


    Concubine Wan''s thoughts stirred lightly. She had worked so hard all these years just to get her son to the position of Crown Prince.


    That''s right, the dead were nothing.


    She was Dong Li''s most favored concubine. Her son would be the future master of this dynasty. She feared nothing. She was the biggest winner.


    Hearing that His Majesty wasn''ting, she dropped the act as well, allowing the man''s scalding hands to slowly roam over her body.


    Their breathing gradually grew urgent.


    She leaned back against the man''s broad, sturdy chest, feeling his hand briskly tear open her shirt and vigorously caress her waist and abdomen. Her fox-like narrow eyes slowly narrowed in pleasure.


    Xia Zixi best understood how to delight her.


    In the dim yellow candlelight, the quiet room grew increasingly gloomy and dark. Amidst the stillness, the candle mes danced and crackled noisily in the darkness.


    The man changed positions, burying his head in her chest.


    And so, facing those solemn spirit tablets, she panted and moaned in confusion and desire, gazing at the three characters "Nn Yue" in the center tablet.


    Before long, a misty look clouded Concubine Wan''s eyes.


    Perhaps she was too ecstatic¡ªwhen it arrived, she couldn''t help covering her mouth, but still cried out.


    Xia Zixi had drank that rose tea in the afternoon and hadn''t fully relieved himself yet. Tonight, he was thoroughly indulging himself.


    Concubine Wan was rendered senseless by him, her eyes dazed and vacant like a dying fish in the man''s embrace.


    Xia Zixi held her like this. Right in front of them was the tightly shut door and two wide open windows.


    The window to the right was wide open, letting in a cool breeze.


    Concubine Wan''s body went limp. She slowly opened her blurred eyes. At first she couldn''t see clearly. She blinked forcefully.


    Xia Zixi sensed her movement and turned to ask, "What''s wrong?"


    Concubine Wan didn''t speak. She rubbed her eyes and said, "Zixi, did you see someone standing outside the window?"


    Xia Zixi''s falcon-like eyes nced toward the window. Outside was pitch ck without any figure.


    "You must be seeing things wrongly."


    Concubine Wan looked out the window again. There was clearly the silhouette of a young girl!


    The girl had delicate brows and limpid eyes, gentle and affectionate. Most notably, her eyes were exactly the same as the deceased Nn Yue''s!


    She was thunderstruck. She abruptly scrambled out of Xia Zixi''s embrace and rushed to the window in three quick steps. "You really didn''t see her? She was standing right here! She looks just like Nn Yue! It''s Nn Yue returned! She''s back for us!"


    Xia Zixi frowned. He coldly red at her. "Do you not know where you are? This is Bianjing. Don''t mention that name!"


    Concubine Wan pressed her lips tightly together and quickly quieted down, allowing herself to be led back into the quiet room by the man.


    Although Xia Zixi kept reassuring her, her heart was still thumping erratically. She felt an indescribable terror and fear.


    Before she could calm down, she saw the girl who had been standing at the window instantly move to the cotton mat before the spirit tablet.


    At this, not just Concubine Wan, even Xia Zixi''s brow jumped violently.


    The man shouted angrily, "Who are you!"


    The girl stood in the shadows. The candlelight from the spirit tablet cast a halo on her small face, making her features somewhat blurry.


    Concubine Wan''s body tensed up. Her gaze was no longer as calm andposed as that of the favored concubine of a nation.


    "Who....who are you, making a disturbance here disguised as a ghost!"


    The girl said softly, "The great fire burned me beyond recognition. Concubine Wan,e take a look, look at my face..."


    Concubine Wan yelled angrily, "Just who exactly are you!"


    "How can you not remember me so quickly?" The girl''s tone was intive. "Eighteen years ago, in Changzhou of Jiangnan, you and I met once."


    Concubine Wan stared wide-eyed in disbelief. "No, no, no...impossible. You can''t possibly still be alive! You''re already dead! You''re dead!"


    "Hahahaha, who said I was dead? I''ve been waiting for you in Jiangnan, but you never came looking for me. So I could onlye to Bianjing to find you~"


    The girl''s tender voice echoed around the quiet room.


    Concubine Wan''s breathing hitched. She squinted anxiously at the girl''s face.


    Yet for some reason, it was as if her eyes were veiled by ayer of gauze. She simply couldn''t see clearly.


    "Zixi, Zixi, hurry and look! See who she is!"


    She shook her head forcefully. Her eyes were bloodshot and it felt like her head was stuffed with cotton¡ªpainful and unbearable.


    Clutching her head, she rushed tormentedly toward the girl.


    Xia Zixi grabbed her. "Xue''er! Have you lost your mind?! Get a hold of yourself!"


    Concubine Wan was still immersed in her nightmare, ceaselessly uttering gibberish.


    Xia Zixi irritably drew his long sword from the wooden rack. "Whether spirit or demon, one strike will reveal the truth!"


    Seeing the cold gleam of that long sword, Concubine Wan''s pupils suddenly expanded. It was as if she had abruptly returned to that bloody, rain-drenched night eighteen years ago. In a possessed state, she grew agitated. "Zixi, kill her! Hurry and kill her! As long as we kill her, we can take her ce and enjoy glory and riches in Bianjing for a lifetime!"

 Chapter 396: The True Identity of Concubine Wan

    <h4>Chapter 396</h4>


    Xia Zixi realized something was wrong, but there was nothing he could do at this point. He had no choice but to obediently throw his long sword towards the silhouette of the young girl.


    With a "ding" sound, the door to the meditation room was shoved open by an extremely powerful inner energy from outside in a split second!


    A cold and sharp dagger came flying in from the outside, striking his long sword into two pieces with great speed!


    Xia Zixi clenched his fists and turned around to see Zhao Changdu in his ck robes and dark hair that reached his temples. His deep eyes were piercing as he walked in from outside.


    And behind him... stood a middle-aged man in a ck cloak.


    Although the man said nothing and his face was hidden under the hood, his aura was deep and dignified.


    It was the air of supreme authority that belonged only to the ruler, an overwhelmingly powerful presence that ordinary people did not dare look straight at.


    Weren''t they supposed to have gone back to the pce? How did they manage to teleport to Qingyun Temple in such a short time!


    Seeing the man walking in, Xia Zixi looked as if he had seen a ghost. He suddenly felt a chill run through his body, as if something had frozen him in ce, unable to move.


    The sound of rain grew louder and the cold wind gushed in.


    Concubine Wan''s foggy mind finally cleared up a little. Braving the strong wind, she squinted towards the familiar silhouette in the rain.


    The man walked towards her slowly.


    Stopping at the door of the meditation room, he stepped inside, took off his hood unhurriedly to reveal a dignified yet sickly face.


    Concubine Wan''s eyes shot wide open and her brows furrowed deeply. "You... you are His Majesty?"


    This was the arrogance she had developed after years of imperial favor. Even when facing the most powerful man in the empire, she showed not an ounce of panic.


    She simply looked straight at the emperor, with a cryptic smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Weren''t You Majesty still in the pce? What brings you here?"


    The Tianqi Emperor walked up to her and crouched down halfway. His eyes swept over the mottled bruises and semi-exposed torso peeking through her half-torn lingerie.


    He reached out and touched her shoulder mockingly, forcefully grabbing it.


    Concubine Wan let out a painful moan, her body trembling as cold sweat appeared on her foreheadyer afteryer.


    After a long while, the man finally dropped his head heavily. His voice was weary as he said, "You told me that youe here every year tomemorate your deceased family - your sister who treated you well. You couldn''t bear to have them buried in Changzhou and wanted to enshrine their spirit tablets here. I was moved by your filial piety and ordered people to restore Qingyun Temple and build you a meditation room so you can properly pay respects to your loved ones."


    "But my dear Xing''er, what have you done?"


    The Tianqi Emperor''s fingers tightened around her neck as he leaned in close, looking at the face he had loved all his life. His eyes gradually reddened. "How dare you secretly fool around with Xia Zixi behind my back?!"


    Concubine Wan moved her bloodless lips. "Your Majesty, I..."


    "You''ve been seeing him for a long time now, haven''t you?"


    "All these years youe to Qingyun Temple every year!"


    "I was worried about your safety so I ordered him to be personally responsible for protecting you. But instead of being grateful for my favor, you and my garrisonmander have been carrying on behind my back!"


    Concubine Wan bit her lips as tears swiftly welled up in her eyes. "Your Majesty... it''s not what you think..."


    "Then tell me what I just saw! Or should I bring out thatrge bed from your secret chamber at the monastery for the whole world to see that you''ve cuckolded me?!"


    Concubine Wan grabbed the emperor''s big hand with both of hers, lifting her chin as tears streamed down her face. "Your Majesty, I... Xia Zixi and I... we''re really not what you imagined..."


    The Tianqi Emperor let out a coldugh, interrupting her. He painfully closed his eyes for a moment. "What I imagined is probably me being the one fooled by you two! My dear Nn Xing, Xia Zixi is also from Changzhou. I sent him there to escort you back to the capital. With such a long journey, you and him must have already been intimate!"


    "What Nn Xing?"


    Someone crisp voice abruptly cut into the emperor''s words.


    From the shadows in the corner, a young girl''s figure emerged.


    The brightntern illuminated her delicate and clean features - those brows and eyes, lips and proud nose - struck a strangely familiar chord.


    Concubine Wan was stunned, suddenly gripped by an inexplicable sense of horror. "Your Majesty¡ª"


    "Get lost!"


    The Tianqi Emperor shook Concubine Wan off and stared nkly at the girl, somehow seeing the youthful Nn Xing standing on a sea of blooming lotuses in Southern Jiangnan, holding a long pole in her hands. Her voice was clear and lively. "Young master, would you like to buy some lotus seeds? I just picked them fresh, they''re so tasty!"


    He didn''t expect there to be such a strange girl here, yet he somehow also felt a strange familiarity with her. "Who are you?"


    The girl nced at Zhao Changdu, who was standing coolly with his arms crossed. She tilted her head coquettishly, "I''m Na Yuan."


    The Tianqi Emperor released Concubine Wan and got to his feet, still confused. "Na Yuan?"


    Na Yuan smiled. "Yes, I''m called Na Yuan. The one who named me is called Nn Xing."


    At that, it felt like something stabbed the emperor''s heart.


    In the pitch dark night, as the cold rain and wind howled over the mountain, an inexplicable bitterness rose in him.


    "Nn Xing..." He murmured the name he had kept in his heart for a lifetime. "She named you? My dear, who is she to you then?"


    Na Yuan replied serenely. "Is His Majesty confused? The one who named me must be my mother of course."


    The emperor was stunned. It felt like something exploded in his mind and his thoughts became muddled.


    "Your Majesty, don''t listen to her nonsense!" Concubine Wan finally lost herposure. She scrambled up in panic and grabbed the emperor''s sleeve, screaming. "She''s a fraud!"


    The Tianqi Emperor shook Concubine Wan off again and said to the girl, "What... what did you say?"


    Na Yuan sighed. "My mother is the real Nn Xing. Your Majesty, even if I say this, would you call me a liar just like that woman over there?"


    The emperor''s mind went nk, his heart aching badly. He turned to look at Concubine Wan, then back at Na Yuan. His body swayed unsteadily.


    Zhao Changdu reached out his long arm calmly and supported the shaken man.


    The Tianqi Emperor looked up, still unable to believe it. "Changdu, did you hear that?"


    Zhao Changdu responded coldly. "Yes, I heard it Your Majesty."


    It felt like a knife had stabbed into the emperor''s heart, the pain making it impossible to breathe. He looked at Na Yuan again, staggering over to her. He reached out, wanting to touch the girl''s face, but recoiled as if shocked. "You are Xing''er''s daughter? Then who... who is she?"


    Na Yuan gazed calmly at Concubine Wan. "Her name is Guo Mengxue."


    The Tianqi Emperor narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "Who is Guo Mengxue?"


    The beloved Nn Xing he had pampered and doted on for a lifetime, how could she have turned into thispletely unfamiliar Guo Mengxue?

 Chapter 397: The Truth

    <h4>Chapter 397</h4>


    Na Yuan pointed at Concubine Wan and said earnestly, "Your Majesty still doesn''t understand? This person is not Nn Xing at all. She is Guo Mengxue from Changzhou. Because she looks very much like my mother, she and Xia Zixi nned years ago to kill my mother and rece her, so that Guo Mengxue could enter the pce and be Your Majesty''s concubine. Xia Zixi was Your Majesty''s personal bodyguard, and knew well that Your Majesty loved my mother. When he went to Changzhou to fetch someone, he happened toe across his childhood sweetheart Guo Mengxue, and seeing that she closely resembled my mother, he hatched this sinister plot to send his own woman into Your Majesty''s pce."


    The Tianqi Emperor angrily waved his hand and demanded, "Killed?!"


    Na Yuan gave a mockingugh. "That''s right. To protect me, my mother fled for her life and was saved by a vige woman. That woman died in a fire in ce of my mother. The fire was set by this woman called Guo Mengxue."


    The Tianqi Emperor''s lips moved as if to speak, and he anxiously asked, "Then where is your mother now?!"


    Na Yuan paused, then slowly said while looking sorrowfully into the Tianqi Emperor''s pained eyes, "She''s dead. To protect me, she was raped to death by some thugs..."


    When the Tianqi Emperor heard that the woman he had loved all his life was brutally vited to death while protecting their child, his heart was seized as if by a giant hand. Feelings of rage, disbelief, and heartbroken grief surged through him at once.


    He shook his head to clear it. "How could this be...?"


    He had brought her back to the imperial pce, built her the most luxurious quarters, and bestowed on her all the imperial favor that any woman could dream of.


    How could she have ended up wandering outside and getting raped to death by thugs?


    She was such a beautiful, kind, and lovely youngdy... How could she have not met a good end?


    Na Yuan looked at him sarcastically and gave a hollowugh. "What, does Your Majesty not believe it? Don''t believe that the woman you''ve loved all your life was actually an impostor?"


    The Tianqi Emperor''s face turned ashen, and his whole body went cold. He began to tremble violently.


    Over all these years, he had harbored suspicions...


    He had always thought people''s natures would change as they aged, and never imagined someone would kill his beloved, and the woman who had shared his bed for over a decade was actually that heartless murderer!


    Unable to stand, the Tianqi Emperor hunched over and slowly knelt to the ground, pressing his forehead tightly to the cold floor. From his throat came a faint sob, followed by a long, agonized wail...


    The vast, silent hall was shrouded in intense grief.


    Before the Tianqi Emperor could react in rage, a shrill scream suddenly rang out from the meditation room next door.


    "Come quickly!"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes narrowed, his dark pupils instantly turning cold. "Your Majesty, Prince Shu is also at the Qingyun Monastery, and my wife Gu Ying is there too. I must go take a look right now."


    "Men, tie up Concubine Wan--" the Tianqi Emperor''s muddy eyes shed with murderous cruelty as he gritted his teeth and ordered, "No, tie up Guo Mengxue and Xia Zixi and bring them to me to await my verdict! Do not let word of tonight''s events leak out. Anyone who dares spread a single word will be executed immediately!"


    Concubine Wan turned white with shock, while Xia Zixi''s face was also bloodless. They were quickly gagged and trussed up by the imperial guards.


    Zhao Changdu rushed to the adjoining meditation room, kicking open the door. Someone swiftly entered holding a torch, lighting up the dark room brightly.


    The Tianqi Emperor grabbed Na Yuan''s arm and followed closely behind, frowning.


    With the door wide open, they saw Li Yang naked and entangled with a woman on the bed, the scene extremely lewd andscivious. The air was still heavy with the smell of their intense lovemaking.


    In a rage, the Tianqi Emperor stormed over and dragged Li Yang off the bed. "Wicked son! In this sacred Daoist sanctuary, you daremit such licentious acts! Have you truly gone mad?!"


    Li Yang''s handsome face flushed red, his eyes dazed, as he slumped to the floor,pletely confused about what was happening.


    The woman on the bed had already been vited to within an inch of her life. Her snow-white bodyy pitifully on the sheets, covered inrge purplish bruises, with a sizeable pool of blood between her legs...


    Everyone inhaled sharply at the sight, looking at the woman sympathetically.


    Yet Li Yang was still panting with desire, turning to get back on the bed to continue his debauchery.


    The Tianqi Emperor furiously pped him across the face.


    Only then did Li Yange to his senses. Seeing the Tianqi Emperor''s enraged, ckened face, he immediately knelt down in panic. "Father, what are you doing here?!"


    The Tianqi Emperor said derisively, "If I hadn''te, how would I have witnessed this good show?"


    Li Yang looked up and saw Zhao Changdu''s cold, stern, handsome face. Hurriedly he turned to look at the bed, eximing, "Father, you''ve misunderstood! Your son didn''t mean to... Your son didn''t... It was Gu Ying! Gu Ying gave your son an aphrodisiac and seduced him, that''s why your sonmitted this terrible mistake! Father, it''s all Gu Ying''s fault!"


    "Ha, how can Prince Shu spew such baseless usations?"


    A soft voice sounded lightly from outside the meditation room.


    Li Yang shuddered in shock and looked up sharply.


    A peerlessly beautiful woman walked in from behind the crowd at the door.


    One hand supporting her swollen belly and the other stroking her rouge pot, an exquisite smile yed at the corners of her lips. "Your Majesty, as you can see, this afternoon I went with my maid to listen to the abbot''s dharma talk. I didn''t even see Prince Shu. I still don''t know why Prince Shu would be in my meditation room... Could it be that the Prince harbored lecherous intentions toward me, but somehow ended up victimizing the general''s wife instead?"


    Only now did Li Yang realize that the woman he had ravaged half to death was not Gu Ying, but Lady Li!


    He trembled with rage, looking resentfully at Gu Ying. After scheming for so long, how could he have ended up with nothing overnight?!


    He had wanted her so badly...yet how did things turn out this way in the end?


    Gu Ying smiled enchantingly. "Your Highness, what do you want from me?"


    The color drained from Li Yang''s face. "You... How are you here? And how did she end up in your room?"


    Of course, Gu Ying wasn''t about to tell him this was all arranged by her long ago.


    She calmly walked to the Crown Prince''s side, took hisrge hand in hers, and blinked innocently. "Shouldn''t you be asking yourself that, Your Highness?"


    Li Yang slumped dejectedly to the floor. Facing Zhao Changdu''s icy, murderous gaze, he shuddered instinctively. "This prince..."


    "Oh, that reminds me, Your Majesty," Gu Ying turned sideways to address the apoplectic Tianqi Emperor. "Today at Qingyun Monastery I met someone who said he was Your Majesty''s old friend. He wanted to see Your Majesty butcked channels to reach you before. Today he specifically asked to see me, so I took the liberty of bringing him along."

 Chapter 398: The Truth of the Year

    <h4>Chapter 398</h4>


    The Tianqi Emperor red coldly at Li Yang, disappointedly saying, ¡°Bring him in.¡±


    Gu Ying called back, ¡°Mr. Shen.¡±


    Shen Munian then walked in from the dark corner, respectfully kneeling before the Tianqi Emperor.


    The Tianqi Emperor was shocked to see him, ¡°Minister Shen, you¡¯re still alive?¡±


    Didn¡¯t he die protecting Xing¡¯er from the mountain bandits on the way back to Bianjing after picking her up from Changzhou with Xia Zixi?


    How did he appear at the Qingyun Temple now?


    Shen Munian''s eyes were tense as he looked up at the Tianqi Emperor''s astonished brows and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I...did not die at the hands of the mountain bandits that year, but at the hands of Xia Zixi."


    The Tianqi Emperor, "What?"


    Shen Munian said, "That year I escorted Concubine Wan back to Bianjing with Xia Zixi. On the way, I discovered the secret between Xia Zixi and Concubine Wan...and was silenced by them. But I was fortunate enough to be saved and have since been disguising myself as a beggar wandering near Bianjing.¡±


    The Tianqi Emperor felt a little dizzy, unable to focus after the series of blows tonight, "What secret?"


    Shen Munian continued, "The secret about the prince."


    The Tianqi Emperor realized something, and his eyes filled with sadness as he opened his lips, "What do you mean, Minister Shen..."


    Shen Munian said firmly, "I saw Xia Zixi and Concubine Wan copting at the station, and heard them say the child in her belly was not Your Majesty''s. Once Concubine Wan entered the pce, their child would be recognized by Your Majesty as the crown prince. If it''s a son, he might even be granted a princely title in the future."


    The Tianqi Emperor, "..."


    Shen Munian went on, "But Xia Zixi said at that time that a prince was not worthy of their son''s status. He would try every means to n a swift rise for their child to that position."


    Li Yang was shocked beyond belief, jumping up angrily, "You despicable liar, spewing blood from your mouth! Father Emperor, the Empress Mother is not that kind of person!"


    "Wretched creature, shut your mouth!"


    "Does Father Emperor not believe in the Empress Mother and your son?"


    "Guards! Tie this wretch up!"


    "Father Emperor!"


    "Gag his mouth!"


    Zhao Changdu kicked over, and Li Yang copsed to his knees.


    Several eunuchs came over and gagged his mouth with handkerchiefs.


    The Tianqi Emperor was furious, with a splitting headache and chest pain. A mouthful of blood spewed out and he immediately fainted.


    Ying¡¯er painfully bit her lip, hesitating whether to go over to see the pitiful emperor.


    Gu Ying gently pushed her, "Go on, he was just kept in the dark, not truly wronging your mother. If anything, he is the pitiful one."


    To unknowingly raise another''s son for over ten years, the most hateful thing was that the woman he loved all his life was killed by his own pillow mate.


    Nothing could be more heartbreaking than this truth.


    One could only say...fate had been too cruel to some people...good people die young.


    "Thank you, sister Gu."


    "Go on."


    The pce guards were in turmoil, carrying the Tianqi Emperor up while Li Yang was dragged away.


    His eyes were bloodshot as he red at Gu Ying, making muffled wailing sounds.


    Gu Ying stood with the light behind her, quietly watching him get pulled away. Recalling Li Yang¡¯s miserable life in theirst lifetime, she couldn¡¯t help feeling mournful. At least in his previous life, nobody knew of his true origins.


    He was buried in the Li imperial tomb when he died, honored by the people as the Rebel Prince.


    But in this life, what likely awaited him was the death penalty of exterminating nine generations of his n. Him, Concubine Wan, no, it should be Guo Mengxue, and Xia Zixi, none would meet a good end.


    The tragic royal drama had finally drawn to a close at this point.


    To Gu Ying, the wheels of fate over two lifetimes had finally changed.


    At least with the execution of Concubine Wan and deposing of Prince Shu, the military coups and civil turmoil of theirst life would not happen.


    She had also avenged the prince¡¯s mother beautifully. Mrs. Lin would no longer be shackled by Concubine Wan for life and could live freely and happily.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Yanzhi suddenly recalled something important, ¡°Mistress, sister Yin Lan is still tied up by Weimian! I must hurry and find Weimian!¡±


    Yanzhi rushed anxiously towards Concubine Wan¡¯s secret chamber.


    Gu Ying turned and saw a certain person''s displeased expression. Her expression froze.


    Zhao Changdu looked down at her condescendingly, "Does Ying''er have nothing to say?"


    Gu Ying went up and pulled his big hand, smiling ingratiatingly, "Husband, thank Weimian this time."


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes dangerously, stroking her nose teasingly, "This lord is asking you, mentioning her is useless."


    He knew early on that Weimian was the prince''s subordinate.


    Also, to facilitate her entry into the pce for the banquet, the prince had ordered Weimian to obey hermands for her use.


    Seeing that he was not truly angry, Gu Ying secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "Changdu, I''m tired, I want to go home."


    Zhao Changdu''s interrogation was interrupted by the girl''s weary tone, and he had never been able to get truly angry with her anyway.


    "Alright, wife, you''ve worked hard. I''ll take you home."


    Gu Ying curved her eyes into a crescent moon, far too beautiful.


    Zhao Changdu''s fingers stopped at her cheek, involuntarily pinching the girl''s unexpectedly soft skin. His eyes were pained as he embraced her slender waist and carried her in his arms.


    On the way from Qingyun Temple back to the Zhenguo Duke Manor, Gu Ying nestled in the man''s embrace.


    She carefully and earnestly admitted her "mistakes" and confessed her "rashness" in privately taking action during this scheme against Concubine Wan.


    Originally in this n, she did not intentionally put herself in danger to "seduce" Li Yang.


    When Concubine Wan sent someone to pass her the note, the prince had rejected her proposed visit to Qingyun Temple. Not wanting her to take such risks.


    But worried the n might fail, she took the initiative to inform Concubine Wan that she woulde.


    That was how she deliberately pretended to be drugged by Li Yangter on.


    She came to Qingyun Temple to lower Concubine Wan''s guard. And pretended to drink the flower tea she gave before Concubine Wan, making Concubine Wan believe she was harmless and easily manipted.


    Concubine Wan thought that having her in hand meant controlling the prince.


    But she did not expect the prince had long nted people in the Qingyun Temple guards and Yn Hall.


    Weimian was the key to her sess this time.


    After lurking in Concubine Wan''s pce for so many years, her true identity was actually a mole the prince had nted in the harem.


    When Concubine Wan prepared the drugs, Weimian had long reced them with ordinary flower tea beforehand.


    So she had only pretended to be drugged. But afraid Concubine Wan would be suspicious, she deliberately concealed this from Yin Lan.


    She also deliberately showed difort before Madam Zhang and Mrs. Li, using the two bootlickers to report her condition to Concubine Wan.


    To put it bluntly, she owed Yin Lan the most this time...


    If she didn''t deceive her, she was worried that with her temperament, it would be hard to act truly anxious and flustered.


    And it was precisely because of Yin Lan''s genuine fear and panic...that made Concubine Wan firmly believe she hadpletely fallen into her trap.

 Chapter 399: Paid for with one’s Life

    <h4>Chapter 399</h4>


    As for Mrs. Li, it was even simpler.


    She had long ago asked Su He which women Li Yang had.


    At that time, Su He mentioned Juying Marquis''s wife, Mrs. Li.


    Li Yang was promiscuous by nature. He behaved like a virtuous gentleman in front of Emperor Tianqi and the ministers, but had already gotten involved with Concubine Wan''s female friend in private.


    However, Li Yang only had a passing interest in Mrs. Li. After he had yed with her, he abandoned her. Mrs. Li had been upset about this for a long time.


    It was easy to trick Mrs. Li out by using Li Yang''s name. With Shen Munian''s superior martial arts, it was easy for them to throw Mrs. Li into the meditation room where she was.


    After that...Li Yang pushed the door open, thinking the person on the bed was her.


    Speaking to this point, Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened as he nced at her, his handsome face seemed to beughing and notughing, and was a little more angry.


    Gu Ying knew she was in the wrong, and smiled innocently, "I didn''t expect my charm to be so great..."


    In her previous life, no one had liked her. She had finally married Jiang Yin, but Jiang Yin hadn''t even nced at her. She had died so tragically in the end.


    In her heart, she never felt that she had the capital to make a man give himself to her.


    The only thing she had for the Prince was this sincere heart.


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to y with the girl''s soft jade fingers, and was silent in a pressing manner. His appearance of not speaking gave some sense of pressure.


    Gu Ying got up from his arms, and held his exceptionally handsome face in her small hands, looking into his handsome eyebrows and eyes.


    "Du, don''t be angry anymore, I promise you that in the future I will never take risks with my body again, okay?"


    "What should be done if youmit this again?"


    "Hmm..." Gu Ying thought for a moment, "Then I will be punished to never gain my love in this and all future lifetimes."


    Zhao Changdu frowned, displeased as he covered her lips, "Don''t speak nonsense, I asked you to protect yourself, not to make such vicious oaths."


    Gu Ying smiled and withdrew her fingers, seeing the heartache and love in his eyes, her heart ached slightly.


    "Du..."


    She hugged his neck and gently leaned into his arms.


    She didn''t know why, but this unprecedented sense of security made her even more sad and nostalgic.


    She had lost a lot in the past, and although she seemed to be doing very well after being reborn, she was always uneasy.


    Every morning when she woke up, she was afraid that all of this was fake, afraid that the man beside her pillow would turn into a wisp of smoke and disappear before her eyes, afraid that when she opened her eyes, she would still be half dead in that dpidated temple.


    It was the Prince who gave her everything new, and it was the Prince who gave her unconditional love.


    She wanted to cry a little, buried her face in his chest, biting her lips tightly, and was silent.


    The crying girl was like a helpless little kitten.


    When she finally found a little nest, she cried with tears while hugging it.


    She looked so pitiful and cute.


    Zhao Changdu felt the wetness on his chest, and his tone softened as he kissed her hair, "I''m not really ming you, don''t cry, I don''t even have time to love you yet."


    Gu Ying''s eyes were red as she said in a choked voice, "No, I''m not crying because you scolded me."


    Zhao Changdu smiled, patiently asking like coaxing a child, "Then why is it?"


    Gu Ying wiped away her tears, the corners of her lips raised, "I''m not crying sadly, but happily, happily that I can marry you, this is called tears of joy."


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, raised his hand to wipe away the tears from the girl''s eyes, "That''s because you''re lucky. I''ve been rebellious since I was a child, I won''t fall in love with someone easily, but you happen to be the only one."


    Perhaps it was too embarrassing to profess love openly.


    The man''s face stiffened again as he said, "Do you know how many women in Bianjing City want to marry me? Ying, you must cherish me, understand?"


    The corners of Gu Ying''s mouth rose.


    Luck? It was exchanged with her life.


    If she hadn''t died once, how would she have known that there was such love between a man and a woman, and that she had such a rtionship with this cold King of Hell.


    "Okay, okay, from this life onwards, I will cherish you for lifetime after lifetime, satisfied?"


    "That''s more like it." Zhao Changdu hooked his lips, his eyes suddenly became hot, "Ying, your stomach is poking me."


    Gu Ying''s small face stiffened, and instantly turned red, "You...are poking me too..."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened as he pressed the girl into his arms, and his breathing became heavy.


    Thus, they tossed and turned all the way back.


    By the time they returned to the Duke''s Mansion, the sky was almost bright.


    In Bianjing City, thousands of families were still asleep in their dreams, but they did not know that the imperial court of the Eastern Liang Dynasty had already undergone tremendous changes.


    Mrs. Lin had not slept all night out of worry. She anxiously waited at the gate with Shen Ruxu.


    When she heard the sound of carriages and horses outside, she hurriedly looked up to greet them.


    "Du, you guys are finally back, where is Ying? How is Ying?"


    Since Gu Ying had left the Duke''s Mansion yesterday, she hadn''t been at ease, and had been uneasy the whole time.


    Zhao Changdu carried the sleeping Gu Ying down from the carriage, looked at the person in his arms affectionately, and chuckled lightly, "She''s fine, she''s just too tired and fell asleep."


    Mrs. Lin let out a sigh of relief, tugged at the corner of her mouth, and said gently, "That''s good, hurry and take her in to rest."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze swept over Shen Ruxu andnded on Mrs. Lin''s face, "Mother, don''t worry too much either, go and sleep."


    Mrs. Lin quickly said, "Okay, okay."


    With Du there, she couldn''t find a chance to care about Gu Ying either. It would be better to wait until Ying woke up, and then she would check her pulse in Changfeng Pavilion.


    The man carried the woman through the gate of the Duke''s Mansion.


    Shen Ruxu stared at the man''s straight and tall back, and the jealousy that had been suppressed in her heart for a long time stirred restlessly.


    She recalled the indulgent look in the man''s eyes when he looked at Gu Ying, and the pitying shallow smile at the corner of his mouth. A trace of cold and vicious light shed through her eyes.


    "Ruxu, why haven''t you gone in yet?"


    Mrs. Lin turned her head and called out.


    Only then did Shen Ruxu put away her cold smile, curled the corners of her mouth, and revealed an understanding smile. She jogged over to support Mrs. Lin''s arm and walked inside, "Mother, is the Prince going to leave?"


    Mrs. Lin sighed and said, "Yes, after he finishes things in Bianjing, he will have to go to his grandfather''s side."


    Shen Ruxu''s eyes moved slightly, and she asked thoughtfully, "So when will the Princee back?"


    Mrs. Lin''s heart stirred, and she nced at her displeasedly, "Why are you asking this?"


    Shen Ruxu pouted, "Mother, don''t overthink it. Your daughter just cares. Everyone outside is saying that the Qiang people are invading the borders, and the Prince will lead troops to fight soon. After the Prince leaves, he can defeat the Qiang people thoroughly. I''m just worried about this war, I don''t know how many innocentmoners will lose their lives. Mother is also a doctor, you should share my same concern, right?"


    She and Mrs. Lin had originally gone to the border to practice medicine, not only to get close to the Prince, but also to provide free treatment to thosemon people who suffered from the ravages of war.


    Mrs. Lin was kind-hearted and benevolent by nature.


    But Shen Ruxu knew clearly that she was willing to follow her to the border to suffer hardship just for the sake of marrying that young god of war.

 Chapter 400: Once Upon a Time 02

    <h4>Chapter 400</h4>


    Mrs. Lin had a slight smile at the corner of her mouth, feeling rather proud in her heart. "Perhaps after this battle, when it is over, he wille back. He still needs toe back to see A Ying give birth to her child."


    Shen Ruxu''s smile froze for a moment, but she still had to maintain a false smile in front of Mrs. Lin. "Mother is right. Sister Gu is also gradually getting bigger this month. In another four or five months the Eldest Prince will also be born. No matter what, the Prince muste back to be with her for the delivery."


    Mrs. Lin knew what she was thinking and spoke seriously, ¡°Ruxu, Mother knows you are not convinced. To tell the truth, it is my fault for letting you regard Du as your future husband since you were young, which led you to have feelings you should not have. But now, A Ying is in Du''s heart and there is no room for others. You should let him go."


    Shen Ruxu gave a bitterugh. "Don¡¯t worry, Mother. Your daughter...has let go already."


    Mrs. Lin looked at her approvingly andughed. "You are not young anymore. Take advantage that Du is still in Bianjing and in a few days I¡¯ll have him find a match for you and get engaged early. What do you think?"


    Shen Ruxu panicked immediately. "Mother, please don''t..."


    Mrs. Lin frowned. "Why so reluctant? Could it be you still have unrealistic fantasies about Du?"


    Shen Ruxu shook her head and hurriedly found an excuse. "It''s not that... Daughter just feels it is too rushed. My medicine shop has just opened not long ago and I still have a lot of things to be busy with. Daughter currently has no time to get married and have children... What¡¯s more, hastily meeting suitors does not necessarily mean finding a suitable husband. I just came to Bianjing not long ago and want to get used to life here first and get to know people before making ns. It would not be toote toe up with ideas after the Prince returns safely from the border. Don¡¯t you think so, Mother?"


    Mrs. Lin thought about it and agreed that made sense.


    If she was not worried that Ruxu still had not given up on Du, she would not have wanted her to marry so quickly in the first ce.


    Except when it came to matters regarding Du where she was stubborn and unwilling to let go, this child was otherwise good in all other matters.


    Now that she had also let go, there was no need to rush her marriage.


    So Mrs. Lin agreed.


    Shen Ruxu subtly breathed a sigh of relief and escorted Mrs. Lin into the Lingxi Pavilion. Her eyes instantly revealed a trace of fierceness.


    This old Mrs. Lin was bing increasingly biased towards Gu Ying.


    Were her more than ten years of mother-daughter affection still inferior to Gu Ying¡¯s recent fawning and ttery?


    If she continued standing on Gu Ying¡¯s side, sooner orter there would be a day she would kill this old wretch!


    After sending off Mrs. Lin, Shen Ruxu did not stay in the Duke¡¯s residence.


    She went inside to fetch her cloak and walked out.


    Hai Tang hugged an umbre and followed. "Miss, it looks like rain. Where are you going? Let this ve apany you."


    Shen Ruxu turned around in the corridor. Her brows were knitted. "What are you following me for?"


    Hai Tang smiled foolishly. "This ve is worried about Miss going out alone unsafe. What if you run into bad guys? Although this is under the Son of Heaven¡¯s feet, there are still quite a few cases of things happening to women. Miss should still be more careful. This ve may be clumsy but she is strong and her life is cheap. With this ve by miss¡¯s side, I¡¯ll feel more assured."


    Shen Ruxu was originally very annoyed by Hai Tang.


    She had always felt that she was sent by Gu Ying to serve her and that they were not of one mind.


    It was not until that night when she discovered Hai Tang covering her face crying alone in the room.


    She went over to take a look and discovered that she had been pped.


    Only then did she find out that Hai Tang was previously a lowly maid doing menial chores in the back kitchen of the Duke¡¯s residence. Due to her honest and silly nature and clumsiness with words, she had always been bullied.


    In addition, her grandmother at home was sick so no matter how bitter her days were at the Duke¡¯s residence she could only endure it.


    Shen Ruxu never trusted anyone sent by Gu Ying. Later when she went to visit Hai Tang¡¯s sick grandmother, she finally lowered some of her guard.


    She reckoned, how could Gu Ying be so kind as to assign her a good personal maid?


    It was only a silly girl like Hai Tang that she would be willing to throw over to her courtyard.


    From then on, she had a little more trust in Hai Tang.


    Because Hai Tang had said that she wanted to climb up the ranks and earn money to treat her grandmother¡¯s illness.


    There were no selfless people that could be trusted. As long as she was ambitious and had weaknesses, then they could walk the same path.


    "Give me the umbre." Shen Ruxu said.


    Hai Tang hesitated worriedly. "The Fourth Young Miss from the Eastern Pingbo Residence was just kidnapped by bandits in the capital. Unrest has been happening a lot recently in Bianjing. Miss is really not letting this ve apany you?"


    Seeing Hai Tang''s face full of sincerity, Shen Ruxu paused before saying, "Fine then, you cane with me. But don''t ask too many questions or tell anyone else about my affairs, understood? Otherwise whether your grandmother lives or dies will be up to me."


    Hai Tang hurriedly shrank her neck. "Miss, please rest assured. Since I''ve been assigned to you, I''ll be yours for life."


    Shen Ruxu nodded and led Hai Tang all the way out of the residence towards the Nanguo Residence in Pear Blossom Lane.


    But she still kept alert.


    When they arrived at Pear Blossom Lane, she let Hai Tang go buy medicinal ingredients while she herself slipped into the Nanguo Residence...


    ...Three dayster.


    After three days and three nights of harsh interrogation, Concubine Wan finally confessed everything from that year.


    It turned out that since she was young she bore a striking resemnce to Nn Xing.


    Someone joked that Nn Xing was her never met elder sister. After she heard about this, she ran several streets over just to secretly take a look. When she saw Nn Xing¡¯s real appearance she was filled with astonishment.


    She came from a poor family. Her parents were both gamblers who gambled away their family fortunes and sold her off to a brothel to repay their debts.


    Her days there became increasingly bitter. In her young age she had already fallen into despair at life.


    Yet she discovered that Nn Xing, who shared her looks, was instead her extreme opposite.


    Nn Xing was cheerful and bright with a radiant smile. She was doted on by her parents and lived afortable and happy life.


    What was most enviable was that she actually had the fortune to encounter the current Tianqi Emperor. They fell in love when he was still Prince Rui!


    After she learned about this she was furious.


    For a long time she refused to take any clients. The madam yanked her hair and beat her while scolding her. Every time, she would think viciously, why, why does Nn Xing get to live so well while she has to struggle bitterly in this quagmire?


    The more she thought about it the more she could not ept it. That resentment and hatred without cause gradually proliferated in the dark recesses of her heart, making her increasingly unable to control herself.


    The times she secretly watched Nn Xing grew more and more frequent. Each time hiding in the dark corner like a rat unable to see daylight, carefully and despicably peeping at the life upstairs.


    She knew she was disgusting, lowly, and frightening.


    But she could not restrain herself. More than once she thought of killing Nn Xing and taking her ce.


    It was not until Prince Rui was taken away from Changzhou... She knew, the chance had finally arrived. Heaven was still standing on her side.


    She began to seize opportunities to find times when Nn Xing was alone.

 Chapter 401: Peace Symbol

    <h4>Chapter 401</h4>


    It was unexpected that only after a month, Prince Rui''s men returned to Changzhou to find Nn Xing to take her back as a royal concubine. At that time, Nn Xing already had signs of early pregnancy.


    When she found out, she didn''t know whether to be shocked or happy, only feeling trembling all over as a crazy n quickly took shape in her mind.


    She wanted to be a royal concubine, andter a queen. She wanted to be the most honorable woman in this dynasty!


    What was best to her was that the man leading the group back to find Nn Xing turned out to be a little boy she had helped when she was young!


    He was also from Changzhou and lived next door to her when he was little!


    She was excited all night without sleep. The next day, she went to find him.


    After years in the brothel, she had learned a lot from the girls there. It was too easy to seduce a man, not to mention Xia Zixi already had feelings for her.


    So she joined hands with Xia Zixi and ruthlessly killed the then pregnant Nn Xing.


    She thought herself as beautiful as a flower, with looksparable to Nn Xing. If Nn Xing could gain the emperor''s favor, why couldn''t she?


    In order not to arouse suspicion, she imitated Nn Xing in every way and got pregnant with Xia Zixi''s child. She went north to Bianjing with him.


    What happened afterward, the world already knew.


    The controversial Guo Mengxue eventually entered the pce against much opposition under the Tianqi Emperor''s insistence, was conferred as an imperial concubine, and exclusively enjoyed favor for over ten years.


    The story of Concubine Wan came to a halt for now.


    Xia Zixi was executed; when Concubine Wan came out of pce prison, her entire body was bloody, only her eyeballs could still move. She could no longer be considered an intact person.


    Gu Ying felt the Tianqi Emperor''s hatred for Guo Mengxue was not that simple.


    Killing a person was too easy; letting her live and suffer torture all her life was the best revenge.


    A few dayster,


    Far away in Yueyang,moners fished a giant stone turtle from the Li River. It was said there was an ancient stele on the turtle''s back.


    The stele read: "The emerald waves sparkle, and the heavenly purple aster descends to be ordained to be the lord of all under heaven."


    Soon, local officials in Yueyang Prefecture rushed overnight to send the stele to Bianjing''s imperial pce.


    When the Tianqi Emperor learned of this, he was furious,


    Immediately ordering a raid on Prince Shu''s mansion. The Minister of Justice was ordered to go, and countless gold, silver and jewels worth tens of thousands, as well as 500 armors were seized from the mansion.


    By this time, Prince Shu''s treason was announced to the whole country.


    On the same day, the Tianqi Emperor stripped Li Yang of his prince title, demoting him to amoner.


    His mother, Concubine Wan, also suddenly fell ill from extreme grief, bing bedridden.


    Two dayster, Empress Su issued an edict that said Concubine Wan was critically ill, and the foul air might infect His Majesty, so she would be moved from Yn Hall to Changmen Pce.


    As everyone knew, Changmen Pce was the Cold Pce.


    The inmates here would only face torture and death.


    All pce servants attending Concubine Wan were reced; chief pce maids who had served her well were thrown into jail. Other pce maids were secretly driven out of the rear pce.


    No one knew why the once favored concubine suddenly lost favor.


    They only knew Concubine Wan had fallen from power; those who used to rely on her to throw their weight around, including the Commandant of Guards Xia Zixi, were dismissed.


    Outwardly, everything was peaceful in the pce; secretly, danger lurked everywhere.


    With Concubine Wan''s loss of power, the Empress regained the Imperial Seal to rule the harem.


    It turned out His Majesty was not ill but poisoned.


    After Li Yang''s deposition, his spies in the pce feared to be implicated and took the initiative to confess, handing over the poison Li Yang had them put in His Majesty and Prince Duan''s food and drinks.


    Learning the truth, the Tianqi Emperor was enraged beyond control, ordering Li Yang to be publicly beheaded despite everyone pleading for him.


    And the position of Empress was finally granted to Prince Duan.


    From then on, Dong Li''s sky had thoroughly changed.


    The once undervalued Prince Duan became Dong Li''s heir apparent and entered the central pce. With thunderous methods, he swiftly reshuffled the staff of the Eastern Pce.


    Only then did people realize that this seemingly weak and easily bullied Prince Medicine Jar was in fact the cunning, enduring and profoundly politically savvy future ruler.


    The Tianqi Emperor''s health gradually recovered, greatly delighting him. He even personally granted an edict conferring a princess title.


    It was said the princess was named Na Yuan. She was adorable, of civilian origin, and cherished by His Majesty. He didn''t allow anyone to see the princess'' real appearance,


    Saying that a formal enthronement ceremony would be held specially for her sometimeter for her true appearance to be revealed to the public.


    Speaking of these things with Mrs. Lin while embroidering a peace charm pouch for the Heir Apparent,


    Gu Ying heaved a deep sigh, feeling quite sympathetic.


    Nn Xing''s fate was too bitter.


    Mrs Lin nced at her disapprovingly. "Why sigh at such a young age? Sighing is bad for health and will sigh away good luck. Ying, this embroidery will be done after finishing this purse. Let me see it."


    Gu Ying''s embroidery skills had greatly improved. The peace charms and purse were integrated. The charm patterns she embroidered were vividly lifelike. "Here."


    Mrs. Lin took it and looked at it carefully, praising, "Good, not bad. Ying embroidered this with the style of the Jiangsu Jiang family."


    Gu Ying was too shy to say that her female crafts were terribly sloppy in herst life.


    She only learned everywhere to please Jiang Yin.


    One of the teachers was a fallen Jiangdy in a brothel who did teach her needlework.


    She casually fabricated a reason. Mrs Lin didn''t say anything more but kept praising her.


    The mother and daughter-inw chatted the whole afternoon in the Lingxi Pavilion before Gu Ying took her servants back to Changfeng Pavilion at dusk.


    The Heir Apparent would leave tomorrow.


    She still had to carefully check all the crates and boxes for the Heir Apparent.


    After going through them again and again, there were clothes, shoes, weapons, purses, dry rations for the journey, etc.


    Large and small crates filled up the entire room.


    She still felt it wasn''t enough and wanted to pack more things for the Heir Apparent.


    Yin smiled, "Mydy, this is already the sixth time we''ve added things for the Heir Apparent. If we add any more, he won''t be able to carry them away."

 Chapter 402: The Prince Leaves

    <h4>Chapter 402</h4>


    Gu Ying sighed helplessly, propping up her waist and sitting down. "I''m just worried he won''t have enough for a few months away."


    Yin Lan put the kneepads embroidered by the mistress herself into the box. "Perhaps he''ll be back in a month or two?"


    Gu Ying said, "How could it be so fast."


    A three thousand mile march would take a long time just on the road alone.


    Yin Lan''s mouth curled into a smile. "Mistress, don''t worry. The Prince said he woulde back to apany you for the birth of little Prince, he will certainlye back early."


    Gu Ying gave azy smile, the corners of her lips faintly hooked. "Actually, I can give birth myself. Giving birth, I''ve never eaten pork but I''ve seen pigs run. Just like that, shout and scream and feel the pain, the child will cry as it drops to the ground."


    Yin Lan, who had given birth here, had the most right to speak. "Mistress has the wrong idea, giving birth is not so easy."


    Gu Ying licked the corners of her lips, her gaze instantly falling on her own belly. She was also a little afraid.


    After all, the formerly t little belly was growing bigger and bigger...


    And strange noises emanated from inside from time to time.


    Although she had seen pregnant women, when it came to herself, she was still worried that there would be a naughty little monster inside who would note out obediently and would torment her to death.


    Yin Lan nced at her mistress'' worried look, thinking that it was the mistress'' first child, naturally she was afraid, andforted: "Mistress don''t worry, our little Prince will surely be an obedient good baby, he will never torment his mother."


    Gu Ying smiled as she stroked her belly. "Let''s talk about it when the timees. Even if the Princees back, he will be of no use to me. I¡¯ve seen several women give birth, and in the end they all relied on the midwife to give birth."


    The young wife of the lesser mistress had never seen other women give birth, not even when Zhao''s wife gave birth to Little Qingqing did she have time to visit.


    Yin Lan took it as a joke and didn''t care, lowered her head to continue sorting the items and checking the numbers.


    Only Gu Ying herself knew that the Prince would probably not see the child''s first face.


    By the time he and his father returned, Nian would have passed his first month birthday.


    But this was nothing, the Prince could still see the child.


    She never had high hopes to begin with, only hoping that Nian, who had not been born in her previous life, could safely descend into this world in this life.


    Gu Ying''s mood improved, and she gently stroked her belly with her little hand.


    Lately the belly seemed to be growing faster.


    She didn''t know if it was her illusion, but every time she ced her hand on her belly, she could feel a little fellow frolicking inside.


    She had asked the midwives who lived next door, and everyone said she was too nervous and the child still had to grow a lot before he would greet his mother.


    She sat under the candlelight, her brows and eyes softened.


    Soon, familiar footsteps were heard outside.


    "Mistress, this servant will withdraw first." Yin Lan was always tactful, hearing this sound she smiled, took her leave.


    Gu Ying looked up to see the Prince walking in, d in silver armor, his right hand holding a helmet.


    The man had deep brows and bright eyes, truly handsome.


    Gu Ying looked over with a smile, thinking of getting up to greet him, "Why has the Princee back so early today?"


    "Stay seated."


    Zhao Changdu put the helmet on the red sandalwood stand, came over and sat down beside her, his big hand unintentionally ced on her belly, longshes lowered, and was silent for a while.


    The room was unusually quiet, the carved beams and painted rafters, the picturesque windows.


    The silver thread embroidered orchid gauze curtains hanging in the gallery swayed gently in the breeze.


    After Jiang Yin died, the matter of Imperial Consort Wan was also settled in short order, and Gu Ying had slept more soundly these past two days, her state of mind more peaceful than ever. "Changdu, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Zhao Changdu sighed, pulled her into his arms, "I just can''t bear to part with you and the child."


    Gu Ying''s mouth curled into a faint smile, her head leaning against the man''s shoulder. "Thene back early, Nian and I will be waiting for you at home."


    Zhao Changdu uttered an "enhm".


    Gu Ying took out the embroidered purse and handed it to him.


    The man stroked the peace talisman pattern on it, indescribable unease in his heart.


    "Ying-"


    "I''m here."


    "If I die in battle¡ª"


    "Tsk." Gu Ying hurriedly covered his lips, a sh of panic in her bright eyes, "Don''t talk nonsense, Changdu is the God of War of Dong Li, he will never lose this battle."


    Zhao Changdu gazed steadily into the shimmering spring water in the girl''s eyes, sped her slender fingertips in his big hand, and gently kissed them.


    The atmosphere was gentle and lingering, their eyes met, and countless feelings flowed between them.


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth curled into a faint smile. "Alright, this time I will definitely return safely from battle."


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into crescents, chin tilted up, she leaned in and dropped a light kiss on his lips. "I know, you will surely win."


    Zhao Changdu felt warm in his heart, sped the back of the girl''s neck in his big hand, his voice low and hoarse. "Good."


    That night, neither of them slept.


    Gu Ying nestled in the man''s arms, listening attentively to his stories of the old Duke, while taking the opportunity to subtly impart to him the key information she knew in her previous life about the Qiang Tribe.


    She didn''t know much about war, only glimpsing a few key nodes of the Qiang imperial pces from Jiang Yin''s study.


    Hopefully it would be useful to him.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was deep and he stared at the girl chattering away the whole night without saying a word.


    The next day, Gu Ying woke up to find the man gone.


    By the bed was a note he left that read, "Husband has gone ahead, Ying do not fret."


    She stared nkly at the canopy above, her heart beating faintly in her chest.


    There was an indescribable feeling...faintly lingering in her heart.


    She took a deep breath, blinked her sore eyes, reached out a slender jade hand from the golden silk soft canopy, and called out softly, "Yin Lan,e help me wash up."


    ...


    The hundred thousand troops departed from the capital military camp, taking the Prince and Huai''an with them.


    After the upheaval in the harem, Bianjing regained its calm.


    The twelve frontier cities were engulfed in ming war, yet Bianjing was a bustling prosperous city.


    With no trouble in Bianjing, and old grudges avenged, Gu Ying also began to carefully nurture the fetus.


    Now she had no other desires, only wanting to keep this child in her belly safe.


    After the Prince left, she was not alone in Bianjing. Firstly, her current status was as a coveted noblewoman in Bianjing, doted on by her mother-inw and cared for by her aunt.


    Secondly, the newly titled Princess Niao was on good terms only with her, so those fickledies in the capital all eyed the Duke''s Residence, looking for opportunities to curry favor.


    Gu Ying shut everyone else out, only Qin came often to the Duke''s Residence, always to talk about one thing.

 Chapter 403: The Marriage of Gu Shuang

    <h4>Chapter 403</h4>


    "Du, you are pregnant and I really worry about you as your aunt. As someone who has gone through this before, I have a lot of experience in taking care of expectant mothers. Come and stay at the Ye Mansion for a month to settle down before going back, it won''t be toote."


    On Gu Ying''s left was the "pushy" Qin, on the right was the worried Mrs. Lin, and in the middle sat Zhao who seemed to want to say something but held back.


    She was Mrs. Lin''s daughter-inw, so Mrs. Lin naturally didn''t want her to stay at the Ye Mansion with a Zhao family child.


    If outsiders heard about this, they would probably think she was an abusive mother-inw to Gu Ying. It wouldn''t reflect well on the Duke''s Residence''s reputation if they couldn''t even amodate Gu Ying after Du left.


    Moreover, she was a doctor herself and was better at taking care of pregnant women, so she stubbornly refused to let Gu Ying go.


    Qin on the other hand had an impatient personality. She was thrilled to see her niece get so close to the Ye Family and wanted to seize this great opportunity to "win back" Gu Ying while the heir was away.


    Zhao felt even more awkward... She hade to ask a favor regarding her daughter''s marriage. But she happened to walk in on the duchess and madam arguing over Gu Ying.


    Seeing they couldn''t convince each other, Mrs. Lin hardened her attitude, "Gu Ying, you know your mother is a doctor. It would be better for me to personally take care of your pregnancy than someone who doesn''t know anything."


    Qin frowned. "Aunt Zhao, I''m unhappy to hear you say this. I''ve given birth to a son myself, how could I not know anything? Moreover, Old Ye has arranged the best midwives in the manor to take care of Gu Ying''s body. If she stays with us at the Ye Family, from eating to sleeping, everything will be taken care of. Wouldn''t that be more reassuring?"


    Mrs. Lin remained calm. "The Duke''s Residence has a very capable midwife personally invited by Du."


    Qin shamelessly smiled. "Then bring the midwife along too. We''re all family, no need to separate yours and mine."


    Mrs. Lin nearlyughed from anger. She pressed her lips and also smiled. "Madam Ye, you''ve bested me with words, but you can''t make this decision unterally. After all, the child in Du''s belly is my Duke''s heir. She belongs to the Duke''s Residence. What would others say if she went to the Ye Family?"


    Qin felt wronged. "What''s wrong with the Ye Family? It''s her parental home."


    Mrs. Lin calmly said, "The Zhao family is her marital home. I treat her like my own daughter."


    Seeing she couldn''t get through, Qin generously said, "Alright alright, let''s not argue since we can''t agree. Gu Ying, it''s up to you. We elders should respect the youngster''s opinion, right?"


    Mrs. Lin kept silent and also looked over.


    Gu Ying''s temple twitched. She had never experienced such familial warmth in her past life at the Earl Manor. Being treated like this for the first time, she was at a loss.


    After all, both sides were "her flesh", and she didn''t want to offend either.


    Her eyes turned as she pulled Aunt Zhao and said, "Aunt Zhao, what did youe to see me for today? I was so immersed in conversation with my aunt and mother that I forgot you were here waiting. How rude of me."


    Aunt Zhao had been elevated to the Earl''s madam.


    Hearing Gu Ying affectionately call her Aunt made her heart warm.


    "Gu Ying..." Zhao looked left and right at the deadlocked Mrs. Lin and Madam Qin. She had something to say but hesitated on whether she should. "If not, why don''t youdies finish your discussion first before I say my piece?"


    Qin chuckled. "Our matter can be easily resolved. Tell us your business first."


    Mrs. Lin had also heard the recent rumors about the Earl Manor.


    Especially regarding the Fourth Young Lady''s marriage.


    Talk on the streets was that after the Fourth Young Lady was kidnapped at Concubine Wan''s birthday banquet, the Fu family originally wanted to call off the engagement.


    But somehow, after Qin''s mediation, the rumors were dispelled and the Fu family''s minds were settled.


    Yet as the wedding day approached, the Fu family kept dying again and again. The carefully chosen auspicious date had passed two days ago, yet there was no sign of a grooming to fetch the bride.


    Let alone getting married, there wasn''t even word from the Fu family.


    Amongst the many prominent and powerful families in the capital watching the Earl Manor be aughing stock, which family didn''t say the Fourth Young Lady''s kidnapping was staged to cover up the truth? The Ye Family manor, recognizing Qin as a godmother, were all just excuses to conceal the facts.


    Who''s to say the Fourth Young Lady hadn''t already lost her chastity and was shamelessly trying to marry into a reputable family with an impure body?


    Mrs. Lin agreed. "You should speak first."


    Zhao thanked them. "Thank you both sisters. This is about my family''s disgraceful daughter..."


    Qin frowned. "The Fu family still hasn''t given a definite answer about Shuanger''s marriage?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes darkened as she steadily handed the teacup to Zhao. "Don''t worry Aunt Zhao, speak slowly."


    Zhao shook her head and sighed. "You all know about Shuanger''s circumstances... Now some baseless rumors have emerged, saying my Shuanger was ravaged and is anxious to marry herself out, so the Fu family learned the truth and refused to be strung along. That''s why they called off the wedding on the eve of the big day."


    Although the Earl Manor had declined, they couldn''t tolerate others maligning the manor''s daughter like this.


    She was so angry she couldn''t eat. With no heart to care for her younger children, as soon as the heir''s matter concluded, she hurriedly had a carriage brought to the Duke''s Residence.


    The old madam didn''t care for Shuanger. The Earl was only concerned about his reputation and wanted to escte this to the authorities to demand an exnation from the Fu family.


    But how could Shuanger establish a foothold in the capital after that?


    Just to marry a man, she would shamelessly take this to court. Even if Fu Xunzhi was forced to marry her, what awaited Shuanger in the Fu family?


    She couldn''t bear to think about it and felt even more distressed.


    After thinking it over, only Gu Ying could helpe up with a solution.


    "These rumors can be ignored. As long as Fu Xunzhi doesn''t care, they love each other, that''s all that matters."


    Zhao continued. "I thought the matter would blow over like this. But unexpectedly, the Fu family is treating my Shuanger this way. The wedding day we agreed on has passed two days ago, yet the Fu family shows no intention of fetching the bride. The old madam fell ill in anger. The Earl flew into a rage and ordered all the red silk in the manor taken down. Seeing Shuanger sitting alone in her room, I felt uneasy. So I sent someone to the Fu family to investigate."


    Everyone in the room frowned.


    Gu Ying pondered Zhao''s distressed face. "What about Fu Xunzhi?"


    Zhao sneered. "My person reported back that the Fu family shut their doors and didn''t go out. There were no preparations for a wedding whatsoever. So from the beginning, the Fu family never intended to marry Shuanger. I was furious."

 Chapter 404: Fu Xun’s Runaway Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 404</h4>


    Qin and Mrs. Lin looked at each other, both never having heard of such an entric family.


    When a prominent family discusses marriage, no matter the oue, they should leave some leeway for the other party.


    Even though the old madame of the Fu family was originally a youngdy who married down from a noble family, she shouldn''t have handled this matter so heartlessly, right?


    Gu Ying was full of doubts, "Auntie, did Fu Xunzhi not make an appearance at all?"


    Zhao was furious, "No, I couldn''t find him either, don''t know where he went. I asked the Ministry of Personnel and heard he hasn''t been to work for several days already."


    Gu Ying''s lips tightened.


    She had already understood from their words.


    The Fu family didn''t want to be inws with the Gu family, but couldn''t bring themselves to call off the engagement either.


    My fourth sister''s reputation had been well protected, but now with Fu Xunzhi running away, that kidnapping incident people had ignored floated up again.


    No one wanted to look deeper into what was up with Fu Xunzhi.


    All the malice was directed at innocent Fourth Sister.


    If Fourth Sister couldn''t get married, the rumors about her would be confirmed, that she wasn''t clean.


    This matter was just as Auntie Zhao said, originally not serious and wouldn''t have fermented.


    It was Fu Xunzhi''s avoidance that made it the focus.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying''s face also looked awful, "This concerns Fourth Sister''s reputation, I''ll go see how she''s doing first, then make a decision."


    Zhao quickly said with a bitter smile, "Ying, go see Frost, she...hasn''t smiled in a long time, whenever I ask her, she just says it''s nothing, but who knows how many times she''s secretly cried."


    Gu Ying reassured, "Auntie don''t worry, I''ll make the decision for Fourth Sister''s marriage."


    Zhao''s eyes reddened, "Ying...I really thank you..."


    Gu Ying helplessly patted Zhao''s shoulder, being a mother, which one found it easy?


    Especially women with daughters, who wasn''t anxious?


    She felt sorry for Zhao, and said to Mrs. Lin, "Mother, Fourth Sister''s matter won''t be resolved in a short time, anyway I''m free now, so I''ll go stay at the Gu family for a few days first, what do you think?"


    Seeing Zhao''s red-rimmed eyes, Mrs. Lin was full of sympathy and had nothing to say.


    Qin pped her thigh and alsopromised, "I think Ying going back and forth between the Duke''s estate and Marquis''s estate is tiring, might as well stay at the Gu family first."


    Anyway when Gu Shuang''s matter was settled, she could just send a carriage to pick up Ying, act first and reportter.


    Mrs. Lin had no choice but to agree.


    In the afternoon, Gu Ying simply packed up and brought the Rouge Flowers rouge, going with Zhao to the East Ping Marquis''s estate.


    Entering the estate from the corner gate, walking through the Flowery Gate, going along the familiar green stone path, diagonally entering through a carved covered corridor from the back garden''s artificial mountain.


    The red silk on the corridor columns hadn''t beenpletely taken down yet, several maidservants were gathered together gossiping, inside and outside their words were all about the ugly matter with Fourth Young Lady in the Reed Catkin Courtyard.


    Everyone in the whole estate knew Fourth Young Lady couldn''t get married, her goods had been rejected.


    The big rednterns were hung askew under the eaves.


    Those several maidservants'' words grew more and more indecent, even ndering that Gu Shuang was pregnant out of wedlock.


    Gu Ying walked in, standing coldly behind that bush, lightly coughing.


    The several maidservants were startled looking back, seeing the married-out Second Young Lady and newly elevated Auntie Zhao, they instantly shut up in fright.


    Back then, they hadn''t bullied Gu Ying who was still in the estate a little.


    But the current Gu Ying was no longer the Gu Ying of those years, that weak and bulliable Second Young Lady had be the esteemed Princess Consort of the Duke''s estate.


    The several maidservants'' legs went soft, uniformly kneeling on the ground, shivering in fear, "Princess Consort, Madame..."


    Gu Ying spoke up, expression remote and cold, "Not intentionally speaking, or not intentionally letting us hear?"


    Her indistinguishable joy and anger made people feel chilled inside.


    The several women lowered their heads, not daring to speak.


    Zhao ruled the household quite leniently, ring sharply at them, "You lot often loiter in the yard, if I hear you talking about Frost''s matters again in the future, I won''t let you off, hurry and scram!"


    Marquis Gu especially disliked cruel and ruthless women, Zhao had been with him so many years and was quite clear on his temperament.


    So after she became the proper madam, managing the inner residence and the servants, her attitude was mild.


    She didn''t rebuke them much either, only telling them to shut their mouths.


    The several maidservants hurriedly scattered like birds and beasts.


    Gu Ying frowned, disapproving, "Auntie is just letting the servants freely gossip about Fourth Sister?"


    Zhao looked troubled,ining, "It''s not that I haven''t tried to stop it, just can''t control it. Last time when Frost didn''t return for a night, I already had servants who signed death contracts go investigate, yet in the end there were still people who spread the news out."


    "Sigh." Zhao sighed, "They all say you even annoy dogs after running the household for three years, I''m trying hard to learn how to manage, but recently there have truly been too many matters, plus Frost''s incident happened, I really can''t get away to discipline the servants, so they look down on me somewhat."


    Gu Ying looked towards White Egret Garden''s direction, meaningfully said, "Auntie is new to managing the inner residence, possibly doesn''t know that some people daring to wag their tongues disregarding the madam''s prestige must have backers."


    Zhao knitted her brows, lookingplicated, "Ying means, Wang?"


    Gu Ying smiled faintly, "Has Auntie only fought with Mrs. Liu before, forgetting there''s still Wang in this estate who gave birth to a son?"


    No matter what kind of person she herself was, as long as she had this son, she wouldn''t need to worry about anything in the future.


    Zhao lightly snorted,pletely looking down on Wang, "Her? What can her temper aplish?"


    Gu Ying smilingly shook her head, "Some matters can''t just look at the surface, some people also can''t be underestimated, Wang Madame is that kind of person, usually unnoticeable, but more dangerous."


    After all, Wang in her previous life was also a winner in life.


    Not only did she bring down Auntie Zhao, she also supported her own son to inherit the East Ping Marquis estate, obtaining an Honored Madame title for herself, living in wealth and honor until old age.


    You couldn''t say what was good about this kind of person, her looks weren''t even as good as Zhao''s, her temper even worse than Mrs. Liu''s.


    But she could endure, conceal, and stab you when you weren''t paying attention.


    After being said this by Gu Ying, Zhao did recall several instances of being schemed against by Wang.


    Although they weren''t major matters, she could feel that ever since she became the East Ping Marquis''s proper madam, the Marquis''s attitude towards her had changed somewhat.


    He was more intimate with Wang, frequently resting in Wang''s White Egret Garden.


    She had thought it was just the fickleness of men, only liking to dote on concubines, but thinking about it now, a man wouldn''t change just like that for no reason, Wang must have done something.

 Chapter 405: Haven’t Seen Him

    <h4>Chapter 405</h4>


    ¡°Shuanger is right!¡± Auntie Zhao suddenly realized, ¡°That¡¯s right, Shuanger, you really are my lucky star!¡± Lady Zhao pped her hands, suddenly understanding, ¡°That¡¯s right, Shuanger, Ying''er is in the courtyard, go take a look, I still have to go to Old Madam¡¯s ce to see, ever since she got sick, she has been tormenting me every day, after you see Ying''er, you should also go to Yongshou Hall and walk around.¡±


    Gu Ying smiled slightly and nodded, ¡°Auntie can go first, I¡¯ll just go in by myself.¡±


    Lady Zhao sighed heavily, then hurriedly led the maids towards Yongshou Hall.


    Gu Ying turned around, nced at the direction of Reed Catkin Courtyard, thought of something, and instructed Yanzhi and Yin Lan, ¡°I¡¯ll go in alone. Yin Lan, Yanzhi, go to the ce where Shang Jiao lives for a walk,e back immediately if there''s any news.¡±


    Yanzhi asked in confusion, ¡°Shang Jiao?¡±


    She had almost forgotten about this person, and couldn¡¯t remember who it was for a moment.


    It was Yin Lan and Huai¡¯an who went to give Shang Jiao the money. Yin Lan immediately recalled the girl and said, ¡°It¡¯s the one who lives under a crooked neck tree at Chunyang Lane in West Market, she¡¯s a small peddler, looks like a young girl of seventeen or eighteen.¡±


    Gu Ying¡¯s eyes were pitch ck, with some unspeakable chill, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s her. Go ask if Fu Xunzhi is at her ce, and then inquire around to see if the two of them had any private dealings before.¡±


    Yin Lan¡¯s face tightened immediately, ¡°Does Madam mean¡ª¡±


    Gu Ying lowered hershes expressionlessly. She didn¡¯t know why she would think of Shang Jiao. It was just a very strong intuition that Fu Xunzhi might have some connection with the girl.


    ¡°It¡¯s just my guess, I hope it''s not what I think. Hurry up,e back early.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Yin Lan pulled Yanzhi out.


    Gu Ying stood outside the gate of Reed Catkin Courtyard for a while before stepping in.


    Gu Shuang had always lived with Auntie Zhao in the east wing of Auntie Zhao¡¯s main room.


    After the Cold Food Festival had passed, the hot summer came. In Bianjing where the days were long and nights short, there was arge bamboo forest nted in Reed Catkin Courtyard. When the summer breeze blew past, the bamboo rustled.


    Qingbi was guarding outside Gu Shuang¡¯s door. Seeing Gu Yinge over, she was about to speak.


    Gu Ying raised her hand to stop her and signaled her not to speak, then went in by herself.


    Qingbi took a step back with a worried look on her face, and whispered, ¡°Madam hase at just the right time, our youngdy is feeling unwell now.¡±


    Gu Ying said, ¡°I know.¡±


    When encountering this kind of thing, which decent family would feel good. It was precisely a middle status household like the East Ping Marquis Estate that felt more awkward.


    Qingbi sighed. ¡°Madam, please persuade our youngdy well and ask her to think positively. Her health is most important.¡±


    Gu Ying nodded slightly, ¡°Don''t worry.¡±


    Pushing the door open, with one nce, she saw Gu Shuang curled up in a ball sitting in the corner of the bed, looking lonely and helpless.


    She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, gently smiling and asked, ¡°Did Fourth Younger Sister just get up?¡±


    Gu Shuang''s gaze nkly turned her head, her throat choked up, and she trembled, ¡°Second Sister, why are you here?¡±


    Gu Ying stroked her soft long ck hair and said with distress, ¡°I heard about your matter and thought toe to see you.¡±


    Gu Shuang mocked the stiff corners of her mouth. ¡°...Is Second Sister referring to my marriage?¡±


    Gu Ying said gently, ¡°As your sister, of course I''vee because of Fourth Younger Sister''s marriage.¡±


    Gu Shuang looked disheartened. ¡°This marriage is called off.¡±


    Gu Ying hmm-ed. She didn¡¯t ask much, and only said, ¡°Fourth Younger Sister, have you seen Fu Xunzhi again after that time you returned to Bianjing?¡±


    Gu Shuang shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    Gu Ying also asked, ¡°So after that night on Luoxia Mountain, you''ve never met again?¡±


    Gu Shuang nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    In fact, it was not that long ago, just seven or eight days.


    Gu Shuang raised her little face, revealing her paleplexion, eyes flickering with light, and that slender neck under the dim light that looked like it could be grasped with one hand.


    She looked extremely distressed, as fragile as a ss doll that would shatter with a touch.


    Gu Ying¡¯s heart quivered. Heart-achingly, she pulled her into her arms. ¡°I know you are very sad, but don''t be afraid. No matter what happens, your second sister will always stand by your side.¡±


    Gu Shuang felt heartbroken andughed bitterly. ¡°I listened to Second Sister and wanted to find some time to talk to Xunzhi. But I can''t find him... I also don''t know where he has gone... Bianjing is not small but not big either... But I just can''t find him...¡±


    Gu Ying¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ll look for him myself and bring you to talk things out clearly after finding him. My sister Gu Ying doesn''t need this marriage. Even if Fourth Younger Sister remains unmarried for the rest of her life, I can still provide for you. Fourth Younger Sister, don''t bother about what others gossip maliciously outside. One only lives for oneself.¡±


    Hearing this, Gu Shuang¡¯s eyes suddenly turned red, and tears as big as beans blinked and rolled down from her eyes.


    She seemed like a child who had done something wrong, with a red nose, tears springing out like a fountain.


    ¡°Second Sister, you said that this matter is not my fault, right?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°Even if Xunzhi doesn''t want me, I have not done wrong, right?¡±


    Gu Ying solemnly told her, ¡°Fourth Younger Sister, you''ve done nothing wrong.¡±


    Gu Shuang blinked away the mist from her tears and let out a sillyugh. ¡°That¡¯s good...¡±


    In fact, she had already had a premonition. It just took her longer to ept it.


    For seven days and four quarters of an hour, she locked herself in this room without sleeping or resting, and cried for three days and three nights. Later when she could no longer cry, she sat on the bed in a daze, staring nkly outside the window.


    For a long period of time, her mind was empty, very muddled.


    Even Fu Xunzhi''s shadow became much blurred. At that time, hugging her own woven big red bridal gown, she felt her heart had died. There was no greater grief than a dead heart. Every time when her mother came to persuade her to let go, not even a tiny ripple was stirred up in her heavy heart.


    Only now, when Second Sister came over and said she would stand by her side, her dull aching heart suddenly hurt again.


    But this pain was bearable to her. There was still ast ray of hope lingering in her heart.


    How could such a good and honest man like Xunzhi suddenly not want her for no reason?


    Maybe he had some unspeakable difficulties, or maybe his family forced him to give up on her and locked him up, not allowing them to meet.


    She came up with many excuses for Xunzhi, but her heart still felt empty.


    Because there was still onest possibility that she didn''t dare think about.


    Gu Ying apanied Gu Shuang for a while. Gu Shuang''s mood was much better.


    She also knew she had to pull herself together and could not continue to be depressed. No matter how unpleasant others spoke, she only wanted to hear Fu Xunzhi say it personally.

 Chapter 406: You Think I’m Dirty

    <h4>Chapter 406</h4>


    It wasn''t long before the golden crow set in the west, and thest ray of twilight fell on the roof ridges.


    Qing Bi knocked on the door outside, and said in a low voice, "Princess, Yin Lan sister hase back, saying there''s something important to report."


    Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat. She let her in.


    The door opened, Yin Lan came in and nced at Gu Shuang first, then whispered in her mistress'' ear, "Mistress, Young Master Fu has been found."


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly and she gently waved her hand, "I see."


    Yin Lan took a step back and stood in the room.


    Gu Ying turned to Gu Shuang and said, "Little Sister, he has been found. Do you want toe with me?"


    Gu Shuang''s small face stiffened, and her heart ached for a moment. She sat still on the edge of the bed without moving.


    When he couldn''t be found, she wanted to see him. Now that he was found, she didn''t dare to see him again, and inexplicable apprehension rose in her heart.


    Gu Ying held her cold little hand solemnly and said heavily, "Don''t be afraid."


    Feeling the strength from her hand, Gu Shuang knew her second sister was thinking in her best interest. How could she drag her back?


    Even if she would beughed at by all the people in Bianjing when she walked out the door today, she had to ask him clearly.


    Seeing that she was hesitant, Gu Ying called Qing Bi in, along with Yin Lan, to dress Gu Shuang''s hair and help her dress up, while covering up the dark circles under her eyes.


    She sat motionless in front of the bronze mirror until they went out and got into the carriage. She was exceptionally quiet all the way.


    The two passed through streets and alleys. The carriage finally stopped at the entrance of Chunyang Alley.


    The alley here was narrow and the carriage could not get in. After walking about 200 steps inside, there was a crooked neck tree. Gu Ying had to take Gu Shuang out of the carriage and walk.


    From afar, Yanzhi rushed over and said to Gu Ying, "Mistress, I have already cleared the people nearby. Young Master Fu is in Shang Jiao''s yard. I have been standing guard here and haven''t seen him leave."


    Although Gu Ying had told her about Fu Xunzhi''s whereabouts all the way, Gu Shuang''s face still turned pale.


    She had prepared herself beforeing here.


    But when she really stood in front of the yard and saw the man she had been thinking about day and nightughing and chatting with a girl in that shabby little yard and feeding rabbits, she still couldn''t help trembling all over ...Her heart felt as if it was being sliced, and the pain made her unable to breathe.


    Gu Ying understood how heartbroken she must have been, but still had to face it no matter how hard it was.


    She pulled Gu Shuang and pushed her to the front of the yard. She kicked open the rickety bamboo fence gate and said solemnly, "Fu Xunzhi,e out!"


    Fu Xunzhi was squatting in front of the rabbit hutch, with his back facing out.


    At first he didn''t see the scene outside. Shang Jiao was different. She was facing the outside diagonally and had already seen the crowd of richly dressed people from the Bo Mansion early on.


    But she pretended to have just seen it and jumped up in shock and shouted, "Who are you? Why did youe to my house?"


    Gu Ying sneered and hooked her lips, "Miss Shang doesn''t recognize me? If I remember correctly, I even sent someone to specially give you silver money after the Lantern Festival."


    Shang Jiao couldn''t hold her expression. She sped her hands in front of her and said, "I...I don''t remember."


    "What a poor memory," Gu Ying sneered. "Does Young Master Fu still remember that he has a fianc¨¦e?"


    Gu Ying''s icy voice and Shang Jiao''s panicked voice startled Fu Xunzhi.


    He stiffly turned around, and when he looked up, he saw the pale face of Gu Shuang.


    Panic, fright and fear instantly appeared on that honest face.


    He rubbed his big hands awkwardly and spoke awkwardly, "Shuang...Shuang''er...why are you here?"


    Gu Shuang''s small face turned ghastly white. She mustered up her courage, walked out from behind Gu Ying, and slowly walked up to Fu Xunzhi.


    She looked at him nkly and said weakly, "I have been looking for you."


    Fu Xunzhi''s face was full of shame and his eyes kept dodging, but in the end, thinking of something, he steadied his mind again and forced himself to make eye contact with Gu Shuang, "I''m sorry to have worried you..."


    Worried?


    Sheughed at herself inwardly.


    She was worried that he was being coerced, imprisoned and threatened by his family because of their marriage.


    Worried that he would fall out with his family over their wedding, worried that he would be sad and hurt.


    But in the end, he was leisurely feeding a little rabbit with another girl in her yard, facing each other.


    Gu Shuang didn''t speak, just standing there for a while. She didn''t feel it on her way here, but at this moment, the cool summer evening breeze blew by, brushing past her sore eyes, like a knife.


    The bitterness rising in her throat made her unconsciously tighten her palms. "Brother Xun..."


    As soon as this name came out of her mouth, she felt it was not quite suitable for the current situation, so she changed her words, "Master Fu, can we go inside and talk for a few words?"


    Fu Xunzhi nodded foolishly, "Okay..."


    Gu Shuang closed her eyes, forcing back the tears in them, and gently said to Shang Jiao who was standing by, "Miss Shang, may I borrow your ce?"


    Shang Jiao had originally thought that Gu Shuang would at least throw a big tantrum when she arrived.


    She didn''t expect that even at this time, she could still be so gentle to her.


    She felt a little ashamed in her heart, and pointed to her own front hall, "The door is unlocked...pleasee in."


    So Gu Shuang and Fu Xunzhi went into the house one after the other.


    Inside the house, faint light came in through the not-so-big window, and the tables, chairs, benches and boards inside could be vaguely seen.


    A small bamboo couch was set up near the south window with a thin quilt stacked on it.


    On the pillow was the green cloak Fu Xunzhi had worn that night.


    Looking at the cloak, Gu Shuang''s eyes turned slightly sour.


    The light here was extremely dim, making people feel particrly depressed.


    But she thought it was pretty good, at least it could prevent her embarrassment from being seen by others, and would not let the people following herugh at her.


    Her eyes welled up with heat and her throat was bitterly sour.


    After a long time, she pressed down the sourness in her heart, took a deep breath, turned around and said to the man, "Do you know that the day before yesterday was the day for our worshipping ceremony?"


    Hearing the tearful voice of the girl, Fu Xunzhi nodded dryly and didn''t lie, "I know."


    Gu Shuang asked again, "Why didn''t youe to marry me?"


    Fu Xunzhi hesitated and didn''t speak.


    In the darkness, Gu Shuang couldn''t see the man''s expression. She just felt the atmosphere was a little awkward. She lowered her eyes and saw the green bamboo purse hanging from the man''s waist.


    It was the one she had given him when she went to Concubine Wan''s Pce banquet, pouring all her feelings for him into it.


    At that time, she was looking forward wholeheartedly to their marriage and yearning for the future that belonged to them. But she didn''t expect that overnight, they would be like strangers to each other, or after today, they wouldn''t even count as strangers anymore.


    The pain and suffering in Gu Shuang''s heart was beyond words. She stood upright in front of Fu Xunzhi with her hands in front of her body slightly trembling.


    "I know, you despise me for being dirty."

 Chapter 407: The Comeback Myth

    <h4>Chapter 407</h4>


    This was an extremely affirmative statement that she hade up with after tossing and turning sleeplessly for a long time.


    Fu Xunzhi looked up, his eyes reddening, "I''m sorry..."


    Gu Shuang got this expected answer, her throat felt as if it was blocked by a wad of cotton, stuffy and flustered.


    She raised her head, blinked her slightly reddened eyes, and fiercely forced back the tears that were about to spill out of those eyes.


    She had originally wanted to tell him the truth that she was still a virgin, but now she felt there was no need for that anymore.


    "Actually..." she smiled, "you can tell me your thoughts straightforwardly. There is nothing in this world that cannot be discussed¡ª"


    "But I am the only descendant of the Fu family line, I cannot marry a defiled girl." Fu Xunzhi gently interrupted her.


    Gu Shuang was stunned for a moment, suddenly feeling that this usually honest man was very unfamiliar.


    "Do you know how much damage your evasion has caused to my reputation?"


    "Fourth youngdy, that night, I saw with my own eyes you lying naked on Mu Nanfeng''s bed."


    "So that night, when you took that step back, you had already demonstrated your attitude towards me. In your eyes, you already felt I was defiled and unworthy of you..."


    "Yes..."


    Gu Shuang parted her lips, and thest glimmer of light in her eyes waspletely extinguished.


    He didn''t even bother to ask her if she was okay.


    She was speechless for a long time, and finally looking at the man''s unwavering gaze, she sighed and said, "I see..."


    Her tone was unprecedentedly weak and powerless.


    There was nothing more to say between them.


    She picked up her skirt, preparing to leave this ce.


    When she reached the door, she thought of something again, turned her head to look at the man who was still standing in the shadows, smiled and said, "Let''s end our engagement here. Tomorrow, I will have my mother go to the Fu family to cancel the engagement and return all the betrothal gifts sent by the Fu family. But there is one thing I still want to say. Young Master Fu, as a man, you should stand tall and upright. I don''t want you to still be hiding at Miss Shang''s home when we cancel the engagement tomorrow."


    Fu Xunzhi suddenly felt extremely embarrassed.


    "Oh right." Gu Shuang stretched out her fair and delicate little hand, and said softly again, "Young master, may I have my purse back?"


    Fu Xunzhi''s heart ached dully, and he looked at her pleadingly. "Shuang''er..."


    Gu Shuang said helplessly, "Young master should call me Fourth Young Lady from now on."


    Fu Xunzhi took down the purse, his heart writhing as if sliced by knives. His eyes were sore and swollen as he awkwardly exined, "Miss Shang and I are innocent. I just...didn''t know how to face it, so I stayed here for a few days..."


    "That is the young master''s own business and is irrelevant to Gu Shuang." Gu Shuang took the purse and put it in her sleeve. She politely bowed, "We shall take our leave first. Please stay, Young Master."


    Fu Xunzhi''s expression wasplicated as he chased forward a few steps.


    But he was stopped by Yin Lan raising her hand. Yin Lan smiled and bowed politely, saying loudly, "Young Master Fu, please restrain yourself."


    Fu Xunzhi froze as he watched Gu Shuang get into the carriage under Gu Ying''s lead.


    He desperately wanted to call Gu Shuang back...


    To tell her not to cancel the engagement, that he did love her, and was willing to marry her.


    But the sight of her bruised body that night surfaced in his mind again, unable to erase it from his head no matter what.


    He hated Mu Nanfeng, and hated his own cowardice and uselessness!


    But what else could he do?


    He still couldn''t get over it.


    He loved Gu Shuang, but was also unable to ept the fact that she had lost her chastity. This matter was unsolvable from the start.


    But if they really cancelled the engagement, how would she manage?


    The gossip in Kaifeng alone could drown her. She wouldn''t be able to marry anyone else in the future either. He suddenly became afraid, afraid that his Shuang''er would lose her life because of this.


    The carriage left Chunyang Lane, and the originally bustling courtyard instantly quieted down again.


    Fu Xunzhi stood in his original spot with his mind in turmoil. His eyes were bloodshot and he had a grieved and lost expression.


    Shang Jiao walked over out of concern and held his tremblingrge hand. "Young Master Fu, actually I can see that you two are not suitable for each other."


    Fu Xunzhi suddenly felt irritated. He angrily shook her hand off and evaded her touch like she was the gue. "It''s none of your business."


    After saying that, he left.


    Shang Jiao didn''t expect the usually even-tempered Fu Xunzhi to have such a tough side as well.


    She was stunned for a moment, recalling what that man had told her, "Fu Xunzhi is your true destiny. You and him are a match made in heaven. As long as you marry him, you will definitely have a blissful life."


    A blissful life?


    Why didn''t it seem that way now?


    She could feel that Fu Xunzhi truly loved Gu Shuang, but was unable to marry her due to certain reasons.


    Connecting that to his sorrowful and worried expression these days, and asionally calling out in dreams...


    Could it be... Gu Shuang really was vited and even pregnant like the rumors said?


    Shang Jiao suddenly covered her mouth as her eyeballs rolled around rapidly in thought.


    She actually didn''t like Fu Xunzhi much. After all, this man was in-looking and had no merits other than a gentle temperament.


    Among all the talented schrs in Kaifeng, Fu Xunzhi couldn''t even be considered outstanding, let alone the best.


    And he was a stubborn bookworm too.


    The only reason she paid attention to him was because of that young master surnamed Jiang. He told her, "With your status, you can only be a lowly merchant woman your whole life. If you can climb up the ranks to Fu Xunzhi, you will be a government official''s wife. Fu Xunzhi has an easily manipted personality, and he is also extremely fond of you. When you be the wife of an official, no one in Kaifeng will look down on you in the future. The Fu family is rich and can also help support your family."


    She didn''t care about love or affection. She was tempted by the convenience of marrying an official to do business.


    Her dream was to be the richest woman in Eastern Liang, owning the biggest restaurant and bing the wealthiest female boss.


    In order to make Fu Xunzhi hopelessly devoted to her, she couldn''t let his old feelings with Gu Shuang rekindle.


    Thinking thus, she closed the room door and walked out cheerfully with high spirits.


    Before long, the news of the Fourth Young Lady of the Earl of Dongping sneaking into Chunyang Lane to catch her lover having an affair spread swiftly as if growing wings.


    ...


    All the way, Gu Shuang''s eyes were red but she pressed her lips shut without speaking.


    Gu Ying gazed at her pitiful aggrieved little face, her eyes flickering as she realized something. She held her hand with one hand whileforting her, "It''s good to make things clear. This prevents lingering attachments and dissatisfaction in both your hearts. However, my fourth sister performed extremely well today. Second sister is truly impressed."


    Although she spoke thus, she truly regretted ying matchmaker for her fourth sister and Fu Xunzhi initially.


    She just never expected Fu Xunzhi to be this kind of person.


    In their past life he was clearly an upright gentleman. Why had he now be such an unfaithful, irresponsible, gutless coward?


    Where exactly had things gone wrong?

 Chapter 408: A Young Moth

    <h4>Chapter 408</h4>


    As Xunzhi Fu had not experienced the story of meeting Sister Si in his previous life, he was faithful to Shaojiao Commerce to the end and became a praiseworthy good husband. If Shaojiao Commerce had suffered the same experience, I''m afraid Xunzhi Fu would not necessarily have married her.


    His family was originally from a chaste lineage that valued the most the chastity of women. Xunzhi Fu''s grandmother of the previous generation even had an imperial bestowed chastity archway. Therefore, it was understandable that he had such thoughts. It''s just that people of different paths could not persuade each other.


    Sigh...Gu Ying sighed softly. No matter what, it''s a pity that heaven yed with people.


    It''s a pity that Mu Nanfeng, the enemy of Sister Si''s previous life, happened to intervene, and Shaojiao Commerce happened to appear.


    When thinking of Shaojiao Commerce, a sh of inspiration suddenly came to Gu Ying''s mind. Shaojiao Commerce appeared because of Jiang Yin, then what about Mu Nanfeng?


    She frowned, and her heart throbbed violently.


    Could it be that Jiang Yin was also behind the appearance of Mu Nanfeng?


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows tightened again and again, and her eyes sank rapidly. She raised her hand and pinched her eyebrows. Her mind was a little chaotic and somewhat painful.


    Headaches were habitual to her, but when she thought of Jiang Yin, the irritability in her heart was uncontroble.


    Did this man really die or not? Why did he stille to make her unhappy?


    Gu Shuang raised her watery ck eyes and said with a wry smile, "Sister, tomorrow, I want Mother to go to the Fu family to cancel the engagement. I have talked it over with him..."


    Gu Ying came back to her senses, drove the dog man surnamed Jiang out of her mind, looked at the pitiful and soft-voiced youngdy before her, and agreed, "Good, things havee to this point, this marriage must be cancelled. Does my sister need to apany you?"


    Gu Shuang bit her lip, "Um..."


    Just now she was indeed brave, but afterwards she felt that she was too reckless...


    After cancelling the engagement tomorrow, how could she gain a foothold in Bianjing?


    Afraid with her reputation, either she would hang herself with a handkerchief, or shave her head and go to Shuiyun Temple outside the city to be a nun.


    It would be fine if it was just her. She could still endure the idle gossips outside. She could pretend she didn''t hear them. But what about Mother? What about her younger brother who had just turned one month old?


    No family would want to have a daughter like her and a sister with such an infamous reputation.


    Gu Ying looked at her frowning little face, raised her eyebrows, and smiled, "Sister Si looks rather pitiful like this. If I were a man, I would definitely marry Sister Si."


    Gu Shuang couldn''t help pulling the corners of her mouth, losing her smile. "Sister, don''t make fun of me. I know no one wille to propose to me ever again after this."


    She still had some self-awareness.


    So she didn''t have much expectation for talking about marriage again. She just hoped that after tomorrow, she could live safely and steadily.


    Gu Ying said gently, "Sister Si, don''t lose heart. It''s not easy to find a three-legged toad, is it still difficult to find a two-legged man? There are so many royal sons and nobles in Bianjing. If nothing else, I will ask the Crown Prince to find a good marriage for Sister Si in the Qilin Army. Those who are personally trained by the Crown Prince are much better than Xunzhi Fu. Sister Si''s remarriage is not a difficult matter."


    Gu Shuang was actually a little nervous. "Really?"


    Gu Ying smiled. "Your marriage was originally decided by me in the first ce. To tell the truth, I''m the one who wronged you, so this time, I must find a husband to make up for my mistake. Also, I said, it''s not your fault. If you really don''t marry for the rest of your life, it would confirm the rumor that you were vited. You are an innocent youngdy. Why can''t you remarry?"


    This time, she would personally vet and find Sister Si a perfect husband!


    More handsome than Xunzhi Fu! More talented than Xunzhi Fu! And healthier than Xunzhi Fu!


    Gu Shuang pressed her lips together. Her mind was a little confused for a moment.


    After half a moment, the carriage finally arrived at the Duke of Dongping''s residence.


    Gu Ying led Gu Shuang down from the carriage, and saw Ye family''s carriage also parked at the gate of the Duke''s residence.


    Agu was sitting in the carriage bored, pulling the reins.


    She had just raised her eyebrows in puzzlement when Agu cheerfully shouted, "Young Master, the Crown Princess is back!"


    He called out Young Master, but the one who came out of the carriage was Qin, followed by the slowly descending Ye Qingchi.


    The young nobleman was tall and sturdy, with an upright figure. He wore a white robe embroidered with cranes, with a leather belt around his waist, a jade hairpin in his hair, as elegant as a green bamboo and white crane, solemn and refreshing.


    In addition, the uniquely superior high-bridged nose of the Ye family made him look particrly heroic.


    Gu Ying looked at Ye Qingchi in confusion. Since Imperial Concubine Pei was sent to prison, this cousin of hers had been so busy that he was rarely seen.


    She heard from Auntie that he was in charge of several cases that had not yet been resolved. Now that the Emperor had recovered, he was urged to work non-stop. How could he have time to appear here?


    Gu Ying asked in bewilderment, "Auntie, cousin, why are you here?"


    Gu Shuang hurriedly bowed, "Mother-inw, brother..."


    Ye Qingchi''s eyebrows were tranquil, his serene gaze falling on the two youngdies before him.


    When Gu Shuang was met with the man''s dark gaze, she carefully lowered her head, her eyes nervously staring at her tiptoes, even forgetting her sorrow.


    She didn''t know why she was a little afraid of him, maybe because he was the youngest imperial censor of the Censorate, naturally endowed with impartiality and severity, or because he was too handsome, full of aggression.


    Plus he now had another identity.


    Her brother-inw.


    The elder brother was always particrly serious, and he didn''t seem to want her reliance on the Ye family''s power and influence...


    When she returned from the Ye family manor and acknowledged Qin as mother-inw, there was displeasure and coldness in his eyes looking at her.


    Since then, she had be even more afraid of him, for fear that he would think she was someone who curried favor with the rich and powerful and coveted vanity.


    But in fact, she really just liked Qin...


    Qin pulled Gu Shuang''s little hand distressedly, "I came to see Shuang''er. Achi happened to send me here. You must have just returned from Chunyang Lane and haven''t heard yet, right?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes showed a hint of doubt. "Heard what?"


    Qin looked around and squeezed Gu Shuang''s hand tightly. "There are people everywhere here. Let''s go inside and talk."


    With such a solemn formation, it seemed no small matter.


    After entering the residence and arriving at Reed Catkin Courtyard, Zhao had already returned from Yongshou Hall. When she heard that Qin hade, she hurried over to serve tea and snacks.


    Qin pressed her down on the chair at once. "Don''t be busy with those things first. Talking about the main issue is more important."


    Gu Ying also said, "Auntie, listen to Mother."


    Only then did Zhao sit down unceremoniously. In the not veryrge warm chamber, Gu Ying, Gu Shuang, Qin and Zhao sat down, plus Ye Qingchi.


    Gu Ying vaguely guessed something. Frowning her slender brows, she asked, "Is it that Xunzhi Fu got into trouble again?"

 Chapter 409: Divorce with the Fu Family

    <h4>Chapter 409</h4>


    Qin said solemnly, "It''s probably because after you left Chunyang Alley, someone spread the word that the fourth youngdy of Dongping Earl Manor''s manor went to Chunyang Alley to catch an affair in the act. She saw Fu Xunzhi and a youngdy surnamed Shang rolling on the bed, and then the two had a big fight and went back to the earl manor. She even threatened to go to the Fu family to call off the engagement tomorrow."


    Hearing this, an eerie silence fell in the warm pavilion for a moment.


    Except for Ye Qingchi, who was calm andposed with no expression, Zhao and Gu Shuang were both stunned. No one had expected such rumors to spread.


    After quite a while, Gu Ying chuckled and said, "Who spread such words?"


    This was just what she had hoped for when she was worried about how to defend her younger sister''s reputation. This rumor happened to give the Gu family a way out.


    Qin smiled and said, "Who cares who it was? As soon as I heard about this, I rushed over immediately. In my opinion, this rumor came at just the right time. Tomorrow, Shuang''er can loudly announce that she''s going to the Fu family to call off the engagement! Everyone''s attention will be on Fu Xunzhi and Miss Shang, and our Shuang''er will be the victim. This is a wonderful thing!"


    Zhao immediately understood and grinned, "Why wait until tomorrow? We should strike while the iron is hot. Let''s go this afternoon, what do you think?"


    Gu Shuang''s longshes quivered. Here, she had the least right to speak. She now sat quietly beside Zhao, her face pale as paper without a trace of color.


    When she heard the news, her eyes went nk and she was confused and dazed. She had not slept well these past seven or eight days and now looked even more haggard. She had an expression as if she had not yet reacted.


    Ye Qingchi''s cold eyes nced at the top of Gu Shuang''s lowered head from time to time.


    Seeing her bow her neck to reveal a hint of white and tender curve, fragile and pitiful.


    She was nkly in a daze. Zhao had already said that they would go to call off the engagement today, yet she still did not raise her head for a long time.


    The man frowned, his eyes a little more worried.


    "Fourth Sister?" Gu Ying called her.


    Gu Shuang looked up in panic and happened to meet Ye Qingchi''s dark, gloomy eyes.


    Her heart skipped a beat. She nkly responded with an "Ah?"


    Gu Ying smiled and tapped her on the eyebrow, "Why are you still sitting there in a daze? Let''s go to the Fu family right now."


    Qin was impatient. She had made up her mind today toe to Dongping Earl Manor to stand up for Gu Shuang, so when Zhao mentioned calling off the engagement, she readily agreed to go along.


    As for Ye Qingchi, he expressionlessly stood up, his eyes ncing lightly over the swaying tassels by Gu Shuang''s temples, and his heart swayed along.


    Outside, the sun was at its peak. When he walked to the door, he saw the lush, beautiful scenery in the Reed Catkin Courtyard. Everything was bursting with vitality.


    Gu Ying thought he was busy, so she said, "Cousin, if you are busy, you can leave first. I will keep an eye on Auntie here. After we finish, I will have someone send her back, so don''t worry."


    "Who said I was very busy?"


    "Huh?"


    Gu Ying blinked and looked at him, tentatively asking, "Then, are you going with us too?"


    Ye Qingchi nodded slightly and lightly said, "Yes, I''m going too."


    After saying that, he walked out, leaving only a cold back.


    Gu Shuang was very conflicted and nervously swallowed. Calling off the engagement was a good thing, but she suddenly felt extra nervous that Ye Young Master was also going. Her dark eyes became flustered.


    "Second sister, is it not good for Ye Young Master to go?"


    After all, he did not like her to begin with, so it would be troubling him to make a trip.


    Gu Ying thoughtfully stroked her chin, a meaningful look in her eyes, "Forget it, it''s nothing bad."


    He was uncle''s eldest son and the eldest grandson of the Ye n. It might be easier to resolve this matter with him involved.


    ...


    Zhao quickly had the servants prepare all the betrothal gifts sent by the Fu family.


    These seven or eight boxes had been kept in Zhao''s private treasury. After that incident, she had a strong premonition that this marriage could not happen, so she had ordered them to be put away early.


    She called a servant boy to inform Gu Boyan, then took Gu Shuang and headed out.


    The group made an impressive sight with two carriages carrying all those boxes heading to the Fu family manor. After turning at three long streets and traveling for a cup of tea''s time, they finally arrived at the Fu family manor.


    Seeing such arge group of people solemnlying with so many wooden boxes tied with red ribbons behind them, the little attendant keeping watch by the stone lions was badly startled. He immediately ran in to report.


    Soon, Fu Old Lady herself came out leaning on a cane to wee them in.


    Aside from Zhao and Gu Shuang, there was Qin, Gu Ying and Ye Qingchi, all important figures in Bianjing.


    Fu Old Lady''s old face carried a smile. Her sharp eyes swept over the boxes, and she already understood most of the situation.


    She gave Gu Shuang a sidelong nce. In a cold voice, she ordered the person beside her, "Go invite the young master toe."


    That maid ran out the back door, and after a while brought Fu Xunzhi over.


    Fu Xunzhi had returned from Shang Jiao''s ce to the Fu family manor precisely to ask his grandmother to help him keep Gu Shuang.


    He did not expect that Gu Shuang would reallye to call off the engagement, and so quickly at that. Now he could only clench his hands nervously and stand beside the olddy, his eyes ardently looking at Gu Shuang.


    Fu Old Lady looked at the room full of betrothal gift boxes and asked in puzzlement, "Sister-inw and even the Eldest Young Lady havee, truly honoring this humble abode. However, I don''t know for what matter the Eldest Young Lady and Yedy havee with my sister-inw? And why has the Fourth Young Lady alsoe? Could it be that she is in a hurry to discuss the marriage between our two families?"


    The olddy was deliberately feigning ignorance. With one look, it was clear she would not be easy to deal with.


    Gu Shuang''s face was pale. Fu Old Lady''s words were clearly mocking her for being shameless as a woman.


    "I--"


    "s, my old self should first apologize to sister-inw and Fourth Young Lady for this matter in which the Fu family is in the wrong."


    Gu Shuang''s words were stifled in her throat. Her slender brows knitted together anxiously as she looked to Gu Ying for help.


    Gu Ying patted her hand to signal her not to panic. Today''s would be a tough battle that required taking it slowly.


    Gu Shuang''s heart was strung tight. She nodded slightly to indicate she understood and obediently kept silent, letting the elders speak first.


    Zhao was so angry sheughed coldly, but Qin stopped her before she could retort.


    Qin smiled amiably and said, "Old Lady is too kind. We''vee today regarding Shuang''er''s marriage with your grandson. The two children were engaged long ago but have dyed the wedding. This has already caused quite some unsavory gossip in Bianjing. Shuang''er is a bit young for marriage now, but since both families have set a wedding date, there is no justification for the groom to privately consort with another woman. So we wanted toe rify the matter clearly today and make a clean break."

 Chapter 410: Fu Jia as a Demon

    <h4>Chapter 410</h4>


    Fu Xunzhi stood up and said, "I did not secretly meet with anyone¡ª"


    Fu Old Lady red at him. "Shut up."


    Fu Xunzhi had no choice but to tightly close his mouth, feeling awkward and uneasy as he looked over at Gu Shuang.


    He had not done anything with Shang Jiao, and he did not want Gu Shuang to misunderstand...


    There was a smile on Fu Old Lady''s face, but it did not reach her eyes. "Mrs. Ye is of esteemed status, I did not expect you toe speak for Fourth Young Lady today. It seems Fourth Young Lady''s reputation is quite admirable. However, this marriage is a matter between my Fu family and the Gu family. It is not something outsiders should interfere with. I wonder if Mrs. Ye thinks so too?"


    Qin''s smile turned cold. "The olddy probably does not know this yet. Shuang has already recognized me as her godmother. She is now half my daughter. As her godmother, it is appropriate for me to discuss her marriage."


    Fu Old Lady smiled calmly, ncing lightly at Qin. "Although you say that, in the end Madame Ye is still an outsider. This matter between our two families is not for you to meddle in. If this gets out, people will actually think that Fourth Young Lady is indeed unchaste as the rumors say, and relied on backers like the Censorate to plead her case."


    By questioning Gu Shuang''s reputation, Qin was rendered speechless by the sly old fox.


    Fu Old Lady nced at her and continued, "What''s more, my grandson is of upright character, only knowing to read the ssics of sages. He would never do something so despicable as privately meeting his new wife. Mrs. Ye, you''d best provide evidence when speaking such usations, otherwise even if I have one foot in the grave I will make a scene at the Censorate."


    Qin squinted, thinking to herself this old wench really was a crafty one!


    Seeing that Qin could not match her rhetoric, Zhao gave a coldugh. "Olddy is mistaken. While we do not know if Master Fu is as upright as you say, my Shuang personally saw him living together with another woman in the same residence. You can easily inquire about the rumors on the streets."


    Fu Old Lady did not believe her ims. "Oh?"


    Zhao sneered. "If olddy does not believe, we can summon a woman named Shang Jiao from Chunyang Lane right now to get to the bottom of this."


    Fu Xunzhi''s body went stiff.


    Though he had not slept with Shang Jiao, it was true that he had stayed at her residence those past days...


    Seeing the extreme disappointment in Gu Shuang''s eyes, in that instant a unprecedented panic surfaced in the depths of Fu Xunzhi''s eyes.


    He feared Gu Shuang losing faith in him...


    Even though she herself was not innocent, at heart he still cared for her.


    Zhao nced at Fu Xunzhi, smiling. "Actually, our purpose today is not anything else. Olddy has never liked my Shuang, and has always been unsatisfied with the marriage between the children. Even on the big wedding day, the Fu family made no preparations whatsoever, and young master Fu disappeared without a trace. Since the wedding could not proceed and people all over Bianjing areughing at my estate, we can only ept this embarrassment. As her mother, I don''t need young master Fu to provide any exnation, I just want the dissolution of this engagement today. Return Shuang''s wedding tokens, and dissolve the rtionship between our families from now on, with the future marriages of our children having nothing to do with each other."


    Fu Old Lady closed her eyes briefly without speaking. Her attitude was unyielding.


    ording to Dongli Law, women who have been engaged, if they are to remarry, they must obtain a certificate of divorce along with returning both families'' wedding tokens, otherwise remarriage is prohibited and will be punished byw.


    When Zhao and the others had arrived, Fu Old Lady had already heard the rumors from the servants.


    Upon hearing this news at the time, her anger erupted furiously and she fiercely pped Fu Xunzhi. This child had always been obedient and sensible, why did he have to do such a disgraceful thing!


    There were differences between schr-officials andmoners. She did not like Gu Shuang nor look highly upon her lower status.


    Butpared to a merchant woman like Shang Jiao who had no background, Gu Shuang was after all the legitimate daughter of a Count house. There was a world of difference between them.


    If forced to choose one of the two for her grandson, she would definitely pick Gu Shuang.


    So in this reversed situation, there was no way the marriage could be called off.


    "Olddy, what do you think about this?" Zhao spoke gently and pleasantly, for the sake of obtaining that divorce certificate and the wedding tokens. "In any case, the wedding date has long passed, we''ve been publicly shamed, and our Shuang does not ask for any exnation. She only wants this dissolution. If not, we can only bring Shang Jiao to the Bianjing government yamen for the officials there to dissolve this marriage."


    To dissolve a marriage by officials meant the government would ascertain the facts of the matter, then publicly annul the engagement on behalf of both families.


    Yet very few prominent and prestigious households were willing to take that embarrassing route of airing their dirtyundry at the government offices.


    Fu Old Lady paused briefly, then sighed andpromised. "Lady Gu, my family indeed let Fourth Young Lady down over the wedding, and I have severely punished Xunzhi. I apologize to Fourth Young Lady on his behalf, but the marriage cannot be dissolved. Now that Xunzhi has returned, I will strictly instruct him to settle his heart, and properly prepare to honorably wed Fourth Young Lady into our household. What do you think?"


    Zhao nearlyughed from anger.


    Qin also scoffed disdainfully.


    Even the normally clueless Gu Shuang felt the Fu family was being too frivolous, that engagements could not be so casually made and broken on a whim!


    Gu Ying had been secretly observing the expressions of everyone in the hall.


    She noticed her cousin, usually calm andposed with a cold and aloof bearing, now had an ugly look on his face.


    Of course, Fu Old Lady was a cunning old woman, taking the initiative to shift me and then rendering the aunties speechless without recourse.


    It was normal for cousin to be displeased, after all little sister was also his sworn god-sister now.


    Gu Ying quickly convinced herself that they had already wasted enough time at the Fu residence. She was not so easily bullied like eldest auntie.


    Thus, the corners of her mouth curved up slightly as she coolly gazed at Fu Old Lady, speaking concisely. "Olddy, today East Ping Manor only has this to say. This marriage must be dissolved, whether you agree to it or not."


    The olddy was stubborn, so Gu Ying would be even more stubborn than her.


    After all, she had nothing to fear, with Zhenguo Duke Manor backing her. The Crown Prince had just left to lead the troops. Who would dare make trouble for Zhenguo Duke Manor now?


    Fu Old Lady''s eyebrows furrowed as she looked at Gu Ying resentfully. "The Crown Princess wants to interfere too?"


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly. "Yes, I''m no outsider here. I''m little sister''s older sister. I''m sure olddy knows of my reputation for being willful and aggressive, never showing elders respect. I act so wantonly even in the Duke Manor, so all the more I will do the same in your Fu family. Therefore, if you do not dissolve this engagement, I will directly order people to smash apart your ancestral shrine."


    Qin cheered internally, Ying handled this beautifully!


    She firmly believed Fu Old Lady did not dare kick up a major fuss, which was why Gu Ying dared spout such outrageous rhetoric to intimidate the old woman into not saying much more.


    "You¡ª How can you! Is there no rule ofw left!" Fu Old Lady raged.


    "If olddy does not believe me," Gu Ying''s smile grew even sweeter, though the gazed that peered from her smiling eyes was chilling to the bone, "You''re wee to give it a try. After all, the Crown Prince will definitely take my side."

 Chapter 411: Return the dowry, I will Marry.

    <h4>Chapter 411</h4>


    This sentencepletely silenced Madam Fu.


    She was so angry that her old eyes went dark, and she almost fainted.


    Fu Xunzhi hurriedly held his grandmother''s hand and turned his face. He originally wanted to re at Gu Ying, but was frightened by Gu Ying''s momentum. He weakly said, "Princess, it was Fourth Young Lady who was first unchaste. I...I was the one who called off the wedding. The Fu family did no wrong... What''s more, you were also at Luoxia Mountain that night... I saw with my own eyes her naked body lying under Mu Nanfeng..."


    Gu Ying pped Fu Xunzhi, interrupting his words. "What nonsense are you talking about! It looks to me like you''ve gone blind!"


    There were more than ten servants in the hall. How much must Fu Xunzhi hate Gu Shuang to say such things in front of so many people!


    She had originally thought he was clever, at least sensible enough to cover up what happened that night to protect Shuang''er. But now she realized she was wrong!


    This Fu Xunzhi was extremely foolish!


    Gu Shuang''s small face turned pale. She abruptly stood up from her seat, her whole body trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. "I did not..."


    "Whether I saw wrong or not, don''t I know it myself!" Fu Xunzhi''s expression changed from weak to indignant as he raised his voice.


    Gu Shuang only felt as if a big hand was viciously squeezing her heart. Her eyes brimmed with hot tears. "I..."


    But her defense was so pale and powerless under the crowd''s astonished and contemptuous gazes.


    With Fu Xunzhi iming he had seen it with his own eyes, no one would believe she was innocent.


    Gu Shuang swayed on her feet, grief overwhelming her as her heartpletely shattered. And she was not good at arguing. Under Fu Xunzhi''s aggressive interrogation, she was at a loss for words.


    Now that Fu Xunzhi had uttered those words, there was nothing left to fear.


    These past days, he had painfully harbored this secret in his heart. After hearing that the Ye family hade forward to cover up for Gu Shuang, he had long been irritated to the point of distress. So when Shang Jiao found him, he unhesitatingly went to stay at her ce.


    That night, he had peeked through the crack in the door and saw Shang Jiao bathing in a barrel.


    His heart, dormant for many years, beat rapidly.


    He thought that Gu Shuang was no longer good enough for him. She was not pure, so why should he remain chaste for her sake?


    He wanted to try if he could be moved by someone else.


    But as he stared at Shang Jiao''s body, the face in his mind was Gu Shuang''s.


    In that moment, he finally understood...he could not bear to part with Gu Shuang. He liked this well-behaved, sensible, gentle and tactful youngdy.


    "Have I done anything wrong? As a scion of the righteous Fu n, how could I marry a woman like her and let myself be ridiculed for the rest of my life?" He asked innocently with tears streaming down his face.


    Hearing this, Gu Shuang felt her whole body turn cold, looking at him in disbelief.


    Fu Xunzhi turned his face away and fiercely wiped away a handful of tears. "I''ve done nothing wrong!"


    Madam Fu also understood why her grandson had changed into a different person after returning from Luoxia Mountain. So this was the reason.


    She immediately drew herself up and said, "Since this is the case, Fourth Young Lady is no longer a maiden, so there is no need to bring up Young Master Fu and Shang Jiao''s affair. Our two families will act as if nothing ever happened. The wedding between Young Master Fu and Fourth Young Lady will carry on as nned. We will just pick another auspicious date and hold the ceremony. As for Shang Jiao, we can also find an opportunity to bring her into the manor at some point. Given her status, making her Young Master Fu''s concubine is possible. I wonder if everyone finds this arrangement satisfactory?"


    The olddy''s condescending attitude was as if Gu Shuang hadmitted some unforgivable sin.


    Gu Shuang gave a self-deprecatingugh and shook her head.


    Madam Zhao and Madam Qin naturally did not agree either.


    Gu Yingughed coldly. "Madam, don''t tell me you really think your grandson is some treasure."


    Madam Fucently said, "Xunzhi is a learned talent from a prestigious family. Marrying him is already a great blessing for Fourth Young Lady. Now that she is defiled, it is already extremely merciful of my grandson to still be willing to marry her. If not, you can annul this engagement today and see who else in the entire Bianjing City would be willing to marry a girl who is no longer pure."


    Gu Ying was rendered speechless for a long time by the Fu family''s shamelessness.


    Seeing everyone remain silent, Fu Xunzhi dabbed his red eyes and supported his grandmother. He said to Gu Ying, "I shouldn''t have uttered those words just now. I''m sorry..."


    Gu Ying sneered. "What use is it for Young Master Fu to apologize now?"


    Fu Xunzhi''s face turned red then white again. He gritted his teeth. "I promise all of you that I will marry Shuang''er...but I won''t touch her. I''m marrying her only because I worry she will be in dire straits with no one willing to marry her after our broken engagement-"


    "Who said no one would be willing to marry her?"


    A clear and piercing male voice cut in like a boulder causing waves in a pond, abruptly sounding in the hall.


    Fu Xunzhi''s body shuddered as he swiftly turned to the source of the voice.


    Gu Ying''s eyebrows quirked up slightly, somewhat surprised.


    In the tense, confrontational atmosphere of the Fu manor''s hall, Ye Qingchi slowly stood up and looked towards everyone. In a mild tone, he tersely said to Madam Zhao, "Return the betrothal gifts. I will marry her."


    Madam Zhao and Madam Qin were both stunned, not having reacted at all.


    Madam Fu''s face also darkened.


    Gu Shuang had already sunk into the calmness that emerged from despair, but at this moment she still widened her eyes in astonishment.


    Wha...what?


    Ye Qingchi was willing to marry her?


    She must have misheard. It must be an auditory hallucination.


    But the man walked from ten steps away to her side, stretching out his big hand to grasp her small hand. Scorching warmth transmitted from his palm, frightening her heart to thump wildly.


    She knew he had mysophobia!


    The only thought in her mind was this sentence. She was afraid and wanted to struggle free from his palm, but the man''s strength was too great. After moving twice, she was gripped tightly by him.


    She looked up at his handsome face, her heart racing irregrly in chaos and her mind aplete mess.


    Ye Qingchi had an overbearing aura with an inscrutable faint smile at the corner of his lips. He turned to the petite maiden beside him. "What''s more, whether she is innocent or not, I know better than you."


    Gu Shuang nervously swallowed and curled her fingers slightly.


    Ye Qingchi did not allow her to evade him, gently caressing the back of her hand to signal her to speak up boldly.


    Gu Shuang timidly nced at the man''s noble, gentle and refined expression.


    Ye Qingchi had sharp brows and bright eyes, pleasure evident in the corners of his eyes and the edges of his brows. "Fourth Young Lady, what do you say?"


    "I..." Gu Shuang raised her head. The man''s smile seemed to light a fire in her heart. She was still timid, but there was a glimmer of light rekindled in her eyes. "I am innocent. Young Master Fu saw wrongly that day. I was not abducted by any bandits. I went to Ye Family Manor with Second Sister. We were at the manor ying with Foster Mother and Big Brother Ye all night. Everyone in the Ye household and Zhenguo Duke Manor can testify."


    After saying all this, Gu Shuang heaved in relief, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her lips.


    With the backing of Zhenguo Duke Manor and the Ye family, Fu Xunzhi faltered...His whole body went limp as he slumped down to the floor in despair.


    He knew his rtionship with Shuang''er was utterly hopeless now.

 Chapter 412: Chi, are you serious

    <h4>Chapter 412</h4>


    "Mrs. Gu," Ye Qingchi said slowly, "Why haven''t you brought out Young Master Fu''s marital contract yet?"


    Zhao realized what was happening and quickly said, "I''ll return it to them right away."


    Ye Qingchi gave a slight "Mm," his demeanor was cold and carried a hint of invisible pressure. He nced coldly at Fu Old Lady with implicit threat, "What about Gu Shuang''s?"


    Things had already reached this point, there was no room left to maneuver.


    The corner of Fu Old Lady''s mouth twitched. She told someone to fetch Gu Shuang''s marital contract, red at Gu Shuang with cloudy old eyes, andughed mockingly, "You got entangled with another man even before getting married. Fourth youngdy is really a bold woman."


    Gu Shuang panicked again, her small hands anxiously trying to break free.


    Ye Qingchi was frank and aboveboard, the corners of his lips slightly hooked, "They''re engaged, it''s normal for them to hold hands."


    It was at this moment that Qin finally came to her senses. She had wanted Gu Shuang to be her daughter-inw for a long time. If Gu Shuang hadn''t been engaged to Fu Xunzhi before, she would have brought her into the household earlier.


    Now that her "ambitious" son was finally willing to help Gu Shuang get through this difficult situation, she was extremely happy and heartilyughed a few times, "That''s right! My son and daughter-inw were just holding hands! What business does the Fu family have interfering?"


    Fu Old Lady didn''t expect the dignified wife of the Chief Justice to say such unabashed words. "How can you say that?!"


    Qin coldly snorted, "What''s wrong with talking about normal marital rtions? Weren''t you young once? Didn''t you share a bridal chamber with your husband? Didn''t you give birth to a little bastard like Fu Xunzhi?"


    "You, you, you..." Fu Old Lady was so angry her old face froze.


    Qin continued, "Now that the marital contracts have been returned, my daughter-inw doesn''t care for your measly betrothal gifts at all. Olddy, you should take them back."


    She pulled Gu Shuang to her side, smiling radiantly, "Oh right, at the Fu family''s celebration banquet, olddy don''t forget to bring Young Master Fu to have a drink."


    Gu Shuang''s face turned red, her gaze ufortably ncing at Ye Qingchi.


    She knew he pitied her and was deliberately saying this to help her, but... if words like this spread, wouldn''t it ruin his reputation?


    As the number one bachelor in Bianjing, how would he find a wife in the future?


    But at the moment, Zhao didn''t think too much about it. She just felt extremely gratified in her heart and alsoughed, "That''s right, feelings transcend the failed marriage, olddy you muste for sure."


    Fu Old Lady''s face was extremely ugly, furious to the point of wanting to throw them all out.


    Fu Xunzhi lowered his head without saying a word.


    Gu Ying watched the two elders make sarcastic remarks. Seeing that the situation had reached this embarrassing point for the Fu family, he said, "Auntie, elder aunt, little sister''s contract has been returned, let''s go back."


    Qin said, "Alright alright, Ying, hurry and take your little sister to the carriage first."


    To avoid further conflict with the Fu family, it was best to return the betrothal gifts only after ounting with them, so that the Fu family could not use them as leverage in the future.


    Gu Ying nodded and beckoned to Gu Shuang.


    Gu Shuang lowered her brows and softly called out, "Big brother... you... you can let me go now..."


    From his angle, Ye Qingchi could just see the blushing tips of her ears. He didn''t force her anymore and reluctantly let go of the softness in his palm.


    That trace of fragrance suddenly slipped away, leaving an inexplicable sense of loss in the man''s heart.


    Gu Shuang quickly pulled her small hand back and ran to Gu Ying without looking back.


    Ye Qingchi rubbed the warmth on his fingertips that made people reluctant to let go, and after a long time finally gave a lowugh.


    He was bing less and less like himself.


    In the past, he had only cared about his family. Fearless of heaven or earth, now just Gu Shuang leaving his side for a moment, made him somewhat reluctant.


    What was he afraid of?


    There was no chance between Fu Xunzhi and Gu Shuang anyway.


    From today when the two annulled the engagement, that delicate little woman could only be his.


    What did he have to worry about?


    Ye Qingchi''s features were clear and serene as he smiled helplessly at Gu Shuang''s running figure.


    When he turned back, it was Qin''s bright ck eyes eagerly looking at him, "Son, that was really well done! Your mother has wanted you to help Shuang''er for a long time but was afraid you''d be unwilling so I never mentioned it. I didn''t expect you to stand up for her on your own initiative! I was worried you didn''t like Shuang''er as a sister and wouldn''t be willing to help her!"


    Ye Qingchi stared at the busy Zhao for a while, raised his eyebrows, "I''ve never seen her as a sister."


    Qin frowned in disapproval, "Qingchi, what''s wrong with Shuang''er?"


    Ye Qingchi calmly said, "I didn''t say there was anything wrong with her."


    Qin said irritably, "Then why are you always against her? Her mother is still here, be more careful what you say."


    Ye Qingchi chuckled, "Do you have to make her your daughter?"


    "What else?"


    "Can''t she be a daughter-inw?"


    "That''s not bad either, wait, what are you saying?" Qin was shocked and suddenly widened her eyes, "Qingchi, are you serious?!"


    Ye Qingchi just smiled ambiguously.


    Qin was stunned for a moment, extremely surprised and opened her mouth.


    Did she hear wrong? Had her son who was like an iron tree that never blooms finally developed feelings for a woman?


    ...


    The carriages containing the betrothal gifts orderly entered and exited the Fu family residence.


    Onlookers lined the road the whole way.


    Before long, the matter between the Fu and Gu families became the talk of Bianjing.


    Shang Jiao had stirred up this mess herself, now the waves were surging higher and higher.


    She sat in the busiest teahouse in Bianjing listening for news.


    What was originally just two insignificant broken engagements between fallen families had now suddenly be news of Gu Fourth Young Lady marrying into the main branch of the prestigious Ye family.


    Everyone was shocked speechless.


    She was also a bit surprised and picked up her teacup. Hesitated for a moment before tastelessly drinking a sip.


    She had to admit, even as the fallen daughter of the Gu household, Gu Shuang was aplished in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting. Delicate and graceful with a pitiable beauty.


    But now she barely had a good reputation left in Bianjing.


    She had assumed Gu Shuang would have a miserable time after calling off the engagement with Fu Xunzhi and that no one would want to marry her and she''d be bullied.


    Yet unexpectedly, she had now cozied up to an even more prestigious family, the Ye Family.


    How could the Fu family''s thresholdpare to the Ye family''s?


    That was a true and eminent family with hundreds of years of history. Generations of illustrious service, a household of honor and wealth. Profound academia, and outstanding personages appearing in every generation, clearly indicating the Ye Family''s deeply rooted influence in Dong Li.


    What right did Gu Shuang have to marry into the main branch of the Ye Family?


    Shang Jiao pursed her lips, feeling somewhat unhappy in her heart, be it jealousy or resentment at the unfairness of fate.


    In the end she was just a powerless and insignificant merchant woman. Other than being able to marry Fu Xunzhi, there was nothing else she could do.


    She had already resigned herself to her fate.


    Just then, as she was about to leave the teahouse, two inly dressed old women came in surreptitiously ncing around. Seeing her, they pulled her out from both sides and bundled her into a carriage.


    She was not nervous at all, because the moment she entered the carriage, she saw the wooden que hanging outside.


    Carved on it was the character "Fu."


    She thought, she had seeded.


    ...

 Chapter 413: She’s a pain in the Ass.

    <h4>Chapter 413</h4>


    After returning from the Fu family, when Gu Shuang saw Ye Qingchi, she fled in panic and hid in the Reed Catkin Courtyard, refusing to leave.


    Qin was overjoyed and discussed the marriage between the two children with Zhao.


    However, Zhao hesitated and said, "Mrs. Ye, I feel something is not right about this..."


    Qin did not understand and asked, "What is not right? Do you still remember the bet we made back then? You wanted to bet my bracelet and I said it was for my future daughter-inw. At that time, you asked me to find a husband for Shuang''er. I thought it would be good if Shuang''er married into my family. If it wasn''t for Fu Xunzhi, I might have gone to your house to propose the marriage."


    "But..." Zhao said, "After the Fu Xunzhi incident, I realized I should not make any demands about who Shuang''er marries in the future. As long as he wholeheartedly loves and cherishes her without looking down on her, that is enough. Young Master Ye spoke righteously at the Fu family today to help Shuang''er and I''m very grateful. But he may not have done so because he likes Shuang''er..."


    She did not want her daughter to experience being looked down upon by her inws again.


    Qin was a good person and Young Master Ye had an outstanding appearance and righteous character, like a fairy tale prince. But marital issues could not be easily resolved just by who was good or bad.


    Shuang''er already had low self-esteem because of her poor background. If she married Young Master Ye, it would be too big a gap between them and would not bode well.


    Qin understood Zhao''s considerations and smiled, "Why don''t you let me take charge of this? My Achi''s personality is like his father''s. The Ye family men are all eternal lovers who only take one wife and no concubines. Rest assured, he will treat Shuang''er well after marrying her."


    Zhao knew the Ye family all too well, which was why she never dreamed of them before.


    Even when she previously asked Qin to find a family for Shuang''er, she only hoped to find someone of equal status to Dongping Earl Manor, never imagining that her Shuang''er would one day marry into the Ye family.


    She thought it over again and again but still felt uneasy. "Does the Young Master like my Shuang''er?"


    "Well..." Qin was also uncertain. "It looks to me like he does. What do you think?"


    Zhao blinked. "I don''t think he likes her..."


    Qin said, "You must have seen wrong."


    Zhao lovingly thought of her daughter, "Why would I lie to you? It doesn''t feel right... Give us some time to think it over."


    Qin chattered on, "What is there to think about? You know Achi has never taken initiative to marry anyone all these years. It''s rare there is Shuang''er. Why be coy at this time? I want to hold my grandchild. I want to hold my grandchild this year!"


    "It''s...it can''t be that fast. And I''m worried the Young Master pities Shuang''er."


    "Feelings between husband and wife can be nurtured. Don''t worry, once they marry and have a child, it will be fine."


    The conversation between the two elders drifted faintly. Ye Qingchi stood in the yard, lost in thought as he stared at the tightly shut door.


    Gu Ying stretched out her finger and poked his elbow, looking at him amusedly. "Fourth Sister is probably not in the mood to see Cousin now. Why don''t I walk you out, Cousin?"


    Ye Qingchi always handled matters appropriately. Things were happening too abruptly and Gu Shuang should be given some time to ept this.


    He did not demand that she ept him immediately.


    So he nodded slightly and gave a faint smile. "Alright, thanks Aying."


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into crescents. "We are all family, why be so polite?"


    Ye Qingchi stroked the little girl''s hair and nced at her increasingly protruding belly. The corners of his lips quirked up as he asked caringly, "Still feeling ufortable recently?"


    Gu Ying smiled. "I don''t feel ufortable anymore. Now I can feel the little one moving around in my belly, a child with my and the Heir Apparent''s blood growing inside me, apanying me day and night, connected by our bloodlines. It''s a strange feeling."


    Ye Qingchi''s thoughts churned. If Gu Shuang could also be pregnant with his child...what would she look like?


    Seeing him stop in his tracks and fall silent, Gu Ying called him again.


    Ye Qingchi returned to his senses, knowing she had something to tell him, and walked out with her.


    Walking down the corridor and through the flower gate, they stepped onto the small cobblestone path. Gu Ying casually asked, "Cousin, were you speaking the truth or lying when you said at the Fu family that you wished to marry Fourth Sister?"


    Ye Qingchi leisurely replied, "Naturally, it was the truth."


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows, looking at the serious and solemn expression on the man''s face. "I know Cousin wouldn''t casually marry someone. If this person can truly be my sister-inw, she must have entered Cousin''s heart first. So when did it start?"


    Ye Qingchi took steady steps, lowered his longshes, and thought back.


    The first time he saw Gu Shuang was at ckwater Pond during the winter hunt. She and Fu Xunzhi had fallen into the pond looking for Ying and he pulled them out of the murky water.


    When he hauled her out, the panicked and terrified girl who couldn''t swim sped his neck tightly.


    Her whole body clung onto him like a little cat unsheathing its ws.


    His first thought then was that the girl was too light, and only afterwards did he notice how dirty she was.


    He hated dirtiness, yet Gu Shuang clung onto him for a full fifteen breaths before finally calming down enough to let go crying after reaching the ground again.


    The shining teardrops hung on her damp, darkshes. In the dim night, they glittered brightly, especially pitiful.


    Heter realized strangely that he had not minded her dirtiness at all. This puzzled him for a long time afterwards.


    Later at Duke Gu''s manor, she identally bumped into him but he again did not feel ufortable.


    He then harbored the intention to capture her by his side, but unfortunately she was engaged to Fu Xunzhi. He disdained fighting over a woman and thus dismissed the matter.


    Afterwards, he paid more attention to her and discovered Fu Xunzhi was privately meeting Shang Jiao while also being weak-willed. Fu Xunzhi waspletely unworthy of Gu Shuang''s trust. Thus Ye Qingchi''s desire to seize her heart grew increasingly strong.


    Pulling back from his recollections, Ye Qingchi let out a softugh. "I think I already liked her since the first time I saw her. I just didn''t know it was fondness then. I only felt it was a little strange to find her cute when her face was covered thickly in ck mud."


    Gu Ying looked at him in astonishment.


    Her cousin who did not associate with women and had mysophobia rarelying into close contact with outsiders actually did not dislike Gu Shuang.


    Ye Qingchi''s lips moved slightly as he gave a helpless quirk. "Don''t look at me like that, Aying."


    After some thought, Gu Ying said, "So it was Cousin''s body that chose Fourth Sister."


    Ye Qingchi''s gaze was profound. "It''s not unreasonable to put it that way."


    If one could not even ept another''s touch, how could they be husband and wife?


    His and Gu Shuang''s affinity was hidden in their bloodlines.

 Chapter 414: He Had It All Figured Out.

    <h4>Chapter 414</h4>


    Gu Ying was still in a daze for a long time. ¡°Then... does cousin not mind that Fourth Younger Sister used to have a rtionship with Fu Xunzhi?"


    Ye Qingchi hesitated for a moment.


    How could he not mind that the little girl''s budding emotions were with another man.


    He just had the time and patience to wait for her to fall in love with him.


    Seeing his ugly expression, Gu Yingughed and said, "If cousin really likes Fourth Younger Sister, you must hurry up and propose, otherwise I will arrange another match for her."


    Ye Qingchi tapped her forehead with his fingertips, and his handsome face showed a hint of a smile. "You dare."


    Gu Ying rubbed her forehead. "I just don''t want Fourth Younger Sister to get hurt again. Even if you are my cousin, I still have to examine you thoroughly."


    Ye Qingchi sighed and said, "Don''t worry, I will do everything properly - the ten mile red makeup, the three letters six rituals, none will be missing."


    Gu Ying smiled charmingly. "That''s more like it."


    After sending off the guest at the door, Ye''s carriage was parked at the corner gate. Ah Gu was waiting outside. Seeing his young master walking out leisurely, he knew things had gone well. He grinned and said, "Young Master, Miss Shangjiao has been sent to the Fu family. Do you still need our people to follow her?"


    Ye Qingchi said, "No need, withdraw all the men."


    Gu Ying tutted twice. "So someone had a plot early on, and was also behind those rumors."


    Ye Qingchi''s eyes curved slightly. "This is called strategizing from a tent."


    After talking with the Eldest Prince, he had no intention of letting Gu Shuang off easy. Whether it was Fu Xunzhi or anyone else, no one could snatch his chosen woman from him.


    The woman he had his eyes on would stay by his side and grow old with him.


    "Let''s go, go back and take care of your sister-inw for your brother."


    Gu Ying rolled her eyes. Shameless.


    ...


    That night, Gu Ying went to Yongshou Hall to visit her sick grandmother. On her way back from Yongshou Hall, she stayed overnight at Reed Catkin Courtyard with Gu Shuang.


    Gu Shuang had been in a daze the whole day. By the time she finished washing up, her eyes were still filled with bewilderment and confusion.


    The marriage between the Gu family and the Ye family was naturally a huge advantage for the Gu family. The current Gu family was far inferior to its past glory. Being able to marry into such a good family like the Ye''s was like burning high incense in their previous life.


    Moreover it was Gu Shuang who had just called off her engagement with the Fu family.


    When the olddy at Yongshou Hall heard that the Qin family wanted toe to propose to the Gu family, she was so happy that her illness was halfway cured. She first asked which youngdy it was. When she learned it was Gu Shuang, the olddy didn''t say much.


    After discussing the date with the Qin family, she gave her tacit approval for this joyous event.


    The Qin family had finally persuaded Zhao family to agree to this marriage. They hurriedly went back to inform the matchmaker at Ye''s house to prepare the dowry gifts.


    Gu Shuang was called off her previous engagement. Her current wedding did not need to be held ostentatiously.


    Zhao family thought to pick an auspicious sunny day for the two families to have a few tablefuls of food and wine together joyously. Then they could decoratively carry Shuang''er over to the Ye family in a red bridal sedan chair for her to pay respect to Heaven and Earth after formally marrying into the groom''s family. That would settle this marriage satisfactorily.


    But the Qin family disagreed. She said, "This grand wedding must let the whole Bianjing city know about it. Shuang''er must not be wronged."


    Zhao family could not overrule her decision. Gu grandmother was even looking forward to it.


    There were countless Dong Li girls who dreamed night and day of marrying into the Ye family. If Gu Shuang really married in, Gu Ming could rely on Ye family in the future.


    Most of the wedding ns had been finalized. After Qin family left, Zhao family still remained at Yongshou Hall.


    The olddy had some matters to discuss with Zhao family. Gu Ying felt there was nothing for her so she went back to Reed Catkin Courtyard first.


    After washing up, Gu Ying supported her waist as she got into bed. She leaned shoulder to shoulder with Gu Shuang against the gold silk carved pillows. Her little hand absentmindedly caressed her lower abdomen.


    Both Yin Lan and Yan Zhi had withdrawn. In the not small but notrge chamber, there were only the two sisters left.


    Gu Ying''s beautiful eyes looked straight at Gu Shuang''s flushed little face. "I think this marriage is appropriate."


    Gu Shuang didn''t speak for a while. She bit her lips and pondered seriously for a moment before saying earnestly, "Second Sister, I am not worthy of Eldest Young Master Ye."


    Gu Yingughed and asked, "There is no worthiness or unworthiness in feelings, only whether he is worthy in Fourth Younger Sister''s heart. Is Cousin worthy of your trust?"


    Ever since Gu Shuang returned from the Fu family, she had been in a daze. Her mind kept echoing Ye Qingchi¡¯s words ¡°I¡¯ll call off the engagement and marry you instead.¡±


    She didn''t see his appearance and expression clearly, only feeling that his voice was unusually maic and sexy, as if a ray of light suddenly illuminated her gloomy life at dawn.


    Ye Qingchi was undoubtedly a man worthy of trust and Ye family was the prestigious household that countless youngdies tried desperately to marry into.


    It was a pity...she was as insignificant as dust, discarded by others.


    Not only was there a gap in status between them, there was also a gap between nobility and lowliness.


    "He..." Gu Shuang stammered.


    Seeing Gu Shuang''s hesitant expression, Gu Ying understood the thoughts in the little girl''s mind.


    "In fact, Fourth Younger Sister doesn''t necessarily love Fu Xunzhi that much. Why keep ming yourself and refusing to let go?"


    Gu Shuang raised her head with slightly red rims around her eyes. "I..."


    Gu Ying ridiculed, "If you really loved him, you wouldn''t have been so calm when confronting him today."


    Gu Shuang said awkwardly, "My heart just died..."


    "No, Fourth Younger Sister didn''t ask him if he had ever loved you. What you cared about at the time was that he abandoned and betrayed you because of reputation and infidelity." Gu Ying sighed and said, "When you truly love someone, you only care about their thoughts and forget about yourself."


    Just like her past self for Jiang Yin¡¯s sake ... suffered silently like a fool for a lifetime.


    "Fourth Younger Sister, you simply liked Fu Xunzhi. It hasn''t reached the point of non-negotiable.¡±


    It was just that Fu Xunzhi¡¯s betrayal and abandonment were enough to ruin any youngdy.


    Gu Shuang sat nkly on the bed as tears silently streamed down her cheeks.


    Gu Ying sighed heavily as she used her sleeves to wipe away Gu Shuang¡¯s tears. "Alright, stop crying. It''s over. If Fourth Younger Sister is unwilling to marry my cousin, I¡¯ll tell Auntie. Okay?"


    Gu Shuang''s eyes were distracted as if her thoughts had flown to some corner.


    Her heart felt empty. After staying in a daze for a long time, she threw herself into Gu Ying''s arms and started crying loudly.


    Gu Ying sympathetically patted the little girl''s back.


    After a while, she had cried herself to sleep. Tear streaks were still on her face and her dark hair was messy over her shoulders. Yet the shallow breathing of the young maiden could already be heard.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly as she supported Gu Shuang onto the inner side of the bed and covered her with a quilt.


    Outside the window, a crescent moon hung in the willow branches. The moonlight flowed like water, quietly spilling into the room.


    She turned over and fell into the brocade quilt. Her temples throbbed in pain.


    But for the health of the baby, she still had to try to get some sleep.


    She did not sleep well that night, dreaming of battles and killings all night. In her dream the Eldest Prince and her father fought fiercely with a troop of soldiers. From somewhere Cheng Yaojin drilled out and threw a ck object into the crowd, thick toxic fumes enveloping the entire battlefield. The soldiers'' wails seemed toe from hell, one after another, extremely miserable.


    The Eldest Prince and her father were utterly defeated. Before long, the Eldest Prince was fatally poisoned, his life or death unknown.


    Gu Ying suddenly bolted up from the bed, drenched in cold sweat and her heart racing violently.

 Chapter 415: Little Bones

    <h4>Chapter 415</h4>


    She hazily looked around and found that it was already bright outside.


    Gu Shuang was still sleeping by her side.


    She wiped the cold sweat off her brow and softly called out, "Yin Lan."


    Hearing the noise inside, Yin Lan opened the door, drew open the beaded curtain, and asked in a low voice, "Mistress, what''s the matter?"


    Gu Ying weakly lifted her limp hand. Her mind was finally a little more at ease. Yin Lan immediately helped her sit up.


    Gu Ying lightly asked, "Has there been any letter from the border?"


    Yin Lan replied, "Not yet, Mistress. Why have you gotten up so early today?"


    Gu Ying sat withposure in front of the bronze mirror and nced back at the still sleeping Gu Shuang. "The fourth young miss has not been resting well recently. Let her sleep a while longer. Yin Lan,e out with me for a bit."


    "Yes."


    ...


    When they arrived at Piao Yun Lou, Su He''s eyes were covered with a white gauze. His entire being was like a cool jade monument, leaning gracefully against the armchair.


    "Su He?"


    "Yo, what wind blew my sister-inw here?"


    He groped for his cane to stand up. His posture was vulgar, instantly spoiling his air.


    Gu Ying chuckled. She walked over and pressed him back into the chair. "I''vee to ask about news of Mu Nanfeng."


    Su He rearranged himself in the "lost in thought" posture. "I''m getting somewhere. I was about to have someone pass the news to my sister-inw. I didn''t expect you toe yourself."


    Gu Ying was silent for a moment. Her heart was suddenly gripped by a feeling of unease. "How so?"


    Su He pondered. "Recently I''ve had people taking him around Bianjing to wander about. Mu Nanfeng finally recognized someone."


    "Who?"


    "Shen Ruxu."


    Gu Ying frowned. "Shen Ruxu? Are you sure Mu Nanfeng didn''t mistake her?"


    Su He said, "My eyes haven''t recovered yet, so I don''t know if what he said is true or false. But he did mention seeing Shen Ruxu walking with that woman. As for that woman''s name, he doesn''t know, and hasn''t found where she lives either. But what can be confirmed is that the woman is in Bianjing."


    Gu Ying''s expression froze over, an icy gloom on her face. "I''ve heard Haitang mention Shen Ruxu often going out. I just didn''t know who she was meeting. It seems my fourth sister and I being kidnapped was Shen Ruxu''s doing behind the scenes?"


    "Not necessarily."


    Su He pursed his lips and pressed a small mechanism to the left.


    Shortly after, someone brought Mu Nanfeng and a little beggar over.


    Mu Nanfeng flopped down on the thick velvet carpet on his knees. His face was frighteningly emaciated, his cheekbones protruding sharply, and his eye sockets sunken in. Clearly he had been "tidied up" these days by Piao Yun Lou''s various punishments.


    "I investigated... it was surnamed Shen for sure... She was with a woman wearing a face veil. I recognized her so I remember. But no one around recognized the woman, and she doesn''t go out often. No one knows where she lives. Eldest young master, Master Su, this is all I can do. Please let me go. I swear I''ll roll out of Bianjing and nevere back."


    Su He listened for a while without paying Mu Nanfeng''s pleas any mind. He gently said, "Sister-inw, we can start from Shen Ruxu, but I always feel that Shen Ruxu can''t be using that woman. Rather, that woman seems to be the one pulling the strings behind the scenes."


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned icy cold. "It looks like a leopard can''t change its spots with Shen Ruxu."


    She had thought Shen Ruxu had reformed and kept to her proper ce.


    She didn''t expect there were still small movements going on behind the scenes.


    Su Heughed lightly, confidently saying, "Sister-inw, don''t worry, I also have people following her. It''s just that she''s too cautious, making that woman seem mysterious. However, as long as the person is in Dongli, there is nothing my Piao Yun Road can''t investigate. It''s only a matter of time."


    "Hungry... hungry... hungry..."


    In the quiet great hall of Piao Yun Lou, the beggar prostrated on the ground suddenly made a gurgling sound.


    "That''s right, sister-inw, do you have a way to get this beggar to open his mouth?" Su He just then remembered this beggar. "Before you and Fourth Young Lady were kidnapped, the rumors had already spread out. The source was him. But no matter how I asked, he would only say ''hungry,'' not seeming to be a mute, yet not opening his mouth. No method of torture worked."


    Gu Ying didn''t notice the person by Mu Nanfeng''s side at first. Now she scrutinized him carefully.


    She didn''t feel there was anything special at first. Bianjing certainly had nock of destitute little beggars.


    But as she stared at the beggar''s hunched back that curved like a dragon''s spine, for some reason, a familiar figure suddenly surfaced in her mind.


    She narrowed her eyes tightly. She swiftly walked to the beggar''s side and patted his shoulder, carefully calling out, "Hey...lift your head and let me see."


    The little beggar, who usually was stubborn as an ox, was exceptionally obedient today and lifted his head.


    Seeing the beggar''s emaciated bony face, Gu Ying''s pupils contracted as she blurted out, "Xiao Gutou!"


    Su He''s ears pricked up. "He''s called Xiao Gutou?"


    Gu Ying was almost ecstatic. She grabbed Xiao Gutou into her embrace. Her eyes swiftly misted over.


    "You''re still alive, Xiao Gutou. That''s so great!"


    The little beggar''s chin rested on the woman''s soft, fragrant shoulder. He waspletely bewildered.


    Su He rolled his eyeballs around, puzzled. "Sister-inw recognizes this beggar?"


    Gu Ying closed her eyes, forcing the tears to fall.


    She would never forget those ten agonizing years barely surviving in the dpidated temple in her previous life.


    Countless times, Gu Jiahe and Jiang Yin had peoplee vite her.


    She was better off dead, covered in sores and crippled in the legs and feet,ying half-dead in the damp pile of withered grass for two years.


    The endless loneliness and chilling destion in the relentless passage of time - she thought she would just die there alone, when suddenly one day, a teenage beggar who didn''t know where he came from, taking shelter from the rain in the ruined temple, walked to her side holding a bone and asked her nkly, "Do you want to eat meat?"


    She looked at the boy''s eyes, as clear as a spring, and her numb heart for so long was wrenched with pain, as if carved up with a knife.


    Perhaps when no one cared, she felt this agony was nothing.


    But as soon as someone asked, that pain, that suffering, would go on endlessly, seeping into her bones.


    From then on, the little beggar would asionally bring her food he begged for to the broken temple. At night he would also sleep behind the copsed idols in the temple.


    He didn''t like to talk, only watched her silently and apanied her.


    Sometimes nearby men woulde vite and bully her. At first he didn''t understand, butter seeing her turn deathly pale from the pain, he gradually figured out what was happening. He would pick up rocks and sticks to drive the men away.


    In those agonizing years, she was already numb to the passage of time.


    Only Xiao Gutou apanied her day after day, year after year.


    No matter how Jiang Yin''s people drove him away and threatened him, he never left.


    Until...he was kicked to death by Jiang Yin.


    When he fell by her side, his eyes were wide open in death, staring with a pair of clear, dark eyes. By her side, he rotted into a skeleton.


    Like a nightmare, these things had trapped her. Since marrying the Eldest Young Master, she hadn''t recalled them for a long time already.


    She''d never imagined she would see Xiao Gutou again in this lifetime, yet today she unexpectedly caught sight of the boy who had apanied her for half her life at Piao Yun Lou.

 Chapter 416: Doubtful Point

    <h4>Chapter 416</h4>


    Gu Ying was overjoyed, her eyes brimming red. She pulled the teenager out from her arms again to scrutinize him attentively.


    It was him, only now he was just sixteen or seventeen.


    Although his childish face was not clean, his sharp edges and overly tall nose ridge could still be made out clearly, as well as those pair of pure eyes that resembled two bright pearls.


    Her eyes revealed delight and emotion as her slender fingers brushed away the thick grime from his messy ck hair. "Xiao Gutou, do you recognize me?"


    Xiao Gutou shook his head, staring at the woman''s dark eyes and enunciating word for word, "I don''t know you."


    Gu Ying held his face in both hands,ughing and crying at the same time, "You don''t recognize me, but we know each other now."


    After her rebirth, she had tried looking for him but to no avail. She figured he was a beggar wandering somewhere unknown.


    If her memory served her correctly, he would only emerge around the Tianqi 20s. Some details eluded her.


    In any case, Xiao Gutou''s appearance came a little earlier than expected, which was good news. She would definitelypensate him well this time.


    The teenager shrank back, embarrassment written all over his face, perplexed by this charming and gentle beauty''s solicitousness towards him.


    "You-"


    Both were rendered speechless, at a loss for words upon this long awaited reunion.


    Tears rolled down Gu Ying''s cheeks. Her heart ached badly as she gripped the bony fingers of the boy tightly. "Get up."


    Although clueless, Su He dutifully pressed a mechanism to lead Mu Nanfeng away.


    It wouldn''t do for rumors about the wife of the heir apparent fancying a young beggar to spread recklessly outside.


    Du would surely rush back posthaste to settle scores if he caught wind of this.


    "Sister-inw, this is rather inappropriate."


    If Du found out about this, wouldn''t he kill this beggar?


    Gu Ying ignored Su He, pulling Xiao Gutou up from the ground. "Xiao Gutou, can you tell me who sent you here with a message?"


    Xiao Gutou''s eyes flickered as he felt an inexplicable intimacy towards this breathtaking woman.


    He bit his lips and slowly replied, "A woman."


    "What did she look like?"


    "Pretty eyes, like yours."


    "Like mine?"


    The youth nodded. "Mm."


    Gu Ying gently asked, "Why did you agree to pass on her message?"


    After a long pause, Xiao Gutou finally answered in a low voice while staring at Gu Ying''s exquisite visage, "She said she would help me find my sister."


    Gu Ying was taken aback, and her heart ached immediately.


    Xiao Gutou had told her before that he had been searching for his sister who was separated from him many years ago. They were only four and six years old respectively when they lost each other.


    As children who knew no better, losing their only kin meant desperate searching all over the world.


    After more than ten years of futile searching, he finally discovered his sister''s corpse buried in the wild grave near a dpidated temple right before his death.


    On the night he uncovered the truth, Xiao Goutou sat silently beside her, no outbursts or conversations, just endless destion in his eyes. The ray of light in his eyes was abruptly extinguished, reced by fathomless darkness.


    She longed to pull him into her embrace yetcked the ability to do so.


    Gu Ying sighed softly, her grip on his hand tightening, "Xiao Gutou, I will help you find your sister. If anyonees to you again in future, do not trust her, understand?"


    Xiao Gutou stared nkly at Gu Ying and nodded heavily, "Alright, I''ll listen to you."


    This unconditional trust came with no reason, but he just believed her...


    Su He''s brows shot up high. Indeed, attraction exists between kindred spirits, such was an age-old mantra!


    He had questioned this beggar for days yet not a single useful piece of information was extracted.


    As soon as sister-inw appeared, everything came gushing out readily. This was extremely vexing!


    "This shameless beggar, isn''t he captivated by sister-inw''s beauty?"


    "Don''t spout nonsense." Gu Ying protected Xiao Gutou like a mama bear. They had relied on each other closely in their past life. Now that she found him earlier in this life, she nned on taking him into the Guo Gong fu, to raise him as a brother, or leave him with the Ye family to apany A Ning. "Su He, I''m bringing him away with me."


    Su He was baffled. "This... Should we inform Du beforehand?"


    Gu Ying''s heart swelled with joy. "It''s just a small matter, whether we tell him or not is up to me."


    Su He scoffed softly. "Sister-inw, aren''t you afraid Du will be jealous over your favoritism towards this beggar?"


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, tenderly caressing the head of the teenager beside her, not a shred of disgust towards the years of umted filth on him. She reached out to ruffle his thick hair. "That won''t happen. Xiao Gutou is like my own brother. From now on, I''ll be his sister."


    Su He clicked his tongue, keeping his thoughts to himself ultimately. After all the beggar was merely an insignificant figure. With his interrogation done, any form of treatment would suffice.


    Nevertheless, after Gu Ying''s departure, he contemted over and over before sending a separate letter to Du, documenting some questionable details.


    Like how sister-inw was so familiar with a beggar boy, interacting like old friends who had known each other for years.


    Also her manner and tone towards the beggar was unlike how a sixteen or seventeen year old maiden would behave.


    The letter reached Du several dayster in Huang City.


    Zhao Changdu had just finished sparring with father-inw Gu Boqing in the military camp.


    As an elder, Gu did not use full force but still managed to graze him lightly with his spear.


    Du took it in his stride, leisurely tossing his spear onto the ground to admit defeat.


    His surrender was free and easy but Gu Boqing threw him a cold re, forcefully stabbing the spear inches from Du''s leg, eyes filled with warning. "You better treat my daughter well, otherwise I won''t spare you for the sake of my grandson!"


    He could tell the general still disapproved of his marriage with Gu Ying.


    Fortunately, upon knowing Ying''s pregnancy, the strained look on the old general''s stern face eased somewhat as he harrumphed and stalked off the parade square.


    "Sir, a letter from mydy!"


    Huai An gleefully flipped aside the tent entrance, only to halt at the sight of the man''s deep yet icy gaze.


    The gloomy stillness radiating from him frightened Huai An.


    Unsure of what transpired, Huai An''s back turned cold. He gingerly ced the letter on the table. "It''s from mydy. I shall take my leave first!"


    With that, he fled swiftly.


    Zhao Changdu unrolled his wife''s letter containing just a few simple words about her well-being. Not a single mention of Xiao Gutou''s incident.


    Heughed mockingly to himself, a nameless emotion and heartache simmering within.


    Let it go then. If she still kept secrets from him, he would simply indulge her whims.


    ...

 Chapter 417: The Engagement of Gu Ye

    <h4>Chapter 417</h4>


    Gu Ying directly brought Xiao Gutou back to the Ye family.


    When Qin saw her bring back such a dirty little boy, she didn¡¯t ask much. She immediately arranged for people to prepare a bath and change of clothes for him.


    After changing into brocade robes, the handsome young man had clear brows and bright eyes, pale skin, sharp facial features, broad forehead,rge eyes, tall stature, and one could still see a hint of beauty in his brows and eyes.


    It was evident that his parents were not bad looking, it was just that he was kidnapped when he was young, and then got separated from his sister, which led to his current circumstances.


    Seeing Xiao Gutou sitting awkwardly in the chair, Gu Ying said to Qin, "Auntie, I want Xiao Gutou to stay at the Ye family with A Ning to study reading and writing, and learn martial arts. I wonder if that would be okay?"


    "That''s no problem," Qin smiled. "A Ying has a kind heart. Of course I''ll go along with what you say. But looking at his age, sixteen or seventeen? We can''t keep calling him Xiao Gutou. We should give him a new name."


    Gu Ying thought for a moment. That''s right, Xiao Gutou was the name she had given him in her previous life.


    Having lost his family since childhood, and been kidnapped and sold off, he didn''t know his own surname or given name. For his whole life, if he wasn''t called Little Beggar, then she called him Xiao Gutou. He never had a name of his own.


    Gu Ying pondered for a moment, and sincerely asked the youth, "Xiao Gutou, would it be alright if from now on you take my surname Gu?"


    The young man''s mouth quirked slightly, his eyes showing joy, and he nodded heavily, "Mm."


    Gu Ying thought for a moment, then curved her lips and said, "How about Gu Xun?"


    He had searched for his sister his whole life. Although it was futile, the tenacity of the young man was admirable.


    She didn''t n on telling the youth that his sister was already dead, so as to let him keep a brightmp in his heart, and live a safe, healthy, and peaceful life.


    "That''s good, A Xun, it sounds nice," Qin said supportively, sincerely happy for Xiao Gutou.


    Gu Ying smiled and asked, "Do you like it, Xiao Gutou?"


    The youth looked steadily at Gu Ying, with indistinct emotions churning in his eyes. After a long while, he solemnly said, "I like it."


    And so Gu Xun''s matter was settled. Qin arranged a courtyard for him right next to Gu Ning''s.


    When the two children met, they were both silent, yet strangely harmonious.


    At least it was much better than when Gu Ming was "bullied" by A Ning at the Ye family.


    Gu Ning did not reject Gu Xun, and even looked at him a few more times.


    Shen Munian and Li Yunzhi were shocked when they saw Gu Xun, thinking him a talent from heaven at first nce, andpeted to take him as a disciple.


    Seeing Xiao Gutou properly settled, Gu Ying felt much more at ease.


    Her uncle and aunt were so understanding and handled matters in a thoughtful and appropriate way.


    Why was she deceived by viins in her previous life, estranging herself from her own family, and stubbornly fawning over the main wife of the Gu family?


    Looking at the busy and radiant Qin, Gu Ying was moved. She leaned her head on Qin''s shoulder, her nose turning sour, "Auntie is so nice."


    Qin''s smile softened, "Then move to live with auntie for a period of time, and let me care for you on behalf of your mother. Would that be okay?"


    It was as if a warm current flowed through Gu Ying''s heart. She spoke softly, "I''lle after my fourth sister''s wedding matters are over."


    Qin grinned from ear to ear. "A Ying approves of Frost and A Chi''s marriage too?"


    Gu Ying smiled, "Of course, cousin getting married is a big deal. Auntie should make careful arrangements."


    She had advised Gu Shuang to consider carefully and given her a choice, but actually she had a strong premonition that this marriage could not be avoided.


    The Fu family was in for regret.


    As long as her fourth sister married her cousin, what awaited her would only be a lifetime of glory, wealth, food and clothing without worry, and her cousin''s affection.


    The men of the Ye family were all good people, none of them bad.


    Qin smiled with eyes bent, saying, "I''ve already had your uncle write a letter to Haizhou, telling your maternal grandfather and other uncles and cousins to alle."


    "They''re alling?"


    Her mother''s only brother was Ye Zhuohua, but the Ye family had countless branches. If they all came... wouldn''t this wedding be extremely grand?


    "Of course. This is the eldest grandson of my Ye family taking a wife. How could we not make a grand asion of it? Your grandfather even wrote asking about A Chi''s wedding a while ago. It would be unfair to Frost if we didn''t properly hold a grand wedding ceremony, no?"


    Gu Ying smiled amusedly, "I suppose so."


    The more grandly the Ye family held this wedding, the more the Fu family would lose face.


    Qin happily discussed the betrothal gifts list with Gu Ying for quite a while before letting her leave.


    ...


    The Ye family moved so swiftly it left people breathless.


    When all of Bianjing still thought the Ye family was just joking, Qin had already led the matchmaker to the doors of the Duke of Dongping''s manor.


    From formal proposal to selection of an auspicious wedding date, the Ye family only took five days.


    Five days!


    Ordinary families would still be preparing the betrothal gifts, yet the Ye family''s procession that stretched a whole street had already been delivered to the gates of the Duke of Dongping''s manor.


    It was said that the leading servant boy had already entered the Hall of Eternal Life, and there were still ten carriages blocking the gates, unable to get in. Such a spectacr scene set all of Bianjing abuzz.


    Someone passed on this news to the Fu family.


    The Fu family matriarch waspletely incredulous. She squinted her eyes and sent someone to investigate.


    The person who returned said they saw with their own eyes Qin personally leading the convoy of betrothal gifts to the Duke of Dongping''s manor, and had ostentatiously hired three or four matchmakers to give the Gu family sufficient face.


    Nowmon folk were all talking about the Ye family''s wedding, and some even said the nearly ny year old Ye family elder had already set out to Bianjing, saying he wanted to personally oversee the Eldest Young Master Ye''s marriage.


    The Fu family matriarch still could not believe it. She had someone harness a carriage and went personally to the manor gates to see.


    If she hadn''t seen with her own eyes those redwood boxes filled with gold, silver, pearls, jewels, antiques, and paintings, she would never have believed that with Gu Shuang''s status, she could really marry into the Ye family?


    She knitted her brows, her body swaying, so angry her old eyes went dark.


    "Did you investigate clearly? It really is Fourth Young Lady Gu?"


    The maid said, "Yes, Old Madam..."


    The Fu matriarch''splexion darkened. "Quickly return to the manor! What are you standing around looking at!"


    The maid was badly frightened, and quickly said, "However I heard that Eldest Young Master Ye didn''te himself, only Qin came. Old Madam, does old servant need to go investigate some more?"


    "What else is there to investigate, isn''t this embarrassing enough!"


    The Fu matriarch was extremely upset. Hearing this, her sagging old face rxed a little. "That makes sense. Qin''s words sound nice, but in the end she may not like a girl like Gu Shuang from a small family. And that heir of the Ye family, what kind of character is he, to be able to appreciate Gu Shuang? It must have been in the heat of the moment that day at the Fu residence that he impulsively said he wanted to marry her, and now he can''t get out of it. Even if they do get married, two people so ipatible living together will certainly lead to good shows to watch."

 Chapter 418: Ask Him Yourself

    <h4>Chapter 418</h4>


    The madams kept calling it right.


    Mrs. Fu''s temper had subsided a little, and she said unpleasantly to Fu Xunzhi, who was staring nkly outside the carriage, "What are you still standing there for? Come back with me!"


    Fu Xunzhi was reluctant to part with Gu Shuang, lowering his head in sorrow as he looked at the big door that separated him from Gu Shuang... His heart ached badly.


    But on second thought, Gu Shuang was not chaste, and Ye Qingchi was just sympathizing with her.


    Once she really married into the Ye family, such a respectable and upright family, how could they possibly treat her well?


    His feelings wereplicated and entangled. He both loved and hated Gu Shuang, worried about her but also felt she deserved to live badly.


    After all, without a husband like him to protect her, how could she get by in the inner courtyard?


    She would only be neglected, confined, and eventually lose her husband''s favor and live a bleak and lonely life.


    He shook his sleeves and respectfully got on the carriage.


    The thick carriage curtains fell, blocking the lively scene outside the Duke of Dongping''s mansion.


    The atmosphere in the carriage was depressing, in stark contrast to the outside, and Fu Xunzhi felt even more downcast as he turned his head aside.


    Zhao Shi saw the Fu family carriage from afar and spat lightly, then turned and entered the mansion.


    Everyone in the Gu family was delighted except Gu Shuang.


    Watching the joy throughout the mansion, she became more and more uneasy.


    In the evening, she couldn''t sit still and begged Gu Ying to take her to see Ye Qingchi.


    ording to etiquette, the bride and groom were not allowed to meet before the grand wedding.


    Gu Shuang became more anxious. If she didn''t see Ye Qingchi again, with her adoptive mother''s speed, the two of them would be married in just a few days. By then, even if Young Master Ye regretted it, it would be toote!


    "Sister, please, take me out, will you? Mother keeps a close eye on me, I really can''t get away. But if you ask her, Mother will surely agree."


    Gu Ying was sitting leisurely on the low couch by the bed, rolling a book in her hand. She said lightly, "What do you want to see Cousin for?"


    Gu Shuang was stumped. By now everyone knew about her marriage to Ye Qingchi. At this time the bride should be staying at home waiting to be married.


    But...she looked at Qin Shi''s kindness to her and did not feel delighted, only ashamed.


    After much deliberation, she still opened her mouth, "I know he doesn''t want to marry me. I don''t want to hurt him."


    Gu Ying looked at her with a faint smile and a raised brow, "How do you know Cousin is unwilling?"


    Gu Shuang bit her lip, she couldn''t say, Ye Qingchi''s attitude towards her was too strange, and she was stupid herself, simply unable to understand his thoughts. "I... I just know... Third Miss of Marquess Changning''s mansion has always been close to him, and everyone knows that the Third Miss will marry Eldest Young Master Ye in the future. Now that he is fine, in order to help me, he agreed to marry me in front of Mrs. Fu, but Sister, marriage is no joke. I also know the rules of the Ye family. If he marries me, he won''t be able to take concubines. And he doesn''t like me... Is he supposed to face this face he doesn''t like all his life?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Isn''t your face quite likable?"


    Snow-white, plump cheeks, pretty upturned nose, lips like cherry blossoms, long brows arched like willow leaves.


    Her bright eyes were like ck pearls, with a clear and pure gaze that did not seem clever but was the purest and cleanest.


    Moreover, her facial features were also beautiful. Although the Gu family was not a prominent big family or centuries-old household, the children in the n were quite good-looking.


    Gu Shuang''s appearance was like a beautiful jade. She was elegant and lovely, gentle and well-behaved, a type most men would like.


    "Sister... please... I have to ask him clearly."


    Seeing the pitiful look on the little girl''s face, Gu Ying put down her medical book and smiled, "Okay, okay, you dress up as my maid in a while ande with me to the Ye family, so as not to cause unnecessary gossip and more trouble between the Gu and Ye families."


    Gu Shuang nodded eagerly.


    A carriage came to pick them up from the back door of the Gu house. Gu Ying took Gu Shuang, dressed as a maid, all the way to the Ye mansion.


    ...


    When they arrived at the Ye mansion, Gu Ying took Gu Shuang to Ye Qingchi''s Zh¨¥nli¨² Courtyard.


    A Gu came out from the yard, walking hurriedly with his head down, and almost bumped into Gu Ying.


    Gu Ying caught a glimpse of the blood on his hand and frowned, "A Gu, what happened?"


    A Gu pursed his lips guiltily and said, "The young master has been helping His Highness Prince Du deal with pending cases recently. He sentenced some difficult people a few days ago. Unexpectedly,st night on his way home, the family members of the felons rushed up to him with knives and stabbed him once... It''s all because I failed to protect him, otherwise the young master wouldn''t have been injured and unable to go to the Gu family. Fortunately, it was not a fatal wound, only his arm was hurt."


    Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, "Well that''s good then."


    "I''m going to get medicine for the young master. Ah, the wound dressing hasn''t been changed today."


    A Gu was full of self-reproach. Suddenly he saw Gu Shuang dressed as a maid behind Gu Ying, and his eyes widened, "Eh, isn''t this Fourth Young Lady?"


    Gu Shuang naturally also heard that Ye Qingchi was injured, and her heart tightened inexplicably. She wondered if this was the right time for her toe.


    Gu Ying nodded and said, "I brought Shuang''er to see Cousin. A Gu, go get the medicine first."


    A Gu looked at Gu Shuang in confusion.


    What was the Fourth Young Lady doing at the Ye family when she was not at the Gu family?


    Could it be that she also came to care about the young master?


    Thinking so, A Gu was almost moved to tears. The future young mistress was so virtuous! What a wonderful woman!


    "Yes, yes, then I''ll go first."


    Gu Ying had originally intended to take a look at Ye Qingchi first, but seeing Gu Shuang''s worried expression, her eyes shed, and she said, "Little Sister, since you have something to say, go ahead and rify it with Cousin first. I''ll go see A Ning ande overter."


    Gu Shuang was instantly nervous. "Sister¡ª"


    Gu Ying patted the little maid on the shoulder. "Don''t worry, I''ll have Yin Lan stand guard outside. If you need anything, just call her directly."


    Gu Shuang tightened her hands, standing still for a good while before mustering up the courage. She pursed her lips and entered Zh¨¥nli¨² Courtyard alone.


    Ye Qingchi''s courtyard was veryrge. An artificial stream was dug along the wall, with gurgling water, sounding pleasant and pleasing to the ear. Rockery and pavilions were scattered in between, with a lush peach blossom tree blooming beautifully in the middle.

 Chapter 419: Wanna Be a Little Widow

    <h4>Chapter 419</h4>


    As soon as she entered the courtyard, the crisp scent of peach blossoms rushed to meet her. Gu Shuang looked up and saw the man standing under the eaves in loose robes and slow steps, seeming to already know she wasing, with deep, quiet eyes looking at her.


    The lingering glow of sunset spilled onto the handsome profile of the man, making that exquisite, peerless face indistinct.


    "Why have youe to see me at this time?"


    "I¡ª"


    Gu Shuang''s heart almost jumped to her throat. Before she could finish speaking, she saw a slender figure emerge from behind Ye Qingchi.


    "Miss Gu?"


    The woman''s voice was gentle, like a thread of light smoke. Looking at her brows and eyes, charming and full of feeling, her slender waist swaying lightly like a willow branch, she was a thorough beauty.


    Gu Shuang''s breath hitched. Awkwardness and inexplicable disappointment instantly climbed onto her heart.


    She recognized this youngdy. She was the daughter of the Marquess of Changning, the eldest legitimate daughter, whom she had met once at a spring banquet.


    However, Li Tian was several years older than her, so they had only seen each other in passing, not interacted.


    At the time, she had heard of Li''s exploits¡ªthat the third youngdy of the Li family had disguised herself as a man to gain admission to the Ye family''s Nanshan Academy in order to be ssmates with the Ye heir.


    But she was no silly girl who only knew love. She had studied at Nanshan Academy for three years, reading the Four Books and Five ssics extensively, and was praised by Elder Ye for her talents in ssics and history.


    If her true gender had not been discovered, she might have passed the imperial examinations alongside the Young Master Ye.


    Later she returned to the Marquess''s manor, and Elder Ye had intended for his heir to marry her, but nothing hade of it after so many years. At over twenty years of age, the third youngdy Li remained unmarried, for reasons unknown.


    Gu Shuang had not been concerned with the affairs of the Marquess before. Seeing Li Tian in Ye Qingchi''s courtyard made her feel ratherplicated.


    In the face of such an outstanding woman as Li Tian, Gu Shuang was ashamed of her own inferiority. She stiffly lowered her neck and hurriedly greeted the other woman.


    Li Tian''s mouth hooked into a bitter smile. She tilted her head for onest look at the man beside her. "Since Fourth Miss Gu hase to see you, I will take my leave first."


    Gu Shuang caught the lingering attachment in Li Tian''s eyes and silently pressed her lips together.


    Ye Qingchi''s gaze rested only on Gu Shuang''s lowered little head. He absently murmured, "Mm."


    Li Tian sighed, understanding that her feelings for Ye Qingchi would ultimately be in vain. She did not wait for him to ask her to stay and gathered her skirts to leave.


    After she left, only Gu Shuang and Ye Qingchi remained in the courtyard.


    Ye Qingchi looked amusingly at the little girl still standing in ce. "Come inside to talk," he said lightly.


    Gu Shuang came back to herself and quickly trotted after him.


    The furnishings in the room were simple yet elegant. She was too nervous to take a closer look. It was her first time in a man''s private chambers, and she felt rather apprehensive.


    Ye Qingchi sat down on a low couch and looked up at her. "If I remember correctly, today is when I send the wedding gifts. Why aren''t you home at this time?"


    Gu Shuang lowered her head, not daring to look at him. "I came today to tell Brother that we don''t have to marry."


    Ye Qingchi''s brows furrowed. "You are unwilling to marry me?"


    Gu Shuang hurriedly waved her hands. Looking up sincerely, she said, "It''s not like that. I just feel that I am unworthy of Brother. You need not wrong yourself for my reputation... Marriage is a lifelong matter, so Brother should marry someone he loves... It would be best not to dy any further..."


    After blurting out her true thoughts in one breath, Gu Shuang nervously clenched her fists and waited quietly for the man to respond.


    Indeed, it was gettingte.


    He was already impatient to take her into his arms.


    But his upbringing meant he could not touch an unmarried youngdy. Otherwise, he had ways of letting her know his feelings.


    He looked at her with amusement. "You came today just to tell me this?"


    Gu Shuang murmured weakly, "Mm..."


    Ye Qingchi''s lips curled. "Then who do you think I like?"


    Gu Shuang froze stiffly. She had seen him together with Third Miss Li. Who else could he like?


    Puzzled, she asked directly, "Isn''t the one Brother admires Third Miss Li?"


    Ye Qingchi raised a brow. "Who said that?"


    Gu Shuang licked her lips. "I...I heard it from other youngdies."


    Ye Qingchi noddedprehendingly. "Don''t listen to gossip from others about such matters again. Come ask me directly."


    Gu Shuang couldn''t grasp his meaning. She hade to call off the engagement, so how did it be about her prying into his business?


    "Brother..."


    He liked hearing her call him that. Ye Qingchi beckoned her over, pleased. "Gu Shuang,e here."


    Gu Shuang''s heart thumped. Obediently she assumed he had something important to tell her and trotted over.


    The man pointed at the medicine box on the ebony desk. "Do you see that medicine box?"


    "I see it." Gu Shuang was extremely obedient, thinking if she just went along with him, he would agree to her request.


    "Open it and take out the golden sore medicine."


    Gu Shuang immediately did as told, taking out the golden sore medicine and white gauze.


    When she turned back around, she saw the man sitting properly on the couch. His outer robe had been taken off, the white inner robe dangling off one shoulder, revealing smooth, well-proportioned muscles and a broad chest.


    She was shocked and her lips parted. She quickly spun back around, her little face instantly flushing red.


    "What is it?"


    "Brother, why aren''t you wearing clothes?!" Gu Shuang was mortified.


    She had never seen a man''s body before. Even though she was engaged to Fu Xingzhi, she had not seen him undressed.


    "Why would I wear clothes to change bandages?"


    "But but but¡ªI¡ª"


    "It''s precisely because you''re my fianc¨¦e that I''m letting you help change my bandages. Otherwise, would you let your husband show his body to other women?"


    Gu Shuang''s head buzzed loudly. "What...husband... Brother, don''t speak nonsense."


    Ye Qingchi looked at the little girl''s tense, awkward back. His mouth curved into a faint smile. "My wounds are very serious. If you don''te over to change the bandages, I''m afraid our wedding really won''t happen. Then who knows, it might be a funeral instead of a wedding. Your days would be even harder, destined to be a young widow before you''ve barely married. Is that what you want?"

 Chapter 420: Hobbled

    <h4>Chapter 420</h4>


    Gu Shuang''s small face was wrinkled, her fair skin was flushed red, "What widow..."


    Seeing that the little girl was not taking his bait, Ye Qingchi sighed, "Gu Shuang, my wound really hurts."


    Gu Shuang was confused by his words. She hadpletely forgotten her original intention foring here.


    Hearing him say his wound hurts, her heart twisted.


    "Then I''ll ask Uncle Agou toe change Brother''s medicine."


    Ye Qingchizily hung a smile, continuing his "weak" nonsense, "Uncle Agou went out to get medicine, he won''t be back anytime soon. If youe over now, I might be able to live a little longer."


    "Alright..."


    Gu Shuang was frightened by his weak tone. No longer caring about anything else, she stiffly turned around and lowered her eyes as she walked up to him.


    Her heart was racing as she blinked nervously.


    Even though she didn''t want to look...with all his upper body clothes removed, his strong and muscr body waspletely exposed before her eyes. She had no choice but to see it.


    It was said that Young Master Ye was a humble and refined gentleman, elegant when he smiled. Who would have thought that beneath his schrly, slender appearance was such a breathtaking physique that made one''s blood boil.


    Gu Shuang shook her head. Good heavens, what was she thinking?!


    She avoided his gaze, took a deep breath to calm herself down, and looked at the white gauze on the man''s right shoulder and arm.


    It was a long wound, withrge patches of red bleeding through the gauze, shocking to behold.


    He wasn''t lying to her. His wound did look very serious.


    Her eyes quickly filled with distress. "Brother, I...I''m not very good at changing dressings..."


    Ye Qingchi''s deep eyes stared intently at the girl''s evasive ones. The corner of his mouth moved slightly as he said in a low voice, "It doesn''t matter, I''ll teach you."


    The process of him teaching her to change dressings was extremely tormenting.


    She wasn''t stupid, just a little flustered. Her hot fingertips brushed over his shoulders, arousing ayer of tremors in his heart.


    He had been celibate for over twenty years, this was the first time he allowed a woman to get close to him.


    Whenever he nced up, he could clearly see the fine fluff on the girl''s face, her round, fair nose, flushed cheeks, shy earlobes, and of course, her watery eyes and long butterfly-like eyshes.


    She was just standing there bent over in front of him, yet his mind went nk, taking in the faint peach blossom fragrance from her body. The rapidly rising ambiguous atmosphere flowed slowly between them.


    She asked him, "Does it hurt?"


    "Mmm."


    "Do you want me to be gentler?"


    "Okay."


    "Brother, I''m sorry, my hands are too clumsy, did I hurt you?"


    "It''s fine, just go slowly."


    She was delicate, her voice already soft. Being so close, her voice carried a kind of tantalizing moisture, gnawing at Ye Qingchi''s heart like little bugs.


    He answered her absentmindedly, while his eyes were fixed on her nervous, focused little face, silently enjoying this peaceful moment.


    "Brother, done."


    Gu Shuang finally breathed a sigh of relief after bandaging thest section of gauze for him. Her brows and eyes curved up gently, "I looked just now, the wound hasn''t reached the bone, it''s not too serious. Brother will definitely be alright."


    Ye Qingchi came back to his senses and looked at the girl''s smiling, charming little face, like a ripe, sweet peach, cute and innocent. "Mm," he continued fishing for sympathy, "but it still hurts a lot."


    Concern crept up her face. Gu Shuang carefully said, "Then should we ask a doctor to take another look?"


    Ye Qingchi gently said, "No need, if youe change my dressing in the future, it might heal faster."


    Gu Shuang was confused, blinking nkly.


    Ye Qingchi pulled up the corners of his lips and said hoarsely, "In that case, how about we have the big wedding in five days?"


    If he remembered correctly, her letter deadline was up in five days...he didn''t want to wait any longer.


    Gu Shuang was even more at a loss. "Huh?"


    Ye Qingchi seized the opportunity and said, "After getting married, it will be more convenient for you to take care of my wound."


    Gu Shuang blushed to her ears anxiously, "Wait..."


    Ye Qingchi put on an injured look. "My wound is so serious. You don''t want to take care of me?"


    Gu Shuang quickly waved her hands, "No no, that''s not it."


    Ye Qingchi continued persuading her gently, "Then promise me you''lle change my dressing."


    Gu Shuang lowered her little head in confusion, "Okay, I promise you... "


    But was this about changing dressings?


    Her mind waspletely overwhelmed...By the time she walked out of Xiongliu Courtyard, she had forgotten what she hade to do in the first ce.


    ...


    Five dayster.


    Ye Qingchi held a grand wedding, shocking the whole city.


    Ye''s father had retired many years ago, he attended the wedding banquet in person. Half the ministers of Dong Li''s court came, even the Tianqi Emperor personally visited Old Master Ye at the Ye estate, showing the prestige of the Ye family in Dong Li.


    Not to mention Ye Qingchi''s huge family of uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters. In the two days before Ye Qingchi''s wedding, they hadpletely filled the Ye estate in Bianjing.


    Which family''s celebrations could be so extravagant?


    In Bianjing¡¯s circle of prominent families, there was only shock and admiration. No one even dared to be jealous.


    This was the first time Gu Ying had seen her maternal grandfather and the Ye n since her rebirth.


    In her previous life, the Ye family was implicated by her and met a tragic end. How did her maternal grandfather die?


    She actually couldn''t remember clearly, only that at the time she was numbly enduring torment day after day in the dpidated temple.


    Gu Jia came in splendid noblewoman attire to gloat at her misfortune. When she mentioned her maternal grandfather, her face was smiling radiantly.


    "Gu Ying, your whole family is dead. Your esteemed maternal grandfather is so old he can barely walk. By Jiang Yin''s order, he was tied up with ropes and hung on the city wall for three days and nights without food or water. Any students who dared plead for him were beheaded by Jiang Yin. Now, your maternal grandfather is dead, and the Ye family has disappeared from Dong Li. It''s truly been wiped clean as white as snow!"


    Gu Jia couldn''t conceal the jealousy in her gloating face.


    Even though the Ye family''s n was destroyed in an instant, the spirit of the Ye people was undying. Her maternal grandfather educated people and encouraged neers. The Ye family''s ideals and soul would continue to be passed down.


    Gu Jia came to unt her situation in order to see her distraught, heartbroken and sad.


    But Gu Ying refused to satisfy her. Sheughed and spat at Gu Jia.


    After Gu Jia left the dpidated temple with an icyugh, Gu Ying finally couldn''t help but cry out loud.

 Chapter 421: The Ye Family

    <h4>Chapter 421</h4>


    "Little girl, what''s the matter with you?" Old Master Ye stretched out his rough, big hand and stroked Gu Ying''s chin yfully, as if teasing a kitten. "Why do you look like you''ve been crying? Did someone bully our little girl?"


    Gu Ying was startled out of her reminiscence and couldn''t help letting the tears fall. She threw herself into her grandfather''s arms with red eyes.


    "Grandpa, I miss you so much."


    Old Master Ye hugged his little granddaughter''s back and choked out a sob. "You still remember your grandpa. Why didn''t youe to Haizhou to see this old man?"


    Gu Ying looked up at her grandfather''s loving face with tears streaming down her face. "I wanted toe. After I give birth, I will definitely go to Haizhou to live with Grandpa."


    Old Master Ye smiled benevolently and stroked Gu Ying''s head. "Ying is such a good child, truly a bright one."


    With that, he suddenly leaned in and whispered in Gu Ying''s ear, "Ying, don''t worry. Grandpa didn''te just for your brother Qingchi. This time Grandpa came specifically to see you."


    Ye Qingchi couldn''t pretend not to hear. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly. "Grandfather, today is my wedding day."


    Old Master Ye nced at him. "What''s wrong with indulging your little sister?"


    Ye Qingchi coughed lightly. "Alright, alright. Whatever you say, sir."


    Gu Ying chuckled. In the Ye family hall, it was filled with Ye family members.


    The old gentleman''s double standard was something everyone was used to. They all pretended not to know.


    Gu Ying''s mother, Ye Zhuoning, was the most favored pearl in the Ye family. If it hadn''t been for her taking a liking to Gu Boqing, with the Gu family status, they probably couldn''t even touch the stone lions at the Ye family gate.


    After looking over Gu Ying, Old Master Ye called Gu Ning over.


    Seeing the child''s face that closely resembled his daughter''s, the old gentleman suddenly felt sad and his eyes turned red. He held the boy''s hand and cried without manners, "Leave Ning''s legs to my second brother''s family. You must cure him. If he can''t stand and walk properly in the future, be careful I''ll skin you."


    Second Master Ye was Old Master Ye''s brother. He had three sons and two daughters. His youngest son Ye Zhuojiang was a famous divine doctor in Haizhou.


    Ye Zhuojiang came over and squeezed Gu Ning''s good leg, looking thoughtful with a faint smile.


    "Eldest brother, don''t worry. I can cure this leg."


    Gu Ning was taken aback, suddenly feeling embarrassed in front of this group of people.


    Old Master Ye hurriedly added, "Ning, don''t take it to heart. Your uncle didn''t mean it. I was just worried."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s face soured. "Eldest brother, please don''t call me that. Sister Ying will think I''m very young."


    Old Master Ye raised his brows. "You are young. You just have seniority. Ying is not your sister. Are you confused, boy?"


    The 18-year-old Ye Zhuojiang''s mouth twitched. "It''s all because my father is so old yet still asked my mother to give birth. It''s not good for a woman''s health!"


    Second Master Ye''s white brows shot up high. "Your mother and I got carried away in passion. You''re too young to understand anything! Besides, without your father''s moment of recklessness, where would an ungrateful brat like youe from?"


    Ye Zhuojiang''s brow twitched in anger. "Today is Qingchi''s big day. Father, watch yournguage."


    Ye Guan smiled faintly. "Second uncle does have a point."


    Ye Zhuojiang whipped his head indignantly. "Third Aunt, please discipline your grandson!"


    Third Aunt Ye grinned mischievously. "I can''t control him!"


    Ye Qingchi said seriously, "Hurry up and bicker more. I''m eager to fetch my bride."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s face turned red. "Qingchi, you should be helping your uncle here!"


    Ye Qingchi nced at him. "Remember, I''m older than you."


    Ye Zhuojiang, the family''s punching bag, ran to Gu Ying with a grieved look. "A bunch of nasty men, so unpleasant. Ying, I still have you!"


    Gu Ying had been chatting with the other Ye aunts and sisters. Hearing her grandfathers'' words, she couldn''t help smiling gently.


    The Ye family was not what she had imagined.


    She had thought the prestigious schrly family would speak in a pretentious and righteous manner. But in fact, they were all down-to-earth and humorous.


    Although they were bickering, the affection in their tones was undeniable.


    She was not familiar with her maternal grandfather. Her mother had passed away early.


    In her previous life, she was not close to the Ye family. And in this life, she hadn''t had a chance to visit them in Haizhou yet. Now seeing them, she realized her mother must have liked her father''s vivacious personality that resembled the Ye family.


    It was quite noisy in the hall. The groom Ye Qingchi was eager to see his young wife, so he bid farewell to Old Master Ye and headed out.


    The younger generation busily and excitedly followed him out, calling him "big brother" respectfully.


    The young men in their embroidered robes were going to fetch their brides on horseback, with flowers sprinkled along the long street and red envelopes everywhere. They had to make a grand scene for their future sister-inw!


    "Ying, are you going?" Although Ye Zhuojiang was only a year or two older than Gu Ying, he immediately liked this niece. The intimacy came from their blood ties.


    "Yes."


    "But be careful since you''re pregnant."


    "Don''t worry, uncle. Nian is very well-behaved."


    "Uncle will give you some medicinal pills to protect your body and ensure your child will be born healthy. Nian, that''s your child''s name? As your uncle, will your child have to call me granduncle? Heavens, I''m going to be a granduncle at 18?"


    Gu Ying looked back at Ye Zhuojiang scratching his head in distress in the morning light, feeling a softness in her heart.


    It was so nice. Thank heaven for giving her this chance to be reborn.


    Having family around, no matter how noisy, was bliss.


    Gu Ying tilted her head, gently caressing her bulging belly. Her moon-white embroidered long skirt shone brightly in the dawn. "Uncle, shall we go?"


    "Let''s go! I''ll sneak Qingchi an invigorating pill tonight!"


    "Does cousin need an invigorating pill too?"


    "That kid looks weak." Ye Zhuojiang pretended to be mature. "Overwork damages the health. How can he continue the Ye family line without taking care of his body?"


    Gu Ying''s mouth curved up in a faint smile. "Be careful if cousin hears you say that, he''ll smack your bottom."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s face stiffened.


    ...


    After the youngsters left, only Old Master Ye and several elders remained in the hall.


    Old Master Ye''s benevolent smile vanished, reced by a cold sneer. His deep, icy gaze swept over his brothers below. It was as if he had be a different person from before.


    "Ying and Ning have been in Bianjing for a long time. I didn''t ask about their matters in the Gu family, afraid to hurt the children. But I can see they did not have a good time with the Gu family. Ying even said Ning was nearly crippled and no one taught him to read and write, which shows the Gu family''s negligence toward my Ye children. This is unforgivable."

 Chapter 422: Fu Xunzhi’s Remorse

    <h4>Chapter 422</h4>


    Second Ye casually said, "Big brother, tell me what to do, and I''ll arrange it right away."


    The others echoed, "Yes, the Gu family not only hurt Zhuzhu, but A Ying can''t follow the same path as Zhuzhu. We also need to give Zhenguo Duke Manor a lesson."


    "We didn''te here for nothing this time. Whoever dares to bully the youngdies of our Ye family will be confronting me!"


    "Right, right, right! We also need to thoroughly investigate Zhenguo Duke Manor, especially A Ying''s husband, that Zhao Changdu!"


    "If he is of the same virtue as Gu Boqing, after A Ying gives birth, we''ll bring both A Ying and the child back to Haizhou."


    "The Huo family also came today. Should we deal with that brat Zhao Changdu''s sweetheart Huo Qiyun as well?"


    "That Zhao brat is a phnderer everywhere, he doesn''t seem to be a good person."


    "I heard all the Zhao men are handsome. I wonder if he seduced our little A Ying with his looks."


    Old Master Ye raised his hand to stop them and said slowly, "Leave the Zhao man for now. A Ying is carrying his child and must love him. I will deal with him and Gu Boqing personallyter."


    Everyone nodded, "Yes."


    Second Ye''s eyes showed deep admiration, "Big brother is decisive!"


    The light in Old Master Ye''s eyes froze as he said lightly and sipped his tea, "As for the others, we will stick to the old rules of the Ye family. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."


    Do they really think the Ye family has endured for hundreds of years by learning the Four Books and Five ssics so extensively?


    Old Master Ye narrowed his eyes coldly. A Ying cried so miserably when she hugged him, she must have suffered grievances. Since she was aggrieved, he would make those who bullied her pay the price.


    He didn''t live this many years in this world for no reason.


    ...


    The grand wedding banquet officially began at dusk.


    Everywhere was covered in bright red wedding fabrics and embroidered silk. Exquisite big rednterns were hung everywhere in the manor.


    The servants were busy shuttling around in festive clothes.


    The hall was filled with smiling guests. Almost half of Bianjing City had gathered around the Ye family today.


    Some were delighted joyfully looking at the couple standing in the center of the grand hall, some were feeling sorrowful, and countless unmarried women looked at them with envy in their eyes.


    No one had expected the eldest grandson of the Ye family to actually marry the inconspicuous fourth youngdy of the Gu family with a bad reputation.


    And they were holding such an extravagant grand wedding!


    Many looked covetously at the hall full of gems and precious silks, gritting their silver teeth resentfully.


    The two Huo sisters, Huo Qiyan and Huo Qiyun, hade with their grandfather to attend the wedding. Huo Qiyun was fine, but Huo Qiyan was unhappy.


    The grandmaster had determined her to have the phoenix fate, but because of the incident at Zhenguo Duke Manorst time, she was still unmarried until now.


    After Prince Shu was executed, the new Crown Prince entered the Eastern Pce, and his marriage with Ning Si gradually came onto the agenda. Today, Ning Si had alsoe to attend the Ye family wedding reception, sitting right across from Huo Qiyan.


    The Ning family had produced a crown princess, the Gu family had produced a young madam of the Ye family.


    She was still unwed at this time, how could she feel happy?


    Gu Wan, as the elder sister of the bride, was naturally also present, with a dark expression on her face without a hint of a smile.


    To the left of Huo Qiyun sat Li Tian from Changning Marquis Manor.


    All the youngdies in the capital knew of Li Tian¡¯s feelings for the Eldest Young Master Ye, and now sympathized with her.


    "Is Miss Li willingly giving up Eldest Young Master Ye?" Gu Wan asked mockingly and smiled meaningfully. "My fourth sister is not as talented or beautiful as Miss Li. How did she win Eldest Young Master Ye¡¯s heart then? It seems my fourth sister has some means."


    Huo Qiyun was not interested in talking to Gu Wan, but hearing her words stirred herpetitive streak. "Oh? Miss Gu said something true for once. However, Tian Jiejie and Eldest Young Master Ye were ssmates for three years and have a rtionship from traveling together. How did Gu Shuang snatch Young Master Ye instead? Could it be that Gu Shuang secretly seduced the Young Master?"


    Huo Qiyun''s words left much to specte.


    The means women from prestigious families used to deal with men were nothing unusual.


    Gu Shuang was first engaged to Fu Xunzhi, then broke off the engagement. This showed she was not a good woman. Marrying into the Ye family, who knows if she might already be pregnant.


    Li Tian gave a self-deprecating smile, her gaze lingering on Ye Qingchi¡¯s handsome and glowing face. Over a decade of chasing ended today. Although she felt bitter, she was not clingy. Since he was getting married, she had to remove him from her heart.


    Seeing the loss on Li Tian''s face, Huo Qiyan asked, "Is Jiejie willing to just give up Eldest Young Master Ye?"


    "What else can I do?" Li Tian replied bitterly.


    "If Jiejie wants to win back Eldest Young Master Ye, there are ways."


    Only then did Li Tian turn to look at Huo Qiyan with knitted eyebrows. "What ways?"


    Seeing Li Tian''s attitude softening, Huo Qiyan pulled her outside.


    The lively hall was filled with celebrations and drinking, missing just two people did not attract any attention.


    When they arrived at an empty ce, Huo Qiyan took out a small green jade bottle from her sleeves embroidered with lotus vines. She smiled cunningly. ¡°This drug can make a man lose his mind. If Jiejie gets Eldest Young Master¡¯s body, Jiejie will certainly be able to enter the Ye family.¡±


    Elder Marquis Huo was a famous schr in court. How could Huo Qiyan as a youngdy from a prestigious family have such a nasty drug?


    Li Tian was suspicious but her expression remained aloof as she received it. ¡°Do you know the Ye family only takes wives and no concubines?¡±


    The corners of Huo Qiyan''s mouth raised. ¡°That¡¯s right. So the only one who can marry Eldest Young Master is Jiejie.¡±


    Li Tian looked at Huo Qiyan quietly. After a slight pause in thought, she put the bottle into her sleeve. "Thank you Miss Huo for your help."


    Huo Qiyan was overjoyed that her scheme had seeded. The smile at the corners of her mouth deepened as she watched Li Tian''s fading back view.


    In the wedding hall, Ye Qingchi wore bright red brocade robes with a ck jade belt around his waist, appearing even taller. His deep ck tranquil eyes were full of affectionate gazes looking at his bride before him, courteous and restrained yet deeply affectionate.


    There was nock of prestigious young masters in Bianjing City, but most were only prestigious themselves.


    Ye Qingchi was different. His noble temperament was innate, making it difficult for people to look away once they set eyes on him.


    Li Tian caressed the medicine bottle in her hand with slightly knitted brows.


    Below the hall, the Fu family members had been forcibly brought to the Ye family by Ye family servants to attend the grand wedding ceremony.


    Fu Old Lady red indignantly with anger, her bony old hands tightly gripping the chair handles, her face alternating between green and white.


    What the Ye family did was clearly pping her old face!


    Yet she didn''t have the power to fight back!


    Fu Xunzhi''s lips quivered as he stared at Gu Shuang wearing wedding clothes with dark eyes.


    He stared fixedly at her little face behind the ceremonial fan, not knowing what he felt.

 Chapter 423: Thank You for not Marrying.

    <h4>Chapter 423</h4>


    He sat rigidly in the chair, his face pale, a breath stuck in his throat, unable to go up or down.


    He regretted it so much that his guts were turning blue.


    But that girl in the big red wedding dress no longer belonged to him.


    Thinking of this, he was so anguished that he couldn''t breathe...


    Li Sheng smiled broadly as he sang the wedding congrattions out loud. The couple paid respects to heaven and earth before the gaze of countless people.


    After sending the newlyweds to the bridal chamber, Gu Ying deliberately sat down next to Fu Xunzhi and smiled charmingly, "In the past I misjudged people, thinking Master Fu was an upright, principled man who didn''t care about trivial matters, but now I see that Master Fu is just a timid, cowardly little man. Fortunately, my fourth sister withdrew in time and didn''t marry Master Fu. It was fourth sister''s blessing."


    He murmured, "This family matter...it wasn''t my fault..."


    Gu Ying said, "Was it fourth sister''s fault then?"


    Fu Xunzhi''s face was ashen, clenching his teeth tightly, "It was Mu Nanfeng..."


    Gu Ying raised a sarcastic smile. Alright alright, this fool didn''t even realize what he had lost, and was still obsessed with Mu Nanfeng''s matter.


    "In any case, from now on fourth sister will have nothing to do with Master Fu. Master Fu should remember to treat your future wife well."


    Fu Xunzhi suddenly raised his head, hisplexion very ugly, his face flushed and pale, "Shang Jiao and I are not as Madam thinks-"


    Gu Ying smiled ambiguously at him. "That''s unimportant."


    Fu Xunzhi was embarrassed and blushed. "I...didn''t wrong Shuang...and I won''t agree to marry Shang Jiao."


    This time Gu Ying was truly disappointed in him. Fortunately she hadn''t chosen Fu Xunzhi back then, otherwise she would be the one abandoned like worn shoes today.


    She had nothing more to say, only sincerely advised, "Shang Jiao is a good girl, I hope Master Fu will treasure her well."


    For a while Fu Xunzhi pursed his lips, really not knowing how to exin.


    Ye Qingchi came out of the bridal chamber to greet guests, calling from afar, "Ying, go apany Shuang."


    "Alright." Gu Ying got up, unwilling to say more to Fu Xunzhi, and leisurely walked towards the back yard.


    Fu Xunzhi''s face was deathly pale, regret and anguish mixed in his eyes as he stared fiercely at Ye Qingchi in his red brocade robes.


    The two men''s appearances were as different as heaven and earth.


    Let alone the grand wedding ceremony Ye Qingchi held for Gu Shuang, unmatched in Bianjing except for the one at the Prince''s estate.


    Fu Xunzhi''s momentum quickly copsed. His eyes red, stammering, "Since you married her, you must treat her well..."


    Ye Qingchi contemptuouslyughed. "No need for you to say this, you''re not qualified."


    Fu Xunzhi gritted his teeth. "I know you don''t like Shuang--if I find out she''s unhappy marrying you, I will definitely take her back!"


    "Don''t you feel contradictory?"


    "I..."


    "On one hand loving her, on the other disliking her, what does this mean? Or is it that seeing me willing to marry her, you feel unwilling to give up possession? Or do you still think your feelings for her run deep, and you had no choice but to not marry her?"


    "I love her, I really do love her! She should have belonged to me!" Fu Xunzhi was panicked and uneasy, jumping around like a clown.


    Ye Qingchiughed mockingly. At ease and satisfied, he picked up the wine pot and poured it into a white jade cup, handing it to the cowering man before him, meaningfully said, "However much more there is to say, I only have this to tell you, thank you Master Fu for not marrying her. Tonight on our wedding night, Shuang and I will be husband and wife, living together for our whole lives."


    Fu Xunzhi was so angry his whole body chilled, but the cowardice in his bones meant he couldn''t do anything. He could only stand there, his hands shaking violently.


    Ye Qingchi raised the jade cup in his hand and lightly clinked it against the tilted cup in his hand. He tossed his head back and drank the wine,ughed lightly, then strode away.


    ...


    Gu Ying came out after talking with Gu Shuang, saw Ning Si, and happily waved her over.


    Ning Si grinned and lifted her skirt to run over.


    But the man behind her sunk his face in displeasure, and put his big hand around her waist, murmuring something to her.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, saw Ning Si turn her head to speak to the man, then soon skipped happily over.


    "You should be more careful, you''re also pregnant."


    Ning Si joyfully pulled Gu Ying''s hand. "It''s so rare to see Ying, of course I''m happy!"


    The main hall was filled with guests, so Gu Ying pulled Ning Si outside to a corridor bridge in the Qinghe Garden and sat leaning on the railing.


    The night was cool as water. The manor was filled with blooming flowers, blocking out the sound of strings and pipes from inside, making this ce feel rather quiet.


    Gu Ying looked at Ning Si''splexion, slightly flushed and fuller, much rounderpared tost time they met.


    "Si, have you reconciled with the Prince?"


    In recent days Ning Si had already left the Prince''s estate, released from confinement, and directly returned to the Ning manor to prepare for her wedding to the Prince.


    Ning Si''s eyes shone slightly, her whole person looking gentle and luxurious. And with the pregnancy, she emitted a mature maternal charm. "Ying, I''ve just realized, it was all a misunderstanding between the Prince and I."


    Gu Ying looked confused. "What do you mean?"


    Ning Si shyly lowered her brows a little. "I listened to you and took the initiative to get close to the Prince, treating him well, epting concubines into his quarters, then trying to promote Cai Xiu. I didn''t expect the Prince to keep cold-shouldering Cai Xiu, making her resentful and develop wicked thoughts, using me to the Prince that the child in my belly wasn''t conceived in Yuezhou."


    Gu Ying frowned. "Oh?"


    Ning Si sighed. "You know I can''t stop Cai Xiu...When Cai Xiu told the Prince the truth, he had just been named Crown Prince and returned from the pce. I thought the Prince would be furious after learning the truth. I didn''t expect that after hearing Cai Xiu''s words, the Prince actually happily hugged me and told me the child wasn''t someone else''s..."


    The corner of Gu Ying''s mouth twitched. "...Whose was it then?"


    Ning Si also felt a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushed. "The Prince''s..."


    Gu Ying: "..."


    Seeing Gu Ying''s displeasure, Ning Si had to exin. "It was from that time, when I was locked up in the Taoist temple by Zhao Changxing..."


    Gu Ying''s brows raised doubtfully. So it meant that time at the Qingyun Temple, when Lord Li Hao came to rescue Ning Si...and took care of Ning Si on the side?


    Lord Li Hao didn''t seem like someone who would lose control...


    No wonder she thought Ning Si''splexion was off that night...Turns out that beast Zhao Changxing had also drugged Ning Si.


    "But it wasn''t that kind of drug..." Ning Si''s face reddened as she continued. "It made me lose consciousness and confused. The Prince was too anxious then, thinking I had been drugged...Seeing me unconscious and my body feverish, he mistakenly thought Zhao Changxing harbored wicked intentions toward me. So he risked himself to save me...Afterwards he regretted it, thinking to hide it if possible since I was to marry him in the future anyway. Who knew I would actually get pregnant...s, this led to all those misunderstandings."


    Gu Ying understood the twists and turns and also found it a little funny.


    "What about Lord Zhou, did you exin clearly to him?"

 Chapter 424: Chi, I need to talk to you.

    <h4>Chapter 424</h4>


    ¡°Alright, I''ve exined it clearly,¡± Ning Si smiled gently and said briskly, ¡°After I inadvertently cleared up the misunderstanding with His Highness, His Highness personally apanied me to exin in person. Lord Zhou also agreed to dissolve the engagement with me, saying that he still had a childhood sweetheart waiting for him at home to fulfill the engagement. Now that things had happened here, he also needed to prepare to return home for a while to fulfill the agreement.¡±


    Gu Ying''s brows raised slightly, ¡°Then, what was the matter with the chastity powder on your hand originally¡ª¡±


    Ning Si stroked her arm, pulled up her sleeve to reveal a piece of porcin-white and tender skin, with a smile at the corner of her mouth, ¡°Look, it was done by His Highness. He was worried that I would lose the chastity powder and be criticized, so he deliberately did it. Now it¡¯s all better.¡±


    Gu Ying pressed her lips, smiled faintly, ¡°It was thoughtful of him to still think for you, it¡¯s just a pity for Lord Zhou.¡±


    Ning Si sighed, ¡°I thought that I had already dyed him with my own matters, so it would be better to let him leave early. Therefore, I returned his betrothal gift. I also wrote a letter to tell Grandfather about this matter. Grandfather meant for me to respect Lord Zhou''s choice...¡±


    Gu Ying paused for a moment and sighed inwardly. No wonder Zhou Yan had suddenly requested to be transferred from Bianjing to be an official in Jiangnan a few days ago.


    So there were so many stories behind this.


    It was a pity that silly Ning Si still didn''t know Zhou Yan''s deep feelings for her...


    What a pity for Zhou Yan''s devotion.


    But when she thought about it carefully, Ning Si and Li Hao were destined to be married in their previous life. In his previous life, Li Hao had secretly loved and admired her for a lifetime without touching a single hair of Ning Si. Finally, Ning Si died by banging her head on his coffin before he passed away.


    In this life, Li Hao taking Ning Si as the Crown Princess could be considered as requital for things in their previous life.


    "A Ying, what are you thinking about?"


    Gu Ying came back to her senses and smiled, "Nothing, I just feel that this is also pretty good. At least His Highness treats you very well. He grew up in the precarious royal family since childhood. His mother was not favored and he himself was a sickly child, so he is naturally sensitive, suspicious, and insecure without a sense of safety. He would not easily fall in love with or rely on a woman, nor would he casually give his feelings to a woman. If he has truly decided to marry you, Ning Si, you will be the most noble and happiest girl in the entire Eastern Liang in the future."


    For some reason, Ning Si''s face unconsciously flushed slightly, "Cough cough, it''s fine... You know I''m not ambitious. As for that phoenix position, I''ve never thought about it... I just happened to love him, and he happened to be the Crown Prince of Eastern Liang..."


    "Yes, he will be the future emperor." Gu Ying''s mouth turned up in a smile. Without Li Yang and Li Haopeting for the Eastern Pce in this life, Li Hao should ascend the throne smoothly.


    Although he died young in his previous life, he was the most remarkable wise king in the history of Eastern Liang.


    I believe that in the future, together with the Crown Prince, with capable ministers, they would definitely be able to turn Eastern Liang into a great dynasty of prosperity!


    Gu Ying had just started chatting with Ning Si when the Crown Prince himself came to fetch someone.


    Seeing this newly appointed Crown Prince known for his benevolence and virtue, she smiled and greeted him.


    The Crown Prince nodded slightly, with one arm around Ning Si, gently said, "Adou has already left Huang City and should be able to meet with the old Duke in one or two days."


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened. This meant that the war with the Qiang tribe had officially begun.


    While Bianjing was prosperous, the borders were deste and tragic. Those young men who went to the battlefield faced the danger of being wrapped in horse leather at any time.


    She felt very ufortable in her heart. Although she knew that the Crown Prince would win a great victory in this battle, she still couldn''t help worrying that something unexpected might happen.


    The Crown Prince said lightly with a faint smile, "Don''t worry, Adou has great luck and fortune, and will certainly return triumphantly."


    Gu Ying forced a smile, "I''ll take Your Highness words as blessings."


    The Crown Prince nodded, and left with his arm around Ning Si.


    Ning Si looked back at Gu Ying standing in ce, hesitation in her eyes.


    Gu Ying didn''t notice theplexity in Ning Si''s eyes. After Gu Shuang¡¯s wedding, she would move from the Duke of Dongping''s residence to live in the Censorate for a period of time.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t trust Madam Lin. It was just that there would always be the annoying Shen Ruxu around Madam Lin. In order to ensure Yun Bao''s safe birth in this life, she could only trust her aunt and the Ye family.


    Gu Ying had just started walking in the direction of Qinghe Garden when Yanzhi rushed over out of breath and said anxiously, "Mistress, this is bad, something happened!"


    Gu Ying steadied herself with her crutch Silver Orchid, and asked calmly, "What happened?"


    "It''s Hai Tang," Yanzhi caught her breath and frowned, "I went to Lingxi Pavilion to look for Hai Tang today and found that she was missing."


    Gu Ying''s eyes shed sharply as her brows knitted together.


    ...


    Censorate, Zhenliu Courtyard.


    The entire courtyard was immersed in a sea of bright red.


    Gu Shuang sat upright in the bridal chamber, her whole body tense, with midwives and maids staying by her side saying many auspicious words. After a while, there wasn''t a single person left in the room.


    She held a fan embroidered with golden phoenixes in her hand, wearing the bridal gown that she had embroidered for a month. Her face was made up exquisitely and seductively.


    The heavy phoenix crown on her head felt like a huge rock pressing down on her.


    She had been sitting there nervously for a long time, listening to the noisy sounds outside the door, still unable to figure out how this marriage happened so quickly.


    It had only been five days and she had be Ye Qingchi''swfully wedded wife.


    Tonight would be her bridal night with him... Once tonight was over, her life would bepletely handed over to him.


    But she was still afraid of him... She was totally clueless about how to react when he came backter.


    Although Lady Qin and Mother hade to remind her about things between husband and wife in the bedroom, and also gave her an illustrated book that new brides should read, she was still extremely nervous. Just thinking about Young Master Ye''s handsome face getting close to her made her unable to hear anything clearly... That book was still tucked under her pillow like it was scalding hot.


    She didn''t dare open it to take a look, with her cheeks burning hot.


    No one came to tell her what to do, and the bridal chamber grew quieter and quieter.


    It waste into the night before the guests finally dispersed, the noisy sound of music outside gradually stopped, and she finally put down her fan and rxed for a bit.


    She had gotten up early today before it was even light out to get dressed and made up, so she was somewhat sleepy now.


    She quietly waited for the man toe back, but due to exhaustion, she unknowingly dozed off leaning against the bed.


    "A Chi, I have something to discuss with you."


    It was a gentle female voice outside that woke her up from her sleep.


    She quickly sat up, and hastily wiped away the traces of sleep on her face. Then she lifted her skirt and walked to the door, straining to listen.


    Outside the door.


    Ye Qingchi turned around, his bright red bridal robe hidden in the pitch dark night.


    He looked at Li Tian under thentern indifferently.


    "Why are you here?"


    Li Tian revealed a lonely smile on her face, "Someone gave me this drug to slip into your wine. I thought it over again and again and still decided toe warn you, don''t fall for that woman''s tricks."

 Chapter 425: Ye Xiaochi: Is it OK

    <h4>Chapter 425</h4>


    Ye Qingchi''s gaze fell on her snow-white palm, "What medicine?"


    Li Tian said softly, "Probably something like Hehuan Powder, given to me by Huo Qiyan."


    Ye Qingchi''s brow furrowed slightly as he took the jade bottle and nced at her cautiously, "Thanks."


    Li Tian looked up at his handsome brows and eyes, her eyes brimming red, "Qingchi, congrattions on your wedding."


    Ye Qingchi''s thin lips pursed slightly and he sighed, "I''m sorry."


    Love cannot be forced. Li Tian was an excellent girl, but he did not love her.


    If there was no love, there was no love, without reason.


    Tears rolled down Li Tian''s cheeks as she shook her head, "We were not fated, I won''t force it. I''m leaving, going south to Jiangnan, and probably won''t be back."


    In the boundless night, the girl''s face was as white as paper, fragile and pitiful.


    Ye Qingchi was silent for a long while before uttering, "Take care."


    Li Tian moved her mouth corners into a bitter smile, "Thank you."


    With that, she turned and walked into the night.


    Ye Qingchi stood in ce, silent, he and Li Tian were ssmates, andter when he learned she was a girl, he deliberately kept his distance.


    But after all, she had once been his carefully protected "junior brother", he still could not remain indifferent.


    "Brother..."


    Behind him, suddenly came a weak voice.


    Ye Qingchi gathered his thoughts and turned to see a slender strand of red sandwiched between the door frames, revealing a small, bashful, snow-white face.


    Seeing the girl''s exquisite and delicate brows and eyes, and those doe-like ck eyes, the worries in Ye Qingchi''s heart dissipated in an instant. He strode towards her.


    "Why did youe out?"


    "I heard sounds outside..."


    Ye Qingchi reached her and his gaze scorched her fair little hand as he slowly stroked it and opened the door.


    Gu Shuang recoiled as if burnt, at a loss as she clutched her sleeves anxiously and retreated, stammering, "I''ll pretend I didn''t see anything just now... don''t worry, brother, I won''t say a word about it."


    Whether she talked or not didn''t matter, he and Li Tian were innocent.


    Ye Qingchi amusingly closed the door.


    Gu Shuang''s heart thudded as she gazed bewildered at the approaching tall man, breathing erratically.


    The man advanced step by step, backing her onto the bed, leaving her nowhere to retreat.


    Ye Qingchi sat down beside her, staring intensely at her panicked face, his voice lowered, "Did you hear what I said?"


    Gazing at the man''s refined and handsome face, and the aggression in his eyes, Gu Shuang only felt her cheeks flush as her mind spun, "I didn''t..."


    Ye Qingchi sat down next to her, just a fist away, the rich sweetness of her scent enveloping him. "From now on, do not call me brother."


    Gu Shuang tightened her throat, her doe eyes gazing at his upright stature, her heart thumping wildly, "Then... what should I call you?"


    "When married, bowed at the hall, then call me husband."


    "Alright."


    Ye Qingchi''s intense gaze fell on the girl''s flustered face, his voice lowered, "Today is our wedding day, why are you still wary of me?"


    Looking at the man''s sculpted face and the depth of aggression in his eyes, Gu Shuang only felt her cheeks heat up, her mind dizzy, "I''m not..."


    Ye Qingchi''s voice grew husky as he looked at her again, "It''ste, go bathe."


    Hearing that seductive voice, Gu Shuang was powerless to resist, only able to nod and say "Alright..."


    Seeing her so obedient and shy, Ye Qingchi didn''t tease her further, calling for A Gu. Attendants filed in and escorted Gu Shuang to the bathing room.


    Ye Qingchi''s gaze chilled as he caressed the jade bottle, coldly calling A Gu over.


    A Gu had been in high spirits this day, "Young master, what is it?"


    Ye Qingchi said, "Go see what Huo Qiyan is doing now."


    A Gu was puzzled, "Huo Qiyan?"


    Ye Qingchi put away his dark eyes, tossing him the bottle as his lips quirked, casually saying, "Take this to her, with my gratitude."


    After her bath, Gu Shuang was attended to as her hair was dried and she was dressed.


    Ye Qingchi nced at her and went to bathe as well.


    Soon he returned to the room and the maidservants giggled knowingly as they took their leave.


    Gu Shuang apprehensively approached him, the man in red robes seemed imposingly tall, she swallowed nervously as she helped remove his outer robe as the matron had instructed, his lingering warmth seeping through the thin fabric.


    Her fingertips trembled, her mind nk, not knowing what she was doing.


    Finally she didn''t even know how she ended up in bed.


    Ye Qingchi extinguished themps and lowered the thick curtains, darkening the spacious canopied bed.


    In the quiet of night, soft breathing lingered.


    Gu Shuangy straight as a rod, unustomed to sharing a bed, unable to fall asleep.


    "Asleep?"


    Gu Shuang had wanted to pretend to be asleep but thinking this was their nuptial night, honestly replied, "No..."


    Silence from the canopy.


    The man''s lingering warmth spread as their bare skin touched through the thin clothes, Gu Shuang''s face flushed crimson.


    After a while, she felt him shift as his sturdy chest pressed against her right side.


    In the darkness, a faint woodsy scent diffused.


    She tensed, holding her breath, hearing him speak lowly by her ear, "Did you look at the illustrations Mother gave you?"


    Warm breath washed over her ear in the intimate proximity of his masculine scent.


    Gu Shuang''s mind nked as she stammered, "I...I did."


    The man asked again, "Is it okay?"


    Gu Shuang was quiet for a moment, her face hot enough to grill tbread before softly murmuring, "Mm..."


    Ye Qingchi tightened his arm, pulling her into his embrace as he lowered his head to kiss her.


    Soon, Gu Shuang was kissed soft and weak by the man, strength sapped.


    ...


    After Gu Shuang''s wedding, Gu Ying moved into the Ye residence.


    Qinghe Garden had originally been prepared by the Ye family for her, it was perfect for her to now move in together with Gu Ning.


    Suffice to say, Gu Ning''s mood had visibly improved.

 Chapter 426: I’ve Got Her in My Heart

    <h4>Chapter 426</h4>


    In addition, Ye''s family was going to stay in Bianjing for another half month. This big family ate, drank, had fun, wrote poems, fished, and appreciated flowers every day, very happy.


    Gu Shuang was newly married. Ye Qingchi took three days off for the wedding ritual bath, and asked for another half month off to apany her on an outing to rx.


    It was said to be rxing, but everyone knew that the newlyweds just got married and were in a honeymoon phase, trying to get rid of everyone to spend time alone as a young couple.


    Qin was also not stopping them, smiling charmingly as she prepared food and clothing for Gu Shuang as if she were her own daughter.


    Only after personally putting Gu Shuang in the carriage did her face change as she pulled her son aside and admonished, "Although you are newlyweds, Shuang''er is still young. You have to learn to restrain yourself, understand?"


    Ye Qingchi''s deep eyes lingered on his little wife''s small face, and the darker his eyes became the more he looked at her.


    Gu Shuang had just learned about intimacy between men and women. How could she not know what he was thinking? Her face flushed red as she hurriedly put down the carriage curtain, not daring to look at him.


    Qin nagged, "Did you hear me?"


    Ye Qingchi chuckled lightly. "I know."


    Qin snorted displeasedly. "I see you don''t know!"


    The marks on Gu Shuang''s neck could not lie. The new daughter-inw did not get up until noon to serve tea on the first day after the wedding night.


    She was not bothered by Gu Shuang getting upte, just worried that her weak constitution, if her son was unrestrained, would injure the girl.


    Ye Qingchi also knew that he had not controlled himself well on their wedding night. Who told his little delicate wife to have such a soft, glutinous sweet scent that made it impossible for him to remain sane.


    He had tried his best to control his strength, but did not expect to still leave many marks on her body.


    That little thing, her body full of soft flesh, especially the way she cried with red eyes in pain under him, looked as delicate as a dewy lotus flower, innocent yet making him crave more once tasted.


    He did not understand why Zhao Prince was so reluctant to part with A Ying until he got married himself and realized the subtleties between husband and wife in the bedroom.


    It was difficult to let go of someone you liked.


    He said helplessly, "Mother, don''t worry, I will take good care of Shuang''er and not let her get hurt at all."


    Qin said, "This is what you said."


    Ye Qingchi promised repeatedly, "What I said."


    Qin said earnestly, "There is a saying outside that you don''t really like Shuang''er. As a mother I still don''t know what you really think in your heart. Shuang''er''s birth is a bit low, but you must not use what those people say to insult Shuang''er, understand? She is your wife. In the future, when attending banquets in various families, if you do not love and respect her, she will be bullied when she goes out, and a woman''s honor and disgrace depend entirely on you. She will also give birth to your children. If you dare not treat her well, I as her mother will be the first to disagree."


    Ye Qingchi''s face was solemn, with a slight smirk. "Mother, do you really think I would marry a girl I don''t like?"


    Qin''s eyes lit up excitedly. "So you do like her, right?"


    Ye Qingchi nodded slightly. "She has a ce in my heart. Whoever dares bully her, I will be the first to disagree."


    Qin''s mouth turned up in a big smile. "Hahaha, I did win the bet after all! I¡¯ll get some silver to buy jewelry from Zhaoter! Her pair of top-quality seals and inkstones will be mine too!"


    Ye Qingchi''s temple twitched. "..."


    Only after detonating what her son was thinking was Qin satisfied to let the couple go.


    After seeing off Ye Qingchi and his wife, Qin busily went to Qinghe Garden to apany Gu Ying.


    When Gu Ying woke up early in the morning, she saw Xun with his head buried squatting outside her door.


    After moving into the Ye family house for a few days, every morning when Yinn got up she could see Xun squatting guarding her outside her door or under her window.


    There were dark circles under his eyes. It looked like he hadn''t slept well for a long time.


    Although there was a tall bed with soft bedding and a spacious bedroom, he still refused to sleep indoors, insisting on guarding outside her door.


    Gu Ying looked at his clear eyesplicatedly. "Xun, why are you here?"


    The boy was not good with words or smiling, just staring at her with those dark eyes, gazing at her intently.


    That gaze was as if after traversing countless long years, oveing difficulties and dangers, they were finally meeting at this moment. The boy''s eyes were too much like a puppy abandoned for many years and wandering for many years.


    Gu Ying distressfully pulled him up and earnestly told him, "Xun, actually you don''t have to guard me. There are many people around now to protect me. I''ll be fine."


    The boy was still not used to his new name, dazed, and did not know what was going on with himself.


    He just felt very aggrieved hearing her say there were many people apanying her.


    Dejected beyondpare, he lowered his head, didn''t say a word, thinking she disliked him.


    "You need to sleep well and grow up well, you know?"


    "Sister has never disliked Xun."


    "Xun?"


    "Xun?"


    "Xun?"


    Gu Ying kept calling his name softly.


    Only then did the boy lift his head, his clear eyes looking over, and repeated, "I am Xun. I want to protect Sister."


    The sister he spoke of should be his biological sister.


    Thinking of the little girl who had died long ago, Gu Ying''s heart ached even more. She raised her hand and stroked his soft ck hair, calling Banchou to bring him for breakfast.


    When Qin stepped into the yard, she saw the lonely silhouette of the boy''s back.


    "Ying''er, what''s wrong with Xun?"


    Gu Ying pulled Qin''s arm and sighed, "He probably has mistaken me for his sister. Afraid I''ll get hurt, disappear, leave him, so he stood guard over me night and day."


    Qin was puzzled. "His sister?"


    Only then did Gu Ying realize she had slipped up and quicklyughed, "I asked Su He to investigate his background. As his aunt you know of Floating Cloud Building''s abilities. A few days ago Su He sent someone to tell me about Xun''s sister, saying he had a sister who went missing since they were young."


    As a mother, she naturally sympathized with the child.


    Qin did not doubt her words. "Ah, the poor child!"


    Gu Ying pulled her mouth. "Yes."


    Qin quickly said, "Then I''ll send someone to help him look too."


    Gu Ying held her back and shook her head. "No need, Auntie."


    Qin stopped in her tracks, looking puzzled.


    Gu Ying sighed deeply. "His sister is dead."


    Qin was startled, her eyes even more sympathetic. "Oh, never mind, never mind. From today, Ye family will be his family. I see, why not let him officially recognize me as his godmother? When Father leaves Bianjing, he can bring Xun and Ning to Haizhou Ye family for fostering. What do you think?"


    Light shed in Gu Ying''s eyes and they lit up. "Oh, that''s a good idea!"


    In Dong Li, there was nowhere more powerful for learning than Nanhua Academy, and no family more suitable for the growth of the boy than Ye family.


    Countless young masters and sons of prestigious families in Dong Li desperately wanted to enter Nanhua Academy but didn''t have the chance.

 Chapter 427: Everything my grandfather Did for Her

    <h4>Chapter 427</h4>


    If Xun could follow Old Master Ye to study, it would be the most beneficial thing for his life, and could also change his fate of being a beggar.


    After settling things with the Qin family, Gu Ying went to see her maternal grandfather herself.


    As the saying goes, education makes no discrimination. Old Master Ye was not prejudiced against Xun''s status as a beggar. Knowing that the boy had a pitiful background, he felt even morepassionate, and was naturally willing to take him away.


    Gu Ying often thought that if it wasn''t for her in the previous life, the Ye Family would not have beenpletely wiped out.


    Now that Jiang Yin was dead, her maternal grandfather was already old, this life he could definitely have a peaceful departure when that dayes.


    Whenever she had time, she would apany her maternal grandfather, making up for the debt she owed the Ye Family in her previous life.


    A monthter, her maternal grandfather took the rest of the Ye Family members away from Bianjing.


    Only Ye Zhuojiang was kept by her maternal grandfather, saying that he wanted this boy to stay by her side to take care of her until she gives birth to Nian Bao.


    It was then that Gu Ying learned from Ye Zhuojiang what her maternal grandfather had done for her during that short month and a half in Bianjing.


    Gu Ming had one of his legs broken, and probably wouldn''t be able to stand up for the rest of his life.


    Wang Auntie cried as she took Gu Ming back to the Gu Residence. Her maternal grandfather had even personally gone to the Gu Residence once without her knowing...


    "No wonder Uncle''s office kept getting demoted, and Grandmother specially sent people to deliver my mother¡¯s dowry to the Zhenguo Duke Manor, and also ordered people to sell all the servants in Ning Courtyard. No wonder Grandmother''s illness was getting worse, so they were angered by my maternal grandfather?" Gu Ying asked incredulously.


    Ye Zhuojiang sat casually on horseback, waving a horse whip in his hand, extremely carefree as he walked alongside Gu Ying''s carriage, "To be precise, they were scared."


    Gu Ying asked tentatively, "Then the matter of Huo Qiyun being married off far away to Yun Zhou..."


    Ye Zhuojiang smugly said, "That was also done by Grandfather."


    "What about Gu Jia?"


    "Grandfather said she is a fool now and can¡¯t be treated by normal standards. My father said Grandfather was right. Then, he asked me to try to cure her and make her understand humiliation and reason. After that, make her fall into the mud without anything left."


    Gu Ying couldn''t help but tut, "Grandfather''s move is quite ruthless."


    She had thought about finishing Gu Jia off with one strike, but felt that keeping her around to torture her like she did in her previous life would be better. She didn''t expect her maternal grandfather''s methods to be even more vicious, cutting straight to the point.


    Ye Zhuojiangughed innocently, "It¡¯s the fine tradition of the Ye Family that whoever harms you will have their methods used against them. How can they still live well after injuring you?"


    Gu Ying jokingly asked, "What about Huo Qiyan then? After being fed that drug and taken away by several men in the street, she was dumped at the Huo residence unconscious the next day."


    Ye Zhuojiang raised his eyebrows, "That wasn''t Grandfather¡¯s doing. That was done by Achi who asked A Gu to do it because she provoked Achi. As you know, Achi looks gentle on the surface but isn¡¯t actually a good person."


    Gu Ying tutted with a chuckle, "......"


    So without her knowing, not only did her maternal grandfather take revenge for her, he also neatly handled the people who had hurt and obstructed her.


    He didn¡¯t want her to dirty her hands and personally let go of his status as an elder to do these things, all just for her sake.


    Her heart warmed and her eyes grew slightly sore.


    Ye Zhuojiang nced sideways and saw the gleam of tears in her eyes. He sighed disdainfully, "Shame on you, you¡¯re already a mother, why are you still crying?"


    The ck clouds were piling up in the sky, oppressively weighing down on people and making it hard to breathe. In the air, there was the dampness thates with rain. Above the clouds, muffled thunder rumbled.


    Gu Ying pulled up the corners of her mouth, pinched her sleeve to wipe away the sporadic tears at the corner of her eyes, and gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the carriage window. "You don''t understand."


    People who have never experienced loss will never understand the joy of recovering what was lost.


    What she was most grateful for was that heaven had given her a second chance, allowing her to take revenge and resolve her hatred, watching her enemies receive their due retribution one by one.


    Going back to Bianjing from its outskirts took less than half an hour.


    Ye Zhuojiang couldn''t sit still. After bidding Gu Ying farewell, he plunged straight into the hustle and bustle of Bianjing.


    Yin Lan lowered the carriage curtain and smiled, "Young Master Ye is still a child that likes to y around."


    Gu Ying stroked her bulging belly and chuckled softly, "Let him go y. Grandfather had always kept him in check, making him do this and that. He must have wanted to free himself for a long time."


    Silence filled the carriage after she finished speaking.


    The carriage was small in space. They only went out today to send someone off, so the Ye Family''s carriage was rather low-key.


    Yin Lan sat to the left of Gu Ying. She took out some pastries and fruits from the food box beside her and passed them to her mistress, still unable to help worrying, "I wonder if Master Su has found out any news about Hai Tang. Mydy, have something to eat first to fill your stomach."


    As Gu Ying''s belly grew bigger, so did her appetite nowadays.


    Whenever they went out, Yin Lan would prepare food without fail.


    Seeing her rtives off, Gu Ying was not in a good mood to begin with. Now, thinking of Hai Tang who was still missing without a trace, the smile at the corner of her lips also disappeared.


    She took the pastries and lightly took a bite before her eyebrows sank. "Let''s not go to the Ye Residence first today and head back to the Duke Manor instead."


    Yin Lan thought the same, so she stuck her head out to instruct the coachman.


    The dark clouds swirled as the storm approached.


    Before long, the carriage stopped in front of the Duke Manor.


    Gu Ying held onto Yin Lan as she alighted from the carriage, just in time to run into Shen Ruxu who was returning from outside.


    Previously, Hai Tang had always followed Shen Ruxu closely. The master and servant were inseparable.


    In the month before, Hai Tang had suddenly disappeared without a trace. When asked, she imed to have gone home to take care of her sick grandmother. As for why she did not return, Shen Ruxu simply said she did not know.


    A living person inexplicably disappearing in Bianjing.


    She didn''t know? How was that possible?


    Ever since then, Shen Ruxu had beening and going alone, secretly.


    Gu Ying called her name with a smile, "Miss Shen."


    The corners of Shen Ruxu''s lips curled up into a smile. She had a zitan wood medicine box hanging from her shoulder and was wearing a in colored long dress. Comcently walking up to Gu Ying, her gaze swept across her protruding belly, the look in her eyes contemptuous, "Oh my, why does the Princess Consort have time toe back? My mother thought you would live at the Censorate for the rest of your life and nevere home."


    Gu Ying pretended not to understand her sarcasm and smiled lightly. "I came back to see my mother."


    Shen Ruxu scoffed, the contempt visible in her eyes and at the corners of her lips, "I''m afraid your mother does not wish to see you."


    In the face of the arrogance before her, Gu Ying was not angry. The smile on her face remained bright as she said, "If I came back to discuss Miss Shen''s marriage with my mother, I believe my mother would definitely meet me."


    With just one sentence, Shen Ruxu suddenly turned dark, "What did you say?"


    Gu Ying raised an eyebrow. "Did Miss Shen not understand?"


    Shen Ruxu gritted her teeth. "Gu Ying, don''t even think about marrying me off!"

 Chapter 428: Marry or not, it’s not up to you.

    <h4>Chapter 428</h4>


    Gu Ying smiled gently, "Miss Shenes from a rural area and doesn''t know the rules of noble families. In families like ours, the marriage matters of people like Miss Shen are always decided by thedy of the house. You have no say in this."


    A cold light shed across Shen Ruxu''s eyes as she silently clenched her fists.


    Yin Lan stood in front of Gu Ying without making a sound, raising her chin with a warning look.


    Shen Ruxu''s small face was stiff for a long time before she finally recognized the facts. The corner of her mouth twitched as she viciously said, "You dare!"


    Gu Ying didn''t bother to talk to her anymore and went to Duke''s Residence with Yin Lan.


    When they arrived at Mrs. Lin''s Lingxi Pavilion, someone from Mrs. Lin''s side came out and said, "The Lady is taking an afternoon nap. Please wait for a moment in the side hall, Young Lady."


    It was rare for Mrs. Lin to take afternoon naps. Upon hearing this, Gu Ying asked in bewilderment, "Has my mother been well recently?"


    While asking people to serve tea, the old woman said, "The Lady is fine, just a little tired. But the Duke often sends supplements and medicines. As a doctor herself, the Lady knows how to take care of herself, Young Lady, don''t worry."


    Gu Ying looked around Lingxi Pavilion. It seemed to be the same as before but also a little different, as if there were more traces of the Duke''s life.


    "Does the Dukee here often?"


    "The Duke doese often," the old woman said inly. "At first, the Lady didn''t allow the Duke toe in, butter, the Duke brought a pile of rare medicinal materials that the Lady wanted. So the Lady let him in. In thest half month, the Duke often takes meals in Lingxi Pavilion."


    As she talked about this, the old woman couldn''t help but smile meaningfully. "Just yesterday night, the Duke spent the night in Lingxi Pavilion."


    Gu Ying knew what the old woman was implying.


    She raised a faint curve at the corner of her lips and instructed the old woman, "I see, you can go now."


    Just after the old woman left, Mrs. Lin came out supported by someone.


    Gu Ying was a little surprised. "Mother, why are you awake?"


    In less than a month since theyst met, Mrs. Lin looked much better. She had also taken off her veil, revealing her face that was covered with scars but was still of peerless beauty.


    It seemed that under Zhao Hui''s persistence, Mrs. Lin had finally opened her heart to him and let go of the knots in her heart from years ago.


    Mrs. Lin walked quickly to Gu Ying and held her hand with a smile. "I heard the sound outside and knew you were here. How could I still sleep?" She looked closely at Gu Ying. "How has Nian been recently?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into a smile. She allowed Mrs. Lin to take her pulse. "Nian is doing well."


    Mrs. Lin quietly felt Gu Ying''s pulse for a while.


    This child was the one everyone in the family was looking forward to. As the expected date of delivery approached, Mrs. Lin became more and more uneasy.


    Having nothing to do, Gu Ying raised her eyes to look at Mrs. Lin. She wondered if it was her illusion that her mother''splexion seemed whiter and more lustrous, and her eyes were gentler.


    Her uncle said that her father had beening home earlier and earlier recently. It seemed that her mother and father''s rtionship hadpletely reconciled.


    Well, they were both middle-aged. Holding on to the resentment from years ago didn''t make much sense.


    Hating someone was harder than loving someone, Gu Ying knew it well from experience.


    What''s more, Zhao Hui didn''t really not love Mrs. Lin. He was just young and reckless and didn''t know what love was. That was why they had missed so many years together.


    If the Crown Prince victoriously returned home and saw his parents getting along well with each other, he would definitely be very happy too.


    "Mm, the fetus is stable and the vital energy is flowing smoothly," said Mrs. Lin, smacking her rosy lips. She gently patted Gu Ying''s bulging belly and smiled. "Nian is very healthy. Just wait three more months and Nian will be born!"


    Gu Ying often dreamed of ying with a snow-white baby. Although she couldn''t see the child''s face clearly, she could feel the child''s fondness of her.


    She also couldn''t wait to see her child.


    Gu Ying curved her lips, looking extremely blissful. "That''s good."


    Mrs. Lin further instructed, "Ying, don''t touch your belly too often. It may make the fetal position abnormal which will make delivery difficult. Giving birth is a matter of life and death for women. You must deliver Nian safely."


    Gu Ying nodded nervously. "Alright."


    Talking about giving birth made her nervous. It wasn''t that she was afraid of death, but that she was worried she wouldn''t get to see Nian.


    She had to try her best to protect this child that she had dreamed of having for a lifetime, and watch him grow into an adult.


    Mrs Lin smiled gently. "Don''t be too nervous. If the fetal position really bes abnormal, your mother will be here to help straighten it for you."


    Of course Gu Ying was at ease with Mrs. Lin around. The two happily chatted about Nian for a while, then talked about Shen Ruxu''s marriage.


    Mrs. Lin hesitated a little. "Ying, it''s not that I don''t want to find a marriage for Ruxu, but you know her personality. If it''s not someone she likes, I can''t make decisions for her."


    Gu Ying''s stance was also very clear. "Mother, it''s not proper for Miss Shen toe and go by herself all the time, and it''s not safe either. Having someone apanying her would be better. Besides, she is getting on in years. If she doesn''t get engaged now and ends up an old spinster in the future, I''m afraid the nobles in Bianjing will dislike her even more."


    Mrs. Lin''s love for Shen Ruxu was different after all. Gu Ying understood her doting indulgence of Shen Ruxu.


    But Shen Ruxu had ruined her hibiscus flowers. Gu Ying didn''t n to let her off easily.


    "As long as Mother agrees, I will arrange it on the same day."


    "Let''s put off this matter for a while¡ª"


    "If Mother wants to consider further, I''m afraid these excellent young men will slip by."


    "Oh alright then."


    After some hesitation, Mrs. Lin agreed. Gu Ying bid farewell and left.


    When she walked out of Lingxi Pavilion, she did see Shen Ruxu standing in the yard with a gloomy face. Shen Ruxu must have heard her conversation with Mrs. Lin clearly just now.


    Gu Ying smiled smugly. "Miss Shen, why are you standing here?"


    Shen Ruxu finally dropped herposure, not even bothering to maintain the calmness on her face. She curved her lips slightly, a trace of viciousness shing across her resentful eyes. "Gu Ying, don''t push things too far!"


    "I''m doing this for your own good. How is this pushing too far?"


    "You know I don''t want to get married, yet you force me?"


    Gu Ying''s smile widened. She blinked, "It''s not up to you whether to get married or not."

 Chapter 429: Is Cain Alive

    <h4>Chapter 429</h4>


    Shen Ruxu clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips digging into her palms, her eyes slightly red, and coldlyughed, "Let me tell you, don''t regret it, you don''t really think you can dictate my life, do you?"


    "Oh? Does Miss Shen have any other tricks up her sleeve?"


    "You can wait and see."


    "Oh? Let''s hear what Miss Shen has to say."


    Shen Ruxu was choked up, almost exposing herself, "If you want to trick me into talking, forget it."


    Gu Ying looked at her disdainfully, took Yin Lan with him and walked out, his eyes also turning cold.


    "Yin Lan, have someone keep a close eye on her. After my provocation just now, she will surely act desperately."


    Yin Lan held an umbre over Gu Ying''s head, with a worried look on her face, "Mistress, even Su Louzhu''s people can''t find Haitang, could Haitang really have been killed by Shen Ruxu?"


    Gu Ying''s face was solemn, "I''m afraid the odds are against us."


    Yin Lan was puzzled, "But Shen Ruxu doesn''t have much power in Bianjing, and has no other backer besides the Duke''s mansion, how could she have made Haitang disappear without a trace?"


    Gu Ying stopped in her tracks, "There is another possibility."


    Yin Lan''s brows furrowed slightly, "What?"


    The sky was gloomy and dark, with lightning shing across the horizon, tearing open the murky curtain of the sky.


    The thick dark clouds kept rolling, and the cold wind roared. The thunder grew louder and louder, as if exploding overhead.


    Gu Ying''s chest felt stuffy, her fingertips trembling slightly. After a long while, she choked out, "Jiang Yin is still alive."


    Only if Jiang Yin is still alive, can all this be reasonably exined.


    Mu Nanfeng taking Gu Shuang away, finding Xiao Gutou, using Xiao Gutou to spread rumors, leading her to investigate and discover Xiao Gutou, then pairing Shang Jiao with Fu Xun - all of this was controlled and manipted by someone hidden in the shadows.


    This invisible hand stirring up storms, just to get everything back on track.


    Fu Xunzhi and Shang Jiao, Mu Nanfeng and Gu Shuang, and Xiao Gutou... these were all people they knew in their previous lives.


    The more Gu Ying thought about it, the paler her face became, her frozen body began to tremble.


    If... if her guess was right, then next Jiang Yin would grab her, kill the child in her belly, cripple her, and throw her into a dpidated temple!


    Yin Lan was increasingly puzzled. Jiang Yin had no rtionship with Shen Ruxu. A person who had already died in Yueyang City could not have appeared in Bianjing.


    Moreover, Jiang Yin was only the sister-inw of the mistress...


    Why was the mistress still unable to let go of Jiang Yin... If the prince knew about this... the prince would surely be jealous.


    "Mistress... I think..."


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned red, her panicked and uneasy heart shook violently, "Yin Lan..."


    Seeing the ugly look on her mistress'' face, Yin Lan quickly said, "I''m here, mistress, I''m here. What''s wrong?"


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed deeply, and she grabbed Yin Lan''s arm tightly. Her temples throbbed with pain. "Send someone to see where my grandfather''s family is now, whether they are safe."


    Yin Lan quickly nodded, "Alright, I''ll go right away."


    Gu Ying was inexplicably panicked, although she had not confirmed that it was Jiang Yin manipting things behind the scenes, a very strong intuition told her that Jiang Yin must still be alive!


    Especially since his corpse had just disappeared in Yueyang, and Jiang Ling''er and Madame Jiang in Bianjing were also missing, this strongly suggested something was going on!


    She had to respond quickly, otherwise all her loved ones would suffer the same fate again!


    ...


    After leaving the Duke''s mansion, Gu Ying got directly into the carriage.


    Returning to the Censorate, she called out all the Kirin troops the prince had left to protect her.


    Twenty men in total, the prince''s trump card, now standing respectfully in the courtyard of Qinghe Garden awaiting orders.


    She sat in a chair, silently calcting in her mind everyone she needed to protect.


    Fourth sister had cousin looking after her, no need to worry too much about aunt and uncle, assign one person each. Must also assign someone to grandfather''s side so she could keep up with news from Haizhou at all times. Ah Ning''s health was weak, Ah Xun still quite naive, these two also needed to be secretly protected by one person each. But grandfather didn''t know how dangerous Jiang Yin was, she had to quickly write him a letter to warn them to be vignt of anyone surnamed Jiang.


    The sky grew darker and darker. She had been sitting here silently for nearly an hour.


    The longer she sat, the calmer she became.


    If Jiang Yin was still alive, and silently plotting against her in the shadows, then she could not just wait for her demise either.


    Ye Zhuojiang hummed a tune, threw his horse whip to a servant boy, and strode briskly into Qinghe Garden. Seeing the scene in the yard, he was startled.


    After reacting, and seeing the lonely figure sitting under the eaves, his heart ached. He walked over quickly, crouched down and said, "Ah Rong, why are you sitting here? You don''t look too happy, did I offend you somewhere? If I hurt your feelings, you have to tell me, if Er Chi finds out and tells uncle, I''ll be done for!"


    Gu Ying moved her stiff eyes, staring nkly at Ye Zhuojiang''s lively handsome face for a long time, before giving a faint smile. "I''m fine, Jiang Jiang."


    "Tsk, call me uncle!"


    Gu Ying smiled, "Jiang Jiang."


    Seeing her forced smile, Ye Zhuojiang said worriedly, "But you don''t look alright at all!"


    Gu Ying let out a helpless sigh, "Is that so?"


    Ye Zhuojiang nodded, "Did someone bully you? Tell me, I''ll go beat him up!"


    Gu Ying shook her head, falling silent again. In fact, she was not afraid that Jiang Yin was still alive.


    Even if he was alive, she just had to kill him again.


    This time, she must watch him die with her own eyes!


    Ye Zhuojiang was extremely anxious, unable to get it out of her, but could do nothing about it, only quietly apanying her.


    Until Su He came in the rain, nced at the Kirin troops in the yard, and said to Gu Ying, "Sister-inw, found it."


    Gu Ying''s eyes lit up in an instant, regaining her senses, "Come in and talk."


    Su He nodded, the two went into the room. Ye Zhuojiang followed along without thinking.


    Su He had wanted to chase him out, but Gu Ying said, "Su He, let him in."


    Su He pouted, but didn''t say anything more. After all, the pregnant one had the final say, this girl had Er Chi''s son in her belly, he didn''t dare defy her.


    Inside the room, the three sat down.


    Gu Ying said, "Jiang Jiang is one of us, no need to avoid him."


    Su He paused, then directly said, "Previously, Mu Nanfeng said he saw Shen Ruxu often going to the East Market, this time, my men finally tailed her."


    Gu Ying''s heart shook, "What happened?"


    Su He''s eyes had mostly recovered, bright and spirited, he said, "She went to the Chu Residence in Pear Blossom Alley."


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed slightly, "Chu Residence?"


    Su He said, "Yes, there lives a family surnamed Chu, heavily guarded, unable to get close. My men didn''t dare startle the snake in the grass for now, so could only observe from afar. Sister-inw, are you interested in this Chu character? Want me to send people to break in and drag him out?"

 Chapter 430: The Great Fire

    <h4>Chapter 430</h4>


    Gu Ying thought for a moment and shook her head, "I''m afraid it''s toote to go arrest people now."


    She understood Jiang Yin''s personality, he was extremely cautious and careful. If Su He really found Pear Blossom Lane, I''m afraid the Chu residence would be devoid of people very soon.


    Su He said smugly, "My men are keeping watch there, the people inside can''t escape. There aren''t many influential Chu families in Bianjing, most of the residents in the area around Pear Blossom Lane are traveling merchants from other ces, with mixed sortsing and going. So this person''s identity still needs to be verified."


    Gu Ying murmured with her brow furrowed, "Chu..."


    In her memory, whether in her previous life or this life, there was no one with the surname Chu.


    Su He turned his head and asked, "Is there anyone with the surname Chu among the people my sister-inw knows?"


    Gu Ying shook her head, "No. But I want you to help me check one more person to see if he is rted to the one with the surname Chu."


    Su He said, "Please tell me, sister-inw."


    Gu Ying pressed her lips together and said, "Jiang Yin."


    Su He recognized this person and had checked his ancestry back eighteen generations. His eyebrows quirked up lightly, "Isn''t Jiang Yin dead?"


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed as she gave a coldugh, "I''m not sure he''s really dead. After all, his corpse was taken away by Han Lin at that time, and I didn''t see his body rot with my own eyes. Now it seems he may have faked his death and escaped, who knows."


    Only then did Su He realize things were a bit strange.


    He gave Gu Ying a meaningful look, suspicion growing in his heart. Why was this dismissed excellent graduate who was an aide to the deposed Prince Li Yang so concerned about this person?


    He stroked his chin without asking further, "Since my sister-inw wants me to investigate, I will certainly do as told. I will also do my best to bring the one with the surname Chu back."


    Gu Ying was too preupied to care about anything else at this moment. The people around her could be used when useful, "Thank you, Master Su."


    Su He smiled, "Sister-inw need not thank me."


    Just as he finished speaking, someone rushed in to report urgently from outside.


    The Censorate''s courtyard had tight security after Gu Ying moved in. Lady Qin had taken precautions to forbid idle people from entering.


    Gu Ying let the person in. They heard the man from Floating Cloud Building speak hastily, "Mistress, Master, bad news! The Chu residence was somehow flooded and when your subordinate rushed in, the inside had already been burned into ruins!"


    Su He, who had just confidently imed he could bring the one surnamed Chu back, now had a ck line on his forehead. "What happened?"


    The man shook his head, "I don''t know. A few of us were following orders to keep watch near the Chu residence. We watched with our own eyes as the fire started burning from the inside. The outer door was shut tight with no one putting out the fire. The mes rose quickly even though it was raining today, which was unreasonable. But..."


    Su He''s expression was a little ugly as he asked, "But what?"


    The man''s eyebrows furrowed solemnly as he quickly added, "When your subordinate went in to inspect, I discovered there was arge amount of tung oil inside the house."


    Gu Ying''splexion froze for a moment, and the porcin white skin took on a chill in the dim evening light.


    As night fell, the heavy rain that came in thete afternoon passed as quickly as it arrived. Now it was drizzling lightly.


    She slowly got up, feeling her body grow heavier by the day, making her movements a little clumsy.


    But she still calmly supported herself on the armrest and walked to the door, gazing at the faint curtain of rain in the yard. "I have to go take a look at the Chu residence."


    She wanted to see for herself the ce that might have been where Jiang Yin was hiding.


    To see if her guess was correct.


    Ye Zhuojiang practically jumped up from his chair, "I''ll go with Ying!"


    Although Su He didn''t approve of Gu Ying traveling so far in her condition, when he met her determined gaze, he also got up reluctantly and said, "In that case, I''ll go along too."


    Gu Ying caressed her protruding belly, her eyes calm. "Okay."


    She would no longer choose to fight alone. For the sake of her child, she had to rely on Su He and Zhuojiang''s help.


    ...


    The night was thick as impervious ink.


    When the low-key green brocade carriage arrived at Pear Blossom Lane, the surroundings were already very quiet.


    The patrol guards had left after handling the fire, leaving only a pitch-ck ruined manor.


    Gu Ying felt her stomach tighten slightly, probably because she had been running around too much today and was a little ufortable.


    When she got out of the carriage, Ye Zhuojiang immediately noticed her haggard expression and supported her, asking, "Ying, is your stomach upset?"


    Gu Ying was sweating on her forehead. The little one in her belly was very lively, kicking her from time to time. Now for some reason, as if sensing its mother''s unease, it couldn''t settle down either.


    Gu Ying endured the pain and whispered hoarsely, "It''s fine."


    Ye Zhuojiang wrinkled his handsome face in worry, "Take this medicine to make the baby be good for a while."


    Gu Ying looked up into the youth''s dark eyes. She trusted Ye Zhuojiang. Although young, he had a famous reputation and was a genius in medicine.


    After taking his pill, the baby did indeed settle down a lot.


    Stepping into the manor that had be practically ruins, erected upright in the center of the main hall was a brand new wooden sign. It had a few lines written in red cinnabar:


    "Ying, I am still recovering from serious injuries and this is not the right time for us to reconcile. When I return safely, we will be together for life¡ªJiang Yin."


    Gu Ying''s mind shook and her entire body stiffened like a green bamboo.


    Not only her, even the two men standing behind her were stunned.


    The wording was too subtle, it could even be said to be ambiguous. But Gu Ying''s love story with the Heir Apparent of the Duke of Guo''s estate was known to all. Was Jiang Yin leaving this message only to make them misunderstand?


    But how could Jiang Yin expect them toe here with Gu Ying tonight and happen to see this message?


    So the rumors from back then that the Second Young Lady of the Earl of Dongping was infatuated with the new top examinee graduate were true?


    Su He and Ye Zhuojiang exchanged a look, unanimously turning to look at Gu Ying walking in front.


    That lonely figure in smoke purple clothes was especially deste in the night wind, yet also emanated an inexplicable aura of terror.


    Gu Ying clenched her fists tightly until her knuckles turned white. The fine rain falling on her dark hair, thentern in her hand emitted a dim, flickering candlelight.


    Her throat felt heavy. She walked over and raised thentern to illuminate the words on the wooden sign.


    The ink had already dried, meaning it wasn''t freshly written.


    He expected her toe, so deliberately left the sign here for her to see.


    By doing so, rather than waiting for her to investigate, he took the initiative to admit he was still alive.


    A person like him never fought unprepared battles. Since he dared reveal himself, he must have already made follow-up arrangements!


    What exactly was he still trying to do!


    When would he stop entangling her!


    "Sister-inw..." Su He hesitated before asking, "Is this really Jiang Yin''s handwriting?"


    Gu Ying''s brows furrowed as her heart felt irritably crumpled by Jiang Yin.


    After a long while, she nodded silently.


    The brushstrokes were Jiang Yin''s, no doubt about it.


    After marrying him for two years, being his wife for two years, her heart and eyes were full of that man. How could she not recognize his handwriting?

 Chapter 431: Shen Rushu’s Provocations

    <h4>Chapter 431</h4>


    Su He did not know what to say. Du was stationed far away at the frontier while unrest prevailed in this backyard. If Du found out that Jiang Yin was trying to "rekindle his rtionship" and "never leave" his sister-inw, he would probably go mad.


    For a moment, Su He could not decide whether or not he should write a letter to inform Du.


    He suspected this matter was far moreplicated than it seemed.


    However, with the intense fighting at the frontier and Du leading troops deep into enemy territory, it was already fraught with danger. If he were to tell Du about this now, it might disrupt Du''s ns.


    But before Su He could ponder further, behind him came Mrs. Lin''s quavering voice, "A Ying, who is Jiang Yin?"


    Gu Ying''s heart sank. She turned around and saw Shen Ruxu supporting Mrs. Lin as they stood at the door. Mrs. Lin looked as if she had been frozen in ce, motionless, dazed, shocked, incredulous...all kinds ofplex emotions yed across her face.


    The night wind howled. Though it was the summer of the sixth or seventh month, the chill was bone deep.


    Mrs. Lin held onto Shen Ruxu''s arm. Disappointment surged in her eyes.


    A cold feeling rushed through Gu Ying''s heart and it plummeted to the bottom of a ravine. She pursed her lips. "Mother, why are you here?"


    There was a hint of anger in Mrs. Lin''s eyes. She said solemnly, "I''m asking you, who is Jiang Yin?"


    Gu Ying bit her lip. "He is my eldest sister''s husband, Gu Jia''s spouse, but he has no rtionship with me."


    "How can he have no rtionship?" Shen Ruxu eximed in pretend shock. She said to Mrs. Lin, "Mother, I didn''t expect that even after marrying the Heir Apparent, Sister Gu still kept in touch with this Jiang gentleman. From what I overhead earlier...the two of them are probably having an affair behind the Heir Apparent''s back. Maybe the child in Sister Gu''s belly is even¡ª"


    Ye Zhuojiang impatiently cut her off. If not for Su He stopping him, he would have torn Shen Ruxu''s mouth apart. "What nonsense is this woman spewing? My A Ying is not that kind of person!"


    Shen Ruxu abruptly covered her mouth. "Master Ye, since this is the situation, why are you forbidding me from speaking of it? Could it be that Sister Gu feels guilty? Is that why Master Ye is so furious? You can stop my mouth but can Sister Gu face her own conscience? She still wants to deceive my mother...she sees that my mother has a soft personality and is easy to bully!"


    Ye Zhuojiang looked at Gu Ying in confusion and urged, "A Ying, say something. Don''t let this woman smear you. We Ye family will never shrink back like a turtle!"


    Shen Ruxu mocked, "Master Ye, you don''t need to exin for Sister Gu. If I had not wanted to bring my mother to see Sister Gu tonight to discuss my marriage, and just so happened to see Sister Gu going out, my mother would not have witnessed this spectacle."


    Mrs. Lin said painfully, "A Ying, why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Gu Ying''s elegant brows were knitted together. Her dark eyes were unfathomable, carrying an aura that could not be ignored.


    Shen Ruxu wanted to say more but she opened and closed her mouth, suddenly losing some of her nerve.


    Mrs. Linughed coldly as she gazed steadily at Gu Ying, extremely disappointed. "Gu Ying, Du has been wholeheartedly devoted to you, yet I was mistaken about you!"


    Having said this, she left without listening to Gu Ying''s exnation.


    Shen Ruxu''s mouth curved up in an inscrutable faint smile. She hurriedly pretended to be worried as she chased after Mrs. Lin, "Mother! Mother! Wait for me!"


    Gu Ying stood ramrod straight in ce, closing her eyes briefly without saying anything.


    She was far too calm, not even defending herself with a single sentence.


    "Let''s go. Take the wooden que when we leave. It cannot remain here." Ye Zhuojiang held her arm in his big hand. His handsome face was anxious. He wanted to interrogate her but feared hurting her heart and affecting the fetus. Seeing such a delicate youngdy being looked down upon by his mother-inw made him unhappy too.


    "Why didn''t A Ying exin herself? Or could it be that A Ying really does have something going on with that Jiang Yin?" Su He immediately perked up his ears in gossip as he dug the wooden que out from the ruins. He followed behind the two.


    Gu Ying red at Ye Zhuojiang. "Do I look like that kind of person to you?"


    Ye Zhuojiang felt relieved. He was taken aback. "Little uncle certainly believes you. But how do you exin the words on the que?"


    Gu Ying leisurely straightened her skirt. "It''s a frame-up and smear campaign to sow discord, just a simple little trick."


    Su He tilted his body and appropriately inserted, "Though the trick is small, it is effective. Isn''t sister-inw worried that the princess consort will truly believe Jiang Yin''s words?"


    Gu Ying''s face was tranquil as she got on the carriage and sat inside thepartment. She leaned back against the carriage wall with both hands gently covering her belly.


    When she first saw Jiang Yin''s message, she did feel somewhat flustered and inexplicably afraid.


    But upon Mrs. Lin''s arrival, she rxed instead.


    Jiang Yin had not told the Heir Apparent about her rebirth. He wanted to make everyone disappointed in her and disconnected from her.


    This way, she would be isted without aid and sink into being his ything to arbitrarily ravage, just like in her past life.


    As a minister who rose to power in her previous life, Jiang Yin was extremely skilled at manipting people''s hearts.


    She understood his scheming all too well.


    Now that things had developed to this point, as long as the Heir Apparent did not know about her past, she still had a chance.


    Gu Ying collected herself. She already had a n in mind. "Mother is not an unreasonable person. I will exin it clearly to her."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s brows were tightly knitted. He said objectively, "You saw her attitude just now. A Ying, you''ve missed the best opportunity to exin."


    Gu Ying did not care. She only lifted the carriage curtain to take onest look at the dpidated residence.


    No one knew what she was thinking as she watched for a while before gently lowering her eyes. "Let''s go. Back to uncle''s home first."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s tone was annoyed. "A Ying!"


    The carriage quietly traveled on the blue stone road. To be careful of Gu Ying''s condition, Yin Lan had deliberately slowed their pace.


    Inside the carriage, the two men had different expressions.


    Gu Ying calmly looked at them. She said lightly, "Listen to me. I have one very important thing to tell you now. You two must promise not to tell anyone else before I can speak."

 Chapter 432: Letter Writing

    <h4>Chapter 432</h4>


    Su He and Ye Zhuojiang looked up at the same time.


    Staring nkly at the woman sitting calmly in the carriage.


    Under the dim beanmp, the woman''s chin was as smooth as greasy jade, delicate and smooth, yet with a goddess-like glow.


    Ye Zhuojiang said anxiously, "Ying, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Don''t beat around the bush like this. I''m your uncle, will I not stand by your side?"


    Gu Ying''s longshes fluttered lightly, her clear eyes nced at the silent Su He.


    "Su He, what about you?"


    "I¡ª¡ª"


    "His Highness can''t say either."


    Su He still had considerations, "Sister-inw, this¡ª¡ª"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were determined and cold, "If you don''t agree to help me, please get off the carriage."


    Su He''s lips were pressed into a straight line, and the atmosphere in the carriage suddenly solidified.


    Gu Ying''s expression was too serious, so much so that for a moment he was somewhat afraid to know the truth.


    But he had also promised Du, that no matter what happened in Bianjing City, he had to take good care of his sister-inw.


    After a long time, Su He''s throat tightened and he finally said, "Alright, I promise my sister-inw."


    Gu Ying finally breathed a sigh of relief, solemnly looking at the two men on either side, hesitated for a moment, lightly opened her rosy lips, "My rtionship with Jiang Yin is reallyplicated, so I need you to help me deal with him together..."


    Ye Zhuojiang and Su He were both surprised, and soon their faces became solemn.


    ...


    The carriage returned to the Ye house again, and the night was already deep.


    Gu Ying ignored everyone and went back to Qinghe Garden by herself.


    Ye Zhuojiang still wanted to persuade her again, but was stopped by Su He, "Does Young Master Ye still not understand the sister-inw? Once the sister-inw has decided on something, no one except Du can change it."


    Ye Zhuojiang scratched his head, "But Ying is not right about this. After all, Mrs. Lin is her mother-inw. She has such a misunderstanding about her and that Jiang fellow, isn''t she angry?"


    Su He said decisively, "This can only mean that the sister-inw is innocent."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s mouth twitched. He didn''t speak for a while.


    Of course he believed that Ying was innocent. He just hated Shen Ruxu''s arrogance and unreasonable temper.


    After all, the Ye family would never let the girls in the family be wronged.


    Not to mention his uncle had specifically asked him to stay and protect Ying.


    He could not let his uncle and father look down on him.


    "Alright alright, I''ll listen to Ying! Since Ying told me not to bother with the Shens for now, I''ll let him off for now!" He looked very worried and couldn''t help scratching his head, "I''m just worried that Ying is bearing too much alone... From what she said, this Jiang Yin is a very difficult and cunning person to deal with. If we don''t help her, she is still prepared to deal with him alone... This girl really... won''t let me worry less."


    These old-fashioned words that could only be heard from elders sounded so weirding from the mouth of a youngster.


    Su He only felt strange no matter how he listened.


    "Why are you worrying so much?"


    The youth''s chin lifted, "Because I''m her uncle!"


    Su He chuckled, "An eighteen-year-old uncle?"


    Ye Zhuojiang humphed, following behind Su He''s butt, "What''s wrong with being eighteen? Haven''t you been eighteen before?"


    Su He had his arms crossed behind his back and walked leisurely away from Qinghe Garden, "Come on, I''ll take you to eat my favorite pancakes on Willow Lane when I was eighteen."


    "Pancakes?!" The first time trying pancakes, the young man eximed, "Great! Great! Brother Su He, take me around Bianjing City more!"


    After the two men left outside the door, Qinghe Garden finally becamepletely quiet.


    Gu Ying sat calmly andposedly on the luohan bed by the bedside. In the center of the bed was a small square rosewood carved table.


    On the table were writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstone and other items.


    Yin Lan sized up her mistress nervously, not seeing any panic or fear on her mistress''s face, and her inner worries gradually settled down as well.


    Who is the mistress, still able to handle things herself.


    As a maidservant, she was needlessly worrying instead.


    Moreover, Mrs. Lin was the Crown Prince''s birth mother. The Crown Prince''s love for the mistress was evident to all in Bianjing.


    As for what happenedst night, as long as the mistress went to exin things clearly to Mrs. Lin, she believed Mrs. Lin would not be instigated by Shen Ruxu.


    Yin Lan convinced herself and stood quietly to one side, fanning her mistress from time to time.


    The mistress and His Highnessmunicated with each other once every five days.


    It had been four days since thestmunication.


    The mistress should have received a letter from His Highness yesterday, but it still hadn''t reached her.


    She didn''t know if something had happened on the way. She had already sent someone to inquire.


    She felt inexplicably uneasy. After writing about the trivial daily happenings at home, she chatted a few more sentences about missing Bao, then hesitated, not knowing whether to inform His Highness that Jiang Yin was still alive.


    After deliberating for a few breaths, she still decided to remind His Highness to pay attention to Jiang Yin first.


    But as soon as she picked up the brush, she didn''t know how to start.


    She should give a reminder, but a reminder about what?


    With His Highness''s capabilities, Jiang Yin probably couldn''t touch him at all.


    Jiang Yin''s threat to her was only about the shameful past from her previous life.


    Gu Ying''s mouth ttened slightly. Her heart was filled with unbearable sourness again. Actually, as long as she...didn''t care about the past, Jiang Yin couldn''t do anything to her either.


    But she really couldn''t do it... She loved His Highness too much, afraid of losing him, and didn''t want His Highness to know about the filthy past.


    And her child...


    The child would be born, grow up, and disdain his unworthy mother.


    As long as Jiang Yin''s threat existed for one day, she would not be able to live in peace for a single day.


    She didn''t dare think too much, closed her eyes, put down the brush, "Yin Lan, send this to Licheng."


    The old Duke and His Highness were stationed in Licheng. Calcting the time, the war between the Eastern Li and the Qiang tribes should have reached a fever pitch.


    She couldn''t disrupt His Highness''s mindset at this time.


    Yin Lan took the letter, "Mistress, why hasn''t His Highness''s letter arrived yesterday? Could something have happened to His Highness at the frontline?"


    Gu Ying pulled the corners of her lips, "It won''t happen."


    She had lived once before, and the military reports in Jiang Yin''s study wouldn''t be wrong.


    His Highness fought this battle against the Qiang tribes very beautifully.


    In another three months, the Qiang tribes would be driven back north of the Zhu Mu Mountains.


    Yin Lan hesitated before speaking again. Since her mistress had a n, she wouldn''t say any more and left with the letter.


    Gu Ying wearily sighed, "Yanzhi,e over."

 Chapter 433: Don’t Like that Little Bastard.

    <h4>Chapter 433</h4>


    Yanzhi at this time was at a loss as she sat down on the luohan bed, "Mistress, what''s the matter with you? You look so tired!"


    Gu Ying pinched her eyebrows and leaned her head on the little maid''s shoulder. The faint scent of pear blossoms lingered around her nose, making her feel calm.


    Yanzhi was ttered and stiffened her body. She had grown up with the young mistress since she was little.


    This was the first time she was so intimate with the mistress, even without speaking, it was as affectionate as sisters.


    She couldn''t help but softened her voice, "Mistress?"


    Gu Ying sniffed and had a moment of weakness, "I''m fine, just tired."


    Yanzhi listened with heartache. She could see her mistress with a big belly, but looking like a child leaning on her. "Why don''t I go make the bed, mistress didn''t sleep all night, go to bed and sleep a little more? Mistress don''t be afraid, I will be by your side, I won''t go anywhere!"


    Gu Ying''s nose soured, and she murmured an "um" in a choked voice.


    She needed to calm herself down properly. The chaotic thoughts in her mind prevented her from making the right judgement and nning for the moment. She could only rest first before talking.


    Yanzhi was the person who had apanied her to die in her previous life. Only with her by her side could she really feel at ease.


    "Yanzhi,e and sleep with me for a while."


    Yanzhi was puzzled, "Ah?"


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, "The prince is not here, he won''t get mad at you."


    When the prince was around, let alone sleeping with the young mistress, Yanzhi didn''t even dare to get close to the mistress, otherwise the prince would give her a cold look.


    Since the mistress said so, Yanzhi shylyughed, "Okay! I''ll do whatever the young mistress says!"


    The word "young mistress" made Gu Ying''s eyes turn red.


    It was as if the two had returned to the boudoir, trusting and relying on each other.


    Those difficult but simple and carefree days were really missed.


    Shey crookedly on the bed, and Yanzhi hurriedly fetched water, fluffed up the pillows, put the mattress behind Gu Ying''s waist to support her pregnant body so that she wouldn''t be too tired sleeping.


    Gu Ying looked at the little girl running around with a smile in her eyes, and said gently, "That''s enough, don''t busy yourself,e and sleep."


    Yanzhi responded with an "aiyo", her face red, she took off her clothes and got under the covers.


    Just as she was about to say a few more words to apany the mistress to sleep, she heard the shallow breathing next to her.


    "Huh, so fast, she fell asleep?"


    Her heart softened as she leaned against the soft body of her mistress, smelling the faint milky scent on the mistress''s body, staring nkly, wanting to move but afraid of disturbing the mistress''s sleep, she could only lie quietly.


    Ever since the prince left, the matters of the Duke''s Mansion, the Censorate, and the Marquis of Dongping had to be taken care of by the mistress one by one.


    The mistress must be too tired.


    Compared to the mistress, she often lived too carefreely.


    The mistress had paved the way for her. No matter which mansion she was in, she was given the best treatment, and apart from attending the mistress, she had nothing else to do.


    Although she didn''t have much ability and was not as good as Yin Lan at observing and discerning, the mistress had given her status and position, allowing her to be in charge of a bunch of little maids.


    The mistress''s kindness to her would be remembered for a lifetime. If there came a day, she would definitely repay it even if she had to jump into boiling water or run through fire.


    After a while, Yanzhi also fell asleep deeply.


    When Yin Lan came back after delivering the letter, she saw the harmonious scene of the mistress and maid sleeping together.


    She froze in her steps, standing behind the floor-length veil, her eyes wet, and her heart somewhat unbnced...


    Ever since she was arranged to the Marquis of Dongping''s mansion by Lady Qin, she had been serving the mistress wholeheartedly.


    But in the mistress''s heart, she still couldn''tpare to Yanzhi who grew up together...


    ...


    Outside Bianjing City, on the official road.


    A pitch-ck carriage slowly moved out from the night.


    At dawn, sunlight projected from the mountain tops. After a while, the carriage turned around the foot of Mount Qixia, heading towards Huangcheng.


    Han Lin sat silently outside the carriage curtains, whipping the horse''s butt from time to time.


    After a while, a violent coughing sound came from the swaying carriage.


    Han Lin held his breath and frowned, slowing down again.


    "Young Master, how are you?"


    "Cough cough cough cough!"


    "Young Master!"


    "Cough--!"


    After a heavy cough, a steady male voice sounded.


    "I''m fine."


    Chu Jiuniang looked at the thin man next to her worriedly, with one hand on his bony shoulder, bringing the hot water to the man''s pale lips, and said distressfully, "I send the Second Miss''s news every day. Why did Young Master have toe in person when your health is most important."


    The handsome man with ck hair draped over his shoulders, wearing a thick green robe, looked deathly pale against his jade-white handsome face.


    He raised his haggard, emaciated jaw, took a weak breath, and lightlyughed, wiping away the traces of blood from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief, "Since I''m awake, of course I have toe see her."


    Chu Jiuniang didn''t know what to feel.


    Just thinking that the most important person in the young master''s heart was that woman, she felt inexplicably lost.


    Unfortunately, the current her had been trained by Han Lin to be no different from Gu Ying.


    Apart from her looks, her posture and speech, even her tone of voice, had gained some grace and gentleness of a youngdy from a respectable family. Naturally, she could no longer throw petty tantrums like an unreasonable jealous woman.


    She had always been a smart person. Under Han Lin''s training, she was no longer the ignorant little girl from Haizhou. She also understood what it meant to endure, restrain herself, assess the situation, speak properly depending on the circumstances, and act a ghost in front of a ghost.


    So on the surface she didn''t show it. She revealed a shallow smile, "Young Master has seen her, so please rest and recuperate. Me and Han Lin can handle other matters."


    Jiang Yin moved his stiff neck and turned to look at Chu Jiuniang.


    Since being severely punished by Zhao Changdu in Yueyang, he had been in a daze for three or four months.


    asionally when he woke up, he could only lie in bed, relying on Chu Jiuniang and Han Lin''s care.


    Recalling the dangerous situation back then still made him feel lingering fear.


    He was so close to dying by Zhao Changdu''s hands.


    Haha, life really toyed with people.


    Jiang Yin sneered. Fortunately he was different from Zhao Changdu. He was a reborn person who had worked with Zhao Changdu before, so he naturally understood his temperament.


    Therefore, he had made preparations early on. Before being caught by him, he had prepared a death-faking pill that allowed him to fake death and slip away like a cicada shedding its shell when necessary.


    That Zhao fellow probably still didn''t know he was alive.


    As for Gu Ying¡ª


    He reached out his big hand and stroked Chu Jiuniang''s exquisite beautiful face, his stagnant eyes turned cold, "Ying''s belly is getting bigger and bigger. I really don''t like that little bastard child. What do you think I should do."

 Chapter 434: Send Zhao Changdu a big Gift

    <h4>Chapter 434</h4>


    "What does the young master want to do?"


    "What to do..."


    Jiang Yin paused slightly, smacking his pale lips.


    After he had fully woken up, he looked over all the information about Gu Ying that Han Lin had brought over.


    At first, his body was too weak and not yet fully recovered, so even though he was furious on the inside, there was nowhere for it to vent. Later, he couldn''t sleep night after night, and his obsession with Gu Ying in his heart grew deeper and deeper.


    When he found out that she and Zhao Changdu were in a passionate and deep love.


    Like a young man who had just fallen in love, he hated that he couldn''t immediately go to Bianjing to take back the woman in his heart.


    If it weren''t for his injuries being too serious, he wouldn''t have been able to wait until Zhao Changdu left Bianjing.


    Fortunately, heaven was helping him. After Zhao Changdu left, only Gu Ying was left in Bianjing.


    In his previous life, he had yed with power for a lifetime, rubbing shoulders in these circles of people, and understood Bianjing''s powerful people the most.


    Among the people of Bianjing, who could protect a pregnant woman like her?


    They were all hypocritical opportunists.


    He endured humiliation and recuperated in a small town in Yueyang for a period of time, patiently taking medicine day after day until he could get out of bed.


    On the day he got out of bed, the sun was shining brightly. The warm sunshine he hadn''t seen in a long time enveloped him.


    He looked up, squinting his eyes, but he was thinking about how to make Zhao Changdu die in the battle with the Qiang tribe.


    That way, Gu Ying would bepletely his.


    He began to ren, and then dragged his sick body to Bianjing.


    Countless times, he hid in the shadows, watching his wife pregnant with someone else''s child, her belly swollen, with a shallow smile of happiness at the corners of her mouth, and the desire to kill in his heart could not be stopped no matter what.


    Anger made his eyes turn red, and jealousy made his blood boil.


    Why did Gu Ying have to be so cruel to him?!


    She was also a reincarnator, and they had been husband and wife for a lifetime. Even if he hadn''t treated her well in the beginning, he still loved her!


    She used to love him so much. How could she not have the slightest affection as a married couple, and just abandon him and throw herself wholeheartedly into Zhao Changdu''s embrace?!


    Jiang Yin clenched his fists, unable to hold back, and coughed violently for a while, his handsome face flushed red.


    Chu Jiuniang gently stroked his chest, worried, "Young master, don''t get angry. Your health is most important. When the young master''s body recovers, what can''t be done?"


    The corners of Jiang Yin''s mouth curved up slightly, his face full of cold gloom, "Let''s talk about the childter. I don''t want her to hurt her body because of the child."


    Chu Jiuniang said, "Does the young master mean to kill her after she gives birth to the child?"


    Jiang Yin said, "Yes, how have your skills progressed recently?"


    Chu Jiuniang smiled slightly, put her hands in front of her, her eyes flowing, and the vulgar frivolous aura she used to have was gone. Her brows and eyes were dignified and gentle, and when she tilted her head to look at him, her eyes moved lightly, her spirit waspelling, "What does the young master think?"


    Jiang Yin was stunned for a moment, and after a long silence, he took the woman''s delicate jade fingers in his palm, and lowered his voice, "Very good."


    Chu Jiuniang knew that this time the young masterpletely believed in her.


    After all, her skills at impersonating others were already perfected. Not to mention the young master, even the little maid named Haitang in Gu Ying''s residence almost mistook her for the real person when she first discovered her.


    She was extremely confident in impersonating Gu Ying.


    "When does the young master n to make a move?"


    "Wait a little longer."


    Chu Jiuniang didn''t understand. Now that Crown Prince Zhao was not in Bianjing, it was clearly the best opportunity to steal the dragon and rece the phoenix.


    Why did the young master still want to wait?


    Jiang Yin slowly leaned back in the carriage and closed his eyes to nourish his spirit. "My body is notpletely recovered yet. I still want to refrain from taking action for now. The current Gu Ying is not to be underestimated. In case something else goes wrong, we should go to Lichend first."


    Moreover, this time when he goes, he wants to give Zhao Changdu a big gift.


    Chu Jiuniang mumbled, "Lichend?"


    If she remembered correctly, that was where Crown Prince Zhao was stationed.


    Jiang Yin''s ear moved slightly, listening to the mumbled voice full of heat from the woman next to him.


    Chu Jiuniang was indeed a smart enough woman. Now she was exactly the same as Gu Ying in terms of dress, demeanor, gestures, and expression. Even in her murmuring, the innocence she revealed was vividly lifelike.


    He was moved in his heart for a moment, opened his eyes, and his thumb stroked the woman''s tender jade fingers. He couldn''t help being aroused.


    It had been too long...


    He was always thirsty for Gu Ying''s body...


    Even in his dreams, he thought of entwining with her all the time.


    He gazed scorchingly at the woman''s porcin white skin, his Adam''s apple rolled, and his voice hoarse, he called out in a low voice, "Ying...e here."


    Chu Jiuniang cleverly raised her clear eyes, and there was more charm in her eyes, "Yin, what''s the matter?"


    Jiang Yin''s heart trembled, and he almost immediately took Chu Jiuniang into his arms, biting her slender, flushed neck, "Ying, I want you... Please, give me."


    Chu Jiuniang pushed the man''s chest, coyly refusing, "No, your body is not well..."


    The man''s voice carried a hint of hot hoarseness, "Don''t worry, I still have this much strength."


    Chu Jiuniang blushed, "Yin..."


    "Be good, give me."


    "Mm..."


    Jiang Yin''s gaze deepened, and his big hand hugged the woman''s slender waist, slowly reaching under her skirt.


    Chu Jiuniang gently bit her red lips, and couldn''t help letting out a moan, "Mmm..."


    Jiang Yin''s throat was heavy, his breath scorching. Lowering his head, his lips covered her softness, kissing the sweetness on her lips.


    Very good, even the taste of lipstick was what Gu Ying usually used.


    That scent that belonged to Gu Ying made him lose his mind for a moment.


    Jiang Yin became more and more unable to restrain himself, and soon kissed the woman in his arms dizzy with passion.


    ...


    After the fire at the Chu residence that night.


    The rtionship between Gu Ying and Madam Lin was no longer very good.


    Originally, outsiders did not know about this, and in order to save face for the Duke''s manor and the Earl of Dongping''s manor, no one dared to leak the news. But who knows if someone deliberately spread it outside, making the scandal between her and Jiang Yin known throughout Bianjing.


    What''s more, some even made up rumors about the child in her belly.


    Yanzhi was so angry she couldn''t eat well, "Mistress! Those people outside have such dirty mouths! What does it matter to them whether the child in Mistress'' belly belongs to the Crown Prince! Who gave them the right to gossip about the Crown Prince''s affairs?! Aren''t they afraid their tongues will rot!"


    Gu Ying was quite calm and rxed,zily sitting in a chaise lounge, with various delicacies ced around the table next to her, "Why bother listening to what they say, we have a clear conscience."


    Yanzhi grumbled, "Mistress, you are too easygoing about this. If it were me, I wouldn''t have been able to hold back and would have wanted to hit people already."


    Gu Ying moved her gaze away from the book and smiled lightly, "Hit who?"


    Yanzhi said angrily, "Of course it''s Shen Ruxu. If she didn''t spread this out, who else would dare to be so bold? It''s a pity that Madam Lin protects her. A person like her wouldn''t even survive two pages in a storybook. "


    "To deal with someone, it''s not as simple as hitting them."

 Chapter 435: Push Yourself into the Abyss

    <h4>Chapter 435</h4>


    "What should we do then?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, looking at Yin Lan who walked in expressionlessly from the outside. She called out to her in a loud voice.


    "Yin Lan?"


    Yin Lan''s eyes moved slightly as she walked under the old peach tree in the yard. Now in the summer, the scorching sun was shining brightly, but under this old tree it was breezy and refreshing.


    "Mistress, do you have any orders?"


    Gu Ying pulled her to sit down on the noble consort''s chair. "There''s something I want you to do for me. I wonder if you''re willing."


    Yin Lan smiled helplessly. She didn''t know why the mistress was being so distant with her. "Mistress, please go ahead."


    Gu Ying said, "I''ve had a disagreement with my mother. This matter will have to be resolved sooner orter. A few days ago, I already went to the Duke''s mansion to exin to my mother, but you know my mother''s attitude. She probably won''t believe me unless the Heires back. I''ve thought carefully for several days now. My mother likes the carved honey toast from the Hu Ji restaurant. Starting tomorrow, please go to the Duke''s mansion every day to bring her some to cate her. Is that okay?"


    Yin Lan pulled at the corners of her mouth, trying to smile as if nothing was wrong. But in her heart, she somehow felt a little sad. "Okay..."


    Gu Ying didn''t miss the hurt in Yin Lan''s eyes. She had wanted to keep up the act. But seeing Yin Lan''s unhappy appearance, she really couldn''t keep going. She took Yin Lan''s cold little hand and stared at her for a long time.


    Yin Lan didn''t understand her meaning.


    Gu Ying chuckled. "Yin Lan, I''m really sorry... Do you feel I''ve be distant with you?"


    Yin Lan was startled. "This ve doesn''t--"


    "You don''t need to lie to me." Gu Ying gently pinched her cheek, and said sincerely, "Last time at the Qingyun Temple when Ipeted with the Consort Xie, in order to make your worry seem more genuine, I didn''t discuss it with you beforehand. I took advantage of your care for me. Here, I want to sincerely apologize to you again. Yin Lan, do you forgive me?"


    Yin Lan had originally felt very despondent, but now she waspletely confused.


    Yanzhi leaned in lively andughed. "Sister Yin Lan, the mistress was just acting with you earlier. I''m good at acting, so the mistress is at ease with me. But Sister, you''re a sincere and genuine person. Sometimes you can''t pretend many things, so the mistress wanted to use this method."


    After hearing this, Yin Lan suddenly understood a little. "Mistress wants to use this ve to deal with Mrs. Lin?"


    Gu Ying shook her head with a smile. "No, Shen Ruxu."


    Yin Lan''s pupils widened slightly as her eyes darted around. She immediately understood some key points and pped her thigh. Her eyes lit up instantly. "Mistress wants to deal with Shen Ruxu. Why bother pretending with this ve? This ve''s acting skills are actually quite good! Even if this ve can''t pretend, the mistress can give me some pointers. This ve will be able to grasp the main points very quickly!"


    This time it was Gu Ying''s turn to be helpless.


    She had originally wanted to create the illusion of growing apart from Yin Lan, to let Shen Ruxu "take advantage of the situation" and let Yin Lan act as a double agent between them.


    Then she would secretly put pressure on Shen Ruxu topletely ruin her reputation.


    Yin Lan was smarter than Yanzhi, and knew better how to maneuver against Shen Ruxu.


    She was just worried that Yin Lan was too loyal to her, and couldn''t fully gain Shen Ruxu''s trust.


    So she thought to deliberately be estranged from her first.


    To make Shen Ruxu truly believe that she and Yin Lan''s mistress-servant rtionship was over.


    But she didn''t expect that Yin Lan had really taken it seriously this time... Even though she was usually understanding, she also had moments of being unreasonable and stubborn.


    Her heart softened into a mess. "Then, this is my fault for not considering properly. Let me buy a formal hat aspensation for our Sister Yin Lan, what do you think?"


    Yin Lan looked at the girls around her. The sincerity in her eyes had no deception.


    "Mistress, actually this ve is not so petty... This ve just wants the mistress to also treat me sincerely."


    Gu Ying deeply felt that she was really wrong. She smiled and pulled the misty-eyed Yin Lan into her arms. "Alright, alright, I was wrong, I was wrong, is that not good enough? In the future if Imit this again, let my body be hacked to pieces, good?"


    The feelings between people cannot be casually tested.


    Yin Lan was loyal to her. How could she repeatedly take advantage of that?


    Yin Lanughed through her tears. The knot in her heart was untied and she also felt happier. "Mistress must not speak recklessly."


    Gu Ying said yfully. "I was just joking."


    Yin Lan said, "This ve has no other demands. I just want to sleep with the mistress once like Yanzhi."


    Gu Ying blinked. "Ah? How is thatpensation?"


    Yin Lan said, "This ve doesn''t care. There should be no favoritism. What the mistress gave to Yanzhi, she should also give to this ve."


    Yanzhi tutted. "See, Sister Yin Lan is still jealous. Shame on you."


    Gu Ying curved her eyes. "Alright, I''ll agree to you, is that okay?"


    Only then did Yin Lan wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes. She also felt she was being overemotional. But she cared for the mistress even more than she did for Mrs. Lin. In her eyes, Gu Ying was like her own sister.


    She was determined to protect and apany this person. Even at the cost of her life, she would protect herpletely.


    "Since the mistress wants to deal with Shen Ruxu, this ve strongly agrees. Whatever you want to do, mistress just say it."


    Aftering to an understanding with Yin Lan, Gu Ying felt much more rxed. She then carefully exined her n to her.


    Shen Ruxu was a chess piece of Jiang Yin.


    Since Jiang Yin still refused to show himself, she would first pull out this disgusting chess piece of his.


    Moreover, she had long disliked Shen Ruxu.


    A woman who had killed and married before, and still coveted the Heir, how could she still dare to remain in the Duke''s mansion?


    Did she deserve to?


    She didn''t deserve to!


    ...


    Recently, Shen Ruxu had been in a very good mood.


    She would sneak into the Lingxi Pavilion almost every day, sticking to Mrs. Lin''s side and saying bad things about Gu Ying''s promiscuity and infidelity.


    It was a pity that every time after listening, although Mrs. Lin would say she didn''t like Gu Ying''s behavior, she would also show a displeased expression. But she never truly turned against Gu Ying, nor made Gu Ying separate from the Heir.


    This point made her extremely unhappy.


    Gu Ying was already intimate with Jiang Yin to that degree, yet why could Mrs. Lin remain as steady as Mount Tai?


    Did she not care about the Heir at all!


    Seeing Mrs. Lin leisurely tending to the flowers every day with a calm expression,


    Shen Ruxu became increasingly unhappy. "Mother, will you really allow Sister Gu Ying to tarnish the Heir''s reputation? The Heir is a grown man. It''s inevitable that he would be blinded by a woman sometimes. If his future and the Duke''s mansion''s riches and meritorious service are ruined for the sake of one woman, that would not be good."


    Mrs. Lin helplessly sighed.


    She ced the medicinal herbs in her hand into the medicine pot. Calmly, she said, "We''ll wait for Adu toe back and make a judgment on this matter."


    "But now the streets of Bianjing are all discussing this matter. Whenever I go out for consultations I feel I''ve lost face..."


    "Ruxu." Mrs. Lin pursed her lips, her expression somewhat ugly. "You shouldn''t meddle in this matter."


    "Mother--" Shen Ruxu''s eyes shed with coldness for a moment. Then she pulled at Mrs. Lin''s sleeve coquettishly. "Your daughter is just worried about mother and the Heir. And now your daughter''s honor is tied to the Duke''s mansion, so naturally I should also consider the Duke''s mansion''s interests."


    Mrs. Lin sighed helplessly.

 Chapter 436: Killing Lin

    <h4>Chapter 436</h4>


    She did not expect that Gu Ying and Jiang Yin had such a past history, but after getting along with Gu Ying for so long, she still liked Gu Ying very much as a daughter-inw.


    That night, the incident happened suddenly, and she was indeed angry.


    Du was fighting on the battlefield with unknown life or death, while Gu Ying was entangled with her old lover in Bianjing, which made anyone upset to hear about it!


    However, when she returned to the mansion and thought about it, what kind of person was her son, how could he allow another girl to marry him while pregnant with someone else''s child?


    The love between Gu Ying and Du was obvious to everyone in the mansion.


    Even Zhao Hui told her, "Gu Ying would never betray Du."


    So even though she was unhappy, in her heart she believed Gu Ying was innocent.


    As for her adopted daughter, who had always urged her to drive Gu Ying away, it made her a little worried, "Ru Xu, tell mother honestly, do you still not give up on Du?"


    When Shen Ruxu heard this, her heart ached terribly, and her eyes reddened slightly, "I..."


    As soon as Mrs. Lin saw her grieved and pitiful look, what else did she not know?


    "You, you! Didn''t mother tell you! Mother will find a good family for you! Why don''t you listen!"


    Shen Ruxu smiled bitterly, and tears slid down the corners of her eyes, "Mother, I''m sorry... I made you angry again."


    Mrs. Lin irritably pulled her up and headache said, "These two days, dress up properly, mother will take you out to meet people, we don''t have to wait for Du toe back, your marriage must be settled soon."


    Shen Ruxu¡¯s fingers clenched tightly together in a sh.


    Before she could retort, she saw Yin Laning into the Lingxi Pavilion again with delicacies carved from tallow from the Hu Ji restaurant.


    Although Mrs. Lin believed in Gu Ying, she couldn¡¯t bepletely indifferent about her and Jiang Yin¡¯s affairs either.


    So she had never had a good face towards Yin Lan.


    Seeing Yin Lane over, she frowned and told her to get out.


    Yin Lan was also a good-tempered person. She had been sending things to the Lingxi Pavilion for ten days now, and she hadn¡¯t seen her be impatient. She calmly ced the food box on the pear wood table in the Lingxi Pavilion¡¯s flower room, and said some more kind words to Mrs. Lin before leaving.


    Shen Ruxu stared at the box on the table for a good while without waiting for Mrs. Lin to call her, and hurriedly took her leave.


    When she went out of the Duke¡¯s mansion, she secretly followed Yin Lan¡¯s pace.


    But she did not expect to see a good show.


    It turned out that Yanzhi was also in the carriage of the Censorate, and she and Yin Lan hade to do things together.


    But when entering the Duke¡¯s mansion to deliver things, only Yin Lan went in alone.


    The two maidservants were arguing about something beside the carriage.


    Yanzhi was clumsy with words and naturally could not argue with the elder and steadfast Yin Lan. She was so angry that her face turned red and she arrogantly threatened, "What do you think you are, just ater acquired servant. I grew up with the Lady since I was little, that¡¯s deep affection. How can youpare? In the end I am the most trusted person to the Lady, you are just a bootlicking errand runner!"


    When Yin Lan heard this, her eyes dimmed.


    Afterwards, Yanzhi angrily shook the curtains and got on the carriage.


    She didn¡¯t even wait for Yin Lan and directly let the coachman drive away.


    The intrigues and contention for the favor of the master among servants wasmonce inrge households.


    She just didn¡¯t expect that the people around Gu Ying were no exception.


    She had thought that Gu Ying had good discipline over her subordinates, and the maids were all loyal to her. It turned out that they still stood on different hills and governed on their own.


    Looking at Yin Lan¡¯s lonely and pitiful back, Shen Ruxu curved her lips and walked out from the shadows, pretending not to see the redness in Yin Lan''s eyes, she eximed in surprise, "Sister Yin Lan, why are you alone here?"


    Yin Lan''s eyes were evasive as she lowered her eyshes, forcing back the tears in her eyes, and smiled bitterly, "I sent thedy''s things over and will leave soon."


    Shen Ruxu said, "Walking by foot? How can Sister Gu Ying treat Sister like this? She actually won¡¯t even arrange a carriage for you?"


    For first-ss maids from wealthy households going out to run errands for their masters, there was no reason to walk by foot.


    A maid''s dignity was the master''s dignity.


    Only crude maids like Yanzhi didn''t understand this rule, and actually left Yin Lan here alone.


    If Shen Ruxu hadn''t looked into Yin Lan''s background early on, she still wouldn''t believe that Yanzhi dared to treat Yin Lan like this.


    In the end, Gu Ying favored and believed in Yanzhi too much, and it would sooner orter make Yin Lan feel cold towards her.


    Shen Ruxu had long forgotten about the incident in Yueyang when she had almost killed Yin Lan. She kindly said, "It¡¯s gettingte, I¡¯ll have someone prepare a carriage to send Sister Yin back, otherwise going back to report sote, I¡¯m afraid it would bring punishment from Sister Gu."


    Yin Lan''s body shuddered, "This..."


    From her expression, Shen Ruxu knew that she must have suffered a lot under Gu Ying, so she said, "Sister don''t worry, just sending you to outside the Censorate¡¯s street, no one will see."


    In the end, Yin Lan still couldn''t resist Shen Ruxu''s enthusiasm and got on her carriage.


    In the following days, Shen Ruxu would wait for her at the door.


    Sometimes she would give her food, sometimes gold and silver jewelry, and asionally she would take her out to buy snacks downtown.


    At first, Yin Lan was still a little wary of her, but gradually she lowered her guard and treated her as a bosom friend, and started returning her kerchiefs and sachets.


    Shen Ruxu naturally would not easily believe that Yin Lan could be so magnanimous as to be friends with her.


    She even spent money to bribe the maidservants of the Censorate to inquire about the news of the Qinghe Garden.


    It turned out that as early as a month ago, Yanzhi had be the sole favorite, arrogantly ordering around the other maids of Qinghe Garden.


    Shepletely looked down on Yin Lan. Otherwise, on such extremely hot days, the terrible summer heat would not have fallen on Yin Lan to go deliver food to the Duke¡¯s mansion every day.


    By now, Yanzhi and Yin Lan were almost at daggers drawn. The twopeted openly and maneuvered covertly, constantly trying to get the better of one another.


    Shen Ruxu gradually won over Yin Lan as a confidante, and even extracted a lot of Gu Ying¡¯s whereabouts from her.


    She tentatively tested it three times, and each time it was true.


    This made her trust Yin Lan even more, so she thought, the time was ripe and her n could also be implemented.


    However, what made her even more pleasantly surprised was that this evening, Yin Lan took the initiative to ask her out for a drink.


    After getting tipsy, Yin Lan was half drunk and half awake, and actually asked her if she had any colorless and odorless poison that could make people bleed from the throat and choke them.


    Her heart shuddered, and she asked guardedly, "Sister, what are you going to use this poison for?"


    Yin Lan irritablyughed, pulled Shen Ruxu over, and whispered, "I''m more and more annoyed by Yanzhi¡¯s smug look. So I was thinking, can I get rid of her... Good sister, I know you must have this kind of medicine as a doctor, right?"


    After that, she even gave a drunken hup.


    Yin Lan reeked of alcohol, and Shen Ruxu also felt a little drunk.


    Ever since she came to the Duke''s mansion, she wanted to kill Mrs. Lin who was biased towards Gu Ying.


    Now, hearing what Yin Lan said, this idea became more and more strong, and it even made her vaguely excited.

 Chapter 437: Lin’s Poisoning

    <h4>Chapter 437</h4>


    She reminded, "Sister Yin Lan, murder is a serious crime."


    Yin Lan''s face flushed red, her eyes clouded with tipsiness, "Heh, I have my ways to do it without anyone knowing. Good sister, just give me the poison, I''m begging you. I''ll definitely repay you in the future."


    Drunken words reveal the sober heart. A drunken person would never lie.


    Yin Lan''s hatred towards Yanzhi had reached an uncontroble point.


    Shen Ruxu''s eyes shed, whispering, "I do have the poison, but once it''s used, there''s no going back."


    Yin Lan gritted her teeth, her eyes spitting fire, "I want her dead!"


    Shen Ruxu''s mouth curved up slightly, a n to kill two birds with one stone instantly formed in her mind.


    She took out a packet of poison powder from her bosom and secretly ced it in Yin Lan''s palm, smugly said, "This poison is called poison feather, even more potent than Crimson Crest Poison. Sister, just take it."


    Yin Lan clenched the poison in her hand, and started giggling, "Good, thank you sister. It''ste, I should go back, or that wretched girl will make trouble again. Sister feels awful."


    She stumbled up, bid Shen Ruxu farewell.


    Shen Ruxu had also drank a few cups, and got up to send her off.


    Yin Lan stopped her, shaking her head, her drunken voice coquettish, "Don''t send me off, don''t let that wretched girl see."


    With that, she waved her hand, "I''m off, await my good news."


    Shen Ruxu alsoughed, "Alright alright."


    After walking out of the tavern, Yin Lan wiped off the wine stains at the corner of her mouth. The foggy redness in her eyes instantly sobered up.


    Not long after, her slender figure disappeared into the night.


    ...


    A few dayster, news came from the Censorate saying Mrs. Lin was critically ill and unconscious. Many doctors were invited into the residence to treat her, and she seemed to be in grave danger.


    Two dayster.


    After eating the candied fruit Yin Lan brought over, Mrs. Lin suddenly coughed up blood and lost consciousness.


    Chaos broke out in Duke Zhao''s manor. Zhao Hui personally took his spear and rushed to the Censorate, wanting to take Gu Ying back to Duke Zhao''s manor for interrogation.


    Gu Ying stroked her protruding belly, looking steadily at the enraged Zhao Hui, calmly said, "Father, don''t panic. Let me bring Jiangjiang back to the manor to see Mother first."


    Zhao Hui brandished his spear, pressing it coldly against Gu Ying''s neck, solemnly said, "If something happens to Ayu, I''ll have your life in exchange."


    Gu Ying''s mouth tightened. Ignoring everything else, she called for Ye Zhuojiang to apany her back to Duke Zhao''s manor.


    Upon entering the Lingxi Pavilion courtyard, Shen Ruxu''s mournful cries could already be heard.


    "Mother! Wake up!"


    "Mother, how could you suddenly be poisoned? It must be that wretched hoof Yin Lan! If not for her deliberately poisoning your food, you wouldn''t have been hit. Yin Lan, give me back my mother!"


    The room was full of maidservants kneeling on the ground, all with frightened and trembling expressions.


    Yin Lan was even more tightly bound and gagged in the middle of the hall. Her face had been firmly pped, and a handkerchief stuffed in her mouth.


    Looking closer, Gu Ying saw Mrs. Lin copsed on the ground, half her body limp in Shen Ruxu''s arms. Herplexion was ghastly white, brows furrowed, mouth drippingrge patches of red blood. She could barely breathe.


    Upon entering, Zhao Hui rushed to Mrs. Lin''s side, wanting to pick her up.


    But Shen Ruxu cried out in anguish, "Father, don''t move Mother! The poison will spread faster if she''s moved!"


    Zhao Hui''s hand froze. This eight foot giant of a man actually shed tears in front of everyone. "Ruxu, you''re a doctor! Hurry, save her!"


    Shen Ruxu''s mouth twisted, face streaked with tears, weeping painfully, "Father, I''m useless... I can''t cure this poison..."


    Zhao Hui stared nkly at Mrs. Lin, who barely had any breath left in the hall. His entire being seemed to have lost its soul, at aplete loss.


    The scene was pure chaos, with only Shen Ruxu''s cries and curses grating on everyone''s nerves.


    Gu Ying''s brows tightened, her temples throbbing. "Jiangjiang, go take a look."


    With a life hanging in bnce, Ye Zhuojiang didn''t dare hesitate. He strode forward and shoved Shen Ruxu aside, "Get lost. If you can''t even diagnose it yourself, then make way for someone more capable."


    Shen Ruxu''s expression froze. Her body tumbled to the ground, looking rather miserable.


    Zhao Hui helped her up, ring coldly at Gu Ying. He mocked sarcastically, "What now? You poisoned your own mother-inw, yet you let your Ye family throw their weight around in my Duke Zhao''s manor?"


    Gu Ying stopped him from taking Mrs. Lin away, exining, "Father, I never had any intention to poison Mother."


    Zhao Hui''s eyes were bloodshot. He sneered, "You sent the food, Yin Lan added the poison. What else can you say? A venomous viper like you isn''t fit to marry into my manor! When Adu gets back, I''ll have him divorce you!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes dimmed, calmly saying, "If I wanted to harm Mother, I had plenty of chances to poison her. Why would I get Yin Lan to do it at this time, and deliberately make you suspect me?"


    Zhao Hui raged, blurting out in anger, "Hah! I know you well! Ayu caught you cheating with Jiang Yin. You clearly had no choice left, so you wanted Ayu dead to shut her up!"


    Seeing Zhao Hui attacking all the right points, Shen Ruxu quickly fanned the mes, "That''s right! Father, I heard the battles at the frontlines are almost over. Sister Gu was afraid the Crown Prince would know of her disgraceful affair upon his return and divorce her. That''s why she took this risk. Poor Mother treated her like a daughter... Who knew Sister Gu could be so ruthless."


    Seeing Mrs. Lin''s agonized, blood-spitting appearance, Zhao Hui thought of how he had finally found her and kept her by his side. He vowed to treat her well for the rest of their lives.


    Yet shortly after resolving their misunderstanding, this unexpected tragedy urred.


    His Ayu... kind-hearted, a doctor with a benevolent heart. What wrong had shemitted to meet with such disaster?


    Zhao Hui''s heart was shredded. Devoid of reason, he shouted, "Guards! Seize this venomous viper!"


    Duke Zhao''s guards rushed up, surrounding the pregnant Gu Ying.


    But she was carrying the Crown Prince''s child, so no one dared act rashly.


    Over a dozen icy sharp des pointed at Gu Ying''s bulging belly, yet the woman in her cloud-patterned peach blossom silk dress stood tall and unafraid, brows and eyes lively yet steady, exuding an aura no less than a man''s.


    With Zhao Hui''s backing and rage, it was the perfect time to make use of him.


    Shen Ruxu''s mouth curved imperceptibly.


    Her expression remained one of heartbroken grief as she continued fanning the mes, "Sister Gu... Mother treated you so well, how could you be so cruel to her?"


    Gu Ying was silent for a long while. Just as Zhao Hui was losing patience and Shen Ruxu thought she conceded, Gu Ying suddenly chuckled lightly, "Yes, Mother treated you like her own daughter. So how could you bear to harm her?"

 Chapter 438: Gu Ying, you die

    <h4>Chapter 438</h4>


    Shen Ruxu''s face stiffened, staring at her like she had seen a ghost, and quickly nced at Zhao Hui before flusteredly defending, "What nonsense are you spewing! You''re the murderer!"


    Zhao Hui''s brows furrowed, gazing at Ye Zhuojiang''s busy back with irritation and anxiety.


    Gu Ying raised the corners of her lips and walked to Yin Lan''s side, taking the handkerchief out of her mouth, "Jiangjiang, how is my mother''s poison?"


    Ye Zhuojiang smirked and said in a raised voice, "A small matter!"


    Upon hearing this, the situation in the room suddenly shifted.


    After all, in Shen Ruxu''s words, Mrs. Lin''s poison had reached her internal organs, with absolutely no chance of recovery.


    Zhao Hui was startled, just as he saw Ye Zhuojiang stuff a pill that had been prepared in advance into Mrs. Lin''s mouth. He then stretched out two slender fingers to pinch her throat, deftly shoving the pill down.


    In less than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the pallor on Mrs. Lin''s face regained some color.


    Zhao Hui narrowed his eyes, looking suspiciously at Shen Ruxu, and asked meaningfully, "Ruxu, didn''t you say this poison has no antidote?"


    Shen Ruxu''s body stiffened, chilled by Zhao Hui''s icy tone. Goosebumps instantly appeared on her back as a sense of coldness swiftly crawled up her shoulders. She stammered, "Foster father..."


    "You''d better give me a good exnation!"


    Shen Ruxu''s heart sank.


    Zhao Hui didn''t even bother listening to Shen Ruxu''s mumbling exnations. He held Mrs. Lin in his arms, gently caressing her face with distress, "Ayu, how are you feeling?"


    Ye Zhuojiang raised his brows slightly. "My lord, you should hurry and have thedy rest in bed. She was poisoned by Xiong Feather, an extremely vicious toxin. If not for my genius, I''m afraid she would undoubtedly be dead by now."


    Zhao Hui didn''t dare linger any longer. He carefully carried his wife to the bedroom.


    Only after that did he emerge with a cold face and ask in a low voice, "What exactly happened today? Ruxu, why were you unwilling to give the antidote to your mother?"


    In his eyes, Ye Zhuojiang was nothing more than a snotty-nosed brat.


    If even he could cure a poison that Shen Ruxu imed had no remedy, then he had lived all these years in vain if there was no foul y involved!


    Panic shed across Shen Ruxu''s eyes. She tightened her throat and said, "My medical skills are limited, I really am powerless..."


    "Is this poison so difficult?" Ye Zhuojiang said disdainfully with a smirk. "It seems to me that Miss Shen deliberately did not want to cure the national princess."


    Shen Ruxu''s heart thumped wildly in fright. She retorted with a dark expression, "She raised me from childhood, how could I watch her die?"


    Ye Zhuojiang smiled slightly. "Then you should give the national duke a proper exnation!"


    Shen Ruxu furrowed her brows and looked at Zhao Hui red-eyed, "Foster father, I truly do not have the ability to cure this poison. This drug seals the throat on contact, there is no antidote!"


    Upon hearing this ridiculous exnation, Gu Ying scoffed. "Father, Miss Shen is right. Xiong Feather is an extremely rare poison that only one person in Bianjing can make."


    Zhao Hui dangerously narrowed his long eyes. In their dark and deep depths, chilling intent permeated. "Oh? Who can make it?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head innocently. "Miss Shen, would you do the honors?"


    Zhao Hui''s gaze slowly shifted until itnded on Shen Ruxu, whoseplexion had be deathly pale. He had a bad premonition.


    Shen Ruxu licked her lip corners nervously, suddenly recalling something. She urgently said, "Foster father, this poison... is indeed mine... but Yin Lan took it from me, saying she wanted to deal with Yanzhi. At the time, I was momentarily soft-hearted and gave it to her. I didn''t expect she would put it in my mother''s food. It''s clear she was following Miss Gu''s orders!"


    "What Miss Shen says sounds odd," said Yin Lan, covering her swollen cheeks with an innocent look in her eyes. "Why would I want to harm Yanzhi?"


    Shen Ruxu furrowed her brows tightly. "You¡ª Yanzhi is already dead, yet you still dare to equivocate?"


    Yin Lanughed. "My lord, I did not equivocate. Yanzhi is still alive and well."


    As she spoke, Yanzhi appeared at the door, safe and sound. She blinked nkly a few times. "Huh, what''s going on? Miss Shen, how can you say I''m already dead when I merely had a cold these past few days?"


    Shen Ruxu was stunned again.


    Yin Lan continued, "Yanzhi is like a sister to me, how could I harm her? Miss Shen is making baseless usations to tarnish my reputation. Also, I never asked you for any kind of poison, never. Please present evidence of your allegations against me and mydy."


    Right on cue, Yanzhi stepped forward with a charming smile. "That''s right, why would Sister Yin Lan poison me? She nearly died in Yueyang because of you, so how could she interact with you and ask for your poisons? Miss Shen, you may want to revise your lies."


    Zhao Hui looked sharply at Shen Ruxu. Before Shen Ruxu could make sense of the situation unfolding before her eyes, his murderous gaze made her jump in fright.


    She was rendered speechless as her face paled, a buzzing sound ringing in her head.


    Only now did she realize she had been calcted against.


    Her chest heaved violently. She looked at Gu Ying''s calm andposed expression in disbelief. "It was you...you did this on purpose?"


    Gu Ying''s brow arched slightly. "I don''t understand Miss Shen''s words."


    Her eyes darkened as she continued coldly, "Father, Shen Ruxu harbored malicious intentions, even daring to brazenly poison the national princess in an attempt on her life. This is an egregious crime, and by my view, we ought to hand her over to the Bianjing government to be investigated."


    "I...I didn''t! Please no!" Shen Ruxu had a criminal record. It was Princess Lin who had previously pleaded with the crown prince to cover it up. If she were now handed to the authorities, her earlier homicide would be exposed. She was utterly afraid. Kneeling on the ground, she hugged Zhao Hui''s legs and looked up weeping, "Foster father, I did not poison Mother. Please believe me, don''t send me to the officials! I beg you! Spare me!"


    Zhao Hui had navigated the bureaucratic arena for many years. Shen Ruxu''s petty tricks could not escape his discerning eyes.


    He was just deeply disappointed and felt anguish for Mrs. Lin.


    She was such a kind and gentle woman, yet she was plotted against by the very child she had raised with her own hands. As if the plotting wasn''t bad enough, this ungrateful girl even dared to poison her mother with Xiong Feather, a poison that sealed the throat on contact...


    Keeping someone so malicious in the manor would only invite more disaster.


    And he had never been a good man to begin with. Anyone who dared harm his Ayu would not get off easy.


    Zhao Hui let out a coldugh. Thest shred of patience in his eyes was exhausted. "From this day forth, this Shen person is no longer associated with the national manor! Men, tie her up and discipline her ording to housew before sending her to the authorities!"


    The blood drained from Shen Ruxu''s face instantly, her body going limp like mud on the ground.


    This was the national manor, the seat of power in Bianjing.


    Once she was handed to the Bianjing authorities, she would forfeit any chance of seeing daylight again...


    Trembling, she looked towards Gu Ying, no longer hiding the hatred in her eyes.


    "Ahhh¡ªGu Ying, go die!"

 Chapter 439: Still pleading for Her

    <h4>Chapter 439</h4>


    She screamed and crawled up from the ground, rushing towards Gu Ying. In the blink of an eye, Ye Zhuojiang swept her legs and kicked her to the ground.


    Shen Ruxu covered her chest and spit out a mouthful of blood.


    Ye Zhuojiang was still blocking Gu Ying, asking cordially, "Ying, are you alright? How was uncle''s kick? Was it cool? Was it handsome?"


    "How could you be so careless? This woman is a poisonous snake. Who knows when she will crawl up and bite you. You''d better stay away from her."


    Zhuojiang chatted in her ear. Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Zhuojiang is really impressive."


    Ye Zhuojiang was a little embarrassed. "Then I''ll go see your mother first. Come overter."


    Gu Ying nodded. "Okay."


    The guards of the Duke''s residence came up. They were all experts in dealing with shrews. They first broke Shen Ruxu''s arm bones, then tied her up and carried her.


    Gu Ying walked to her and smiled faintly, "Finally tasted the feeling of being silenced and falling to hell forever. How is it?"


    Shen Ruxu''s face was twisted in pain. She turned her head and sneered through gritted teeth, "I wille back to kill you."


    Gu Ying chuckled softly, "Tell me where Jiang Yin is, and I''ll consider letting you off."


    Shen Ruxu said, "You wish."


    Gu Ying leisurely looked at her wretched little face, "You don''t have to say it now, but after tonight, it will be beyond your control."


    At first, Shen Ruxu didn''t understand Gu Ying''s words.


    It wasn''t until she was tortured in the private prison of the Duke''s residence that she understood why Gu Ying was so indifferent. It turned out that the Prince''s people had been guarding her all along.


    She knew about her n.


    She even gave her a push in secret.


    She could have killed her directly, but she didn''t. She went through so much trouble to make sure Mrs. Lin wouldpletely lose hope in her and stop pleading for her.


    From the moment she poisoned Mrs. Lin''s food, she hadpletely lost Mrs. Lin''s protection.


    She had no mother anymore...


    No one in this world would be as kind to her as Mrs. Lin.


    Shen Ruxu was heartbroken and full of regret, wishing she could spit blood!


    After that, she was locked up in prison. The old case was also brought up.


    The yamen extradited her to the Ministry of Justice, which directly sentenced her to death.


    Since then, she had been trapped in prison, unable to live or die.


    ...


    Gu Ying kept vigil at Mrs. Lin''s bedside for a day and night.


    On the second day in the evening, Mrs. Lin finally woke up slowly.


    There was a spittoon, a silver basin, towels, etc. beside the bed. The room was filled with a strong smell of medicine and was very quiet. asionally one could hear the sound of the willow leaves gently brushed by the breeze outside the window.


    The room was stuffy with arge piece of ice in the center.


    A refreshing coolness emanated from the ice.


    Seeing Mrs. Lin open her eyes, Gu Ying quickly asked Yin to bring over the warm medicinal soup.


    She held it in her bare palm, stirred it with a spoon for a while, and felt that the temperature was right before scooping up a spoonful and bringing it to Mrs. Lin''s lips. "You''re finally awake. Mother, take your medicine first."


    Mrs. Lin leaned against the gold silk pillow and slowly drank a sip, then raised her wet longshes to look at the person beside her, and said guiltily, "Ying, why are you taking care of me when you''re pregnant? Let the maids do it."


    Gu Ying said, "It''s fine, I''m not tired."


    Mrs. Lin was silent for a while, with a pain in her heart.


    Seeing her red eyes and tears brimming in her eyes, Gu Ying sighed, "Mother is not going to speak for Miss Shen anymore, is she?"


    Tears slid down Mrs. Lin''s eyes as her heart seemed to be cruelly squeezed.


    "I just didn''t expect..."


    Gu Ying persuaded her for fear that she would overthink, "What''s done is done. Mother should treat her as if she never had this adopted daughter from now on. In the future, there is still me and the Prince who will be filial to you. You won''t miss her. What''s more, Niangbao will be born in a month or two. Let little Niangbao apany you every day then."


    Hearing this, Mrs. Lin''s tears flowed more, feeling more sad and heartbroken.


    The feelings she had for Shen Ruxu were perhaps deeper than those for Du. She never imagined that this child would give her life-threatening poison.


    Thinking of this, she suddenly remembered and looked at Gu Ying in astonishment, "How did Lord Ye cure the poison of the beak of the Mandarin duck that seals the throat on sight of blood?"


    Gu Ying looked calm and naturally fed the medicine into Mrs. Lin''s mouth, "It''s true that Yin got the medicine in advance, so I had Zhuojiang check the properties and reduce the toxicity, and prepared the antidote, before letting Mother take it."


    Mrs. Lin swallowed the soup dumbfoundedly, "So..."


    Her daughter-inw clearly knew someone wanted to poison her, but not only didn''t stop her, but also helped reduce the toxicity and deliberately watched Shen Ruxu put it in her candied fruit?


    Gu Ying said embarrassedly, "So Shen Ruxu had wanted to kill Mother for more than a day or two. Wanting to frame me was also her premeditated n. If I didn''t do this, would Mother believe me? I was afraid thatter Shen Ruxu would quibble and Mother would be soft-hearted again."


    If she hadn''t seen through Shen Ruxu''s plot early on, I''m afraid she would have made her move after the Prince came back.


    She would have created the illusion that she poisoned her mother-inw, in order to alienate her rtionship with the Prince.


    Mrs. Lin would have died, and the Prince would have misunderstood.


    She would have lost her reputation.


    Mrs. Lin''s throat tightened. She also felt that she had no right to me Gu Ying. "Then... what about her now?"


    Gu Ying smiled slightly, "Tortured and sentenced by Father."


    Mrs. Lin felt sour and unbearable in her heart with red eyes.


    Just as Gu Ying thought she was going to speak for Shen Ruxu again, she suddenly heard her say bitterly, "She killed her husband and mother-inw before. I thought she was bullied by her husband''s family and had a hard time, so I felt sorry for her and begged Du to cover it up. Now that I think about it, her nature is so vicious. With two lives in her hands, today she deserved it. Let the yamen sentence her. From today onwards, I will never sympathize with or love her again. She is no longer my daughter!"


    Mrs. Lin''s resolute appearance was rather adorably different.


    Gu Ying breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Mother should have done so earlier. She has always coveted the Prince with an impure mind and insatiable greed. Keeping such a person in the residence will sooner orter bring great trouble to the Prince."


    Mrs. Lin said worriedly, "What about now? Will it bring trouble to Du now?"


    Gu Ying smiled and said, "It won''t."


    Mrs. Lin spat, "That''s good. It''s all my fault for being deceived by her for so many years."


    Gu Ying smiled, "How can Mother me herself? me only her for acting too well."


    Mrs. Lin quickly said, "Yes, me her, not me."


    The mother-inw and daughter-inw looked at each other and smiled, with a harmonious atmosphere.


    Mrs. Lin sighed slightly and held Gu Ying''s cold little hand gently, "Ying, you don''t me Mother for her coldness towards you before, do you? Mother was just confused by that wooden que and misled by Shen Ruxu... I mean Ruxu''s whispers, so she treated you like that..."

 Chapter 440: Return to the Government to Wait for the Birth

    <h4>Chapter 440</h4>


    Gu Ying did not care and said, "I know Mother will understand sooner orter. There is no private affair between me and Jiang Yin. As a fallen top schr, how can hepare to the Eldest Prince? Even if I were blind, I still wouldn''t look up to him."


    Mrs. Lin said with feeling, "Mother believes in you and Du as well. She won''t mention this matter again in the future."


    Gu Ying smiled smugly, "That''s right, isn''t it? No matter what others say, as long as our family''s hearts are together, we will never be provoked, neither between me and Mother, nor between me and the Eldest Prince."


    A gratified smile emerged at the corners of Mrs. Lin''s lips. People, if they don''t go through the gates of hell, they won''t know how to cherish.


    Only now did she know who were the ones that treated her well.


    She swore that in the future she would treat Gu Ying well.


    ...


    After Shen Ruxu was thrown into the dungeon of the Ministry of Justice, she was sentenced to be executed in autumn.


    Before the execution, Gu Ying visited her once in the dungeon.


    Unable to withstand the torture every day, Shen Ruxu scratched at her skirt hem with a ghostly appearance, crying and begging her to spare her life.


    She said whatever Gu Ying asked, no longer having the arrogance from before.


    When Gu Ying left the dungeon, she looked back once.


    The nearly mad and foolish Shen Ruxu had her head stuck between two sturdy prison pirs, uttering eerie chuckles.


    "Hehehe, the Eldest Prince..."


    "My husband..."


    "The Eldest Prince is my husband..."


    "Husband, have youe to take me? You will always treat Ruxu well, right..."


    Gu Ying didn''t listen to what she said after that. She turned around and left the Ministry of Justice.


    A few monthster, the weather gradually turned cool.


    In mid-September, Gu Ying''s belly grew increasingly prominent, and Mrs. Lin became anxious. She ran to the Censorate every day, wanting to bring the soon-to-give-birth Gu Ying back to the Duke''s Residence.


    Neither Qin nor Gu Shuang wanted Gu Ying to leave.


    But Shen Ruxu was already dead. She really couldn''t stand Mrs. Lin''s pleas, and she couldn''t keep someone else''s daughter-inw indefinitely.


    Even if she was unwilling, in the end she had no choice but to prepare the best carriage and get everything ready for her confinement, before sending Gu Ying back to Changfeng Pavilion.


    It took busy preparations of three to five days before it was done.


    To put her mind at ease, Qin made ns with Mrs. Lin to stay at the Duke''s Residence for a few days until after Gu Ying gave birth before returning.


    Knowing that Qin cared deeply for Gu Ying, Mrs. Lin agreed.


    Thus, people moved in droves from the Censorate to the Duke''s Residence.


    After finally sending everyone away, Gu Ying rxed and propped up her lower back, sitting on the edge of the bed, staring nkly at her belly. "Seeing how nervous Mother and Auntie were, it made me feel uneasy too. Is the first birth really that painful?"


    Yanzhi went to boil hot water while Yin Lan served her, smiling as she took off her outer robe and hung it on the rosewood hanger. "Mydy, rx. The midwife doctor is waiting at Changfeng Pavilion. It won''t be too painfulter. Even if it hurts, just grit your teeth and it''ll pass. Every woman goes through this."


    Gu Ying recalled how Jiang Yin''s women had cried for their fathers and yelled for their mothers when giving birth, struggling between life and death.


    There were also those who didn''t make it out, hemorrhaging greatly with a dead fetus in the belly.


    The more she thought about it, the more afraid she became.


    Seeing that the day of confinement was approaching, everyone serving at Changfeng Pavilion was on high alert, careful and prudent, not daring to make the slightest mistake.


    The heavier Gu Ying''s body became, the more ufortable her waist felt. Fortunately, after taking Young Master Jiang''s medicine, her head didn''t hurt anymore. Only her hands and feet were somewhat swollen.


    Although it was much betterpared to other pregnant women.


    But there was no denying that she had gained some weight.


    "I just don''t know when the Eldest Prince will return to Bianjing to apany mydy. It''s been so long without any news of the Eldest Prince. I wonder if something happened at the front?" Yin Lan squeezed a soaked handkerchief to wipe Gu Ying''s hands. "Mydy, should I send someone to ask about it?"


    Gu Ying paused, cing her small hand on her belly, feeling the lively movements of the little one inside. A gentle smile emerged at the corners of her lips. "No need. Don''t disrupt his ns."


    Although the Eldest Prince''s letters were fewer, it wasn''t that there were none.


    In thest message, the Eldest Prince said he would lead a light cavalry to prate deep into enemy territory, cutting off their retreat, and attack the enemy from the rear with his father advancing from the front.


    So there would be a long period of time where it would be inconvenient for him to write to her.


    He gave her advance notice so that she wouldn''t worry.


    He also said to rest assured at home to give birth, and the reason he chose a surprise attack this time was to end the war as soon as possible and return to apany her.


    Counting the days, in these next few days, the Eldest Prince should also have sent a letter.


    She was not worried about the Eldest Prince, only about Jiang Yin.


    After the Shen Ruxu incident, Jiang Yin faded from her sight again.


    Although Su He secretly helped her search, they never found the person. What made her feel even more uneasy was that many high officials in Bianjing had deliberately opposed the Duke''s Residence for some unknown provocation.


    With the Eldest Prince still at the border fighting the Qiang people, some actually memorialized using the Eldest Prince of colluding with the enemy and selling out Dongli''s military intelligence to the Qiang tribe.


    If not for the mediation of the Crown Prince, the Tianqi Emperor might really have suspected the Eldest Prince.


    Court politics were treacherous, as a woman confined indoors, her hands couldn''t reach the court. She could only ask Ning Si to help more.


    Thinking of Ning Si''s days in the Eastern Pce recently.


    Gu Ying couldn''t help sighing long.


    Not long after marrying into the Eastern Pce, the Empress kept urging her to take concubines for the Crown Prince.


    Speaking of which, the Empress was very fond of Ning Si in the beginning.


    It was just that before Ning Si''s marriage, she was already pregnant out of wedlock, which inevitably caused gossip.


    Even though the Crown Prince had exined it to everyone, neither the Empress nor some of the ministers believed the child in the Crown Princess''s belly was of royal blood.


    Thus, soon after the couple married, the Empress impatiently crammed people into the Crown Prince''s Eastern Pce.


    Beauties like Li, Zhang, Wang, and more.


    Ning Si was muddleheaded, and didn''t know how to refuse. To please the Empress, she properly settled all those beauties in the Eastern Pce.


    Since marrying into the Eastern Pce, she had suffered much injustice.


    Although the Crown Prince protected her, he was ultimately a busy man handling state affairs, having to go before the Emperor every day to listen to politics. After the Tianqi Emperor granted Princess Yuan the title, he spent his days apanying her on outings, leaving state affairs for the Crown Prince to oversee. This made him even busier, with no time to pay attention to the harem.


    With Ning Si''s habit of only reporting good news and not bad, living in the pce really put her at a disadvantage.


    Yanzhi came out from the washroom, the corners of her lips curving up. "Mydy, the hot water is ready. Let me help you bathe."


    Yin Lan advised earnestly, "Young Master Jiang said mydy''s due date is either end of this month or early next month. Don''t worry. Keep your spirits up - there are still over ten days left."

 Chapter 441: The Days of the Prince are Numbered

    <h4>Chapter 441</h4>


    Gu Ying worriedly pursed her lips. "I know," she said.


    Things hade to this point, so she no longer thought too much about it. She just wanted to safely give birth to Nian Bao first, and then deal with Jiang Yin in due time.


    After bathing, Gu Ying went to bed to rest.


    After the Eldest Prince left, she had always been a light sleeper. As her belly grew bigger and bigger, she also often slept poorly. But strangely, tonight, as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.


    However,te into the night...


    The quiet Duke''s Residence was suddenly awakened by an urgent knock on the door.


    "Open the door quickly! Quickly open the door! Quickly open the door!"


    "There is an urgent report from the frontlines!!!"


    The calm in the residence was like a stone causing thousands of ripples in the water. People hurriedly litnterns in panic.


    The sounds of clothes rustling and doors opening could be heard everywhere as people got dressed and opened doors.


    Before long, the entire Duke''s Residence was brightly lit, withnterns lining the corridors like a fiery dragon.


    Hasty and chaotic footsteps ran towards the outer gate.


    As soon as the steward overseeing the back gate opened the door, he saw a little soldier covered in blood from the mountains of corpses crawl up and hold up a bloodstained military report before copsing at the doorway.


    He was so frightened that he stopped in his tracks. He quickly had people help the little soldier up and bring him into the residence, while he himself took the military report to Lingxi Pavilion to report to Zhao Hui.


    ...


    Gu Ying was awakened by the noisymotion outside her window. Her whole body was ufortable, especially with herrge belly. Sleeping had left her back aching and legs sore.


    She was too exhausted. Lying in bed, she was still a little dizzy when she woke up.


    She could vaguely hear discussing sounds from outside again. As they noticed movement inside the room, the voices gradually quieted down.


    After quite a while, she finally blearily opened her eyes and stared nkly at the golden silk canopy above her head. With great effort, she slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position on the bed. "Yin Lan?"


    It was a while before someone entered the room.


    Yin Lan lit an oilmp. There was a smile on her lips, but herplexion was rather pale.


    She looked distracted and preupied, seeming very unsettled all over.


    "Is mydy thirsty?"


    Gu Ying shook her head and said, "Help me get up. I can''t sleep, so I''ll go keep my motherpany."


    The difort in her belly was one thing, but what pained her even more were the dreams she kept having whenever she fell asleep. She dreamed of the Eldest Prince lying alone in a cold, dark coffin with closed eyes and no breath, his body covered everywhere with dark red blood.


    These dreams were very ominous, so she didn''t want to sleep anymore.


    Yin Lan froze in ce at the bedside without moving.


    Gu Ying looked at her suspiciously. "What''s happened? Why is it so bright outside?"


    Yin Lan didn''t know what to say. Her eyes swiftly turned red around the rims. Suddenly, she cried, "Mydy..."


    Seeing the mist in her eyes, Gu Ying suddenly felt a strong sense of unease in her heart.


    "What''s happened?"


    "It''s nothing..."


    "Don''t lie to me."


    "This servant..."


    Gu Ying pressed her lips tightly together. Her small hand shakingly grasped Yin Lan''s wrist to soothe her racing heart. She gritted her teeth and said firmly, "I''m going out to take a look!"


    Yin Lan didn''t dare stop her and supported Gu Ying as she walked outside.


    When Gu Ying saw the bloodstained military report, she only felt a buzzing in her head, like thunder crashing in her ears, leaving her dizzy and her vision darkening.


    Her body went limp and the world spun around her. She stumbled back a few steps, barely able to stand.


    How could this be...


    The Eldest Prince was supposed to win this brilliant battle, triumphantly return to Bianjing, dressed in finery with his mighty steed, and ept the highest admiration and worship of all the people.


    How could he have been poisoned and be at death''s door?


    "Ah Ying, don''t panic first..."


    "Ah Ying, are you alright?"


    "Ah Ying, don''t worry first. Eldest Young Master Du is probably fine. The military report could be wrong!"


    "Ah Ying! Ah Ying! Ah Ying!"


    All the voices seemed toe from very far away.


    Although countless people stood before her, it was as if she couldn''t see them. She retreated several steps, her body swaying precariously.


    She couldn''t understand at all what had happened. Her mind was a mess, and she sat dazedly in the chair, for the moment even forgetting to cry.


    Yin Lan cried as she supported Gu Ying. Qin''s eyes were also red.


    Mrs. Lin came up with red-rimmed eyes. "Ah Ying..."


    Unable to continue, she also wept uncontrobly and fainted into Zhao Hui''s arms.


    "Quick, someonee!"


    "Come, help the Madam back to her room first!"


    "Quickly go summon the doctor!"


    Chaos instantly erupted in Lingxi Pavilion.


    The surrounding scenery waspletely overturned, yet time seemed to freeze around her.


    Gu Ying''s eyes were nk and wooden. She opened her mouth, and it took her quite a while to find her voice again. "Yin Lan, did I see wrong?"


    With tears shimmering in her eyes, Yin Lan''s voice trembled. "Mydy, the Eldest Prince will be back soon..."


    Gu Ying murmured softly, "Is Ah Duing back?"


    "Yes..."


    "Then I''ll go meet him."


    As she spoke, she got up shakily from the chair and stumbled outside.


    Qin quickly said, "Why are you still standing there stunned? Go stop her!"


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi hurriedly went to catch Gu Ying.


    Together with several servant women, they finally got Gu Ying, who looked devoid of any emotion yet extremely stubborn, back to Changfeng Pavilion.


    Gu Ying felt choked in her chest, as if a huge boulder pressed down on her heart.


    It weighed her down so much she couldn''t stand up straight or breathe.


    She was pressed onto the bed by Yin Lan and the others, gasping urgently as the rims of her eyes turned inch by inch crimson. "Let me go!"


    "Mydy, don''t get agitated... You''re still pregnant..."


    "I''m going to meet Ah Du! Yin Lan, let me go!"


    "Bang!"


    Left with no other choice, Yin Lan could only knock her mistress unconscious.


    Looking at the woman lying passed out on the bed, the group of servant girls all gave each other anxious looks, their faces etched with pain.


    Yanzhi said apprehensively, "Sister Yin Lan, what should we do now... Mydy is extremely anxious and angry, what if she..."


    Looking at the mistress'' huge belly, she was incredibly worried.


    The mistress'' life was so bitter! The little Eldest Prince hadn''t even been born yet, how could this be happening!


    Yin Lan pressed her lips tightly and wiped the blurry tears from her eyes. She said quickly, "Let mydy rest well for now... The letter didn''t say the Eldest Prince was dead. It just said he was poisoned and critical. With Young Master Ye there, perhaps he can still be saved."


    Ye Zhuojiang looked young and low-key, but his medical skills were above Shen Ru and Mrs. Lin.


    The group was finally somewhat reassured.


    Yin Lan said, "All of you may leave now. Remember, absolutely do not spread news of the Eldest Prince''s injury."


    She then hurriedly ordered, "Yanzhi, go quickly and bring Young Master Ye over."


    Yanzhi''s face was extremely anxious. "Yes!"


    ...


    The Duke''s Residence was busy the entire night.


    The autumn rain fell lightly, dripping in the courtyard.


    The rain had started since midnight, persisting until early morning the next day. Mist shrouded the eaves with lingering moisture, like the haze in people''s hearts that they couldn''t shake off, heavy and damp.


    Gu Ying sat woodenly on the bed listening to Yin Lan speak.


    "The one who brought the Eldest Prince back was Young Marquis Su... I heard that the Qiang Tribe was still defeated. Old General Gu stayed at the battlefield for aftermath efforts. By imperial edict, General Gu will negotiate peace with the Qiang at Zhumu Mountain, so he probably won''t be back for some time. The Eldest Prince... was valiant and heroic in battle, with outstanding military achievements. It was just that in his final confrontation with Princess Lesu of the Qiang Tribe, he identally fell for the princess'' scheme and was thus poisoned."

 Chapter 442: The Situation is Critical

    <h4>Chapter 442</h4>


    "Now the young lord has already sent the Crown Prince into the imperial pce. After the Emperor meets him, the Crown Prince can return to the Duke''s Residence," said Yin Lan.


    "Master Ye is waiting outside. As soon as the Crown Prince returns to the residence, Master Ye will treat him. The Crown Prince will be fine," she added.


    The person on the bed remained silent, without a word or movement, yet her deep grief could be keenly felt.


    "Mydy..."


    Seeing the dazed look on her mistress''s face, Yin Lan''s words trailed off as her heart twinged slightly.


    She sped Gu Ying''s hand tightly, raised her reddened eyes, and called out to rouse her.


    It took Gu Ying a long time toe to her senses. She pulled the corners of her lips into what was supposed to be a smile but failed to form one.


    "Let Master Yee in," she said.


    "Alright."


    "I''ll wait here for the Crown Prince to return."


    "Okay..."


    "Master Ye will cure the Crown Prince. I''m fine too."


    She gave a faint smile, though it was unclear who she was trying to reassure. Her small hand propped against the pillow, yet a feeling of utter powerlessness washed over her, for reasons unknown.


    Her eyes stung badly, but she still didn''t cry.


    It wasn''t until the afternoon when Su Huanfeng sent the Crown Prince before her, escorted by over a dozen stalwart soldiers guarding him on his return to the residence.


    The downpour drenched them all thoroughly, soaking their hearts.


    When she looked up and saw the man''s refined, slender face, the dammed tears in her eyes burst forth like floodwaters.


    Her legs went weak, and she slowly went to the man''s side. As soon as her small hand covered his closed eyes, her mind grew dizzy.


    Tears plopped down on the man''s chiselled, handsome face, making his elegant, striking features look even more haggardly pale.


    "A Du..."


    She called his name tremulously between sobs.


    But no matter what, he wouldn''t wake up.


    Gu Ying''s heart constricted as her face turned deathly white.


    Frowning, Su Huanfeng stared at her grieved, pitiful back. His heart wrenched tightly. "Second sister..."


    Realizing the inappropriate address, he quickly corrected himself. "Young mistress... don''t be upset..."


    Despite her anguish, Gu Ying still had her wits.


    She moved aside to let the soldiers with them carry the Crown Prince inside. Then she turned to Su Huanfeng. "Young lord, could you please tell me in detail what happened when A Du was poisoned?"


    She had heard countless versions of the Crown Prince being poisoned before this.


    But none couldpare to Su Huanfeng, who was at the scene, in knowing more of the details.


    The Crown Prince was the God of War in Dongli, undefeated in hundreds of battles!


    How could he have suddenly been fatally poisoned on the battlefield?


    She didn''t want to hear their whitewashing. She only wanted the truth.


    Meeting her tear-reddened beautiful eyes, Su Huanfeng''s gaze fixed on her. Then it dropped to her swollen belly, and the long-repressed bitterness rose in his heart. "Alright...alright, since you want to know, I''ll tell you..."


    Her heart was racked with pain, yet Gu Ying stubbornly pursed her lips. "Thank you, Young Lord."


    With that, she turned and entered Changfeng Pavilion.


    How long had it been since hest saw her?


    Su Huanfeng thought to himself - one year, three months, and two days, four hours.


    Time had changed him a lot, while she was no longer who she was before. Still, a married woman who had be the mistress of the household was inevitably different. She had grown even more beautiful, and even more captivating.


    Su Huanfeng sped his hands behind his back, ufortably holding down the bleeding wound at his waist. His eyes were full of worry for Gu Ying.


    A Du was poisoned; she must be very upset.


    And she''s pregnant - judging by the time, she should be nearingbor...


    He stood there awkwardly outside Changfeng Pavilion, back ramrod straight, organizing his words.


    Ye Zhuojiang walked in from outside, an medicine box hanging from his shoulder. Passing through the courtyard, he cast a strange nce at Su Huanfeng. "Who are you?"


    The past year had tempered Su Huanfeng greatly in the army, making him particrlyposed.


    He straightened his expression and gave Ye Zhuojiang a salute. "This one is named Su Huanfeng."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s brow quirked slightly. Su Huanfeng?


    So he was that former fianc¨¦ of A Ying''s, the one who almost became his niece''s husband.


    He looked him over once more and reminded, "You should treat that wound as soon as possible, or else you might be left with a disability."


    The journey escorting Zhao Changdu back to Bianjing had been fraught with danger, yet Su Huanfeng hadn''t cared. "I''m fine."


    Ye Zhuojiang said, "A man''s waist shouldn''t be injured casually. If you still want to marry and have children in the future, listen to me."


    Su Huanfeng''s expression froze, at a loss how to respond.


    By then, Ye Zhuojiang had already started casually ordering the people of Changfeng Pavilion around.


    More people had gathered at the residence after Zhao Changdu''s return.


    He called Huai An over to first bring Su Huanfeng to treat his wound.


    "Young Lord,e with me."


    Huai An''s eyes were lifeless, and his own head was wrapped in bandages. His face was grave as he led Su Huanfeng towards the west wing.


    ...


    It wasn''t until nightfall that Ye Zhuojiang finally emerged from the main quarters of Changfeng Pavilion.


    All the family members of the residence had gathered inside Changfeng Pavilion and crowded around as soon as Ye Zhuojiang walked out with a solemn expression. Anxiety and worry were written on each of their faces.


    "How is A Du?"


    "Can he still be saved?"


    "What poison did A Du ingest exactly?"


    "Master Ye, say something!"


    Ye Zhuojiang pinched the bridge of his nose. "Enough. I''ve examined him and administered silver needles. You all go back first and leave A Ying here alone to care for him."


    Mrs. Lin and Qin looked anxiously at Ye Zhuojiang. "How is A Ying? She can''t copse in her condition now..."


    With tears streaming down her face, Mrs. Lin quickly chimed in agreement. "That''s right..."


    A Ying was a pregnant woman, about to give birth. If she broke down now, she would surelyck the strength to bear her child when the time came.


    By then, it wouldn''t matter if A Du survived or not - A Ying and the child would also be in grave danger.


    Right now, A Du was thest remaining heir of the Zhao family. Even if A Du couldn''t pull through...at least A Ying could still give birth to A Du''s offspring, to continue the Duke''s lineage...


    Seeing all the anxious eyes upon him, irritation rose in Ye Zhuojiang''s heart. After all, despite his years of medical practice, this was still the first time he had encountered such a thorny situation.


    "Alright, alright. Am I the doctor here or are all of you the doctors? I told you to leave first, so leave first. Don''t stand here disturbing my mood to treat and save lives."


    "Of course, of course...we''ll all listen to you."


    At this moment, even Zhao Hui had lost the bearing of a duke. He said to Ye Zhuojiang, "Whatever you need, send someone to find me. A Ying and I are staying at Lingxi Pavilion - you know this. No matter what medicine or ingredients you need, just have someone buy them!"


    "Fine, have someone first prepare a few millennium ginsengs."


    Ginseng could save lives...


    Mrs. Lin''s eyshes fluttered as more tears flowed down her cheeks. "Alright, I''ll have someone prepare them. Do you need any other medicines?"


    "No need for now. This will be enough."


    Nothing else would help.


    Ye Zhuojiang wasn''t the most even-tempered person, yet the family could do nothing butply. Mrs. Lin had also tended to A Du''s illness before, but her skills were limited in the end. Now they had to rely entirely on this eighteen-year-old youth. In the end, under Ye Zhuojiang''s urging, they could only reluctantly leave Changfeng Pavilion, looking back every three steps.

 Chapter 443: He’s So Mean

    <h4>Chapter 443</h4>


    After everyone had left, traces of ghastly paleness finally appeared on Ye Zhuojiang and Junyi''s cheeks.


    He called Su Huanfeng and Huai An, who had been waiting outside, and walked into the inner room.


    There were not many people in the room. Apart from Zhao Changdu and Gu Ying, there were only Yin Lan and Yanzhi, two confidants.


    No one spoke. Gu Ying sat quietly by the bed.


    A blue grass gauzemp burned on the table, its dim halo enveloping the woman''s delicate little face like white jade. Her long lush eyshes cast two strips of gentle shadows under her eyes, and her soft profile was smooth and tender, with two dried tear trails that made her look somehow helpless and fragile, gentle and stubborn at the same time, pitiful at first sight.


    The whole room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    Gu Ying had been holding the unconscious prince''s icy hand. Hearing Ye Zhuojiang and the otherse in, she slowly turned around.


    "Young Lord Hou, Huai An, please sit down."


    Two chairs were ced in front of Gu Ying.


    Su Huanfeng and Huai An walked over to the woman and sat down, unconsciously raising their eyes and pressing their lips into a pained line as they met Gu Ying''s dark and profound gaze.


    Huai An said, "Mydy..."


    Gu Ying closed her eyes, suppressed the mist in them, and spoke directly, "I know what kind of general the prince is, so I believe he would never make a rash, reckless decision just to gain quick sess... What exactly happened...that made him ride alone and deep into enemy territory?"


    Her voice choked with sobs. She took a deep breath, the corners of her mouth trembling, "with only himself?"


    Su Huanfeng was silent for a moment.


    Speaking of this... he also found it strange.


    After he went to the border, he had been learning under Lord Guogong.


    Later, when the war between Dong Li and the Qiang Tribe broke out, Lord Guogong fell seriously ill, so he was taken under Zhao''s army, under Zhao Changdu''smand.


    In this battle, he was exceptionally brave and performed outstandingly, killing no less than a thousand enemies.


    He was exceptionally promoted to General of the Left by Zhao Changdu, to be kept by his side and fight alongside him.


    So in theter stages of this war, he had always been with Zhao Changdu. Even the n for the five hundred light cavalry to prate deep behind enemy lines, he had taken part in.


    Zhao Changdu was a born general who fought like a demon, moving as swift as lightning.


    Five hundred men... five hundred men!


    It only took six days, traveling over a thousand li.


    Using the tactic of living off thend, he stormed through the Qiang Tribe King''s court straight to Huanglong, beheading Prince Talmu, brother of Princess Lesu, and capturing Yanling, the suprememander of the Qiang Tribe this time. The vanguard led by General Gu took advantage of the victory to pursue the attack, and the Qiang Tribe was thrown intoplete disarray, retreating defeat after defeat.


    The Qiang Tribe''s defeat was almost a foregone conclusion.


    Only that night, after they returned from the left side of Zhumu Mountain to Licheng for thest time, and set up camp at Yitiantian Valley, Zhao Changdu left the camp alone on horseback in the dark of night.


    No one knew where he went or who he met.


    It was only when they found him that he was lying unconscious by Moon Lake, barely breathing.


    No one had expected that such an exquisite ambush would end up in total chaos because themander-in-chief was poisoned.


    Fortunately, the Qiang Tribe was badly weakened, and there was General Gu guarding them that they avoided the Qiang Tribe rising again from the ashes.


    But where did Lord Zhao go and who did he meet that night, and how was he poisoned, still remains a mystery.


    The two men''s silence caused Gu Ying''s chest to throb with dull pain. "Why aren''t you talking?"


    Huai An pursed his lips. "Mydy, your subordinate did not go with my lord that day... so your subordinate does not know what happened either... I only know that before he left, my lord received a letter. After reading it, my lord took his cloak and told us not to follow him. He went out alone with his sword."


    "What letter?"


    "Your subordinate does not know either. After my lord read it, he threw it directly into the firece and burned it to ashes."


    "..."


    Gu Ying shifted her hopeful gaze to Su Huanfeng.


    Su Huanfeng''s throat tightened slightly. "After our five hundred menunched a surprise attack, we set up camp at Yitiantian Valley. It was that night that Changdu left the camp alone on horseback... We found him by Moon Lake."


    Gu Ying''s mind raced. "Moon Lake is Qiang Tribe territory."


    Su Huanfeng said, "That''s right. Princess Lesu was stationed there with her men. That princess seemed to have taken a liking to Changdu... Even during the war between the two armies, she still tried to pass information to Changdu through some insiders..."


    Gu Ying frowned, trying her best to recall everything about Princess Lesu in her mind.


    She remembered!


    It seemed that in her previous life, after being defeated, it was her who returned to Bianjing with the prince to seek peace through marriage!


    Her intended husband was originally His Highness Prince Shu, but the proud princess disliked the prince and instead fancied the prince.


    Unfortunately, the prince was already engaged to Huo Qixian at that time, so Princess Lesu had to settle for second best - she wanted to be the prince''s concubine!


    But in this life, Princess Lesu and the prince did not have much contact. The only person who could have cooperated with Princess Lesu and lured the prince into a trap alone was one person¡ª


    The two words "Jiang Yin" suddenly appeared in her mind.


    Gu Ying suddenly clenched her fists tightly, her face deathly pale, but her eyes were blood red. "It may have been him..."


    Su Huanfeng wondered, "Who?"


    Leaning against a bed post with his arms crossed, Ye Zhuojiang said expressionlessly, "If my guess is not wrong, it''s Jiang Yin."


    Huai An frowned. "Jiang Yin? Isn''t he dead?"


    Ye Zhuojiang hooked up the corners of his mouth slightly, his smile not reaching his eyes. "You guys still don''t know, do you? This man is alive again. He even showed up in Bianjing. He''s like a ster that just won''te off, no matter how hard you try to shake him."


    While Ye Zhuojiang was breezy about it, a storm seemed to surge in Gu Ying''s heart.


    She suddenly turned her face to look with astonishment and doubt at the unconscious man lying on the bed. Her mind was thrown intoplete chaos in an instant.


    The wise and martial prince could not possibly have been plotted against so easily.


    Unless... that man had used her secret to exchange for it.


    The prince could keep calm about anything except her... He regarded her as his soft spot.


    It was precisely this point that Jiang Yin took advantage of... to lure the prince and set traps to kill him...


    But with the prince''s superior martial arts, how could a nearly crippled person like Jiang Yin be his match?


    Thinking hard about it, there could only be one reason...


    That could only exin the prince suddenly losing all reason in rage...


    Other than her disgraceful past and rebirth... nothing else could make the prince lose his reason like that.


    Thinking of this, Gu Ying felt as if an iron mp was choking her throat. She barely straightened up, her whole body seemed to have turned into a stone statue.


    Jiang Yin was too clever. While Su He was looking for him all over the world, he secretly went beyond the frontier.


    While she was being vignt day and night, he actually told the prince everything... broke through the prince''s psychological defenses, and tried to harm the prince!


    How could he be so vicious!


    Life had started over again. She had already given up on him, didn''t like him anymore, and would not block his eyes by marrying him again!


    Why did he still want to destroy everything she now had!


    She was clearly the victim. On what basis should she be treated like this!

 Chapter 444: Folk Recipes

    <h4>Chapter 444</h4>


    She wanted to cry but had no more tears left, her eyes gradually bing sad, as she turned her face to the side. Innumerable bitter and sour feelings surged up from her heart...


    She slowly traced the Eldest Prince''s handsome eyebrows with her eyes, yet her heart was as cold and dead as a deste wastnd...


    How much she loved the Eldest Prince! But what could she do?


    When the Eldest Prince woke up, he would definitely loathe her right?


    Gu Ying looked up, forcing back the surging tears in her eyes. The more she didn''t want to cry, the more the tears kept flowing without stop.


    She had already prepared for the worst. Exhausted, she covered her aching and tight heart, slowly letting go of the man''s big hand in her palm.


    Su Huanfeng and Huai An looked at the woman puzzled, not understanding.


    Gu Ying''s voice was hoarse and powerless. "You guys go out first... Let me calm down for a while, okay?"


    Su Huanfeng didn''t know what had happened. Just seeing the woman''s tearful red eyes, he felt heartache. "Young Madam... The Eldest Prince will definitely be alright. You must take care of yourself."


    "Young Master, walk slowly..."


    "I..."


    "Jiangjiang, send them out for me..."


    Behind her was some rustling noise. After a while, in the huge room, only Gu Ying was left.


    She stared nkly at the Eldest Prince''s side.


    Even unconscious, the man''s appearance was still coldly noble and aloof.


    Especially that devilishly handsome side profile and sword-like eyebrows, it made people''s hearts race just looking.


    She wanted to reach out and touch his straight nose, but shrank back in fear, suddenly somewhat flustered and ashamed...


    Someone like her, it was already a blessing to marry him. And now, all her ugly sides were exposed.


    How could she defile his body, so clean and righteous?


    "Ah Ying..."


    After sending the people out, Ye Zhuojiang came in, heavily sighing at the sight of Gu Ying''s dejected back.


    Gu Ying clenched her fists, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes with her sleeve. With a lightugh and sigh, she said, "Why are you sighing at such a young age?"


    Ye Zhuojiang pulled over a chair and sat down in front of Gu Ying, gazing intently into her reddened eyes. His tone was serious, "Ah Ying, there were other people here earlier, so I didn''t say some things."


    Gu Ying lifted her eyes, a glimmer of hope appearing. "Is it about a way to detoxify him?"


    Ye Zhuojiang nodded, knitting his brows. "The silver needles I just gave the Eldest Prince can only temporarily stop the poison from spreading in his meridians. But as I told you before... The poison he was afflicted with came from beyond the border, extremely vicious. Also, the toxicity has already spread through his meridians to his whole body. On the road back to Bianjing from the border, no one could detoxify him. After such a long time... The poison can no longer be controlled. Even if we want to eliminate the toxins, it won''t be simple. Moreover, medicine is slow,pletely unable to catch up to the speed of the toxicity spreading in his body."


    The smile froze on Gu Ying''s lips. Her eyes shed with panic, and mist immediately filled her entire eyes. "Jiangjiang, you must save him!"


    Ye Zhuojiang saw Gu Ying''s panic clearly.


    This kind of thing would be unbearable for any woman.


    He bit his lip. "Of course I will save him. He''s your husband and your child''s father. If I don''t save him, what will you and the child do in the future?"


    Gu Ying''s tightly clutched heart loosened a little. She looked at him eagerly, hope in her eyes. "So you have a way right?"


    "I..." Ye Zhuojiang hesitated to continue. The darkness in his eyes billowed like ck fog, making it difficult to breathe. "I once learned a certain unorthodox method... Do you want to try it?"


    "What unorthodox method?"


    "A fast detoxification method, using human blood to rece the poisoned blood..."


    Hearing this, Gu Ying''s whole body went cold. The blood drained from her face instantly. "What do you mean?"


    Ye Zhuojiang didn''t dare meet Gu Ying''s eyes. He said solemnly, "The literal meaning - using one life to save another life. This method isn''tmonly used... I''ve only tried it on animals... I don''t know if it will work on humans... But we have no other way now. In any case, this unorthodox method is still a method... The Eldest Prince is already like this, desperate times call for desperate measures. Moreover, the Eldest Prince can''t hold out for many more days... We should make preparations early."


    But Gu Ying said, "For the blood recement method, does it require a specific person''s blood, or can anyone''s blood be used?"


    Ye Zhuojiang said, "It''s best if it can fuse with the Eldest Prince''s blood. I''ve done experiments before... If the blood isn''tpatible, the consequences will be even more severe after the transfusion."


    Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat. For a moment she didn''t speak, and her previously straight back gradually bent down.


    Her blood was the mostpatible with the Eldest Prince''s... To save the Eldest Prince, the best method was herself.


    Outside the window the night was pitch ck like ink, heavy and boundless, not letting out a shred of light. Along the corridor hung several papernterns, shrouded in faint yellow light in the continuous autumn rain, like thick fog making it difficult to breathe.


    Ye Zhuojiang saidpassionately, "Ah Ying, don''t be like this..."


    Gu Ying''s tear-filled eyes gazed blurrily at the Eldest Prince''s handsome face. She finally understood why Jiang Yin could have directly stabbed the Eldest Prince to death, yet chose to leave him with a thread of life.


    He was an observer, setting up this chess game to see her choose between the Eldest Prince and her child.


    Gu Yingughed bitterly through her fury, tears flowing even more in her eyes.


    In her past life, he had already loathed the child in her belly. After just over a month, he couldn''t wait to make her drink abortion medicine.


    This life, it was still this child.


    Yet he used another cruel method to kill him!


    Jiang Yin, that heartless monster!


    She had already chosen to escape from his side, so why wouldn''t he let her and the child go!


    Gu Ying''s whole body trembled. Her fingers dug deeply into her palms until fresh blood seeped out, yet she didn''t notice at all.


    Ye Zhuojiang said in a deep tone, "Ah Ying, we still have three days to make a decision... No matter what, after three days we should try... Otherwise the Eldest Prince really won''t make it."


    Before leaving, he patted Gu Ying''s shoulder, his tone heavy. "Ah Ying, I hope you and the child live well..."


    Gu Ying didn''t move. She sat stiffly in front of the bed, tears once again blurring her eyes.


    ...


    Layer uponyer of autumn rain brought chill. Inside and outside the Changfeng Pavilion was deste silence.


    None of the serving maids and servants dared speak loudly. From time to time footsteps sounded, only Yin Lan carrying a crimson tter to send meals to Gu Ying''s room.


    The sound of rain dripped drop by drop onto the rockery outside the window. A night of wind and rain, the banana trees were broken and tattered.


    Gu Ying kept vigil at the Eldest Prince''s bedside, not sleeping the entire night.


    She had flipped through all the medical books, but still couldn''t find a good detoxification method.


    The only way was Jiangjiang''s unorthodox method.


    She had no appetite at all and couldn''t eat anything.


    Early next morning, Ye Zhuojiang had all the people in the residencee to the Changfeng Pavilion to test their bloodpatibility with the Eldest Prince.


    With so many people in Bianjing, there must be quite a few whose blood waspatible with the Eldest Prince''s. But with so many people... How long would she have to test?

 Chapter 445: Princess Lesu

    <h4>Chapter 445</h4>


    Ye Zhuojiang was filled with anxiety as he watched peopleing and going. After all, Zhao Prince had already fallen into aa, and if they kept trying his blood like this... He might die from excessive blood loss before they found someone whose blood matched best with his.


    "Miss Ying... I think... we should stop for now... Let Zhao Prince rest for a bit..."


    People came and left in the courtyard. Gu Ying expressionlessly nodded slightly, personally taking gauze to wrap Zhao Prince''s wound.


    She couldn''t bear to let Adu hurt so much either. That sturdy arm was cut until it turned dark green... If they kept letting blood like this, even the Prince wouldn''t be able to stand it.


    She sighed despondently. It seemed there was no sign of things taking a turn for the better.


    "We''ll find it," Ye Zhuojiangforted. "The Zhao n members have alsoe, it will be easier to find suitable blood between close rtives."


    Gu Ying nodded lightly, too exhausted to speak.


    Just then, Yanzhi quickly walked over and handed her a note, "Mistress, this was sent from the gatekeeper, saying a young man wants to see you."


    Gu Ying''s temple throbbed slightly. "Let me see."


    Yanzhi handed it over. "Here, Mistress."


    Gu Ying read the note. It said the person had the antidote, but would only disclose it after meeting her.


    Ye Zhuojiang felt it was a scam. "Miss Ying must not go."


    Gu Ying''s slender eyebrows furrowed slightly. At the moment there was no other way. For Zhao Prince''s sake, even if it was through mountains of daggers and seas of mes, she had to give it a try.


    "Yin Lan, ready the carriage."


    Ye Zhuojiang was helpless. He also knew Ying was grasping at straws in her desperation.


    But the Prince''s poison really couldn''t wait much longer...


    He paced back and forth anxiously, snatching the whip from Yin Lan''s hand. "Fine, I''ll escort Miss Ying there."


    ...


    At the teahouse.


    In the private room, there only sat an elegant and refined-looking young man.


    Behind Gu Ying, however, was arge group of maids and servants as guards. It made her side seem somewhat pretentious.


    "You came?"


    The youth was holding a Yueqing ceramic teacup, and looked up.


    Gu Ying raised her eyebrows slightly, nced over indifferently, sizing him up. She saw his small face was exquisite, his skin fair, with two piercings on his earlobes. She instantly knew this person''s identity.


    "So the youngdy is the famous Princess Le Su."


    The corner of the youth''s mouth curled up, revealing two shallow dimples. His bright eyes swiftly looked towards Gu Ying.


    "So you are General Zhao''s wife. Seeing really is believing." There was a rare amazed look in Le Su''s eyes. Her tone was flippant. "You''re so beautiful, even more beautiful than I heard. No wonder General Zhao married you!"


    Herpliment made Gu Ying ufortable. She disliked this Le Su even more. "The Princess and I aren''t close."


    "Aren''t we getting acquainted today?" She enthusiastically stretched out her fair hand. "I''m Le Su, pleased to meet you."


    "I''d advise the Princess not to be too pleased too soon."


    "Is Madam hostile towards me?"


    "Why else?"


    "Why can''t we be friends?"


    The girl from the grasnds had a kind of refreshing straightforwardness.


    But Gu Ying felt the girl before her was detestable. "The Princess is thinking too much. We won''t ever be friends in this lifetime."


    "Isn''t Madam speaking too soon? Who knows¡ª" She blinked coquettishly, ncing at Gu Ying''s haggard face and Ye Zhuojiang''s arrogant handsome one. "One day, we might even be sisters in the Zhao Country mansion."


    "That definitely won''t happen. I believe my husband won''t like a girl like the Princess."


    She wasn''t moving too well, so Ye Zhuojiang supported her to sit opposite Le Su.


    Le Su taunted, "How do you know he won''t like me?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were cold. "Because I''m his wife."


    The "husband" made Le Su ufortable. The corner of her mouth stiffened before smiling again.


    When Zhao Changdu first went to the bordends at fifteen, she had already seen him from her father''s horseback.


    Her father was the man she admired most. Yet Zhao Changdu was only fifteen, but could shoot her father off his horse with one arrow.


    That maddened look of his, like a wolf cub of the grasnds.


    In an instant he had captured her heart.


    She watched helplessly as he rode away from her father''s formation. His temperament and unrestrained casual air were enchanting. Her heart thumped rapidly.


    She was still young then and didn''t understand what liking someone meant. Only when she grew upter did she realize why she would often throw away a princess''s propriety these ten years, disguising herself to sneak into the Dongli Army to see him.


    The closer she got, the more her heart stirred, the more she wanted him.


    It was a pity thatst year when he returned to Bian Capital to give military reports, he actually married a wife behind her back.


    When she heard the news, she shook with anger for days on end, refusing to eat or drink, falling seriously ill. Fortunately she soon calmed down again. It was just a nobleman''s daughter who seldom stepped out. How could shepare to her, a princess of the grasnds?


    One day, she would definitely snatch Zhao Changdu back from that young noblewoman.


    Later, she heard from Jiang Yin that the noble youngdy turned out to be a slut who had slept with thousands. How could such a cheap, filthy woman deserve General Zhao?


    That night at Moon Lake, after General Zhao learned of this, his always proud and cold handsome face without the slightest ripple of emotion cracked. Fury roiled in his brows and eyes, malicious qi seethed.


    An enraged man even more exceptionally handsome. It was a pity that by then she had already set poison all around them. Otherwise she could have witnessed his mad look - it must have been quite stimting.


    She cradled her face in both hands and tilted her head, revealing a naive girlish posture. She murmured, "Yes I poisoned him, and made him spend a night with me by Moon Lake... Now, do you think I''m qualified to marry him?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed dangerously, her fingers curling slightly.


    Le Su sized up Gu Ying''s pretendedposure. She curled her lips again, a shy look surfacing on her cheek. "He has defiled me as a great general. At such a critical juncture of peace talks between both countries, I presume your emperor wouldn''t watch idly as the peace-bond Princess dies in Bian Capital right? For General Zhao''s sake, this princess is even willing to sacrifice her life."


    She was resorting to threatening with her life.

 Chapter 446: I want her dead, too.

    <h4>Chapter 446</h4>


    Gu Ying suppressed the surging anger in her heart, and a cold gleam shed across her eyes, "Since the princess is so eager to marry the Eldest Prince, she surely wouldn''t want to see him be a corpse, right?"


    Le Su smiled charmingly, "Naturally, this princess will certainly save him."


    "However-" She changed the direction of her words, her gaze falling on Gu Ying''s belly, "This princess still wants you to die first."


    Ye Zhuojiang could not hold back anymore, "What nonsense are you spewing! Do you even know how to speak properly? If not, this gentleman will teach you!"


    Gu Ying raised her hand to stop the furious Ye Zhuojiang. Her little face was indifferent, "What must you do to hand over the antidote?"


    "There is no antidote." Le Su said matter-of-factly, "I came today to inform you on another person''s behalf that there is only one way to save General Zhao. You must use your blood to exchange for his."


    Ye Zhuojiang''s eyes were about to split open in anger, "I knew it!"


    Gu Ying''s heart lurched, but she did not believe it, "Why should I trust you?"


    Le Su said, "That person said that a long time ago, he had nted a gu worm called Lovesickness Gu in your body. This gu worm dwells in one''s blood vessels. The poison he was afflicted with shares the same origin as the Lovesickness Gu. After years of incubation, your blood has be the antidote to his poison. Have you been feeling throbbing headaches frequently? If so, that confirms it. He also said that you should know him well, and that he never goes back on his word."


    Lovesickness Gu?


    She had seen it mentioned in a book on folk medicine before, but at that time, she did not connect her headaches to gu poison...


    Gu Ying''s throat tightened. She had lost herposure and asked, "When?"


    Le Su smiled faintly, "Speaking of which, the poison was not nted in your body, but the Moon Beauty Princess nted it in General Zhao''s body instead."


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying understood everything.


    So back then, Jiang Yin''s hands had already reached between her and the Eldest Prince!


    No wonder when the Eldest Prince was poisoned that time... even after intimacy with her, he was still unable to alleviate the effects of the drug... It was three dayster that his feverish sensations finally eased a little.


    She never imagined that Jiang Yin was so ruthless and unscrupulous. To actually raise gu worms on humans... and transfer the gu into her body through such means.


    She had thought that after her rebirth, her health had always been robust. Why did she suddenly suffer from headaches after marrying the Eldest Prince? So it turned out to be his malicious scheme!


    At this moment, Gu Ying was filled with fury, yet sheughed aloud.


    Seeing herugh, Le Su grew suspicious, "What''s so funny?"


    Gu Ying shook her head, the smile on her lips undiminished, "I believe you."


    "Then why are youughing?"


    "I''mughing-" Gu Ying''s eyes were clear, the arc of her lips gentle, "Jiang Yin still underestimates me."


    Le Su''s brows furrowed. By the time she realized something was wrong, her body had already gone limp.


    Powerless, she slumped over the table, ring at the smiling Gu Ying, "What did you... do to me?"


    Gu Ying ced her small hand on Ye Zhuojiang''s arm and got to her feet. The smile at her lips was casual as she enunciated each word, "Didn''t the princess say she was willing to die for the Eldest Prince? Since that is so, I shall fulfill your wish."


    "Gu Ying, you!"


    Le Su shook her head forcefully, her vision darkening. She wanted to say more but the scenery before her eyes grew increasingly blurred.


    Then with a "thud", shepletely copsed on the ground.


    Gu Ying nced at her indifferently, "Zhuojiang, tie her up and take her back to Changfeng Pavilion."


    Ye Zhuojiang cracked his knuckles menacingly, gnashing his teeth, "Good! This wretch is too vicious. I must make her suffer a huge loss! How dare she make a move on Miss Ying, does she think I, Ye Zhuojiang, am to be trifled with?"


    Ye Zhuojiang cursed as he carried Le Su and flung her onto the carriage.


    "Miss Ying, no one will find out we''ve captured the princess who was supposed to marry into our kingdom, right?"


    Gu Ying followed him up calmly, "No, she hade to find me earlier in disguise as a man. The real princess who is travelling here for the marriage is still on the journey from the grasnds. At worst, if she dies from illness on the road, it would not be unreasonable given she travelled thousands of miles here. As long as she does not perish within the city walls of Bianjing, everything can still be negotiated."


    Ye Zhuojiang clicked his tongue in wonder, "Does Miss Ying mean to-"


    Gu Ying''s eyes glinted coldly, her dark, icy gaze falling on Le Su''s fair cheeks. She enunciated word for word, "She has dirtied the Eldest Prince, so I want her dead too."


    ...


    Now that she knew Jiang Yin''s intentions, saving the Eldest Prince became simple.


    It was merely a choice between the Eldest Prince and her child.


    After returning from the teahouse to Changfeng Pavilion, Gu Ying declined all visits and shut herself alone in the room, silently apanying the Eldest Prince.


    She thought she had to make a decision quickly.


    Jiang Yin assumed she was still the timid and indecisive Gu Ying from her past life. He was certain that upon receiving the news, she would be tormented and waver between the Eldest Prince and their child.


    Unfortunately for him, he was wrong.


    Having lived this new life, she was no longer that silly, ignorant girl.


    As dusk fell, the light faded around them.


    She stood silently by the Eldest Prince''s bedside, her gaze fixed on his sleeping face. With his eyes closed, the sharp edges of the man seemed to soften, rendering him almost gentle.


    She reached out a small hand and lightly stroked his brow. In the quiet of the night, the secrets she had kept buried for over ten years surfaced irresistibly, eager to confess to him.


    Fortunately he could not hear anything. So she no longer had to painstakingly conceal anything.


    She took a deep breath, lifting her chin slightly as glistening teardrops slowly rolled down her cheeks.


    "I''m sorry, Adu... I''ve hidden some things from you for too long..."


    "I didn''t dare say anything before, and now that I want to, I feel there''s no point."


    "I was once married to Jiang Yin, I was his wife. Then he broke my limbs and threw me into a dpidated temple. For ten whole years, I lived in humiliation and pain..."


    Those old memories shed before her eyes one by one.


    A piercing pain struck Gu Ying''s heart, and her eyes ached. She could not go on, the corners of her lips tugging into a smile as she continued, "I''ve died once before. By the heavens'' grace I was allowed to be reborn and live again. So, Adu, after my rebirth, I no longer loved Jiang Yin... In fact, I never loved him at all. The one I''ve always loved is that young boy who saved me at the hot spring behind Qingyun Temple... I was stubbornly set on marrying him, thinking he was the one. If not for wrongly recognizing you this life at the foot of Qixia Mountain, I fear I would still be in the dark for the rest of my life."


    "Adu, I have never regretted marrying you..."


    "I know I am unworthy... not good enough for you..."


    "I am someone who has died once before. Death itself is not so unbearable, it''s a kind of release. In the many years I lived, I was never as happy as I have been in just over a year of this life."


    "You see, Adu, you''re that kind of person. You pulled me up from the mire and led me upwards, letting my days be better and better, never suffering any grievances."


    "To be able to live again, to be your wife, I''m already very content."

 Chapter 447: If I don’t go to hell, who will

    <h4>Chapter 447</h4>


    She stared at him with teary eyes, smiling faintly as she gripped the man''s hand tightly, determined, "So Du, you must live well."


    The man did not respond, still sleeping peacefully.


    Gu Ying got up and bent over, cupping his handsome face, wanting to give him onest kiss.


    But thinking that he might have already been intimate with Jiang Yin before he was poisoned, and knew of her past, she became self-conscious again and shrank back.


    Outside the window, the night rain drizzled softly, and a chill crept in through the windowttice, sweeping away the stuffy air in the room.


    She stroked her swollen belly. The little one inside kicked her vigorously, as if constantly telling his mother, I''ming to see you!


    Feeling the vibrant life of her child, her nose tingled.


    No matter what, she must protect the Eldest Prince and Nian.


    With this thought, she steadied herself and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes before pushing open the door to call Yin Lan to summon Ye Zhuojiang.


    ...


    "What? You want to inducebor?!"


    Ye Zhuojiang''s face darkened as he directly rejected her in a cold voice.


    "No!"


    "I don''t agree. With the gu poison still in your body, there are too many uncertainties. If you inducebor now, the consequences would be unthinkable!"


    Gu Ying looked at him steadily with her clear eyes, "I need to give birth first so I can save the Eldest Prince without worries."


    "No, no, no!" Ye Zhuojiang shook his head furiously like a spinning top, anxiously saying, "Thebor inducing drugs are very damaging to a woman''s body. Even if I''m a genius doctor, if something goes wrong during yourbor, I can''t guarantee your safety!"


    Gu Ying smiled wanly, "Don''t worry, Jiangjiang. I''ll be fine."


    Ye Zhuojiang yelled in anger, "Why would you be fine! Is the child more important than you? We can have another child, but if we lose you..."


    "No." Gu Ying interrupted him gently, "Nian must survive."


    He had died once already. He can''t die again.


    Ye Zhuojiang''s brows furrowed instantly. He looked at the girl in front of him smiling breezily in disbelief. He felt that this little vixen was truly ruthless!


    For the sake of her child, she was willing to abandon her loved ones, even the Eldest Prince!


    How could she bear to do this? Didn''t she know how many people cared for her, how Lingxi Pavilion and the others were all hoping she would live well?


    Gu Ning and Gu Xun had even written to ask about her recently, saying they wanted to sneak out to see her give birth someday.


    His heart ached. Tears sprang to his eyes in an instant as he cried out in anguish, "Ah Ying, please don''t do this... Let''s think of another way, okay? I''ll torture Le Su to get the antidote for the Eldest Prince... Just wait a little longer, okay?"


    Gu Yingughed gently and sighed, "Jiangjiang, you know I need absolute certainty."


    It would be best if she could get the antidote out of Le Su.


    If not, she still had other chances...


    This was a plot Jiang Yin hadid for her. If she didn''t go to hell, who would?


    In all his years, aside from when his father beat his butt as a child, Ye Zhuojiang had never felt such torment as he did in this moment.


    He was almost broken with grief, his insides twisted into knots as tears streamed down his face. "Okay, I''ll protect you!"


    Gu Ying chuckled softly, "Thank you, Jiangjiang."


    ...


    Later that night.


    The Duke''s residence was thrown into chaos again.


    No one had expected Gu Ying would make her move so suddenly at this time.


    At first, Mrs. Lin and Lady Qin were flustered, but they soon calmed down and had people prepare hot towels and other items.


    "Where''s the midwife?"


    "Mistress, she''s been summoned!"


    Mrs. Lin''s heart thumped loudly before she finally steadied herself. Shaking off Zhao Hui''s hand, shemanded everyone outside, "No men allowed in. Lady Ye and I will go in. Ah Ying has likely been under stress, which is why she''s going into earlybor. But don''t worry, with Lady Ye and I here, Ah Ying and the child will certainly be fine."


    "Ginseng! Ginseng! Get some ginseng ready!" Lady Qin yelled anxiously, "And food, Ah Ying hasn''t eaten in a long time. She might not have the strength to give birthter. Yin Lan, take Yanzhi and the others to prepare some snacks!"


    "Yes, Mistress."


    "Clean clothes, swaddling clothes for the child, everything needs to be ready."


    Fortunately, they had made preparations for Gu Ying''sbor in advance, so after some initial panic, everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.


    Mrs. Lin and Lady Qin dragged the midwife in, shutting the door behind them with a thud.


    "Oh!"


    Zhao Hui and Ye Zhuojiang were barred outside. Their faces were etched with anxiety as they paced back and forth, listening to the pained criesing from within.


    Ye Zhuojiang''s sword-like brows were tightly knitted. He stood steadfastly by the door.


    Labor inducing drugs were extremely damaging to a woman''s body... He could only pray to heaven to protect Ah Ying now...


    Don''t let her bleed too heavily...


    Unable to bear listening any further, he covered his ears and walked away.


    Zhao Hui frowned, "Where are you going, Young Master Ye?"


    Ye Zhuojiang said, "I can''t help with the birth. I''m going to interrogate someone!"


    Thinking of the important figure they had brought back to the residence, Zhao Hui said, "I''ll go too!"


    ...


    Lying on the bed soaked in sweat, Gu Ying endured waves of agonizing pain from her belly that nearly destroyed her sanity.


    The midwife and Mrs. Lin stayed by her side.


    "Ah Ying, try to rx first..."


    "Giving birth is quite simple actually..."


    "You mustn''t rush or strain yourself..."


    "Mydy, the worst is yet toe. Save your strength forter."


    Gu Ying''s world darkened. What? This wasn''t the most painful part yet?


    But she no longer had the capacity to consider if the midwife was right. She could only rely on instinct, gasping for breath as she tensed and rxed alternately.


    But that heart-wrenching pain was unlike anything she had experienced before. She almost shattered under its onught.


    Unable to endure any longer, she cried out in anguish. By the end, her throat was so hoarse she couldn''t make a sound.


    Yet her child made no movement whatsoever...


    "What should I do..." She opened her eyes weakly as Lady Qin fed her ginseng and Mrs. Lin had her suck on medicinal herbs. Like an obedient child, she epted everything they gave. As her strength slowly drained away, she felt utterly helpless. "Mother... auntie... It hurts so much..."


    Seeing her suffer, Lady Qin said sorrowfully, "Ah Ying, rest for now... Try againter."


    "Alright..." Gu Ying''s forehead was beaded with perspiration. She breathed heavily, sprawled on the bed, thinking weakly of Nian.


    Nian, you muste out properly, do you hear?


    Don''t give your mother trouble...


    Nian, you''re the best baby. Come out soon, okay?


    After mentally pleading, she felt something shift heavily downward.

 Chapter 448: Difficult Childbirth

    <h4>Chapter 448</h4>


    The midwife beneath her observed intently, her spirits soaring. "Madam, exert yourself!"


    Upon hearing this, Gu Ying became rejuvenated. She tightly gripped the bedding, clenched her teeth, and began to exert herself under the guidance of the midwife.


    An hourter, the midwife''s blood-stained hands trembled uncontrobly as she stared at the blood-soaked sheets on the bed. Her face filled with panic as she said, "Difficult childbirth... It''s a difficult childbirth... The child cannote out... Madam... You''ve been bleeding continuously too."


    The midwife had seen a lot in her life, but this young mistress of the Duke''s residence was too precious.


    Fear gripped her, and her legs went weak as she copsed by the bedside, unsure of what to do.


    Qin''s face turned pale, and she fell to the ground in a panic. She hastily pulled the midwife up and said, "What nonsense are you spouting? Think of a solution quickly! If Ah Ying dies here, I will take your life!"


    Mrs. Lin ordered Yin Lan to bring back medicine to stop the bleeding. She saw the pale and terrified midwife and angrily said, "What are you standing around for? If my Ah Ying can''t give birth today, don''t even think about leaving the Duke''s residence alive!"


    The midwife snapped out of her daze and hurriedly crawled to the foot of the bed to stop Gu Ying''s bleeding.


    But at this point, Gu Ying hadpletely lost her strength. There was no trace of color on her face, and she seemed to have already lost consciousness.


    Exerting force during childbirth was a grave taboo for pregnant women.


    Outside the window, the pitch-ck night stretched endlessly, and the cold autumn rain continued to fall relentlessly.


    The midwife, her voice trembling, said with a tearful tone, "Madam... Madam... Please wake up... The little prince is still waiting for you."


    Gu Ying felt as if she had been pulled out of water. In a daze, she heard the sound of crying around her.


    She weakly lifted her eyelids, her gaze somewhat unfocused, and met the tear-streaked faces of Mrs. Lin and Qin, their lips moving but their words indistinguishable. Her heart filled with panic, and the wetness between her legs made her realize something.


    Her precious child... might not be safely brought into this world.


    Tears streamed down her face, and she was unable to gather her strength or even hear clearly what the people around her were saying.


    She could only remain powerless, despairingly keeping her eyes open, gazing at the exquisite canopy above her. Her vision grew increasingly blurry...


    In this hazy scene, her child appeared like a small glutinous rice ball, happily waving his tender little hand as he ran towards her from a distance.


    "Mother!"


    "Don''t you not want me anymore?"


    The child''s sweet and tender voice seemed capable of melting hearts.


    How could that be? Mother has never not wanted you...


    Gu Ying, with teary eyes, watched him, crying harder as his appearance became increasingly blurred.


    Her nose tingled, and she looked at the child who had slowly walked up to her and was about to turn and leave. She couldn''t help but force a tired smile, summoning her remaining strength. In a realm of emptiness, she reached out her hand and used all her remaining energy to hold onto him.


    "Ah Ying!"


    Ye Zhuojiang kicked open the door with an imposing air, his powerful voice booming, "The poison afflicting your husband can be cured!"


    The door swung wide open, and the dawn peered through the dark clouds, casting a faint glow.


    A Moment of Romance


    Gu Ying''s eyes widened, and she suddenly snapped back to full consciousness. However, a strong and intense pain surged through her abdomen, almost causing her to copse once again.


    She arched her neck, parted her lips, and an uncontroble cry of pain escaped from between her teeth, "Ah--!"


    After a moment, the midwife trembled with astonishment, her hands shaking as she lifted a bloodied child from between Gu Ying''s legs. She eximed with joy, "It''s born... the young madam has given birth!"


    Immediately, the room was filled with the clear and melodious cries of a baby.


    "Ah Ying, well done!"


    "Ah Ying, you did it!"


    Overwhelmed with joy, the voices of congrattions echoed one after another.


    The sky was on the verge of dawn, with a faint hue of pale gray appearing in the eastern horizon. The dimnterns in the corridor flickered, casting mottled shadows beneath the windows.


    Gu Ying''s body was drenched in sweat as she turned her head, hoping to catch a glimpse of her child.


    Mrs. Lin smiled through tears as she presented the swaddled baby to Gu Ying, saying, "Ah Ying, take a look. It''s a son..."


    With great effort, Gu Ying opened her eyelids and tugged at the corners of her mouth. The light in her eyes dimmed, and her body slumped wearily onto the bed.


    ...


    Autumn of the sixteenth year of Tianqi, September twentieth.


    Lady Gu Ying, the wife of the Duke of Zhen Guo, gave birth to a son. The entire household rejoiced at the birth of the child. If not for the fact that Prince Zhao was still unconscious due to a severe poisoning, they would have celebrated grandly.


    When the pce learned of this good news and considered Prince Zhao''s critical condition, they sent rewards to Chang Feng Ge (the residence of Gu Ying and Zhao Changdu). The little one had just been born, yet he was directly appointed as the young prince of the Duke of Zhen Guo''s residence, preparing him to inherit the position in the future.


    Empress Su, apanied by the Crown Princess, personally left the pce to visit Gu Ying and held the baby lying in the swaddle.


    This honor had never been seen since the establishment of the Dong Li Dynasty.


    However, unexpected events urred. After Empress Su and the Crown Princess left, a maidservant identally knocked over amp, and a raging fire nearly reduced Chang Feng Ge to ashes.


    Rescued from the fire, Gu Ying, who was already weak, caught a cold and remained bedridden for a month before finally recovering.


    ...


    One monthter.


    Zhao Changdu''s poison was also gradually cured.


    On the day he regained consciousness, the warm autumn sun bathed the room in its radiant light, casting a peculiar warmth through the carved screens.


    On thecquered and gilded bed, Zhao Changdu''s long eyshes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes.


    The prolongeda left his mind in a state of confusion, and the intense pain covering his arms wrinkled his brow.


    For a moment, he couldn''t figure out where he was and whether he was still alive or a ghost.


    After lying on the bed for a while, he gradually eased his stiffness. The sunlight, apanied by its warmth, gradually restored heat to his body, allowing him to reluctantly sit up, supporting himself with his hands.


    As he surveyed the familiar surroundings of Chang Feng Ge, his heart felt a slight pang, and in an instant, he recalled the words Jiang Yin had said to him before he fell into aa.


    "She has been reborn."


    "She and I have both died once ande back to life. Prince Zhao, perhaps you still don''t know, do you?"


    "In the previous life, she and I were truly married, having gone through the wedding ceremony and shared a bridal chamber."


    "She went to great lengths to marry me, even orchestrating that staged drowning incident in the Consort Pce. Those were the years she cherished, when Zhao, the Crown Prince, and Miss Huo from the Huo family were in the bliss of their honeymoon."


    "But why won''t she marry me in this lifetime?"


    "It''s simply because she hates me. She hates me for betraying her in our past life, for killing our child, for crippling her and throwing her into a dpidated temple, for subjecting her to humiliation for ten long years..."


    "Hahaha! With her exquisite beauty that captivates the nation, which man in Bianjing wouldn''t desire her?"


    "During her time in that temple, she managed to aplish many things for me."


    "I even offered her to the powerful officials in the court, and I drugged her with aphrodisiacs, sending her to the bed of the Shu Prince! The night she returned from the Shu Prince''s residence, her entire being was marked with ambiguous traces. With red-rimmed eyes and tearful appearance, she truly looked pitiful. Although I despised her for being filthy and lowly, I couldn''t resist taking her to bed, this beautiful woman who evokes pity. I''m sure Zhao, the Crown Prince, knows the taste as well. It''s truly irresistible, hahaha!"


    "With all these actions, does the Crown Prince truly still want to love her for a lifetime?"

 Chapter 449: The Prince Awakens

    <h4>Chapter 449</h4>


    Jiang Yin''s voice grew increasingly maniacal as he spoke andughed.


    "Zhao Changdu, you''ve beenpletely deceived by Gu Ying. She knew full well that you would have a high position and power in the future, so she deliberately seduced you and married you. You''ve been fooled into picking up a broken shoe."


    Zhao Changdu''s blood surged through his body, and he clenched his fist tightly, a dark mist swirling in his eyes.


    Every word of those usations drilled into his mind, making his heart tingle with pain.


    He had experienced moments of confusion and doubt before, but upon hearing these words, his mind went nk for a moment. Then anger surged within him, and he violently attacked Jiang Yin, causing blood to flow from his head. He detested hearing these wordsing from that man''s mouth.


    He would rather believe that those words were deliberately spoken to deceive him, to drive a wedge between him and Ah Ying.


    But... as he pondered, he recalled the various details that had puzzled him before.


    Ah Ying''s uncanny ability to forewarn him...


    And her reputation as a foolish and worthless person in the past. Whenpared to the refined and talented youngdy from the noble mansion she had be now...


    The more he thought, the darker his expression became. He grabbed a porcin cup from the bedside and violently threw it to the ground.


    Hearing a sharp and jarring sounding from inside the room, Huai An was frightened and immediately rushed in, pushing the door open.


    When he looked up and saw the man sitting on the bed with a chilling aura, his heart skipped a beat.


    In that moment, he was both startled and delighted.


    "Thank goodness! Sir, you''re finally awake! Do you know how we''ve been getting through these days?"


    He happily ran over, wishing he could just dive into the man''s embrace.


    Zhao Changdu nced at him indifferently.


    Huai An stopped in his tracks, but joy still filled his eyes.


    Zhao Changdu''s brows furrowed, his thin lips slightly parted, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness from just waking up. "Where is Ah Ying?"


    Huai An excitedly replied, "Madam is with the young master!"


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Changdu''s gaze momentarily froze, and his cold heart felt a sudden pang. "What?"


    Has the child been born?


    Huai An walked over, helping him up while draping a cloak over his shoulders. He smiled and said, "Sir, you''ve been unconscious for a long time, so you probably don''t know. Madam gave birth to the childst month. Unfortunately, there was a fire ident right after she gave birth, and Madam was weak. She was also exposed to the cold autumn rain, so she moved to Lingxi Pavilion with the child temporarily. But she''s much better now, thanks to the care of Lord Jiang and our Madam. The Madam''s health has greatly improved, and the young master has grown plump and healthy."


    At that moment, Huai An suddenly eximed with excitement, "Our young master, he''s, tsk tsk, truly a bewitching beauty. He looks exactly like you!"


    Zhao Changdu''s stern eyes softened for a moment.


    In the span of a few breaths, various emotions entwined in his heart like dense vines.


    As Jiang Yin had said, he truly loved Ah Ying and wanted to be her husband for this lifetime and beyond.


    In order toe back and see their flesh and blood, he had risked his life to drive the Qiang tribe back to their old territory.


    However, he never expected... that his Ah Ying was not an ordinary person at all, but someone who had died and been reborn, and she had a rtionship with Jiang Yin...


    No wonder she always emphasized to him that she would not rest until she avenged the enmity between her and Jiang Yin.


    No matter how he asked, she refused to reveal the rtionship and hatred between her and Jiang Yin.


    Looking back now, she had already been deceiving him back then.


    But what does it matter?


    He knew she was deceiving him, yet he willingly took her as his wife, didn''t he?


    Zhao Changdu closed his eyes, a touch of mockery flickering in his phoenix-like eyes. However, now he knew about her past... it felt like a thorn had been inserted deep in his heart, causing him difort no matter how he tried to think about it.


    His throat tightened, his temples throbbed with pain, and even the position of his heart felt like it was being torn apart.


    "Young master, how do you feel now?"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak. The prolongeda had made his reactions somewhat sluggish.


    "It''s nothing. After lying down for so long, it''s normal. Master Jiang said that even if the toxins in the master''s body arepletely cleansed, it will still take some time to fully recover to the previous state."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Who?"


    Huai An''s heart trembled. "Young Master Jiang, ah."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze turned cold. "Jiang Yin?"


    "No, no!" Huai An quickly said, "It''s our Lady''s younger cousin, Ye Zhuojiang. He was sent by the Ye family to assist our Lady. Thanks to him, the master, our Lady, and the young master are safe."


    Upon hearing this, Zhao Changdu''s expression eased slightly.


    Huai An helped him sit at the table and hurriedly arranged for food to be brought in and for someone to summon people from the Lingxi Pavilion.


    The man leaned against the table, suppressing his emotions. His heart had cooled slightly.


    Huai An looked at his master with some curiosity, observing his calm appearance while sensing turbulent currents within him.


    What had happened at Moon Lake that night?


    Why did it seem like the master''s passion for the Lady had vanished?


    Could it be that he was overthinking? Perhaps the young master had just awakened and was still a bit dazed.


    After a while, Mrs. Lin arrived with arge group of people, happily visiting the courtyard of Changfeng Pavilion.


    Grandfather and General Gu were among them.


    Seeing the concerned gazes of the group, Zhao Changdu''s heart stirred. It seemed that he had missed many things in the past month.


    "Good child, it''s good that you woke up," the Old Duke extended hisrge palm and patted his grandson''s shoulder. "Grandfather no longer has to worry."


    General Gu didn''t say anything, his expression remained neutral as his eyes focused on Zhao Changdu, wanting to see how well he had recovered.


    After all, he was his daughter''s husband. If he had any seque or something of the sort...


    What would be of his unfortunate daughter and the unfortunate little grandson?


    "Grandfather, I''m fine."


    "General Gu, you don''t need to worry either."


    General Gu snorted lightly, seeing that he was unharmed, and sat down in the outer room with his hands behind his back.


    Ever since Zhao Changdu was poisoned, everyone has been deeply concerned. On the day when Gu Ying went intobor, although Ye Zhuojiang managed to extract the antidote method from Le Su''s mouth, it wasn''t until the day after Gu Ying gave birth that they began the process of detoxification. After being detoxified, Zhao Changdu needed to rest in bed for a long period and release a bowl of poisoned blood every day, until the toxins werepletely eliminated after a month.


    Mrs. Lin couldn''t bear to see her son''s pale face and held him in her arms, crying for quite a while before finally stopping.


    After the big fire, Changfeng Pavilion was still under repair. Due to his illness, Zhao Changdu couldn''t move around freely, so he chose to recuperate in a separate courtyard.


    During this month, Gu Ying was in seclusion at Lingxi Pavilion, observing the traditional postnatal confinement practices and avoiding exposure to the wind. As a result, she rarely had the opportunity toe and visit.


    Because of her physical difort, it seemed normal for her not to visit her critically ill husband. However, there was an indistinct atmosphere of inexplicable tension lingering in the air.

 Chapter 450: Strange Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 450</h4>


    Zhao Hui and Mrs. Lin did not say much. The youngdy had a narrow escape from death to continue the Zhao family''s bloodline. The couple was too overjoyed to me her.


    Now that Zhao Changdu had woken up, Gu Ying and the child would inevitably have to move into this secluded courtyard to live together.


    After some small talk with Mrs. Lin and the others, they all tactfully left space for the long separated couple.


    Soon, there were only Zhao Changdu and Gu Ying left in the not too big or small room.


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze remained fixed on the uneasy small face of the youngdy. From entering the room until now, she had barely looked up to meet his eyes.


    He looked at her with dark,plicated eyes.


    After not seeing her for a few months, the youngdy wore a light blue chiffon dress. Her figure was much thinner. After giving birth, her slender waist had be even more delicate. From his perspective, the slightly exposed two pieces of fair and flushed cheeks were more like peeled eggs, tender and smooth.


    No matter how much me he had in his heart, at this moment when he saw her, those words were stuck in his throat and he couldn''t say a single one.


    Gu Ying still stood at the door, not daring to get close, only lowering her little head and staring at her own toes.


    With her intelligence, she must already know that Jiang Yin had told him everything.


    The man sighed in his heart. He narrowed his jet ck phoenix eyes and looked at her with greatplexity.


    "Come here," he said hoarsely, waving his hand at her.


    Gu Ying froze. She slowly walked over to the man.


    Zhao Changdu noticed the youngdy''s estrangement. His brows furrowed slightly as his deep and profound dark eyes steadily focused on her face.


    Contrary to his expectations, the expected sadness and grievance did not appear on her face. Even for such a big matter, she didn''t even ask a single question or give an exnation?


    "Prince..." The woman pulled a smile and said dryly, "It''s good that you woke up. I was very worried..."


    Zhao Changdu spoke yfully, his eyes unusually cold. "Worried that I wouldn''t wake up?"


    The woman was somewhat panic stricken. "No, no."


    The man''s eyes were deep and profound. He looked deeply at her once. "We haven''t seen each other for a long time. Why are you so estranged?"


    The woman lowered her head again, "...No...it''s just that I haven''t recovered yet..."


    Zhao Changdu looked at her thoughtfully. "It must have been hard on you."


    The woman raised her head, bewilderment in her eyes. "Huh?"


    The man''s tone was cold. "I said, the child."


    "Ah, the child!" The light in the woman''s eyes bent slightly, as if suddenly realizing something. She patted her own head, "Look at me, how could I have forgotten about this. The child is in Yin Lan''s arms. Prince, do you want to take a look?"


    Zhao Changdu''s long eyes narrowed slightly, bing increasingly gloomy and cold. He only felt that the person in front of him was extremely strange. Even with a smile at the corner of her mouth, she still looked like she was acting.


    He had just woken up and his whole body was weak. He leaned against the bed, but stretched out his big hand with an overbearing aura.


    Gu Ying took a look at it, slight panic and unease shing in her eyes. Under the tremendous pressure of the man''s gaze, she timidly put her hand in his big, cool palm.


    She shuddered and quickly retracted her hand the moment she put it in.


    Zhao Changdu coldly grabbed her and hugged her into his arms. "What are you avoiding?"


    The woman in his arms instantly tensed up. Although very scared, she still stubbornly said, "The Prince misunderstood, I didn''t..."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes. Detecting the woman''s strange fragrance and seeing a red mole on the back of her neck, he immediately pushed her away with knitted brows. The coldness slowly crept into his eyes.


    "Get out!"


    Gu Ying froze. Her heartbeat jumped to her throat. She was instantly frightened, her back turning cold. "I, I''ll go check on Nian first..."


    She said, fleeing from the room as if escaping.


    Zhao Changdu angrily red at her retreating figure. Covering his panicking chest with one big hand, he started coughing violently. "Huai An!"


    Huai An ran in from outside, puzzled. "Master, what''s wrong?"


    Zhao Changdu pulled a sinister, gloomy smile at the corner of his lips. His brows and eyes emitted a chilling, terrifying aura. Recalling the mole on the back of that woman''s neck, his tone lowered. "Where is the child? Go and bring Nian here."


    Huai An didn''t understand why his master was so angry. His heart thumped wildly. "The young mistress took him away."


    Zhao Changdu looked up, danger swirling in the pitch ck of his eyes. "Quick, go and bring the child back."


    Huai An was full of doubts, but didn''t dare ask more. He obediently walked out.


    ...


    Coming out of the secluded courtyard in Changfeng Pavilion.


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi chatted all the way about the benefits after the Prince woke up.


    "Sister Yin Lan, then when we go back today we can properly pack up. Tomorrow, or the day after, we can first move the little prince''s things into Changfeng Pavilion. What do you think?"


    Yin Lan smiled meaningfully. "I think it''s great. In any case, it¡¯s definitely right to get everything packed up first."


    After all, the deep affection between the Prince and his wife was like fish in water. It had been so long since theyst met. The Prince had just recovered and the mistress had just finished her postpartum confinement.


    As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. For the young couple, how could there be no fire from the sparks?


    She was afraid that the Prince was even more eager for his wife to move back.


    Yanzhi understood and smiled. "The Prince and Mistress were originally fine with each other. If the little prince''s things are added, wouldn¡¯t the secluded courtyard be too crowded?"


    After all, it was just a ce for recuperation. Apart from Huai An concocting medicine and the like, the Prince didn¡¯t have many things there during his month-longa, let alone preparations for a child.


    Yin Lan smiled slightly. "Mrs. Lin¡¯s intention is that she still wants the little prince to live in Lingxi Pavilion. Whether it¡¯s the Duke, his wife, the old Duke or Miss Gu''s father, who doesn¡¯t want to raise our cute little prince? If they fight over him, they¡¯ll have to start fighting again."


    As the two talked about something amusing, they suddenly realized upon ncing up that Gu Ying walking ahead hadn¡¯t said a word, appearing unusually silent.


    "Mistress? Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi looked at each other. They felt that the mistress in front of them was bing more and more strange.


    Ever since the fire at Changfeng Pavilion, the mistress had rarely visited the Prince after regaining consciousness, let alone take more than a nce at the little prince.


    On the rare asions she held him, the usually well behaved little prince would cry inconsbly as soon as he fell into the mistress'' arms.


    Afterwards, the mistress became even more reluctant to hold the little prince.


    Yin Lan felt something was wrong and privately asked Mrs. Lin about it once.


    Mrs Lin simply said, "She almost died in childbirth. She must resent the child in her heart. Not every mother will unconditionally love her own child. Often, when the child almost takes your life, the mother will also hate the child. Take it slowly. When she recovers, she will actively get close to little Nian."


    But so much time had passed and the mistress was still indifferent towards the little prince.


    "Mistress, what''s the matter with you?" Yin Lan ced the child in her mistress''s arms, looking at her doubtfully. "Why are you drenched in sweat aftering out of the Prince''s room?"

 Chapter 451: Name Your Child

    <h4>Chapter 451</h4>


    The woman walking ahead stopped abruptly as her heart skipped a beat. She held the soft body of the child tightly in her arms as her eyes darted about evasively. "I''m fine. By the way, what were you talking about just now?"


    Yin Lan was just about to speak when she saw Huai An walking over from the side courtyard, casting her a strange look.


    The two were highly attuned to each other, and with just one look, she understood his intention.


    Huai An walked up with a polite smile. "Madam, please wait. The young master wants to see the young prince."


    Yin Lan''s mouth corners slightly pursed when she saw Gu Ying was somewhat stunned. She quickly smiled and said, "Madam, Huai An is speaking to you."


    Gu Ying... No, she should now be called Chu Jiuniang.


    After the chaos of the great fire, she had sessfully impersonated Gu Ying and became the young madam of the Prince Who Pacifies the State''s manor.


    Zhao Prince had been unconscious from poisoning, and she had just given birth, so no one could discover that the real Gu Ying had already been moved out.


    Therefore, she shamelessly used her confinement period as an excuse to first avoid others, and only had to deal with Yin Lan and Yanzhi.


    She had been trained for so long that she could almost perfectly impersonate Gu Ying. As such, neither Yin Lan nor Yanzhi discovered she was an imposter.


    Until today, when Zhao Prince awoke.


    That man''s aura was far too powerful... And he was Gu Ying''s intimate husband.


    She had endlessly rehearsed in her mind the scenes of their meeting and interacting, yet she never imagined that when facing him for real... She simply could not remain calm andposed, and almost revealed herself.


    Chu Jiuniang was very flustered, still not recovering from the shock Zhao Changdu gave her. Her fingers slightly clenched, and though she did not use much strength, the exquisitely beautiful child in her arms suddenly let out shrill cries again.


    When she looked into thoserge, tear-filled eyes, Chu Jiuniang''s gaze turned sinister.


    Why did this little brat dislike her so?


    The child looked so much like his mother, so why did he cry whenever he was in her arms?


    She was both angry and anxious. In her panic she did not react before Yin Lan directly took the child from her. "He probably misses his father. Huai An, take the young prince to see the prince first."


    As soon as the little prince was in Yin Lan and Huai An''s arms, he puckered his pink lips cutely, stopping his cries, suddenly bing as well-behaved as a cherub.


    Huai An looked at Yin Lan, then the little prince, frowning in confusion as he nced at Chu Jiuniang''s pale face. "Madam, what''s wrong with you?"


    Chu Jiuniang dryly pulled at the corners of her lips. "It''s nothing. I''m just too happy that the prince has awoken..."


    Far too happy that she had an about-to-cry-but-not expression?


    Huai An was full of doubts, but did not say more. Carrying the little prince, he turned and left.


    As Chu Jiuniang watched Huai An''s departing back, she suddenly realized her palms were drenched in cold sweat. An indescribable terror rose from the bottom of her heart, gradually spreading through her limbs...


    The prince had discovered she was a fake!


    Why else would he be in such a hurry to have Huai An take the child away!


    But she looked so much like Gu Ying. He had just awakened and was not yet intimate with her, so how could he know she was a fake?


    Or could it be¡ª


    She was too frightened by the prince''s imposing manner that she was overthinking things?


    After all, Master Jiang had reminded her before leaving that he had deliberately created a thorn between the prince and Gu Ying.


    With the prince''s arrogance, it was likely he would give her the cold shoulder for some time, or even directly confront her for a divorce.


    If they directly divorced, her leaving the Prince''s manor as Gu Ying and Gu Ying disappearing from the prince''s side wouldplete her mission.


    If the prince did not intend that, Master Jiang told her to endure no matter what. With Gu Ying''s temperament, she would absolutely not humiliate herself and beg.


    If the prince was cold, she had to act even colder. Men were like that. As long as she was indifferent, Zhao Prince would surely take her bait.


    Thinking of this, Chu Jiuniang steadied her mind. She also came up with another clever n.


    No matter how extraordinary Zhao Prince was, he was still just a man.


    With Gu Ying''s beauty, just her bewitching and charming figure, her nationally celebrated face, what man could resist her seductions?


    After he recovered a few more days, she would go before him to act pitiful and shed some tears, crying a few times.


    If that didn''t work, she could secretly slip some aphrodisiac into the prince''s food. As long as they consummated the marriage, she, this nameless orphan girl from Haizhou, could make a meteoric rise to be the young madam of the Prince Who Pacifies the State Manor, the future mistress of the manor.


    No matter how cruel and cold-hearted he was, he wouldn''t be vicious to his own woman and child''s mother, right?


    As long as she yed Gu Ying well, her future prospects were limitless.


    Chu Jiuniang''s mouth curled into a faint smile as she recalled Zhao Prince''s naturally gifted handsome looks. She also thought of how it felt to sit on the man''sp earlier.


    Even though he had beenatose for so long, his thighs were still so powerful... Truly making her, someone who had tasted love''s pleasures, feel itchy and tingling.


    Moreover, he was a military man with a strong, proportional chest and tall, straight figure. Who wouldn''t be infatuated looking at him?


    Chu Jiuniang''s cheeks reddened slightly, feeling restless.


    "Yin Lan, Yanzhi, let''s go back and pack first."


    Yin Lan and Yanzhi exchanged nces again. "Yes, madam."


    ...


    Huai An happily carried the child to the man.


    "Master, here, this is the young prince."


    Zhao Changdu''srge hand paused slightly, his fingers curling for a moment as he took the child into his arms.


    In that instant when he first held the child, he almost failed to grab him.


    The little one''s body was just too soft... Soft as if he had no bones.


    "Goo goo, wah wah, wah wah."


    The little one was born fair and delicate, his skin so tender it seemed it could be pinched to produce water. He curiously opened his pair of round eyes wide to look at Zhao Changdu, babbling something unintelligible with his pink little mouth. It made one''s heart melt just looking.


    The coldness in Zhao Changdu''s eyes faded somewhat, his gaze also unconsciously softening. "Has he been named yet?"


    Huai An said, "No, the madam said to wait for the prince to wake up before naming him."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes, letting the little one y with his fingertips.


    He didn''t know why, but looking at the lively and active little whelp in his arms, his heart was suddenly overtaken by an indescribable pain.


    It was as if obtaining this child had not been easy, and he had been waiting for him for hundreds of years already.


    Nian Bao...


    What exactly did Gu Ying mean by naming the child Nian Bao?


    Was it that she missed this child, or that she missed someone from their previous life?


    The man''s eyes strained slightly, a trace of inexplicable bitterness welling up as his fingers teased the cute little pink meatball wrapped in swaddling clothes. "Let''s call him Zhao Yan, courtesy name still Nian Bao."


    Huai An nodded and smiled in agreement at the side. "With peace as the sun sets, an extremely good name. Our little prince finally has a name now!"


    The corners of Zhao Changdu''s lips curled up slightly. The little whelp could not speak yet, babbling at him while staring fixedly with his shiny ck gemstone-like eyes. After watching for a while, he drooped his longshes and fell asleep.

 Chapter 452: See Through

    <h4>Chapter 452</h4>


    Huai''an was surprised and said, "Master, I''m afraid you don''t know, the Little Prince is very difficult to take care of. The wet nurses stay up day and night watching him without sleeping. asionally when they sleep for half an hour, he would cry and make trouble. Howe as soon as he''s in your arms today, he falls asleep so peacefully? Could this be the power of blood ties and familial affection?"


    Zhao Changdu''s heart softened, and he ced the child on the bed.


    He sat at the table and had Huai''an report everything that happened after he passed out.


    Huai''an''s expression became serious. He hurriedly went over all the major events at court in detail, and earnestly recounted everything that had happened in the manor recently.


    When he heard that his little sister almost had a difficultbor, his heart shuddered, and hisrge hand clenched into a tight fist, the knuckles turned white from force.


    Huai''an also said, "I don''t know why, but after giving birth to the Little Prince, the young Madam seems to have changed."


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "Oh?"


    Huai''an said thoughtfully, "I can''t really say, the young Madam is still the same young Madam, it''s just her temperament has changed a bit. Because of the difficultbor, she also doesn''t really like the Little Prince. So she doesn''t hold the Little Prince often. Plus the Little Prince also cries a lot, causing the young Madam''s face to darken several times."


    Zhao Changdu''s brow furrowed slightly, and the unfamiliar red mole floated in front of his eyes again.


    A Ying''s skin was like jade, wless all over except for a faint cinnabar mole on the left side of her chest.


    Could that woman really be his A Ying?


    Also, her cold attitude towards him was very thought-provoking.


    Zhao Changdu''s mind was in turmoil. He had just woken up and also doubted that he had seen wrongly. So he said in a deep voice, "Tonight, have A Ying move over."


    Huai''an teased, pressing his lips, "Yes, yes, yes, this subordinate will go notify Lingxi Pavilion right away."


    ...


    Chu Jiuniang didn''t expect to see Zhao Changdu again so soon.


    Earlier in the evening, she was dining at Lingxi Pavilion.


    That night, all of her belongings were moved to Changfeng Pavilion.


    The sky had just darkened when Yn and Yanzhi came over all smiles to help her bathe and change.


    She changed into a thin nightgown and shyly came out from the dressing room. There were only her and the Eldest Young Master left in the room.


    There weren''t manymps lit in the room, the pale yellowmplight set just the right mood.


    The man had changed into ck brocade robes. His handsome and unparalleled face was sickly pale. However, this did not affect anything, at least in her opinion. Him just sitting there gave off an aura of superiority, looking down from above. It was already enough to make any woman fall for him.


    Beforeing, Chu Jiuniang had already made full preparations.


    But as soon as she was in front of the man, her entire disguise was almost shattered by the prating gaze in his deep eyes.


    "What took you so long?"


    "Just dyed for a bit. Why is the Eldest Young Master in such a hurry?"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows and eyes were cold. He huffed lightly.


    Chu Jiuniang''s breath hitched. She came to her senses, secretly gritted her teeth.


    She firmly believed in her own charm. She thought that no matter what tonight, she had to make the man sleep with her.


    She swallowed, her small face flushed, "Why is the Eldest Young Master staring at me like that?"


    It wasn''t that she deliberately wanted to give him the cold shoulder. It was just that when he looked at her so intensely, she really couldn''t withstand the aggressiveness in the man''s gaze. Her legs turned soft, wishing she could just lie under him right away.


    Zhao Changdu raised his eyes to look at the woman''s face for a moment. He slowly got up, walked over to her, and nced at her with upturned eyes. A trace of unpredictability shed through them.


    "Does A Ying have nothing to say to me?"


    "I..." Chu Jiuniang was looked at by him until her heart skipped a beat. She deliberately revealed a hurt expression and retreated back a step. Feigning weakness, she said, "I know the Eldest Young Master looks down on me, so please, grant me annulment papers."


    Zhao Changdu''s brow imperceptibly furrowed further. He ced hisrge hand on her slender shoulder, "Who said I want to annul our marriage?"


    The man''s touch made Chu Jiuniang''s entire body tremble.


    She looked up happily with moist eyes, "Eldest Young Master...you really don''t me me?"


    Zhao Changdu let out a coldugh and nced at her eyes. He pulled her to himself in one motion. His gaze once again fell upon the faint red mole on the back of her neck.


    At this breath-intermingling distance, the woman''s features were in full view before his eyes.


    Even though she looked very simr to A Ying, and even though she had deliberately extinguished several lights in the room, and deliberately revealed the same expressions and movements as A Ying, she still couldn''t fool him!


    She was absolutely not his little girl!


    Chu Jiuniang was originally intoxicated by the man''s actions. She thought that as long as she took the initiative to snuggle up to him, they would be able to do that thing tonight.


    But unexpectedly, he suddenly seized her by the neck and shouted, "Say, just who exactly are you?!"


    The man''s strength was extraordinarily great. Chu Jiuniang only felt her throat tighten. Her breathing instantly became difficult, "Mmm...mmm..."


    She struggled to hug the man''s sturdy arm. Her small face was flushed red, revealing an expression of shock. She simply couldn''t speak.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his eyes dangerously. His voice lowered several degrees, vaguely carrying a dangerous aura, "Where is A Ying? Where have you taken my A Ying?!"


    As he spoke, he slightly loosened his fingers.


    Chu Jiuniang copsed to the floor. In a daze, she instinctively gasped for breath. Her pair of watery eyes stared straight at the man, "Eldest Young Master, how can I not understand your words? How could I be someone else? I am Ying..."


    "Hmph." Zhao Changdu''s chest burned with towering rage, but his expression was still one of cold gloom. His tone had lightened somewhat, but it made people very fearful. "You still dare to deceive me?"


    "I didn''t¡ª" She knew that once she admitted it, there would only be a dead end.


    "Do you think I''m that easy to fool? I can still clearly distinguish between fish eyes and pearls. What''s more, I''ve lived together with A Ying day and night. With just one sniff, I know her scent. What are you counting as to impersonate A Ying''s position and pretend to deceive me?!"


    The man moved his long legs.


    "Ah!"


    Chu Jiuniang was kicked by him until she was scared out of her wits. A sweet and bloody taste surged up her throat. She violently spit out a mouthful of blood. The bones in her body seemed to have shattered. Her face had also changed from initially flushed to deathly pale.


    Zhao Changdu was still not appeased. He seized her by the neck and yanked her up. His eyes, as dark as the depths of a pool, flickered with icy killing intent.


    "Was it Jiang Yin who sent you?"


    "Did he take my A Ying away?!"


    "If you don''t speak again, I''ll make you understand what''s called a fate worse than death!"


    Facing the man''s surging fury in his ck eyes, the words of exnation stuck in Chu Jiuniang''s throat. The feeling of being stared at by a giant python made her hair stand on end. A chill spread from her head to the soles of her feet. She was so frightened that she didn''t move for a long time.


    After a while, she finally realized that she had truly angered this beast. If she didn''t confess, she was afraid she would really die here today.


    She made a split-second decision and immediately started weeping. She pulled at her neck begging for mercy, "I beg the Eldest Young Master to spare me... As long as the Eldest Young Master spares me, I''ll...I''ll speak...I''ll tell everything..."

 Chapter 453: Like I’m not gonna Survive.

    <h4>Chapter 453</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s face was still tense. Thinking that his little girl was somewhere unknown, he suddenly felt panicked and afraid for no reason.


    He threw Chu Jiuniang on the ground like a ragged cloth, looking down at her condescendingly. His eyes were so cold they could cut like knives. "If you utter half a lie, I will cut your corpse into ten thousand pieces!"


    Chu Jiuniang trembled, feeling a chill run down her spine. She really did not expect that when this god-like man was angry, he would be so terrifying.


    She did not dare to conceal anything further. Begging for mercy, she said, "My Prince, it wasn''t me who wanted to do this. I was...forced by someone."


    Zhao Changdu said in a low voice, "Who was it?"


    Chu Jiuniang pursed her lips, speaking in a tearful voice, "It was...it was Master Jiang who ordered me. Master Jiang said he has an irreconcble vendetta with Second Miss Gu. His greatest wish in this life is to humiliate her and then get rid of her, feeling happiness after. I was merely a tool he used to take revenge on Second Miss Gu!"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes widened in anger, uncontroble fury on his face.


    "She had just given birth!"


    And she had massive bleeding and was hovering between life and death!


    Chu Jiuniangy trembling on the ground, tears streaming down her face. "This ve did nothing to Second Miss Gu, it was all done by Master Jiang... He said that right after giving birth was when Second Miss Gu would be weakest. Long ago he had Han Lin prepare a scheme to lure the tiger from the mountain, using this ve to rece Second Miss Gu to get her to leave... Second Miss Gu was bleeding profusely then...this ve saw her face ashen white, unconscious...looking as if she wouldn''t make it..."


    The words "wouldn''t make it" made Zhao Changdu''s body shake violently.


    His eyes were bloodshot, his dark brows furrowed tightly, his secluded eyes slowly sinking into the abyss.


    ...


    In early November, the first snow of winter fell.


    Flurries of snowkes drifted down,nding on theyers of towers and pavilions in the Duke of Zhen Guo''s estate.


    The skies of Bianjing turned cold all at once.


    Zhao Changdu regaining consciousness was supposed to be a joyous event worth celebrating, but before the pce could summon him, the Zhao family was in turmoil again.


    A blood-stained female corpse was thrown in the middle of the main hall of Zhen De Pavilion by Zhao Changdu.


    Seeing this, Mrs. Lin''s face changed. She thought her son had lost his mind and killed Gu Ying.


    Before they could react, Zhao Changdu brushed the blood off his sleeves, held the sleeping Nian in his arms, and slowly said, "She is not Ying."


    Everyone eximed in shock, "What?"


    The news that Gu Ying had gone missing was like a bombshell going off in the entire Duke of Zhen Guo''s estate.


    No one expected that someone would actually dare to pull something like bait and switch right under their noses in the Duke''s estate.


    Even Gu Boqing now felt astonished.


    His daughter had just given birth to a child, yet a living person disappeared right before their eyes?


    Looking at Zhao Changdu sitting in the chair, exuding lifelessness all over.


    Gu Boqing was furious. He immediately demanded that the Duke''s estate give him justice and hand over the child his daughter had suffered greatly to give birth to.


    Upon hearing Gu Boqing wanting to take Nian away, Zhao Changdu''s hand tightened. In a daze, he gathered the child into his arms.


    Raising his head, his crimson phoenix eyes were as gloomy and icy as a demon that crawled out of hell.


    In a hoarse voice, he said, "No."


    Gu Boqing''s eyes were also red. He used, "I knew nothing good woulde of my daughter marrying a man like you! Now look, not only did you fail to protect her, you let her disappear without a trace after she gave birth to an heir for your Zhao family! Zhao Changdu, give me Nian!"


    Zhao Changdu''s thin lips were pressed in a straight line. His elegant yet cold fair face, from his cheekbones to jaw, was tensely sharp. In his obscure eyes was unconcealed regret.


    He was wrong...


    He shouldn''t have left Ying alone in Bianjing.


    Even more so, he shouldn''t have dismissed her repeated reminders to be wary of Jiang Yin.


    Now look... His little girl had suffered greatly giving birth to Nian, and her body was still so frail...yet no one knew where she was.


    If what Jiang Yin said was true, that she had died once already, why did heaven treat her this way?


    She had already endured enough torment from Jiang Yin. How could heaven let hime back to life to harm Ying again!


    Why! Why didn''t heaven let him be reborn instead!


    If he was reborn, he would never let his little girl suffer this ordeal!


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes reddened. That kind of indescribable pain felt like his heart was being crushed and thrown underfoot.


    He gave a self-deprecatingugh, refusing to let go. "Father, Nian belongs to Ying and me."


    Gu Boqing shook with anger, pointing at him and cursing, "You are not fit to be Ying''s husband, even less fit to be Nian''s father!"


    Zhao Changdu''s expression grew even colder. He slowly stood up holding the child.


    Fearing the father-inw and son-inw would start fighting, everyone began trying to mediate.


    Old Duke calmed Gu Boqing down, speaking solemnly, "Boqing, I know you are upset, but now is not the time for in-fighting amongst ourselves. We need to gather people quickly to find Ying first."


    Gu Boqing of course knew this was right. He flung his sleeve in anger, gave Zhao Changdu a cold nce, and threatened, "Let me tell you, if anything happens to Ying, my Gu family will cut all ties with you Zhaos! And Nian, he is Ying''s child, he will return to my Gu family after this!"


    Zhao Changdu ignored Gu Boqing''s words. He looked tiredly at the soft little dumpling in his arms, pinched the bridge of his nose, and said in a low voice, "Huai An."


    Huai An stepped forward solemnly, "Sir, you called for me?"


    Zhao Changdu tossed out a jade token, "Take my qilin authority token and summon the qilin troops."


    Huai An was confused, scrambling to catch the qilin token.


    This was the qilin token...


    "Sir, this is..."


    "Go."


    "But--"


    Once they mobilized the qilin troops that they had painstakingly kept hidden, the imperial n would quickly find out the Zhao family still had military power.


    When that happened, how would the sir extricate himself?


    Zhao Changdu looked at him expressionlessly. Amidst the cold and gloomy shadows in his eyes, he said, "If you hesitate a moment longer, I will chop off your legs."


    Huai An no longer dared advise otherwise. Taking the qilin token, he ran out.


    The remaining people''s expressions were ugly. Zhao Hui naturally had no standing to speak. Mrs. Lin also did not understand the intricacies involved.


    Only Old Duke and Gu Boqing who had led troops before knew how risky Zhao Changdu''s actions were.


    If things were done secretly and the imperial n did not notice, it would be fine. But if they caught wind of it, the Zhao n might be charged with the capital offense of deceiving the ruler and exterminating their n.


    Seeing the dark circles under Zhao Changdu''s eyes despite having just recovered from illness, and his pained expression, Gu Boqing''s attitude softened slightly. But he still red at Zhao Changdu, wanting to speak yet stopping himself, "Have you thought about the consequences of your actions?"


    Zhao Changdu gave a bitter smile. Amidst the shattered glow in his crimson eyes he said, "I have not thought about it."


    Gu Boqing said indignantly, "You just act without thinking about the aftermath--"


    "Without Ying, I do not want any fallback n or care about any consequences." Zhao Changdu''s eyes shed sharply as he suddenly shouted, "Even if heaven wants to stop me, I will defy heaven and charge ahead!"

 Chapter 454: The Courtyard of Hidden Incense

    <h4>Chapter 454</h4>


    He had just recovered from a serious illness and was unsteady on his feet.


    Gu Boqing anxiously supported him, seeing his paleplexion. Disregarding himself, he carefully shielded the infant in his arms, feeling another wave of distress.


    "You kid!"


    What Gu Boqing disliked most about Zhao Changdu was this point. In his youth, Zhao was bold and fearless, charging ahead to kill the enemy, disregarding danger. He was indeed amendable battle god general, a national hero who did great heroic deeds for the country and people. But as a husband, how could such a person give A Ying a safe and happy future?


    "Father, don''t worry," Zhao Changdu calmed himself down, the corners of his mouth hooked up coldly, but there was no smile in his eyes. "I will find A Ying."


    "Before Chu Jiuniang died, she had already told me about all of Jiang''s hiding ces."


    "Here." Hisplexion was pale as he took out a piece of paper from his bosom and handed it to Gu Boqing. "We will go to these ces one by one to look for A Ying. We will definitely find her."


    Gu Boqing said, "You shouldn''t have killed her."


    Zhao Changdu looked somewhat distracted. "I lost my temper at the time and couldn''t restrain myself."


    Gu Boqing sighed helplessly and turned away.


    From then on, on the surface Bianjing appeared peaceful, but a hidden turbulence was brewing within.


    Even Li Hao, the Crown Prince who was firmly seated in the East Pce, felt the bizarre changes happening in the severalrge military camps around the capital.


    Throughout Bianjing Prefecture, some people had been chasing the murderer day and night in the name of the government office, strictly checking the poption at night, and even initiating a carpet-style search, stirring up public discontent.


    The Ye family had be very strange. Ye Lightly Late firmly held onto the serial murderer suspect of an old case, leading people from the Court of Judicial Review to wildly apprehend murderers in the city. Gu General had just returned to the capital and received rewards, a time when he should have had many friends, but instead imed illness and did not go to court.


    His subordinates reported that Gu General had personally led a team of men and horses and left Bianjing overnight.


    Now the checkpoints for entering and leaving Bianjing had also be much stricter.


    Moreover, these things were beyond even what he, the Crown Prince Regent, could control. One could imagine just how powerful was the person behind the scenes manipting things.


    In the East Pce, the night was cool as water, with light snow fluttering down.


    Ning Si carried tea to the man¡¯s side and gently said, ¡°What is Your Highness thinking about?¡±


    The Crown Prince looked up and pulled the woman with the increasingly swollen belly to sit on hisp, without the slightest disgust.


    He ced his big hand on top of her round stomach, the corners of his lips hooked up coldly. ¡°Ah Si, how about you go to the Duke¡¯s manor tomorrow?¡±


    Ning Si was puzzled. ¡°But I¡¯m about to give birth soon. Mother said I''m not allowed to go out, didn''t she?¡±


    She actually wanted to go see A Ying. After A Ying gave birth, she had only seen the little darling once, and then was restricted to the pce without another chance to see the cute little one again.


    The Crown Prince kissed the girl¡¯s slender fingers and gently said, ¡°If I let you go, she won¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Ning Si always felt something was not quite right. She worriedly asked, ¡°Just what is going on, Your Highness?¡±


    The Crown Prince sighed, gazing at the thick night outside the carved windowttice, murmuring, ¡°If we don''t go find out about A Du¡¯s situation again, I''m afraid Dong Li will have a change of throne.¡±


    Hearing this, Ning Si¡¯s expression suddenly changed.


    ...


    At the same time, far away at the Hidden Fragrance Convent in Taohua Town of Dong Li.


    Gu Ying suddenly sat up from the bed, as if she had been violently kicked, her forehead drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.


    She nkly sat for a few breaths, feeling confused for a moment.


    Looking up to survey her surroundings, she found herself lying on a widecquered wooden canopy bed.


    Thick, heavily embroidered, aqua blue bed curtainspletely blocked off the bed, no wonder she was suffocatingly hot and sweating all over.


    She moved her body and felt an unfamiliar soreness between her legs, immediately frowning in pain, her cheeks flushing red.


    She opened her mouth, wanting to call someone, but her mind went nk when she tried to speak, and shepletely forgot who she should call.


    "Where is this ce?"


    She held her head, shaking it vigorously, only feeling as if her mind was shrouded in a fog, chaotic and vague, and somewhat painfully throbbing too.


    "Wait..."


    "Why am I here?"


    "And why...does it hurt so much?"


    She bit her lip, shyly lifting the quilt to discover the pain originated between her legs, which made her even more bewildered. Could it be...she had lost her innocence?


    Thinking of this possibility, Gu Ying¡¯s small face turned white, cold sweat instantly dripping down.


    "Yanzhi!"


    The name Yanzhi slipped from her mouth. She suddenly remembered someone. It was as if a hidden switch in her mind had been flipped - her memories instantly became much clearer.


    She was the second concubine''s daughter of the Gu manor. Her father was the Cavalry Commander Gu Boqing who had been sent to guard the bordends when she was very young.


    So ever since she was little, she had only depended on a maid named Yanzhi.


    Her grandmother did not dote on her, but her eldest sister Gu Jia from the main room liked ying with her very much. Gu Jia would often give her tasty treats and nice clothes and jewelry.


    Gradually, she became utterly dependent on her big sister. Untilter, she discovered that a young boy she had saved when she was small had grown up and achieved first ce in the imperial exam as Top Schr. He appeared refined and elegant in aqua blue robes at the spring banquet, and she decided she must marry this man to be her husband.


    She did not care for some little marquis of the Yong¡¯an Marquis Manor that had been arranged for her.


    Her mother said that as a woman, she should marry someone she liked.


    She liked this young man and wanted to marry him.


    Thinking of all this, Gu Ying¡¯s cheeks slightly flushed. Just as she reached out to open the bed curtains, she saw the room door open from outside as a young maidservant cautiously walked in.


    She thought it was Yanzhi, buting closer, she found it was not.


    "Who are you?"


    The maid had neatlybed hair in a bun, wore a peach red short coat with a lotus root colored long skirt. Bowing her head deferentially she said, "This servant''s name is Haitang. Previously, I was always in the kitchen tending the firewood. Later, Yanzhi got sick and was sent back to the Gu manor, then I was transferred to serve the young miss."


    Gu Ying looked around at the spacious boudoir and extravagant furnishings, unable to help sucking in a breath.


    The dresser and jewelry boxes were all made of rosewood, the cabs were all made of yellow pear wood.


    The disy shelves seemed to hold many valuable porcin vases.


    As an unfavored daughter in the Gu manor, her room was never furnished with so many luxury items.


    Gu Ying rolled her eyes back and forth. No matter how much Haitang said, she really could not recall there ever being such a maid at her side. But this maid did seem familiar to her eye, so she temporarily trusted in the maid¡¯s words.


    "Yanzhi is sick?"


    Haitang said, "That''s right. The young miss fell into the water, and Yanzhi also jumped in to save the young miss."


    Gu Ying blurted out confusedly, "Then where is this ce, and why am I here?"


    Haitang looked up cleverly and smiled. "How could the young miss have hit her head hard enough to damage her brains? This is the Hidden Fragrance Convent, Master Jiang''s residence in Taohua Town."

 Chapter 455: The Truth of Couples

    <h4>Chapter 455</h4>


    "Young Master Jiang?" Gu Ying''s eyes widened, a hint of delight appearing on her cheeks, "Is it Jiang Yin, Young Master Jiang?"


    "That''s right."


    "Then where is he?"


    "The Young Master has gone out to buy books and will be back soon. Maid, wait here for a moment. I will first go bring some clothes for the youngdy. Winter has arrived and it is cold. Youngdy, wearing only this, you may catch a chill again."


    Gu Ying felt a little more delighted in her heart, but she really did not understand why she would be in Jiang Yin''s Hidden Fragrance Manor.


    And there was Jiang Yin. He did not like her, did he?


    Why would he let her stay in his residence?


    There were too many things she did not understand, and she kept asking questions.


    Hai Tang took out a long padded jacket trimmed with rabbit fur from the cab, dressed her in it, and smiled helplessly as she exined, "Youngdy, please listen to me and sit down to rest properly first, okay? You are sick and need to recuperate well, otherwise it will affect your health in the future."


    Gu Ying thought hard but her mind was nk... Except for Jiang Yin, there was also a tall, straight figure in ck in her memories.


    She wanted to see the person''s face clearly, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not part the fog in front of him.


    She felt a little headacheing on and her body swayed slightly.


    Hai Tang immediately massaged her temples and said, "Youngdy, do not think too hard. The blood clots in your brain have not dissipated yet."


    Gu Ying ced her hand on her sore heart and said, "Hai Tang, I feel like I''ve lost something very important... Can you help me find it?"


    Hai Tang gently asked, "What is it? Tell me and I will help you find it, youngdy."


    Gu Ying''s eyes became nk. A feeling she could not exin welled up in her chest. She just felt empty, as if she had lost something very, very important.


    "What is A-Ying looking for?"


    A gentleugh sounded from outside the door.


    It was somewhat familiar, as ifing through the years.


    Gu Ying''s eyshes fluttered. Holding Hai Tang''s hand, she looked up and saw a familiar figure in blue walking in holding a stack of books, his clothes covered in dust.


    Light snow floated outside the window. The pure white snowkesnded on his jet ck hair, adding a touch of loneliness. But the jade crown on his hair bun was very warm.


    The corners of his eyes were upturned, looking like a spirited young man. He put the books down on the high table by the door, casually took off his snow-covered thick cloak and threw it next to the incense burner. He stood by the charcoal stove to warm his cold fingers before walking over to her and gently holding her hand. His eyes were full of delight. "A-Ying, you''re awake?"


    Gu Ying was led by him to sit on the tform bed. Feeling ufortable, she withdrew her hand from his palm.


    She had just woken up and her whole body was weak, but Jiang Yin was extremely gentle with her, putting her needs first in everything.


    He even asked Hai Tang to prepare her favorite food.


    This made her feel a little weird.


    Obviously he did not like her. No matter how she pestered him, he always kept her at arm''s length.


    The sachets, purses and jade pendants she had given him were ignored by him.


    On several asions, she even saw Jiang Ling''er taking her gifts to the pawn shop. If she had not discovered it, her things would have been sold off.


    For a youngdy from a prominent family like her living a simple life, this was a devastating blow. Even if she could not marry him, did she not want to keep her reputation?


    He was too heartless to her, making her so sad that she could not sleep at night.


    She had always known that she would never be able to marry him in this life, but what was the situation now?


    "What''s wrong, A-Ying?" The man''s slightly cool hand covered her forehead. "Are you still not fully recovered?"


    Gu Ying tilted her head slightly to avoid his touch.


    She did not know why, but even though she liked him in her heart and remembered wanting to marry him, she just did not want to get too close to him.


    She bit her lip and moved her body away from his arms, looking at him with watery eyes.


    "How did I end up here?"


    Jiang Yin looked into her confused and beautiful eyes brimming with water droplets, and was so happy that he almost wanted to hug her tightly. But he was afraid of startling Gu Ying whose memories had gone back to her previous life, so he could only calm himself down, smile gently, patiently hold her slender fingers, and say, "Didn''t Hai Tang tell you?"


    Gu Ying looked at him doubtfully. "Hai Tang said I hurt my head by ident."


    Jiang Yin smiled. "Yes, I saved you. You were badly injured so I could only bring you to the manor first to recuperate until you recover before sending you back to Bianjing. Is that okay? Are you happy?"


    Gu Ying was extremely upset. She had been alone with an unrted man for so long. She did not know what her aunt and grandmother would say about her.


    "This is not Bianjing?"


    Jiang Yin said, "This is Peach Blossom Town."


    Gu Ying had never heard of this ce before. She just felt a little unsettled. "Where is Peach Blossom Town? Can I go back to Dongping Earl Manor now?"


    Jiang Yin''s expression turned cold. "No."


    This was the world of just the two of them that he had carefully created.


    From the day she moved into this manor, she would never be allowed to leave here again.


    He wanted toplete here all that they did not in their previous lives.


    To marry her, consummate their marriage, have children with her.


    This life, she would never escape from his palm again.


    Gu Ying''s heart skipped a beat. She was startled by his suddenly gloomy handsome face and shifted her body further back.


    Jiang Yin closed his eyes briefly, suppressed the ferocity in them, then slowly opened them again and blossomed into a gentle smile. He patiently held her slender fingers and said, "Didn''t A-Ying want to marry me?"


    As he spoke, he pulled the corners of his lips apologetically. "I actually did not want to tell you this, but seeing you so wary of me makes me feel bad too. The truth is, we identally consummated our marriage... So I must marry you, don''t worry. I''ve already asked someone to send a letter to Dongping Earl Manor to propose marriage. Soon, we''ll be able to get engaged first. What do you think, are you happy?"


    Gu Ying stared nkly at him. Thinking of the pain between her legs, she could not feel happy at all.


    Her face turned deathly pale. She looked at him in disbelief with red eyes. "You! How could you do this to me!"


    When her grandmother found out, she would definitely lock her up in the ancestral hall. And what about her father? What would her father do if he knew? Her father would scold her for being shameless!


    Jiang Yin hugged the crying girl and patiently coaxed her. "A-Ying is not happy? It''s all my fault. I hurt you. I''m sorry. When we get married, I''ll treat you well."


    Gu Ying''s mind was in turmoil. She painfully scrunched up her little face and pushed him away forcefully. "Go away! Go!"

 Chapter 456: In a previous life, We were married.

    <h4>Chapter 456</h4>


    Jiang Yin was pushed out of the room by the girl and stood at the door, patting the door frame.


    "Ying! Ying, open the door and let me in! You are still not fully recovered, don''t be angry!"


    Gu Ying closed the door with tears in her eyes, her back facing the man outside the door. She slid down to the floor, "I don''t want to see you now, go away!"


    Jiang Yin helplessly raised the corners of his mouth and said gently, "Alright, I''ll leave. Don''t get so angry that you hurt your health."


    After all, there were plenty of days ahead and he had plenty of time.


    ...


    Gu Ying did not sleep all night. When she woke up the next day, she was still sitting on the floor.


    The charcoal fire in the room had died down by more than half, and the bone-chilling cold crept in from the cracks in the door.


    She shuddered and got up from the floor with chattering teeth.


    It was at this moment that Hai Tang came in carrying a bowl of pitch-ck medicine.


    "Oh my! Miss, you sat here all night!" She hurriedly handed her the bowl of medicine, frowning deeply, "Quick, warm your hands first. I''ll go prepare new charcoal right away."


    Gu Ying stopped Hai Tang and asked with chattering teeth from the cold, "Hai Tang...where is Jiang Yin?"


    Hai Tang sighed, "Master Jiang is in the study. He didn''t sleep all night either. If I may say, Miss, haven''t you always liked Master Jiang? Now that you two have consummated your rtionship, wouldn''t it be proper if you agree to marry Master Jiang? As long as I don''t tell and Master Jiang doesn''t tell, you can marry him fair and square without anyone knowing otherwise, right?"


    "I..."


    "Don''t worry, Miss. I''ll be here with you."


    Gu Ying couldn''t exin why, but she liked Jiang Yin and yet didn''t like him at the same time. It was a very strange feeling, but after thinking it overst night, she felt that she liked him a little more.


    He was treating her so well now, wasn''t that what she had been dreaming of day and night?


    Just as Hai Tang said, marrying him like this would be proper, and no one could say anything about her.


    "I want to see him."


    The corners of Hai Tang''s mouth rose, "Miss, drink this medicine first, and then I''ll fetch Master Jiang for you."


    Gu Ying nodded. After drinking the medicine, her hands warmed up and she felt a little warmer.


    The room was warm enough with ample charcoal burning, and soon it felt as cozy as a spring day.


    When Jiang Yin came in, her cheeks were slightly flushed. She asked him shyly, "Are you really willing to marry me?"


    Jiang Yin smiled faintly. Seeing her shy demeanor that he hadn''t seen for so long made his heart strangely sour. He said, "If I have lied, may lightning strike me dead."


    Gu Ying shyly covered his lips, "Don''t make such a serious oath. I...I believe you."


    Jiang Yin took her hand. His heart softened as he said, "Ying, I''m sorry."


    Gu Ying didn''t understand why he was apologizing to her. But seeing the tears shimmering in the corners of his eyes made her heart ache with worry.


    "Did I say something wrong?"


    "No."


    "Then why are you crying?"


    Jiang Yinughed softly with sorrow rising in his eyes, "I''m just...too happy."


    "What''s there to be so happy about?" Gu Ying smiled helplessly, her beautiful eyes curving, while her heart softened.


    Jiang Yin felt his heart being squeezed tightly and painfully. He said with emotion, "How could I not be happy that you are finally willing to love me."


    It was only then that Gu Ying realized the man she loved also loved her back.


    He had wanted to marry her all along too, but felt unworthy because he had no title or glory to match her status. But now he had given up pursuing fame and official positions, no longer clinging to the imperial civil exams. He just wanted to spend his whole life freely with her.


    She thought there was nothing wrong with spending their lives freely together. Even if they had to farm and weave cloth to make a living, she was willing as long as they were together.


    She settled down happily in the Fragrant Hideaway manor. Other than being unable to be intimate with him physically, their interactions were no different from those of any couple living under the same roof.


    Even when she rejected sharing the same bed with him time and time again, he did not get angry. He would patiently bring her freshly picked flowers every day and put them in the vase in her room with his own hands. He gave her all kinds of jewelry and apanied her in reading, chess games, walking in the snow and flower appreciation, while gently telling her, "I will wait for you, wait until the day you are truly willing to ept me."


    Jiang Yin treated her extremely well, frequently taking her out sightseeing and travelling.


    Even when Jiang''s mother and Jiang Ling''er came and abused or belittled her, he would stand up for her.


    He had also spent quite a bit of money to buy her medicines to treat her illness.


    Deeply grateful for his care, she picked an auspicious day to y the zither and make tea for him.


    In a pavilion by the riverside, the brazier was burning bright with hot charcoals.


    The skies were a white expanse, with fluttering snowkes. The plum trees were covered in clouds and mist, theden branches a lush sight.


    Gu Ying lit incense in the pavilion and set up the tea set. The refreshing scent of the tea soon lingered in the air.


    Jiang Yin sat facing Gu Ying, losing himself as he gazed at her bright, delicate face in the mist and steam, watching her skilled motions as she lifted the tea bowl and brought it close to him.


    It was as if he had truly returned to their past life.


    "What''s the matter, Yin?"


    The woman''s delicate fingertips lightly fluttered before his eyes. Jiang Yin finally came back to his senses. He lightly sipped the tea she had personally brewed.


    That touch of bitterness filled his mouth, sliding down his throat, evoking boundless longing and reminiscence.


    It reminded him that when she had first married into the manor in their previous life, she knew nothing and did not try to please him.


    Later she had found some teachers to learn flower arrangement, brewing tea, reading, writing, musical instruments, chess, painting and calligraphy.


    She was a clever girl and picked them up quickly, often brewing tea for him after that to please him.


    asionally he would drink a cup or two as well, then gaze at her in amazement.


    The tea she made was actually better than the renowned Tea Sage''s.


    But he rarely expressed this admiration openly.


    In his eyes, no matter how outstanding, beautiful or virtuous she was, she had once slept with Zhao the Crown Prince, which made her too filthy to be his proper wife.


    Yet his hardened heart would gradually soften for her as well.


    She didn''t know that on those sleepless nights when she cried muffledly behind her window, he would also pace fretfully below, listening, longing to step into her room to give her somefort or hold her once.


    But his masculine pride ultimately prevented him from lowering himself to approach her. As he grew colder towards her, she also became more disappointed in him. Later on, she seldom brewed tea for him anymore. Only resentment and enmity remained between them.


    Putting down the teacup, Jiang Yin gazed at Gu Ying. His expression was full of feeling as he said gently, "It still tastes the same as before."


    Gu Ying looked at him curiously with bright eyes, "Before? Did I also brew tea for you before?"


    The corners of Jiang Yin''s lips curved up slightly. "Perhaps in our past life."


    Gu Yingughed. "No one can say for sure about past lives."


    Jiang Yin''s gaze was deep and meaningful. "Maybe we were husband and wife in our past life too."


    Gu Ying smiled and lowered her head to fiddle with the tea set again, adding some fresh tea leaves into the pot. "If we were indeed husband and wife in our previous life, then we must have loved each other dearly and grown old together peacefully. Otherwise Heaven wouldn''t have allowed us to meet again in this life."

 Chapter 457: Strange Memories

    <h4>Chapter 457</h4>


    Jiang Yin gazed steadily at the woman''s snow-whiteplexion, his big hand trembling imperceptibly as a wisp of mist welled up in his eyes. "Yes, growing old together, with a house full of children and grandchildren."


    "Why are you crying again?"


    "I''m not crying, just feeling sentimental."


    "What is there to be sentimental about? We still have a very, very long second half of our lives ahead of us."


    "Is that so?" Jiang Yin''s gaze fell on the woman''s exquisite and transcendent features, his eyes distant for a moment.


    This hard-won peace made his eyes redden once more.


    That night, Jiang Yin still could not have his way and sleep with her in the same bed.


    She allowed him toe into her room and sleep on the low couch by her window.


    Outside the window the winter wind was biting cold, but inside it was as warm as spring. On the canopy bed her sleeping form was revealed, and he couldn''t sleep no matter how hey on the couch. He got up from the couch, went to the bedside, and just stood there staring at her tranquil sleeping face.


    Letting himself lean against the edge of the bed, he hugged his legs tightly, eyes closed, greedily listening to Gu Ying''s shallow breathing.


    ...


    The day she sensed something was wrong, Gu Ying had just woken from her afternoon nap.


    She was still lying in bed, absentmindedly caressing her belly.


    Outside, she could vaguely hear a woman berating the servants.


    "What is she, that she deserves my brother?"


    "Haitang, kneel down for me, if I tell you to kneel then kneel!"


    "I''m the future mistress of Hidden Fragrance Courtyard, aren''t you afraid of offending me if you keep favoring her, Gu Ying? In the future I''ll sell you off!"


    "Miss, the ve didn''t, the ve has always been Miss Gu''s person... Master Jiang also told this ve to only wholeheartedly serve Miss Gu, these plum cakes are what the young miss wanted to eat, if she wakes up and can''t eat them, how will I exin?"


    "You cheap ve! What makes her deserving of eating these cakes? That despicable, filthy woman who doesn''t know how many men have slept with her doesn''t deserve them, give them to me!"


    "Don''t-"


    Hearing this, Gu Ying sat up in bed, her little face pale.


    She had always kept her distance from Jiang Ling''er, but she hadn''t expected her to be so aggressive and spout such nonsense, let alonee make trouble. What''s more, when had she ever been with other men? She couldn''t possibly swallow this insult to her reputation.


    "Jiang Ling''er,e out here."


    Gu Ying walked into the small kitchen in three to five steps, shielding Haitang''s head, and kicked the enraged Jiang Ling''er into the wall with one foot.


    Jiang Ling''er''s body mmed against the corner of the wall in an undignified manner, and a piercing pain shot through her back. "Gu Ying, you dare hit me!"


    "What, I''m your sister-inw, I''m not allowed to hit you?"


    Jiang Ling''er gave a mockingugh, struggling to get up from the ground, the corner of her mouth bleeding. "What sister-inw are you to me!"


    Gu Yingforted Haitang while feeling puzzled. Hmm, when did her martial arts get so good?


    Seeing Gu Ying ignore her, Jiang Ling''er became even more angry with shame and rushed at her to grab her hair.


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly, in a sh, it was another kick.


    This time Jiang Ling''er fell to the ground, the pain making her eyes and nose twisted and contorted.


    Haitang was so frightened her face turned white, and she pulled Gu Ying away, "Miss, let''s not bother with her. She''s Madam Jiang''s adopted daughter, not Master Jiang''s real sister. She dreams every day of bing Master Jiang''s wife, delusionally fantasizing about a toad lusting after a swan. Miss, don''t pay any attention to her."


    Gu Ying allowed herself to be pulled towards the main room, looking back at Jiang Ling''er who was still cursing.


    Jiang Yin had gone out recently to take care of some business, he said he would be busy for four or five days beforeing back.


    Jiang Ling''er and Madam Jiang lived in the courtyard next to Gu Ying''s. Originally there was little interaction between the three.


    She only needed to live with Jiang Yin, there was no need to wait upon her mother-inw and little sister-inw.


    It was just that her little sister-inw''s attitude towards her was very strange. Ever since she met her once at Jiang Yin''s birthday banquet, Jiang Ling''er had always looked at her belly with a mocking gaze.


    Later on, whenever Jiang Yin was not home, Jiang Ling''er woulde to her courtyard.


    The two of them never had much to say to each other. Jiang Ling''er would only mock and ridicule her. After some time, Gu Ying felt this little sister-inw had gone too far.


    "When Jiang Yines back, I''ll tell him about Jiang Ling''er''s behavior."


    No matter what, she didn''t want to live together with this little sister-inw Jiang Ling''er. If they were to marry, Jiang Ling''er must be dealt with first.


    "Haitang, how is your face, does it hurt?"


    Once in the main room, Gu Ying closed the door and the curses outside became fainter.


    Haitang shook her head, her eyes red with grievance. "This ve is fine, as long as the young miss is unharmed."


    Haitang truly wished her well. When Gu Ying first woke up in Hidden Fragrance Courtyard, she had felt very lost, even Jiang Yin was unable to give her a sense of security, but as long as Haitang was there, she could feel at ease.


    Gu Ying sat next to the little maid, using a handkerchief wrapped around some snow to rub her red and swollen cheek, smiling as she looked at her, "Your face is all red, it looks quite pretty, luckily it''s not disfigured. Our Haitang is still beautiful."


    Haitang gave a snort ofughter, knowing her young miss was trying to cheer her up, "Miss, it''s this ve''s fault for being unable to protect you."


    Gu Ying said, "Don''t say that, you''ve been great. You serve me every day, even more thoughtfully than Rouge."


    Haitang felt a twinge in her heart, and for some reason, her heart felt empty, as if she had lost a very important memory.


    She raised her glistening eyes and suddenly spoke up, "Miss, where is Rouge?"


    Gu Ying was also puzzled, "That''s right, where is Rouge?"


    The mistress and servant fell into a bizarre silence, seeing iprehension in each other''s eyes.


    After a short while, they bothughed again. "When Jiang Yines back, I''ll ask again whether that maid''s illness is better, perhaps she is beingzy and doesn''t want toe over."


    "That makes sense, Rouge is still a yful child after all."


    After dinner, as usual Gu Ying prepared to bathe and sleep.


    On the table was a bowl of pitch-ck bitter medicine that Haitang had prepared for her.


    This medicine was so bitter that ever since she started taking it regrly to treat her headaches, she had forced herself to drink it on time.


    But thesest couple days she was tormented daily by Jiang Ling''er''s curses and couldn''t get the medicine down anymore.


    Yet remembering what Jiang Yin had told her before leaving, "Ah Ying, your health is too poor, drink the medicine properly so you can conceive our child, okay?"


    She obediently picked up the medicine bowl again, shuddering as she touched the icy porcin.


    Outside,rge fluffy snowkes were steadily falling on Peach Blossom Town, nketing it inyers of snow.


    As night deepened, shards of silvery white snowlight spilled through the windowttice, looking extremely beautiful.


    Jiang Ling''er was always insinuating that she was not chaste and had been involved with other men.


    Today she had said again that she had slept with someone... Where there''s smoke, there''s fire. Why would she say such things?


    Also, how did shee to Peach Blossom Town in the first ce, and why weren''t her family membersing to look for her?


    How much of what Jiang Yin told her was true, and how much false?


    Gu Ying''s thoughts stirred slightly, and an unfamiliar memory suddenly surfaced in her mind.

 Chapter 458: Finding Clues

    <h4>Chapter 458</h4>


    A godlike man stood in the snow under Mount Xiqi. As he turned around, his jade-like beauty was nestled within the ck fox fur cor. His pitch-ck, deep eyes, high nose bridge, and thin, red lips were all arrogantly aloof and noble.


    The north wind howled as white snowkes swirled around.


    That face, handsome beyondpare, eyes like bright stars, looked steadily at her.


    Gu Ying''s heart shook, and she raised her hand to hold her suddenly aching temples, shaking her head slightly.


    She was already unable to sleep, and now she was even more awake.


    Hai Tang had been sleeping on the low couch outside the curtained canopy bed. Today she had been pped and doused with a basin of cold water by Jiang Ling''er, catching a chill. She had extinguished the lights and gone to bed early.


    "Mistress...Mistress..."


    "Mistress, run away quickly..."


    "Mistress, run away quickly!"


    Hai Tang''s intermittent murmurs came from outside.


    Gu Ying eased her own pain for a while, then groped to put on a thick fox fur coat. Taking an oilmp, she went to the outer room.


    Hai Tang''s face was flushed as shey on the low couch, burning hot, delirious with fever.


    Gu Ying was afraid she would die in her sleep, so she patted Hai Tang''s cheeks to wake her up.


    But when Hai Tang opened her eyes, it was as if she saw a ghost. She screamed, "Ah! You witch, who exactly are you? Why do you look exactly the same as my mistress!"


    Mistress? What mistress?


    Gu Ying didn''t understand. She held Hai Tang by the shoulders and said, "Hai Tang, what''s wrong with you? Look closely, it''s me!"


    Hai Tang''s eyes were full of terror, wildly avoiding Gu Ying''s gaze. Tears streamed down her face as she cried, "Don''t kill me...don''t..."


    "No one will kill you, Hai Tang. What''s wrong with you?"


    "Mistress, mistress," Hai Tang cried mournfully again. "You must leave quickly, they will harm you..."


    Gu Ying''s heart chilled sharply. For some reason, a burst of cold shot up her back. "Harm me? Who will harm me?"


    Hai Tang continued crying, gasping for breath as she pushed Gu Ying away. "Mistress, run away quickly..."


    Gu Ying frowned. She really had no choice but to let Hai Tang lie back down while she herself went to the small kitchen to brew medicine for her.


    Outside, the cold wind howled. The pitch-ck night was like ghosts wailing and wolves howling.


    Gu Ying shrank her neck and went into the kitchen. Only then did she realize her medicine bowl was as cold as an icepress. She really couldn''t drink it, so she casually poured it into the drainage under the eaves.


    Yet the entire Hidden Fragrance Manor gave off an indescribable gloom.


    It made her heart even more uneasy.


    ...


    The next day, Hai Tang''s high fever finally receded.


    Gu Ying had kept vigil at her bedside all night, dreaming one strange dream after another.


    Hai Tang woke up with a nk look in her eyes. Seeing the woman slumped next to her, she said hoarsely, "Miss, why are you here?"


    Chaotic great fires swallowed people in an instant, like a fiery dragon. A tearing pain came from between her legs, followed by the cry of a baby, like thunder splitting the clouds.


    Gu Ying opened her eyes wide, gasping for breath, drenched in sweat. For a long time she couldn''t regain her senses.


    "Miss..." Hai Tang''s eyes were also confused.


    Gu Ying moved her eyes. Only then did she realize she was in her bedroom. There was no great fire, nor a bawling baby...


    She felt bitter inside and gave a wry smile. "I just had a nightmare and dreamed I gave birth to a very cute child. It''s just that the child didn''t look much like me. It looked like..."


    Who did it look like? She couldn''t say, but it didn''t look like Jiang Yin either.


    Hai Tang''s eyes flickered. "A child?"


    Gu Ying said strangely, "Yes, in the dream there was also...a strange man...He..."


    Again she couldn''t continue. Those images were too fuzzy, as if they had happened, yet as if they hadn''t.


    She only knew that man...held her and fell back into therge red mandarin duck embroidered quilt, kissing her passionately. His scorching body heat nearly burned her uppletely.


    Yet she did not feel averse to him at all. On the contrary, she liked being intimate with him, wishing they could be entwined for all eternity.


    Gu Ying''s face reddened slightly in embarrassment. She felt as if she had done something wrong behind Jiang Yin''s back.


    But Hai Tang suddenly grabbed Gu Ying''s hand, staring nkly. "Mistress."


    The moment she uttered "Mistress", she froze.


    Gu Ying looked at her puzzled. "What''s wrong?"


    Hai Tang opened and closed her mouth, frowning. "Medicine."


    Gu Ying''s eyes narrowed. "Last night you..."


    Like her, Hai Tang often took medicine. But having gone to bed earlyst night after catching a chill, she had forgotten to take her medicine. So neither of them had taken any medicine.


    Hai Tang pursed her lips, looking at Gu Ying in confusion with watery eyes. "Miss, don''t you find it strange? We can''t leave Peach Blossom Town, nor can we leave Hidden Fragrance Manor. Usually no onees here, yet the manor is heavily guarded all around."


    Gu Ying said, "Jiang Yin has no official position or fame, so where do the guardse from?"


    Hai Tang shook her head. "I don''t know either. When I woke up, I was already inside Hidden Fragrance Manor. Before you came, I had always served Lady Jiang and Jiang Ling''er. Every night they would have me drink medicine before sleeping."


    So it had been the medicine all along.


    Gu Ying''s expression grew serious. "Let''s not take any medicine starting today."


    Hai Tang nodded heavily.


    ...


    Bianjing.


    In the thick snowstorm, a low-key ck mule carriage set off from Zhenguo Duke Manor, heading towards the city gates.


    The cries of the baby inside the carriage were especially shrill.


    Themoners taking shelter from the snow on the street sides couldn''t help but whisper among themselves.


    "Have you heard? The young mistress of the Duke Manor died in childbirth... Now there''s only the widowed Crown Prince with the little Crown Prince."


    "No wonder the child is crying so sadly. He lost his mother as soon as he was born, how pitiful."


    "The young mistress was perfectly fine, how could she suddenly die?"


    "Giving birth is a woman''s gate of hell, her status doesn''t change that."


    "Didn''t the Crown Prince only just wake up recently... Where is he going now?"


    "I heard after the young mistress died, the Crown Prince went mad looking for his wife everywhere. He was too ovee with grief to search himself earlier, and only recovered somewhat recently."


    "But with her dead, how can he find her?"


    Everyone sighed long and deep. Zhao Changdu won a major victory at the border and defended the country, with great military might. Themon people had always respected and loved him.


    Knowing he had be a widower, every household prayed for him, hoping he could soon emerge from his grief.


    But that tactless fellow had toe stir up trouble.


    "Yo! Isn''t this Bianjing''s fresh new widower, Zhao Changdu, Crown Prince Zhao!" A man on a tall horse slowly blocked the carriage path. "Where are you going? How can you leave without saying goodbye to Princess Lesu?"


    The carriage stopped in the snowy mist. Other than the child''s cries, there was no movement inside.

 Chapter 459: Contempt of the Imperial Decree

    <h4>Chapter 459</h4>


    The son of the minister of ceremonies, Feng Heng, was a groom for Princess Lesu of the Qiang Tribe. The Dongli Imperial n did not have any princes of age, so in order to maintain a brief peace with the Qiang Tribe, the Tianqi Emperor agreed to marry Princess Lesu to someone in Bianjing to cement ties. Naturally, Princess Lesu chose Zhao Changdu of the Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    But Zhao Changdu did not even show his face, directly refusing the proposal, angering Feng Heng who had fallen for Princess Lesu at first sight.


    Feng Heng blocked the carriage of the Zhenguo Duke Manor in the middle of the street, attracting countless onlookers.


    Su Huanfeng was riding on patrol when he saw themotion at the city gates. He frowned. "Feng Heng, do you want to die?"


    When Feng Heng saw Su Huanfeng, he mocked, "Su Huanfeng, it''s not that I''m looking down on you, but your wife was stolen by your brother, and you didn''t even dare to fart about it. And now you''re here to be a groom for your righteous brother who has no sense of right and wrong! I feel embarrassed for you!"


    Su Huanfeng sneered, "You bought a house in a gossip neighborhood, so you''re speaking so sarcastically? Do you interfere so much that even the nightsoil carriage going through the city, you have to take a mouthful too?"


    Feng Heng snorted coldly, "I''m sarcastic about you brothers. If you have the guts, go ahead and hack me!"


    Su Huanfeng pointed at Feng Heng''s nose, narrowing his eyes. "I''m warning you. If you want to keep your dog life, shut your mouth!"


    Today, Feng Heng was determined to get justice for Princess Lesu. Why was Princess Lesu so fixated on marrying Zhao Changdu?


    Zhao Changdu was just a widowed man raising a bawling burden. How could he be a fit match for Princess Lesu?


    Hearing the cries of the baby in the carriage gradually soften, Feng Heng yelled hoarsely, "Zhao Changdu, get the hell out--"


    The carriage curtain was sted open by a powerful inner energy from inside.


    Feng Heng shrieked as he tumbled off his horse into a thick pile of snow. The residual inner energy deterred themoners watching so much that they retreated back two circles.


    Zhao Changdu carried his child out of the carriage. His ck brocade clothes fluttered in the wind, revealing the man''s sharp, profound eyes. No one could see his icy expression, but the chill he gave off still made everyone who was watching shudder involuntarily.


    His tone was very indifferent, aloof and detached, yet a bit cold, seemingly nonchnt, but every word contained cold majesty.


    "Who said A Ying died?"


    Feng Heng crawled out from the ground, bedraggled as he said, "Who cares who said it, you have to stay and marry Princess Lesu, you cannot leave Bianjing!"


    Zhao Changdu indifferently nced at him. "You dare stop me?"


    Feng Heng took out an imperial decree from his sleeve, eyes wide with fury. "The imperial decree stops you!"


    Zhao Changdu expressionlessly nced at the decree, then calmly turned back to the carriage.


    Feng Heng could not believe that he, as a subject, actually dared defy an imperial decree. Furious, he lifted the decree and went to the ck carriage, yelling, "Zhao Changdu, open your eyes. This is a decree written personally by His Majesty. You dare defy his edict for the sake of a dead woman?!"


    "Noisy. Disturbing Nian''s sleep."


    As the words fell, a sh of white light shot out from the carriage.


    Before the people could see what happened, they saw Feng Heng''s eyes bleeding as he let out a miserable shriek.


    The crowd paled in fright, truly not expecting that the crown prince would actually attack the grandson of the minister of ceremonies, and not even put the imperial decree in his eyes. Now, everyone felt more respect, adoration but also fear towards the crown prince.


    Subsequently, the carriage rolled right over Feng Heng''s body. Feng Heng''s eyes rolled back and he lost consciousness.


    Watching as the carriage gradually shrank into the distance, the corner of Su Huanfeng''s eye twitched. He raised his hand and ordered, "Don''t let Young Master Feng catch a cold lying in the snow. Quickly take him away. Afterwards, don''t let the gossipingmoners bury this matter like dogs."


    "Yes, young lord."


    Su Huanfeng recalled the news he had received a few days ago. He walked atop the city walls, watching as the carriage became a ck speck. He was extremely impatient, "He''s so far away but he still brought Nian with him, isn''t that troublesome?"


    "The Crown Prince said, Nian has to see his mother the moment they reunite."


    "Seeing his mother isn''t urgent."


    "You know nothing. Nian lost his mother, so he cries every day now. Only when his mother is found will he finally quiet down. Haven''t you seen the little dumpling''s eyes swollen like walnuts from crying? If this continues, I suspect he''s trying to cry himself to death."


    "How could I see? Adu won''t let me go near the child. The two times I secretly took a peek, he almost kicked my ass hollow."


    "Well you were A Ying''s former fianc¨¦. Why does a former fianc¨¦ keep wanting to see his former fiance¨¦''s child? What, do you want to be Nian''s father?"


    "He promised to let me be Nian''s godfather!"


    "A man''s word is a deceiving ghost. He also promised to give me a wife, but I don''t see that wife yet."


    "Wait, what are you doing here?" Su Huanfeng turned and saw Ye Zhuojiang standing leisurely beside him. He was shocked. "You didn''t go with them?"


    Ye Zhuojiang pouted. "There''s so many people already. One less doesn''t make a difference."


    Achi and General Gu are almost at Taohua Town already. If not for Zhao Changdu''s body not having fully recovered, he likely would have already set off.


    Gu Ning and Gu Xun are also en route to Taohua Town. Especially Gu Xun. This lead was mostly thanks to him. If he hadn''t secretly trailed A Ying after leaving Bianjing, he wouldn''t have seen Jiang Yin''s carriage taking A Ying away. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have been able to so easily find the Taohua Town located half a month''s travel from Bianjing.


    Though Taohua Town had a nice name, it was actually an extremely dangerous ce. Not only was the environmentplicated, there were many venomous insects and forests where people often got lost.


    The town once housed over 100 families, butter the mountain bandits killed everyone there. The town flowed red with blood, corpses covering the ground, bing a ghost town that no one lived in afterwards.


    The fact that Gu Xun could enter and leave showed he was a scout of rare talent.


    Ye Zhuojiang crossed his arms over his chest. "I came back first. Lady Gu Jia has started regaining consciousness recently. I need to increase her medication to make sure she recovers quickly. When A Yinges back, I want to surprise her."


    ...


    Winter had arrived, and the cold winds grew more bitter by the day.


    Three dayster, when Jiang Yin returned to the Hidden Fragrance Courtyard, the night was pitch ck, endless.


    The heavy snow fluttered down, nketing the world in ck and white.


    The skies roiled with dark clouds tonight, the winds howling. The snowfall was heavy, the cold piercing into one''s bones.


    Sensing something unusual about the weather tonight, Jiang Yin ordered Hanlin to strengthen the defenses as soon as he returned to the Hidden Fragrance Courtyard.


    Hanlin said, "Other than Miss Linging by recently, there''s been nothing out of the ordinary."


    Jiang Yin said, "I see."


    He had rushed back wearing a rain hat and rain cape, impatient to give A Ying the gifts he had brought back for her. He entered the inner residence.

 Chapter 460: Confrontation

    <h4>Chapter 460</h4>


    The fragrance of plum blossoms in the courtyard permeated the heart and spleen. The woman was wearing a white fox fur coat, her small face nestled in the white fox fur cor,peting with frost and snow in fairness.


    The swaying papernterns in the corridor emitted creaking sounds, the warm yellow light shone on the woman''s porcin white skin, making her look celestial.


    She stood under the eaves, smiling at him faintly, giving a very unreal and illusory feeling.


    At this moment, Jiang Yin finally understood that in his previous life, though endowed with fame and fortune, he ended up with nothing. And in this life, what he pursued was merely her waiting under themplight and a warm smile on her face in the snow.


    Across the wind and snow, gazing at her from afar, the surging feelings in his heart, Jiang Yin walked over happily, his eyes burning as he looked at her.


    As if presenting a treasure, he held out the wooden box in front of her eyes, like a lovestruck fledgling, "The hairpins from Treasure Pavilion are loved by the youngdies in Bianjing City. This is a gift I brought for you. Take a look, A Ying, do you like it or not?"


    His tone was a bit fawning and humble.


    Gu Ying nced at him lightly, took the wooden box from his hand without opening it, and handed it directly to Haitang.


    Then she said to him, "Sit down. Knowing that you wereing back today, I made your favorite food."


    Jiang Yin looked strangely at her calm little face and walked into the room to sit at the table.


    The room was set with a table full of food and wine. Gu Ying took off his rain cape and conical hat for him and hung them outside. She also asked Haitang to take out the pre-warmed sweet plum wine and put it on the table.


    "Haitang, go out first. I have something to say to him."


    "Yes." Haitang bowed slightly and walked out of the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.


    As soon as the door closed, the sound of wind and snow outside became fainter. A hot brazier was burning in the room, and the heartwarming aroma was slowly drifting in the air.


    It warmed up the whole body.


    Jiang Yin rubbed his frozen hands. His eyes swept over the food on the table and the corners of his mouth raised. His eyebrows and eyes were gentle. "Eight treasures duck soup, stir-fried chicken with winter bamboo shoots, fatty chicken slices with tofu skins, cabbage stir-fried with chicken oil, crystal meatballs, bird''s nest soup with three delicacies, eight treasure cake. Hmm, all my favorites. A Ying is thoughtful."


    Gu Ying didn''t speak, picked up the wine pot and poured Jiang Yin a cup of wine sitting opposite her. "This is sweet plum wine."


    The smile at the corner of Jiang Yin''s mouth froze. His big hand paused for a moment before taking the porcin cup from her hand. He raised his pitch-ck eyes and looked at her deeply.


    Gu Ying said lightly, "It''s been so long. It''s admirable that you still remember."


    Jiang Yin lowered his eyshes. He froze for a while without speaking and put the wine ss down.


    The atmosphere was somewhat stagnant.


    Jiang Yin raised his eyes again, staring at the woman''s calm and clear eyes. There was a dull pain in his heart. His throat felt clogged, making him restless.


    How he wished time would pass a little slower. But now it seemed that God was not on his side.


    Jiang Yin restrained his eyes. His heart ached for a moment. He said sarcastically, "On the fifteenth year of Tianqi, you and I got married. That night in the bridal chamber, these dishes were ced on the table.¡±


    Gu Ying said, "It¡¯s been so long. It¡¯s admirable that you still remember."


    Jiang Yin raised his eyes and said, "I have never forgotten for a moment that night. Under the dragon and phoenix candles, I saw my bride blushing with shyness, her brows and eyes picturesque."


    Gu Ying sneered. "What I only remember is that you were iron-hearted with a cold expression. In the end, you flung your sleeve and left, leaving me alone to keep the empty roompany."


    By this point, Jiang Yin knew his n hadpletely failed.


    The room was dimly lit with only a faint light source hanging over them.


    Jiang Yin sat under that small patch of shadow, his eyes dark and shining, yet swirling storms raged within.


    "When did you regain consciousness?"


    Gu Ying said casually, "Just a few days ago, thanks to your sister, I discovered the problem with the medicine."


    Otherwise, she would still be kept in the dark by him, controlled by drugs, and imprisoned in this vi like a prisoner.


    Jiang Yin ground his teeth. His eyes turned cold. "Jiang Ling''er."


    Gu Ying smiled mockingly, her eyes showing ridicule. "Don''t you think it''s very ironic?"


    The person who once hated her so much that she wished her dead, went through so much trouble in this life to move her out of the Duke''s mansion, not hesitating to spend heavily to feed her medicine and tamper with her memories to take them back to before anything had happened in their previous life.


    Didn¡¯t he think he was very childish, ridiculous and ironic?


    "Is it meaningful for you to delude yourself like this?"


    Jiang Yin''s lips tightened silently with a sneer.


    The dim light outside the window shone through the half-open windowttices, shining on the man''s pale handsome face, brightly intermittent, gloomy and unclear.


    "I''m not deluding myself," he said. "I know you love me."


    Gu Ying looked at him amusedly. The numerous intense hatred also became extremely calm at this moment. "I don''t love you and I never did."


    Jiang Yin''s expression changed slightly, but he still pretended to be calm. "You just refuse to admit it. A Ying, isn''t it good for us to be like now, forgetting the past and starting over? There will no longer be only resentment between us like in our previous life. I will be good to you and love you all my life. Anything you want, I can give you. Isn''t this what you wanted in yourst life? "


    Facing the man''s humble eyes, Gu Ying felt nothing but disdain in her heart.


    "I know you still have Zhao Changdu in your heart," Jiang Yin said. "But you also know that now that he knows about your past, there must be some concerns in his heart. Even if you like him and love him, will he be able to spend the rest of his life with you without any qualms?¡±


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned cold. "You despicable man!"


    Jiang Yin smiled slightly with a gloomy face, revealing an expression that was both joyful and painful, looking somewhat hideous at first nce. "I said, A Ying, you can only stay by my side."


    "Impossible." Gu Ying sneered, pulled out a dagger from her waist, and slowly aligned it with the bridge of his nose. "Tonight, I will perish together with you again, and die a second time."


    After saying that, she flipped up onto the table nimbly, lifted her long legs, and kicked towards Jiang Yin.


    She advanced step by step with killing intent in every move.


    "A Ying, I don''t want to hurt you!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes were bloodshot. "You may not necessarily beat me!"


    Jiang Yin said worriedly, "A Ying!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned red. Without wasting words with him, she gripped the dagger tightly. Every move was extremely urate and ruthless.


    Jiang Yin knitted his brows. He had no choice but to fight back reluctantly.


    His injury was serious and not yet fully recovered. After a few moves, he was already panting for breath with several cuts on his body.


    He covered the wound on his left arm with his hand. His eyes were angry, but when he met her blood-red eyes, he still had to raise his hand to block the sh.


    "A Ying, do you really want me dead?"


    "Otherwise, keep you, this treacherous beast, to celebrate New Year?¡±


    Gu Ying exerted force with five fingers. Every joint was turning white.


    Just as the two were fighting fiercely, there was also the sound of des shing outside Jinyin Vi.

 Chapter 461: Gu Ying You Dare

    <h4>Chapter 461</h4>


    Jiang Yin responded to Gu Ying with one side, and was already extremely tired in his heart. He also felt that his body was gradually bing weak and powerless. He thought that she must have arranged narcotics in this room!


    He couldn''t wait any longer. If this continued, he would definitely be killed by A Ying!


    "Han Lin!"


    However, after calling for a long time, there was still no trace of Han Lin.


    Jiang Yin realized something was wrong and was in a panic.


    How could Gu Ying give him a chance to escape. She grabbed the back of his cor with one hand, clenched the cold de in her hand, and stabbed straight at the back of his neck when he was in a panic.


    "Puff!"


    A blood light rushed into the sky and sshed in front of Gu Ying''s eyes.


    At the same time Jiang Yin fell down, a burst of fierce shouts came from the gate of the Hidden Fragrance Convent.


    Jiang Yin looked back incredulously, groped the back of his neck with his big hand, and his pupils shrank at therge piece of bright redness, "You ..."


    Gu Ying expressionlessly pulled out the dagger, straddled him, and stabbed another knife into his chest.


    This time, she aimed precisely at the acupoint near his heart, leaving no chance for him to live again.


    Jiang Yin''s face turned as white as paper in an instant, he breathed out a breath, and vomited blood again, "A Ying ..."


    His eyes were filled with disbelief, but when his breathing became weak, he slowly reached out his hand, and the turbulent eyes shed two lines of regretful tears, as if trying to grab her hand.


    "Don''t leave me..."


    "Go die."


    Gu Ying looked at him indifferently.


    The vast expanse of white hair and the night wind howled like a wild beast.


    After taking revenge, the mood was unprecedentedly refreshing. The surrounding scenery slowed down.


    She was wearing a white brocade dress, her little face covered in blood, and the cold wind blowing her messy hair. But she didn''t feel a hint of cold.


    She looked at Jiang Yin''s eyes gradually losing their luster, and thought of the child she had given birth to at the risk of her life, and Du who was still in aa. She felt that life was just like this.


    The more obsessed you are with something, the more it''s like quicksand in your hand. The tighter you hold it, the faster it slips away.


    As long as she was willing to give up, nothing could defeat her anymore.


    It was fine that the little one hade to this world alive, and there was a way to detoxify Du. She had nothing to regret.


    She smiled, took the dagger out of Jiang Yin''s body little by little, and pointed it at her own heart little by little.


    She thought that if she could do it again, she had alreadypleted her mission.


    It was time to leave.


    "Gu Ying! Don''t you dare!"


    Suddenly, the man''s grieving voice resounded through the world.


    Strong inner strength rushed in from all directions. Gu Ying was stunned. Before she could react, the dagger in her hand had been snatched away.


    A mysterious ink-colored silhouette flew over like a startled swan from the snow curtain. The familiar scent of sinking water made the numb and lifeless Gu Ying move her eyes.


    "No!" Zhao Changduo hugged her tightly, his phoenix eyes crimson, filled with endless anger. He hugged her slender waist tightly, rested his chin on her shoulder, and said hoarsely, "No, don''t leave us, do you understand?"


    He had never thought she would choose tomit suicide.


    When the knife pointed at her heart, his chest hurt so much it almost cracked.


    At that moment he didn''t think of anything, he just rushed over like this, wishing he could p her awake, but he couldn''t bear to do it either.


    Gu Ying was stunned in the man''s arms, only to find that his whole body was uncontrobly trembling.


    "Du, how did you get here?"


    "A Ying ..." The man wished he could rub her into his flesh and blood. Frowning, he held her blood-stained little face, "Even if you don''t want me, how can you not want Nian?"


    "If you don''t want him, I don''t want him either!"


    "If you die, I will follow you to the Yellow Springs!"


    Gu Ying''s vision was blurred by ayer of mist, and she could only see his face indistinctly.


    There was a tingling pain in her heart, and sourness welled up in her throat.


    She clenched her fists and raised her wet, flushed eyes to look into the abyss of his eyes. "Du, my business¡ª"


    Zhao Changduo''s bright phoenix eyes stared at her intently. "I know everything now."


    Gu Ying''s whole body stiffened. "So you know how indecent I am. I¡ª"


    Zhao Changduo frowned. He reached out his slender fingers along the back of her ear and tucked back a strand of hair wet with tears, revealing the woman''s pointed chin.


    He held her hand and intertwined their ten fingers. "Where are you indecent?"


    Gu Ying''s heart ached. "I ..."


    Zhao Changduo looked tenderly at her breezy, almost transparent and fragile tearful eyes. He said distressingly, "But I have never thought you were indecent."


    Gu Ying was stunned for a moment, and raised her eyes again. In the misty water vapor, the man''s expression was unprecedentedly solemn.


    He smiled and said, "A Ying, I know that in your previous life, your kindness to Jiang Yin was not because he was good, but because you are good. You gave him everything, lost your reputation for him, and were humiliated in the temple for ten years. All this is not your fault, it is his fault."


    He lightly kissed her forehead. "I never regretted liking you and falling in love with you, marrying you as my wife, even if you had once looked to the wrong person and was let down, even if you only looked back at me after hitting a wall."


    Gu Ying felt the soft touch of his thin lips, and her heart felt a rush of heat.


    She closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her cheeks.


    Zhao Changduo said helplessly, "I feel heartache for you, how could I despise you? I only hate that I didn''t reincarnate, otherwise how could I have given him the chance to hurt you..."


    "What''s more, in this life you are mine from body to heart, you are pure and clean, you are my beloved little girl."


    "It was just a nightmare."


    "Be good, forget the nightmare."


    "We will be together for life after life. In the next life, and the next, I will never let go of your hand again."


    The usually silent and taciturn prince was so talkative today.


    After a sour feeling welled up in Gu Ying''s eyes, her eyes became wet.


    She stretched out her icy hands and put her arms around his waist, sobbing, "Du, I miss Nian."


    Zhao Changduo sighed softly, kissed the tip of her nose, and said, "Okay, I''ll have someone bring Nian over now."


    With that, he picked up the thin and weak little girl in his arms and ced her on a chair, then went out the door himself to take the child from Ye Qingchi.


    Ye Qingchi stopped him and asked, "How is A Ying?"


    Zhao Changduo said, "She wants to see the child."


    Ye Qingchi''s mouth twitched slightly. "I saw Jiang Yin''s corpse. What did you and A Ying talk about? A Ying was imprisoned here by Jiang Yin. If something happened, Du, you must keep calm."


    Zhao Changduo pulled the corners of his mouth into a smile. "Nothing much. I just thought it was time to end this nightmare of hers."


    His voice was deep, seemingly calm, but one look in his eyes would let anyone know that this man was on the verge of rage.


    Ye Qingchi''s temple twitched and he had a headache. "Leave Jiang Yin to me. He harmed A Ying, so he offended our Ye family. I can''t let him die so easily."

 Chapter 462: Hug Him, Ah Ying

    <h4>Chapter 462</h4>


    Zhao Changdu''s entire body was filled with lifeless silence. He lowered his eyes and nced at the child, and suddenly a mysterious smile appeared at the corner of his lips. "Ah Chi, is there any way to save him?"


    Ye Qingchi felt a chill down his back. "What are you trying to do?"


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his cold eyes slightly and said expressionlessly, "Killing him would be too gratifying. This time, I will take revenge for Ah Ying in her ce."


    Ye Qingchi clicked his tongue twice and said, "That''s all I need to hear from you."


    Behind him, Huai An came up carrying Jin Lin''s severed head and shouted, "Master¡ª¡±


    Ye Qingchi interrupted him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Huai An said, ¡°I¡¯m here to im credit!¡±


    Ye Qingchi curled his lips slightly. ¡°You have no sense at all? Now is not the time. Don¡¯t go disturb their family reunion. Be careful or you''ll lose your life."


    Huai An nced at his master¡¯s tall back and swallowed his saliva. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go next door and tie up Jiang Ling''er and Jiang''s mother.¡±


    ...


    Gu Ying was very tired, but when she saw the child, her eyes were filled with twinkling stars.


    "Hold him, Ah Ying."


    Gu Ying looked up, sping her eyes helplessly. She was covered in blood and did not dare to hold the little Nian Bao.


    The little one had cried all the way until finally quieting down at the moment he saw his mother. He stared at her with his big round eyes, unblinking.


    "Mmm mmm mmm!"


    Seeing that his mother was reluctant toe and hold him, the little one stretched out his two white tender arms high and swayed them in the air, as if inviting her to hurry up and hold him and kiss him!


    Flustered, she wiped her hands on her skirt and stared at the pink cheeks of the little milk ball. The corners of her mouth raised slightly as she stammered, "Ah Du, our Nian Bao is so cute."


    As soon as she finished speaking, tears filled her eyes again.


    Her chest was filled with unknown happiness.


    Zhao Changdu mped his big hand on the back of her neck, stroked her soft long hair, and said indulgently, "Hold him, he misses you very much."


    "Okay..."


    She finally hugged the soft little body of the little one. Smelling the milky fragrance on him, the hostility around her calmed down.


    She had passed out after giving birth to him and had not had a chance to look at him yet.


    Seeing him now, this little dumpling''s whole body was soft. She didn''t dare to use any strength at all, for fear that the slightest carelessness would crush the little one.


    "Ah Du, do you know?" Her eyes lit up as she lifted her eyelids. "He is our child from our previous life."


    Zhao Changdu was shocked and narrowed his long eyes. The usually cold and unfeeling Crown Prince revealed a hint of astonishment in his eyes.


    Gu Ying sighed, "In ourst life, after I remarried Jiang Yin, we did not consummate our marriage. Then one time in the other courtyard, you were drugged by Princess Yueyan, and we identally had an encounter. It was that time that I became pregnant with your child."


    Zhao Changdu''s fist suddenly clenched tightly. "Then what happened?"


    Gu Ying turned her head, her eyes as clear as a spring. She pulled up the corners of her lips and said calmly, as if talking about something unrted to her, "Then the child was killed by Jiang Yin. When he was one month old, Jiang Yin forced me to drink a bowl of medicine to induce miscarriage. At that time I didn''t understand anything, so I just blindly lost Nian Bao like that."


    "So in this life, I was determined to give birth to Nian Bao no matter what."


    The young girl''s voice was gentle and pleasing to the ear. Her light tone was as if she was talking about somethingpletely unrted to herself.


    Zhao Changdu listened with a sinking heart and unbearable hidden pain.


    The more calm she was, the more his heart ached.


    He leaned over to wrap her fragile shoulders and lowered his head to kiss her face. He said heavily, "Ah Ying, I''m sorry."


    "It''s all good now." Gu Ying''s cheeks were slightly flushed. She happily shed tears and said, "Nian Bao has finallye to my side safely. I want to protect him well. No one can hurt him anymore."


    Zhao Changdu''s heart ached badly. He wanted to know so much about his entanglement with the young girl in their previous life.


    But looking at the calm, smiling eyes of the young girl, he couldn''t bear to ask too much.


    He held her and the child tightly in his arms and swore in his heart.


    In this life, he would never let Gu Ying down.


    ...


    A month after Jiang Yin''s death, with the Crown Prince apanying her day and night, Gu Ying''s irritable mood finally calmed downpletely, and she truly reconciled with her previous life.


    A monthter, they returned to Bianjing City again.


    She saw the old Duke again, and also saw her old father whom she hadn''t seen in two lifetimes.


    At that time, when shey helpless in the broken temple and heard of her father''s death, she hated that she could not follow him. Looking back now, the biggest regret in her previous life was that she had not seen her father with her own eyes, and told him in person how bad she and her younger brother were at home, and how much they missed him.


    After her mother died, he left Bianjing and did not return for more than ten years.


    She didn''t know where in the barren mountains on the border his corpse was buried.


    Seeing her father alive and well standing in front of her, Gu Ying couldn''t help but feel infinite emotions.


    "Ah Ying! Daddy''s good girl! You''re finally back alive!"


    Ever since Gu Ying disappeared, he had been looking for her. It was just that in his anxiousness, he was misled by the false information given by the Jiang family and went in the opposite direction of Taohua Town.


    Fortunately, the despicable Zhao boy had brought Ah Ying back intact.


    Otherwise, even if he was immediately beheaded, he would have no face to meet Zhuo Zhuo underground...


    Gu Ying''s eyes turned red, and tears couldn''t help spinning in her eyes. She smiled and said, "Why does it sound so unpleasant to hear Father say that?"


    "Who cares! As long as Ah Ying is alive and well, I won''t be angry with the Zhao boy."


    Gu Boqing picked her up and spun her around just like when she was a child. Gu Ying put her arms around his neck shyly and asked him to put her down quickly.


    "Father, your daughter is grown up now, and is already a mother. Aren''t you childish?"


    Gu Boqing scratched his head shyly and said, "Oh, I forgot!"


    He patted his forehead and said, "I still thought Ah Ying was as little as when I left, when you had twin buns in your hair and were only as tall as my waist. After all these years, my little girl has grown into a young woman. But I have to say, how could you get married without telling your father a word?"


    He lowered his voice dissatisfiedly, "Ah Ying, why did you choose Zhao Changdu? I don''t like him. Men who are too handsome are unreliable."


    The man was very chatty. Gu Ying smiled at the corner of her mouth and suddenly jumped into his arms. "Father is also very handsome."


    Gu Boqing was pleased and said, "Can Ipare?"


    Gu Ying smiled. It was a smile of true joy.


    Gu Boqing was extremely happy, but before he could be happy for long, he saw the despicable Zhao boy expressionlessly take his Ah Ying out of his arms.


    When he reached out to hold her back, the Zhao boy pped his hand back.


    "Father-inw, it doesn''t matter if you don''t like me." Zhao Changdu said with lowered eyes, revealing a faint smile. Then he turned to Gu Ying andined, "Ah Ying, Yan''er is hungry and wants his mother."


    "Oh, how is Yan''er hungry again? Where''s Yin Lan?"


    "Yin Lan is waiting outside. Yan''er is also there."


    "Then let me go see."

 Chapter 463: Be Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 463</h4>


    Gu Ying didn''t care about her own father anymore and immediately walked away.


    Gu Boqing pitifully twitched his nose. "Why don''t you want your dad anymore now that you have a grandson?"


    Everyone knew the dainty young master born in the Zhenguo Duke Manor couldn''t bear to be apart from his mom. As long as Gu Ying wasn''t by Little Zhao Yan''s side, the little guy would cry his eyes out, bawling until his face turned red and his neck bulged. Whoever saw it would feel distressed.


    Ever since Gu Ying returned to Bianjing, she had been taking care of the little one personally, never leaving the tasks to anyone else other than breastfeeding.


    Zhao Changdu sneered in satisfaction. He respectfully held a fist towards Gu Boqing, "Father-inw, I''m truly sorry. It''s gettingte, and my wife and I want to spend more intimate time together. She''s not feeling well and I, your son-inw, will go ahead first to warm up the bed for her."


    As he watched Zhao Changdu''s leisurely disappearing back, Gu Boqing was so angry that his teeth itched.


    Provocation! tant provocation!


    How could his carefully raised little cabbage be ravaged by a pig like this!


    That Zhao fox! Give my daughter back!


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he felt. He immediately ordered, "Come, pack up my stuff. This general is going to stay overnight at their Zhenguo Duke Manor tonight!"


    However, when he arrived at the manor, he didn''t see his daughter or grandson. Instead, the old Duke and Zhao''s father pulled him away to y chess, drink wine, and appreciate the snow.


    The night wind was cold and heavy snow fluttered about. Bianjing was still continuously snowing this winter.


    Many things had happened in Bianjing recently, but it became peaceful again after Gu Ying returned.


    The repairs on Changfeng Pavilion were almostplete.


    Zhao Changdu and Gu Ying had moved back to their original residence early on to make it convenient to take care of the child. They opened up the east wing specifically for Little Zhao Yan to live in.


    With not many people living on the premises, only Lingxi Pavilion and Changfeng Pavilion were lively ces in therge Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    The old Duke returned home and everyone gathered happily for a few times, but they still could not get too close with each other afterwards.


    The yards where the aunties resided were rtively remote. Only one, Zhao Changling had a sick mother who was chronically bedridden. Knowing that she didn''t have long to live, she pleaded with Mrs. Lin to take Zhao Changling under her care.


    Zhao Changling was almost at the age to be engaged. With her mother unable to make decisions, Mrs. Lin epted her to raise at Lingxi Pavilion.


    After Mrs. Lin chatted with Gu Ying for a while, Zhao Changling carefully approached the little milk ball, secretly ying with him for a bit. Seeing Mrs. Lin about to leave, she reluctantly blinked her eyes and secretly gave a small gold bracelet to Yin Lan.


    The little maid had a face like coated powder, tender and delicate. She gently batted her long eyshes. "This is for my brother."


    Yin Lanughed. "He''s not your brother. You''re actually his aunt."


    Zhao Changling tilted her head in confusion. Seeing Mrs. Lin and Gu Ying about to end their conversation, she blushed and no longer argued. She stuffed the small bracelet into Little Zhao Yan¡¯s hand and said "I¡¯lle see my brother again tomorrow" before running away without looking back.


    Gu Ying smiled gently as she sent Mrs. Lin off before turning back.


    Zhao Changdu waszily leaning on a short table reading a book, asionally raising his eyes to nce at the movement in the east wing.


    Ever since the addition of the little one, the room had always been very lively.


    Aside from the maids taking care of the child, two wet nurses and three old grannies who could care for the baby were added.


    The sky was getting dark and quality beech charcoal for heating was burning in the room. Yin Lan and maids Yanzhi and Hai Tang were surrounding their young madam near the bed ying with the kid.


    The little maids loved children the most. Cherishing how hard it was to conceive, they spoiled Little Zhao Yan even more.


    The less than three month old little guy slept with his mom every night.


    If there was even a little wind blowing outside in the middle of the night, Gu Ying would always be the first to wake up.


    Zhao Changdu was already dissatisfied that they hadn¡¯t paid attention to him after abstaining for so long. In the eyes and heart of the littledy, there was only the little thing.


    Seeing that the women in the east wing still didn¡¯t notice him, the man knitted his sword-like brows and quietly released some cold air towards the east wing.


    Unfortunately, Gu Ying''s mind and heart werepletely devoted to the little milk ball. Her ck eyes were bent as she kissed, hugged, touched, and pinched her baby''s chubby cheeks. She basically didn''t see therge swaths of gloom on the handsome face of the displeased man.


    Zhao Changdu ground his teeth, threw down his book, and walked towards the east wing. The littledy was wearing a short purple fur-trimmed coat today with a pleated skirt embroidered with golden chrysanthemums underneath. The well-tailored gown showed off her willowy waist and devilish charm.


    After giving birth, the youngdy¡¯s figure had be even more impressive.


    The man¡¯s gaze naturally fell on her protruding softness. His eyes unconsciously darkened.


    He wrapped his arms around the girl''s lethally slender waist and said to Yin Lan, "Yin Lan, you take Yan''er to sleep tonight.¡±


    Yin Lan immediately understood. Her face reddened as she hurriedly carried the little prince away, pulling Yanzhi and Hai Tang along with her.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly still wanting to catch up to hug her child a little longer.


    The room door closed and scorching heat sted from behind her neck.


    The man stood behind her, hugging her from behind. Lowering his head, he wickedly breathed into her ear, "It''s not like you''ll never see him again. Why spoil him so much? Boys cannot be raised so delicately."


    He entwined her waist and his big hands skillfully slid into her clothes.


    His hoarse, low voice was like he was drunk, provoking an itchiness in people''s hearts.


    "Hmm?"


    Zhao Changdu freed up his other hand to pinch the girl''s pointed chin, leaning in to gently nip at her soft lips. "Why aren''t you talking, Ying?¡±


    Gu Ying couldn''t endure the teasing. She bit her moist red lower lip and twisted her body to face him with feigned indignance, obediently hooking her arms around his neck, taking the initiative to convey her consent.


    "Yan¡¯er can¡¯t bear to be apart from me. He''ll cry. Then he won''t be able to sleep well at night."


    "If you don''t dote on me, I won''t be able to sleep well at night either."


    Gu Ying innocently looked up at him with her pitch ck eyes. "But you''re an adult."


    Zhao Changdu lowered his eyes to look at the girl''s reddened cheeks. His slender fingers tucked the stray strands by her temples behind her ears. His scorching eyes continuously wandered over her face, neck, waist...


    "You spoil him so much without fear that I''ll get angry?"


    Gu Ying said in astonishment, "Isn''t he your son too?"


    What father would actually be jealous of his own son?


    "I don''t care. I''m starving and want to eat you up." Zhao Changdu narrowed his phoenix eyes. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed. With a wave of his hand, the curtains outside the canopy bed fell.

 Chapter 464: Lucky to Have Gu Ying

    <h4>Chapter 464</h4>


    Gu Ying''s eyes brightened slightly. Her body was pressed under the thick brocade quilt by him. As he moved, her breathing grew rapid.


    He held the youngdy in his arms for a while, worried that her body had not yet recovered, so he did many preparations for her until her eyes grew misty with desire and her body went limp like water before he finally lowered himself and patiently pressed against her, bending down to kiss her delicate skin.


    Gu Ying''s eyes were like water, shimmering and hazy as she gave him an alluring nce. "A Du, it hurts..."


    Seeing the youngdy guarding her clothes in terror, barely revealing anything, she looked most charmingly shy.


    Since she didn''t breastfeed after giving birth, her chest had felt rather ufortable during that month at Hidden Fragrance Courtyard. She hadn''t realized then that it was because her chest was swollen and sore after giving birth.


    Later, when she returned to Zhenguo Duke Manor and heard the wet nurse talk about breastfeeding, she finally understood that this soreness wasmon among women.


    Even now, it would sometimes hurt badly, especially whenever the little one drew near her, her body would automatically react.


    Gu Ying shyly blushed to the tips of her eyes, gazing at the man''s scorching, fiery eyes. She softly said, "The wet nurse said Yan''er could help me..."


    "No need for him."


    He didn''t let his little wife breastfeed the little dumpling. The two wet nurses at home were enough.


    As for the littledy, she could only be his.


    Gu Ying impatiently said, "Then if it always hurts, how is that good?"


    "Isn''t your husband still here?"


    Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes were deep and intoxicating as he stared at the touch of vermilion in the snow. His eyes grew increasingly obscure and unfathomable. As his gaze heated up, he lowered his head.


    Gu Ying suddenly bit the corner of her mouth. They already had a child together, yet he still treated her this way...it made her feel ashamed beyond words.


    She turned her head to one side, burying her petite face in the soft pillow, trying hard to control her fragmented cries and turbulent breathing.


    After some unknown amount of time, long, drawn-out moans of a woman sounded from the bed.


    The man''s breathing was very heavy as he panted roughly.


    Since leaving Bianjing, he had been abstinent, not having any wicked thoughts these past few months on the battlefield. He was always cold and ascetic, not usually that keen on matters between men and women. Yet whenever he was by her side, he found it somewhat hard to control himself.


    When he first brought her back, for a long time he didn''t touch her, afraid she was still upset.


    It was not easy to be intimate with his little wife tonight, so he became increasingly unrestrained in his passions.


    After a "crazed" night of entanglement, Gu Ying''s whole body ached terribly. She truly did not understand why the Crown Prince was so obsessed with her body; upright and proper by day, but a licentious beast by night.


    By the time it was almost dawn, the man finally stoppedpletely, holding her satisfied as he brought his thin lips to hers for a kiss without any lust, saying, "Ah Ying, I have to go to the pce today."


    "Mm."


    "You don''t need to get up, just sleep in."


    "Okay."


    Dazed and groggy, Gu Ying only wore a white robe as shey curled up in bed, lightly pushing his sturdy, robust chest.


    Zhao Changdu grasped her fingertips, bringing them to his lips for a kiss. His bewitching gaze made one''s heart tremble.


    Gu Ying lightly lifted her eyelids, remembering their madnessst night. Her cheeks burned fiercely. "Come back early, Yan''er and I will be waiting for you."


    Having said so, the littledy immediately fell back asleep, no longer looking at him again.


    Zhao Changdu gazed at her flushed cheeks, also feeling that he had gone too farst night. He rubbed the youngdy''s tender skin with his big hand for a while, hoarsely saying, "Alright."


    After having breakfast, the fully fed and watered man changed into court attire and went to the pce to "ept punishment."


    Openly defying the imperial edict, refusing the marriage alliance with the princess, and arbitrarily mobilizing the imperial troops around the capital.


    Any of these crimes alone would be enough to condemn him to death.


    Yet before the man on the dragon throne could denounce him, the man directly requested "retirement," saying that he had limited abilities and was unfit for great responsibility, wishing to resign from his post as Grand General.


    The Crown Prince raised his eyes meaningfully, giving Zhao Changdu a significant look but said nothing.


    Tianqi Emperor lowered his gaze, fuming inside, but looking at the majestic, noble man standing upright in the study, he could not say a harsh word.


    He wished he could make Zhao Changdu roll right out of the imperial pce, but if he truly spoke those words, the young man would likely immediately refuse to serve.


    Looking around, in the whole of Dong Li, only Zhao Changdu in his youthful brilliance could seed the old Duke inmanding the armies and stabilizing his rule.


    Thinking of this, Tianqi Emperor really had no choice but to let it go.


    So he said, "As long as you agree to marry Princess Lesu, I will forgive everything else that has happened."


    Zhao Changdu raised his tranquil gaze to meet the Emperor''s eyes expressionlessly. "Your Majesty, in this life I only have Gu Ying. I absolutely will not take a second wife."


    Tianqi Emperor gave in a step, persuading, "I''m not asking you to take her as your primary wife, only to take her as a concubine."


    Zhao Changdu didn''t even nce sideways. "For a nation''s princess to be a subordinate''s concubine, if word of this got out, how could Your Majesty''s peace talks with the Qiang Tribe continue?"


    Tianqi Emperor angrily said, "You still dare defy my decree?"


    Zhao Changdu calmly replied, "If Your Majesty still insists on me marrying Lesu, then I don''t want this position of Grand General."


    Having said so, he flicked his wide crimson sleeves and removed the ck gauze from his head, his attitude resolute.


    Tianqi Emperor was so angry his old eyes went dark.


    This confrontation continued until dusk, ultimately ending in Tianqi Emperor''s defeat.


    As Zhao Changdu left the study, the Crown Prince called for him to stop. "For one woman''s sake, A Du is so defiant of Father Emperor. Aren''t you worried about the future of Zhenguo Duke Manor?"


    "Zhenguo Duke Manor''s achievements were earned by the Zhao n''s ancestors, fighting and sacrificing their lives on the battlefield. If even Zhenguo Duke Manor cannot find a ce in Dong Li, how many more years can this dynasty endure?"


    The Crown Prince''s pupils contracted. He was arrogant enough indeed.


    Yet Zhao Changdu was not wrong. The imperial n''s abilities had declined; aside from this opulent throne, they were powerless against foreign foes and to pacify themon people. They truly had to rely on these powerful aristocratic ns.


    The future leader of the prominent northern Zhao n did indeed have the arrogance befitting his status.


    The Crown Prince said, "I merely casually reminded you, why speak of such things."


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked up into a faint smile. "Li Hao, I believe you will be a wise ruler in the future."


    The Crown Princeughed. "I hope that in the future, I can live up to your words and not fail your trust."


    "I''ll be going now, to apany Gu Ying at home." Zhao Changdu lightly chuckled, folding his hands into his sleeves. Snowkes swirled down onto the man''s jet ck sword-like brows. Handsome and spirited, his eyes shone bright as the stars.


    Earlier, before Gu Ying returned to Bianjing, he had gone to see the Crown Prince.


    At that time, his entire being emitted endless bleakness, sickly and coldly sinister. Now he waspletely different, bold and vigorous.


    The Crown Prince was lost in thought for a while before he regained his senses, and there was only the distant back of the departing man between the pce halls.


    The snow was pure white, fluttering down. The sprawling imperial pce stretched on, the world vast and expansive.


    He couldn''t help sighing.


    Fortunately, there was still a Gu Ying in this world who could restrain that demon.


    Otherwise ¡ª


    Who could control him?


    He feared heaven and earth would be overturned.


    ...

 Chapter 465: The Finale

    <h4>Chapter 465</h4>


    That year, the New Year''s celebrations in Bianjing were extremely lively.


    The imperial pce had weed a little grandson, and Tianqi Emperor was so happy that he rewarded the Ning Family, granted general amnesty for three years, and the whole country celebrated together.


    The border wars had ended, and many soldiers returned home to reunite with their families.


    Zhao Changdu, who had bemander-in-chief, gave rewards all along the way back, wanting the four corners to rejoice together and people from all eight directions toe congratte, so that everyone in the world would know how delighted he was to have Little Zhao Yan.


    Ever since Gu Boqing returned to Bianjing, Gu Ying had a huge fight with that grandmother who only knew how to protect the main room, andpletely cut off all contact after that.


    Gu Boqing kept a taut face without saying much, thinking of his years of neglect towards his daughter, he let it be by default.


    Later, it was an incident from the year Ye Zhuoning passed away that made Gu Boqing furious.


    After arguing with her own mother all night, Gu Boqing was also disappointed with Gu Old Madam, and moved out of the Gu manor.


    Gu Jia''s illness had improved somewhat. Under the interference of the Ye Family, she was helpless to marry a burly and brutal military man. The couple''s affairs would end up in the yamen every few days, bringing public disgrace to the prominent families of Bianjing. Everyone in privileged circles knew about Gu Jia''s scandals.


    The previously arrogant Gu Jia went crying to Gu Old Madam many times, and whenever she saw Gu Ying, she would make all kinds of snide remarks, the hatred in her eyes seemingly able to spew fire.


    Unfortunately, after Gu Ying stopped returning to the Duke of Dongping''s manor, Gu Jia didn''t even have an outlet to vent her anger, and was nearly driven mad from exasperation.


    Not long after, Gu Ying heard that Gu Jia had be pregnant, but was ravaged by her drunk husband, losing the child that very day. She had massive bleeding and nearly died. Since then her health deteriorated day after day, until finally she could only lie in bed waiting to be served by others.


    Her unreliable husband had long been fooling around with her personal maid. After she took to her sickbed, the maid gained power and became the mistress, taking over the inner residence. She cut off Gu Jia''s food and clothing. Now beside her bed there was no one left she could ask for help, and filth soiled her whole bed but no one came to clean it up.


    That military man became even more repulsed by her, rarely even going into her room.


    Gu Jia dragged her battered body and leaned against the bed frame. The room was pitch ck, cold and damp. Outside, a few specks of moonlight drifted in through the cracks in the roof, and snowkes floated in through the gaps in the eaves. She clenched her stiff fingers, gave a self-deprecating chuckle, and hated, "Gu Ying! My decline to this point is all thanks to you! Just you wait! You wait for me!"


    She panted heavily, thinking at one moment of that wretched horse Doukou wantonly cavorting with that military man in the room next to hers, and at the next moment thinking of how happy and carefree Gu Ying must be in the Duke of Zhenguo''s manor right now, with the Crown Prince doting on and cherishing her, surrounded by the care and concern of the Ye Family, and with her father who should have died on the battlefield long ago. Her heart ached and burned with hatred!


    Why does Gu Ying get to enjoy the affection of so many people? Why does grandmother favor her so? Yet she is still trampled under Gu Ying''s feet!


    She gnashed her teeth fiercely, her eyeballs nearly bulging out, "Gu Ying! How could you do this to me! That glory and wealth clearly should have been mine! I will kill you... I must kill you!"


    Unlike the bleakness in Gu Jia''s manor, the Duke of Zhenguo''s manor was extremely lively.


    This year, the Duke of Dongping''s manor and the Ye censor''s family were both spending New Year''s at the Duke of Zhenguo''s manor.


    Other than Gu Old Madam and several from the main room, Qin, Ye Qingchi and Gu Shuang leading Gu Boqing had all sent gifts and came.


    Except for Lady Zhao who stayed at the Duke of Dongping''s manor busy with tasks, almost everyone else came bearing gifts and in person.


    Ye Zhuojian finished dealing with Gu Jia early and squatted in Chunshan Courtyard waiting to eat good food.


    Qin even more so directly treated the Duke of Zhenguo''s manor as her own home, busying herself here and there, not seeing herself as an outsider at all.


    Seeing this, Lady Lin drank a few more cups in delight, and was helped back to Lingxi Pavilion by Zhao Hui to rest.


    Thus, Lady Lin and Zhao Hui did not stay to keep New Year''s Eve watch, not knowing what delights the couple enjoyed in Lingxi Pavilion.


    With many people in Chunshan Courtyard, Yin Lan had arranged the fruits, wine and desserts properly. All kinds of hot dishes kepting.


    Everyone surrounded Little Crown Prince, vying to ce red envelopes in the little guy''s arms.


    The little one grinned widely with his pink lips, giggling nonstop.


    Gu Shuang begged and pleaded with Crown Prince to let her hold Little Crown Prince for a while. The soft and chubby little milk dumpling had just gotten into her arms when he stretched out his little hands to pull at her plum blossom embroidered cor, and moved his little mouth to kiss her chin.


    Before the little one''s mouth reached its target, Ye Qingchi intercepted midway. The baby pouted his lips, staring with his shiny ck eyes at his uncle''s handsome face, and let out a loud wail.


    Seeming to be protesting his uncle''s unfairness!


    Gu Shuang''s arms were full of the baby''s milk scent. She blinked resentfully at him, "Husband, I''m ying with the child, don''t bully little Yan."


    Ye Qingchi hooked his wife''s shoulder with his arm, arching his brow, "He''s just a little boy, how could he casually kiss other men''s wives?"


    Feeling the man''s fingers gently caressing her lips, Gu Shuang''s pretty face turned red, "Husband, he''s just a little milk baby, could you actually be jealous of a baby?"


    "How could I be."


    "I see that husband is definitely jealous."


    Calling him husband with every sentence, it made his heart feel as sweet as honey.


    Ye Qingchi felt gratified inside. He scooped the little milk dumpling from his wife''s arms with his big hand, looking between the child and his wife''s belly, a profound meaning appeared between his brows.


    Gu Shuang didn''t notice the deep look in the man''s eyes. She extended a slender jade finger to y with the little one. He was very well-behaved and didn''t cry much since Second Sister came back. His distinct ck and white big eyes were bright like stars. His brows, nose, they looked exactly like they were cast from the same mold as Crown Prince''s.


    He was still so tiny yet already so exquisite and beautiful. When he grew up some more, I''m afraid the young girls in Bianjing would all be smitten.


    It was just a pity that after marrying into the Ye family for so long, there was still no movement in her belly. Yet she and husband were... quite frequent in the matter of making babies.


    But she just hadn''t been able to conceive. Mother had found her many folk remedies, which husband also didn''t allow her to take.


    When he put on that stern face, he looked exactly like Old Master, so Ye Qingchi''s words were ones she didn''t dare disobey.


    She could only me her useless body for letting husband down in this matter of children. Thinking of this, Gu Shuang''s small face drooped.

 Chapter 466: In the Finale

    <h4>Chapter 466</h4>


    Ye Qingchi gentlyforted his delicate wife Gu Shuang''s disappointed look and kissed the corner of her mouth, whispering, "Don''t be envious, I will give you an equally cute one next year."


    When Gu Shuang understood her husband''s implication, she couldn''t help but clench her clothes tightly, "My lord, but I..."


    Knowing what was on his little wife''s mind, the man let out an easyugh and lowered his seductive, tempting voice again, "It''s not your problem, it''s mine."


    Gu Shuang looked up puzzled, her face full of confusion.


    Ye Qingchi amusingly hooked the corner of his mouth. In over half a year of marriage,pared to other privileged young masters who had received good news from their rear courtyards, he still didn''t dare let Frost conceive.


    Firstly, what happened with Ying almost dying from a difficult childbirth had given him a psychological shadow. Secondly, Frost was still young, he thought that after a few more years of just the two of them, when she was older and her body was stronger, they would talk about having children.


    But now looking at it, Frost didn''t think so.


    The man suddenly realized why recently she always avoided his touch and tentatively tried to prepare finding him a concubine several times, with uncertainty in her eyes that were not as happy as before.


    He didn''t know what his mother-inw had said to her again, but the little girl''s mood was always low.


    The man pinched his brow and squeezed her weak, boneless fingers, "I''m sorry I''ve wronged you, this really isn''t your problem."


    Gu Shuang just took it as himforting her and smiled, "I understand, my lord."


    Although she spoke as such, how could Ye Qingchi believe that this sensible little girl really understood?


    She would only feel that there was something wrong with her body, and continue to avoid him finding a concubine, side consort or little wife. This girl''s personality was gentle and obedient, but also a bit difficult, not like an ordinary couple, arguing and coquetting with him, always going along with him, considerate of him.


    Such a Frost made one''s heart ache even more.


    "Do you know... actually every time when we..."


    Speaking, he pulled his wife''s ear and whispered to her. Others didn''t know what the couple said, only seeing Gu Shuang''s fair face quickly turning red, even her earlobes blushing bright red, and the light returning to her eyes as she angrily pounded his chest with her fists while looking at Ye Qingchi reproachfully yet affectionately, lively and vibrant.


    The room was as warm as spring, filled with the fragrance of flowers. Looking out the window where the falling snow was like a painting.


    It shone on the prosperous scene in the Chunshan courtyard.


    The mundane world, family and friends around, even if noisy, still made one feel carefree.


    Ye Zhuojiang was alone and had no one, chattering to Gu Ying, "Gu Ying, howe you don''t praise me."


    Gu Ying nced at the gloomy expression on the face of the prince beside her andughed, "Didn''t I already praise you? Wise and martial, chivalrous youth, handsome and unrestrained, healing hands, what else do you want? Tell me, I''ll praise you more."


    Ye Zhuojiang pleadingly said, "I cured Gu Jia for you and made her suffer humiliation and ridicule, also following Uncle''s will, marrying her to a ninth-rank military officer. See, am I good to you?"


    The corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth moved imperceptibly as he stretched out his arm to hug Gu Ying''s shoulders, openly holding the young girl in his embrace, his dark eyes expressionlessly looking at Ye Zhuojiang.


    The prince and princess being intimate wasmonce to the servants in the household.


    Only Ye Zhuojiang''s mouth twitched fiercely a few times as he stared at Zhao Changdu in disgust. He didn''t expect the dignified heir to the Duke''s household to be such a frivolous and unrestrained person!


    But under the man''s dark gaze he spinelessly pulled out an ingratiating smile, "Your Highness, do you want to praise me too?"


    Zhao Changdu wasn''t stingy with his praise, "Mm, you did very well."


    Ye Zhuojiang expectantly said, "Then do you still remember what you promised me?"


    Zhao Changdu raised his brows indifferently, "What is it?"


    Ye Zhuojiang pointed at his own chest, his eyes shining brightly, "Look, besides the old Duke and Gu the General, I''m the only one without a wife here!"


    The Ye family had arranged suitable girls for Ye Zhuojiang, but he was unsatisfied every time.


    Gu Yingughed, "So you were waiting for this. Don''t worry, if Grandfather won''t make the decision, I will. Go on, who have you taken a fancy to?"


    "What do you think..." Ye Zhuojiang twisted his body, an unprecedented blush on his handsome face, "Princess Yuan?"


    Gu Ying truly didn''t expect Zhuojiang to have taken a liking to the Emperor''s precious treasure.


    Who didn''t know that ever since Yuan entered the imperial pce, everyone inside, even the passing dogs had to bow to her.


    The Tianqi Emperor doted on this daughter like the apple of his eye, even the Crown Prince didn''t dare say much to Yuan.


    Speaking of Yuan, a loud male voice came from the yard, "Ah, I''mte! I''ll drink three cups as punishment! Three cups!"


    Then a smiling couple walked in.


    Su He was holding a jar of fine wine. His handsome face was carefree and elegant as he put the wine jar on the table, "This is a 70-year-old Daughter Red that is hard to find even if you light amp in Dongli. I''m treating you all tonight."


    When Ye Zhuojiang saw Yuan beside Su He, his face stiffened. He pointed at her, gritting his teeth, "You... How did youe here with him!"


    Yuan blinked, not knowing what she had done wrong to displease Ye Zhuojiang.


    "Young Master Ye, what''s wrong with me?" Yuan puzzledly pointed at herself, "Can''t Ie here with Su He?"


    Su He silently rolled his eyes. He didn''t miss the improper look Ye Zhuojiang had towards Yuan. His eyes narrowed as he reached out to firmly take Yuan''s hand, "Ignore him, he''s just an immature brat. Adults are talking, children shouldn''t interrupt."


    Yuan said, "How can you say that about him? His medical skills are outstanding and he''s exceptionally talented, a rare youthful genius."


    Su He raised his brows arrogantly, "Aren''t you afraid your fianc¨¦ will be jealous, praising him right in front of me?"


    Adding a "fianc¨¦" in every sentence, afraid others didn''t know that a few days ago, after oveing the Emperor''s trials and tribtions, he had finally obtained the emperor''s approval to marry Princess Yuan.


    Ye Zhuojiang''s face turned ck.


    "What''s there to be jealous about." Yuan smiled charmingly, her small hand naturally resting in Su He''s palm. She turned her face to look at him, "Hasn''t our marriage almost been settled? What are you still afraid of?"


    Su He hooked the corner of his lips smugly and intentionally sat down next to Ye Zhuojiang, putting his arm around the youth''s shoulders like an older brother, "Zhuojiang, don''t forget to give your sister-inw and brother-inw a wedding gift when the timees."


    Ye Zhuojiang was so angry his handsome face turned red as he red at Su He, as if saying, you wish.


    Su He wasn''t bothered in the slightest, gleefully saying, "That aphrodisiac you mentionedst time, the one for seven rounds a night, I think it''ll be great."

 Chapter 467: The Finale 02

    <h4>Chapter 467</h4>


    Na Yuan''s little face flushed slightly red, ¡°Alright, stop joking. Jiang Jiang, want to drink some wine, the seventy-year-old daughter''s red?¡±


    Ye Zhuojiang clenched his fists, red at Su He, and looked at Na Yuan reproachfully. His young heart was shattered into pieces.


    What seventy-year-old daughter¡¯s red!


    If he couldn''t marry Na Yuan, he would be a seventy-year-old virgin!


    Gu Yingughed loudly. Ye Zhuojiang couldn''t stand it anymore. He took the wine jar to drink away his sorrows. Gu Ying told Yanzhi, "Yanzhi, go keep an eye on Jiang Jiang, don''t let him drink too much."


    The young rarely understand matters of love. It was just that at the pce banquet that day, Na Yuan had given him an extremely rare thousand-year-old ginseng, which made him happily say he wanted to marry her. He even said that as long as he married this princess sister, the good medicinal materials in the national treasury would all be his in the future.


    He didn¡¯t actually like her. It was just a momentary impulse.


    "Mistress, this ve will go first." Yanzhi brought a box of melon seeds and left merrily, "Can I also drink a littleter?" She had never tasted the seventy-year-old daughter¡¯s red before and was craving it.


    Gu Ying exhorted, "Be careful with your health, don''t drink too much."


    "Mistress don¡¯t worry, I know my limits!" Yanzhi happily hugged the melon seeds and caught up with Ye Zhuojiang.


    Ye Zhuojiang drove her away in disgust, but Yanzhi didn''t give up and stuck to him like glue, still trying to cheer him up.


    Soon, the two disappeared from everyone''s sight.


    Everyoneughed off Ye Zhuojiang¡¯s matter as a cute little interlude.


    The Guogong Mansion had given all the servants the night off today, wishing only for universal celebration and great joy.


    Money flowed like water, piled up in the courtyard. The more it snowed, the more everyone rejoiced.


    Braving the snowkes, Gu Ying, Gu Shuang Na Yuan and others put on thick cloaks and went out to distribute ingots of silver to everyone.


    After they finished and came back, the servants'' faces were filled with joy and gratitude.


    "Thank you young mistress, thank you young mistress!"


    There were separate feasts set up for the masters inside and the servants outside, all with delicious food and wine.


    After serving the masters, the servants also drank and gambled merrily together.


    Gu Ying came back from the cold wind and was held in Zhao Changdu¡¯s arms for a long time to warm up before he was willing to let go.


    ¡°You''ve just given birth and need to rest well, don¡¯t leave any illnesses behind.¡±


    Gu Ying unhappily said, "It has been over two months, I finished sitting the month. I''m fine now."


    Zhao Changdu remembered what Jiang Yin had said about her weak constitution and lifelong medication in her previous life, eventually bing emaciated and dying painfully. His heart ached for no reason. He covered the girl¡¯s slender white tender hand with his big hand, scratched it, and indulgently said, "Be good and listen."


    Gu Ying nced at the man, seeing the thick desire in his eyes. Her little face blushed. She secretly pulled his big hand into her sleeve and gently said, "I¡¯m really better now, Changdu. I will take good care of myself this lifetime to apany you and Yan¡¯er. Maybe even our daughter... Changdu, let¡¯s have another daughter. A daughter that looks like you must be very beautiful.¡±


    The girl''s eyes shone brightly, her aurapelling. Her beautiful face was indescribable in words under the snow light.


    His son Zhao Yan was enough trouble, now she wanted a daughter too? Although...he quite liked daughters, just thinking that the girl had almost died giving birth to his child made his heart sting painfully.


    The man hugged the girl tightly, and rubbed his chin lightly on her shoulder. He helplessly said, ¡°I agree to the daughter matter. In this lifetime, Zhao Yan is enough.¡±


    Gu Ying knew he was afraid. Her heart softened and she snuggled into his solid warm embrace and gently said, ¡°Changdu, I won''t leave you again. Don''t worry, we still have a lot of days to grow old together.¡±


    Zhao Changdu sighed without speaking.


    Over at Huai An, he chatted with Yin Lan for a while. The Zhuangzi had a bumper harvest this year. When they heard the little master was born, they hauled two carts full of sheep, cows and pork to the back door of the prince¡¯s mansion overnight.


    When Huai An heard this, he was happy. "Young mistress, the mutton offered by the vige this year is of excellent quality. How about we roast meat to keep the new year''s eve tonight!"


    Gu Ying¡¯s eyes curved into crescents. "Good!"


    She then told Yanzhi and Haitang to fetch a rack for barbecue around the stove.


    Everyone heard and said that good wine was indispensable for barbecue.


    Huai An enthusiastically volunteered, "I¡¯ll go down to the wine cer now!"


    Yin Lan''s eyes turned up at the corners. "I''ll go with you."


    Huai An''s handsome face turned slightly red. "Okay, Yin Lan...be careful, the road to the wine cer is slippery, don''t get wet in the snow."


    Hidden down there were dozens of years old wine buried by the old Guogong. The old Guogong was happy. He waved and told his subordinates to carry up several more jars, "We must drink wholeheartedly tonight!"


    More than ten jars of fine wine were neatly stacked together.


    Gu Boqing readilypeted in drinking with the old Guogong. Drunk, he tugged at the old Guogong¡¯s sleeve and wailed loudly.


    The old Guogong asked what was wrong. He blurrily choked back tears and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just miss Zhuo Zhuo.¡±


    The old Guogong patted Gu Boqing''s shoulder sympathetically and sighed as he looked at the lively Chunshan Courtyard. Several young couples looked lovingly at each other as if recalling something, with slightly reddened eyes.


    This year¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve was exceptionally noisy.


    The moment the bell tower''s bells chimed midnight, the magnificent fireworks shot up into the pitch-ck night sky, blooming into a gorgeous spectacle over the backyard garden of the prince¡¯s mansion.


    There weren''t many ces allowed to set off fireworks in Bianjing City, only the pce and the residence of the Town Prince had such grandeur.


    Some people couldn''t see such scenes in their lifetimes, yet here it was extravagantly splendid.


    Masters and servants were clustered around the broad Mirror Lake.


    Looking up, gazing at the sky full of fireworks, voices eximed in admiration, ¡°How beautiful!¡±


    ¡°Everyone look! A century of happiness!¡±


    The bright moon hung from the tree tops. The fireworks blossomed into the words ¡°a century of happiness.¡±


    Everyone jumped up in excitement. Such a magnificent once in a century spectacle made people''s eyes well up with hot tears.


    Under the radiant glow, Zhao Changdu hugged Gu Ying¡¯s waist and tilted his head to kiss her porcin-white brow.


    "With my love by my side, themplight feels so intimate.¡± His mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. His noble and handsome face showed strong and resolute lines in the fireworks.


    The splendor of the fireworks was but a glimpse that spanned an era.


    His steadfast guardianship would also persist through the millennia in the blink of an eye.


    Snow fluttered down andnded on the entangled ck hair of the men and women.


    A crimson blush spread across Gu Ying¡¯s cheeks. Her eyes shone brightly like stars, her little hand tightly sped with the man beside her.


    "Changdu, together watching the snow today, we in this life are destined to grow white-haired together.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want only this life, I want lifelong after lifelong with you."


    Little Zhao Yan waved his chubby little arms. His eyes were like ck grapes, he looked at Daddy, then looked at Mommy. "Awu awu awu awu awu!"


    Everyone wondered, "What is the little master saying?"


    "I guess Yan''er is saying, Mommy I want to eat!"


    "Wah wah wah!"


    The little guy cheerfully thrashed in Daddy''s arms. The corners of his mouth curled up as he giggled at Mommy.


    Gu Ying''s eyes curved into crescents. She kissed the man''s refined side face then finally kissed their son¡¯s chubby little meaty face.


    "Sealed."


    "Big and small, they''re all mine now."

 Chapter 468: A Stranger: Xiang King Has a Dream and the Goddess has No Heart 01

    <h4>Chapter 468</h4>


    "Come!"


    Amidst the heavy snowfall, a sh of lightning-like figure galloped down Changning Avenue on a tall horse from thends beyond the Great Wall.


    The grand wedding procession of the Zhao family was halted in the middle of the street by the figure in ck riding the spirited steed.


    The teenage eldest son, with an iron spear in his hand, sat upright on the fine horse. His sword-like brows furrowed coldly as he looked at therge red bridal sedan chair stopped in the snow.


    The cold wind howled as the joyful music came to an abrupt halt. The servants of the Zhao family shivered as they fearfully looked at the youth in ck in the snowstorm.


    A chill went down everyone''s spine.


    Themoners stopped to watch and gossip about the girl in the red bridal dress in the sedan chair and the boy on horseback.


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his jet-ck eyes. "Huo Qiyun! The eldest son gives you onest chance! If you still want to marry Zhao Changxing, I will not stop you!"


    Inside the sedan chair, Huo Qiyun did not move. Only a gentle voice helplessly drifted out, "Adu, please, let me go."


    The wind blew her voice into a wisp that pricked Zhao Changdu''s heart like a needle when it reached his ears, giving him a dull ache.


    Let go? What did her help to him mean in her eyes?


    He gave a self-deprecating coldugh, and his heart sank. After making a scene at the Huo Residence, he still could not stop her from getting into the bridal sedan chair. Zhao Changxing had taken the chance to stab him in the back during the chaos. The guards of the Huo family and Zhao family, under the guise of quelling his disturbance, had severely injured him. Now, his whole body was covered in wounds from head to toe.


    He had staked his life to pull her out of the fiery pit.


    Yet she was so cold-hearted that she would not even look at him.


    "The young eldest son must love Miss Huo so much! To think he would rob her wedding and take it to the streets!"


    "The eldest son has sharp brows and bright eyes. It''s a pity his mothermitted suicide by jumping off a cliff. There''s only his stepmother and elder stepbrother in the Duke''s Residence. It seems the eldest son does not have it easy there."


    "Miss Huo is the grandson of Lord Huo after all. How could she not marry the eldest son but instead marry Young Master Zhao Changxing!"


    What puzzled the people also puzzled Zhao Changdu.


    When Huo Qiyun was young, she had saved him when he had a high fever. At a tender age, she had pulled him back from the gates of hell. He had always been grateful and wanted to repay her someday.


    Others did not know that despite her status as the legitimate granddaughter in the Huo family, she did not have it easy.


    Even though his own days were also tough, he had sworn a venomous oath to protect her and take her into his household as his wife, to make her the happiest woman in Bianjing.


    Yet she insisted on marrying Zhao Changxing.


    She clearly knew the two people he hated most in this world were Lady Cheng and her son Zhao Changxing, yet she ignored his hatred and married him!


    What a good Huo Qiyun!


    Simply wonderful!


    Zhao Changdu burst into loudughter. But the movement aggravated his wounds and he clutched his chest in pain. Raising his eyes, he looked at the hazy sunlight in the sky. The re hurt his eyes and his breath hitched.


    Seeing he did not move, the wedding procession respectfully resumed its journey, passing by his side with pipes and drums ring.


    A gust of wind lifted the sedan curtain.


    The woman wore arge red bridal veil, cold as frost.


    He sat expressionlessly on the horse. The horse whinnied softly, as if unable to bear seeing its master''s all-epassing grief, and walked with him in the opposite direction of the bridal sedan chair.


    After a while, the figure on the horse swayed and tumbled off the back of the horse.


    It was snowing heavily in Bianjing. The thick snow buried half of the youth''s body. Due to Zhao Changxing''s arrogance, no one dared to go forward and help him up.


    Zhao Changdu felt ice-cold all over. He fainted, thinking he would die again. But when he awoke, he found himself in an abandoned temple.


    There was a fire in the temple. A little childy fast asleep on top of him.


    He moved his stiff, cold body and opened his eyes to see a childish face the size of a palm, flushed red.


    She was sleeping deeply. Her thick longshes, ck and curly like two small fans, castrge shadows on her round face. Her pink lips were pursed slightly. asionally she would smack them, revealing a bit of small pink tongue, seemingly dreaming about something delicious as she mumbled for pastries and fell back into deep sleep.


    He couldn''t describe the strange feeling swelling in his chest.


    Warmth radiated from where shey on him in waves.


    Just as he was wondering where he was, his attendant Huai An happily ran into the dpidated temple carrying firewood.


    "Eldest Son, you''re awake! I thought you were done for!"


    Huai An was also quite young. His eyes red, he moved to help him up.


    Zhao Changdu''s body was covered in wounds. He moved his eyes and asked hoarsely, "What is this thing?"


    Huai An did not dare touch his young master. Looking at the bloodstains on his ck brocade robes, he cried, "I don''t know either. Judging by her clothes, she seems to be a youngdy from some wealthy household, but she''s lost her way. I was busy trying to save you and she kept squatting by your side. I was worried that someone might kidnap and sell off a child her age, so I brought her along."


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze went nk for a moment before he asked again, "Did the wedding go through?"


    Huai An said, "It did."


    Zhao Changdu closed his eyes. Perhaps it was the warmth from the little one that invigorated him, for he felt a deep sense of tranquility.


    Now that the wedding was done, there was no turning back.


    She had chosen her own path in life. Even if she regretted it in the future, she would have to bear the consequences herself.


    He was an insignificant outsider. Why agonize over her?


    He was quite open-minded about it, but Huai An thought his heartbreak had been too much. He sat crying silently, then advised, "If I may say so, Eldest Son, don''t think about Miss Huo anymore. I''ve always felt you and Miss Huo are not fated to be. When the Duke returns, he will surely find a new young mistress for you. Tell me, Eldest Son, what kind of woman do you like? I don''t believe in all of Bianjing, there is no youngdy of a prestigious household, no noble princess, who is better than Miss Huo!"


    Zhao Changdu did not reply. He extended his slender, long fingers to poke the child''s soft cheek. It was like a small steamed bun, so cute.


    Disturbed from her sweet dream, the child blinked open her eyes.


    A pair of ck gem-like eyes appeared before him.


    He thought the delicate child would be angry, but instead, the little one merely wrinkled her tiny brow. Soon she hooked her little hands around his neck, happily crying in her tender voice, "Big brother, you''re all right! I thought you were dead! Mother said when people die they won''t move anymore! I was so scared! So I kept lying on your heart to listen to your heartbeat! Big brother, don''t die, please?"


    "On my heart?"


    "Yes, Mother said living people have heartbeats, thump thump thump, like that."

 Chapter 469: A Stranger: Xiang King’s Dream Goddess No Heart 02

    <h4>Chapter 469</h4>


    Huai An was afraid the little girl would anger the moody young master of his own family, and wanted to hold her away.


    Zhao Changdu, however, gave him a cold sideways nce, put his arm around the little girl with one hand, and sat up.


    The wounds on his body ached badly, he knitted his brows, held the little girl in his arms, his cold and aloof handsome young face in the dim firelight was vague and ambiguous.


    The little girl was not afraid of strangers at all. Her pink dress that was gradually turning white, her short stature, and her exquisitely carved, beautiful little face, her skirt red out in the young man''s arms, like a cherry blossom that had bloomed in March on a stretch of dark and vigorous withered branches.


    The little milk-white dumpling held the young man¡¯s clothes tightly, her pair of ck eyes stared at his face unwaveringly.


    "Brother, you won''t die, will you?"


    "I won''t."


    "Why is your clothes so...red?" The little one couldn''t find the right words, tilted her head, "red?"


    "It''s blood."


    "What is blood?"


    Zhao Changdu smiled to himself, the innocent and pure eyes of the child were like a clear fountain that could be seen to the bottom, making people feelplicated.


    He paused for a moment, swallowed the heaviness in his throat, and forced back the heat that welled up in his eyes, "When the knife cuts through the skin, blood will flow out of the body."


    He picked up a twig casually and cut a slit on his wrist. Bright red droplets rushed out from the wound. "This is blood."


    "Ah!" The little girl hurriedly covered it with her little hands, her big eyes full of worry, "Let me blow on it for you! Blowing makes it stop hurting!"


    Zhao Changduughed. "Huai An."


    Huai An hurriedly took out gold sore medicine gauze and other items to bandage him, "Young master, you really are scaring little girls, you can¡¯t really hurt yourself, besides, don¡¯t you already have enough wounds on your body?"


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, "Just teaching her something."


    The little girl pouted her red lips, "Bad guy! If you hurt yourself like this, daddy and mommy will be sad when they know it!"


    Zhao Changdu''s brow quirked lightly, his tone casual, "They won''t care about me."


    The little girl pouted high, "Liar, parents will care about their children! Children are born to their parents, parents will care about their children no matter what!"


    Huai An said with a smile, "This little girl is too young, young master, don''t tease her. If she criester, she''ll be hard to coax, girls are especially hard to coax."


    The little one refuted weakly, "I won''t cry."


    Huai An joked with her, "Aren''t you afraid we''re bad guys?"


    The little girl raised her face, "I know you guys are not bad guys. Brother is handsome, he¡¯s an angel, he came to help me."


    "Hahahaha, she''s still a little lover only looking at appearances, but little girl, you do have good eyes, our young master is as handsome and carefree as an angel." Huai An ridiculed. "When you grow up, how about marrying our young master?"


    The little girl was confused, "Marry?"


    Huai An saw she was really cute, restraining himself from reaching out to touch her fluffy little head, "That is, to be our young master''s little wife."


    The little girl didn''t want Huai An to touch her head, afraid he would, she shrank into Zhao Changdu''s arms. Although there was a bloody smell on him, she still felt that only this embrace was the safest and mostfortable.


    The tender skin of the little girl could be pinched into water. The young man felt the softness of the little girl.


    He pped away Huai An''s lecherous hands, protecting the little girl''s head.


    "Don''t touch her, your hands are dirty."


    Huai An regretfully withdrew his ws, "Young master, I''ll go catch two wild rabbits and roast them to eat, then we have to send her back, otherwise her family will worry."


    "I can wait until you get better before I leave." Hearing she was to be sent away, the little girl immediately looked at him worriedly, anxiously said, "Brother, don''t die."


    Seeing the almost stubborn earnestness in the little girl''s eyes, the corner of Zhao Changdu''s mouth picked up a smile, and he hugged the little girl''s soft waist, finally with some warmth.


    "I won''t die." Hemanded Huai An, "Go."


    Huai An was very skilled with bows and horses. He quickly caught two rabbits and roasted them over the fire.


    After eating the meat, Zhao Changdu hugged the little girl and fell asleep. At dawn, he sent her back to Bianjing.


    In a wealthy household, a little girl was lost, no one dared to speak out, only some servants and maids were sent to search in and outside the city inconspicuously.


    When Zhao Changdu handed the little girl to her wet nurse, the wet nurse thanked him profusely while holding the little girl.


    Seeing him, she probably knew he was the notorious hoodlum in Bianjing, and hurried away in fright with the little girl.


    That morning, the dawn had just spilled onto the streets of Bianjing. The steamed bun shops on the street side were steaming, but everywhere else was icy cold. Under the eaves, icicles hung upside down.


    He watched as the little girl slept so soundly in the wet nurse''s arms. He didn''t know what he was thinking in his heart, only that a warmth surged up.


    Huai An said, "Young master, do you want me to ask which family the little girl is from?"


    Zhao Changdu settled his mind and shook his head, "No need to ask."


    Huai An scratched his head and looked back at the sleeping little dumpling, feeling regretful in his heart.


    In recent years, after the mansion of Prince Zhenguo was controlled by that wicked woman, and the Prince didn''t care about the young master, there were too few people who could give warmth to the young master. This little girl was the first one who could make the young master sleep so well.


    Zhao Changdu stood tall in the wind, snow kes falling on the ck iron spear in his arms. His posture waszy, but his aura waspelling.


    "Young master, shall we go back to the manor now?"


    "No, let''s go to the border to find grandfather."


    With that said, he turned and left without looking back.


    The master and servant each rode a horse, passing by the deserted temple. The young man only nced sideways and then retracted his gaze.


    If...


    If he had known that the little girl would be tortured for ten years in this deserted temple in the future, and finally end her miserable life, he thought, he would havee back earlier from the border, and would have married her no matter what.


    It took ten years for Zhao Changdu to return from this trip.


    On the day he returned to the capital to report for duty, he rode on horseback into the city.


    It was still a bitterly cold winter day, and the snow in Bianjing was unprecedentedly heavy.


    The man wore a long ck robe, embroidered with dark phoenix patterns on the cloak, setting off his cold and resolute face like cold jade.


    In the vast snow, he passed a low-key and simple carriage.


    Sitting in the carriage was a young married woman who had just recently wed. Perhaps because the snow made the roads slippery, the carriage had broken down halfway.

 Chapter 470: A Stranger: Xiang King Dream Goddess No Heart 03

    <h4>Chapter 470</h4>


    Yanzhi, a maid, was anxiously begging for help in panic without any ideas.


    In contrast, the young madam appeared much calmer. "Yanzhi, don''t panic. First ask someone to go to the government office to find your master. I still have some spare silver here. Take it and go to the carriage store in the West Market to get two coachmen."


    "Madam, please wait here. This servant will be back very soon."


    "Alright."


    Yanzhi quickly rushed out into the wind and snow.


    He sat leisurely on the horseback, raising his eyes to nce at the madam. With her hair done up in a married woman''s style, a section of snow-white neck appeared, slender and delicate. There were no excessive decorations on her dark hair, only a few cheap velvet flowers dotted throughout.


    Even with such light makeup, it only served to entuate her rosy lips and white teeth, faint painted eyebrows, and exquisite features that were so stunning it could capture one''s heart.


    She seemed to notice her carriage blocking his way. Raising her light eyes, she said, "Sir, I''m truly sorry..."


    Her soft and gentle voice made one tingle all over.


    Zhao Changdu looked at her, finding her face somewhat familiar. A inexplicable irritation shed through his mind. "It''s fine."


    A lot had happened in Bianjing when he returned to the city that year.


    The most talked about was the scandal between the second young miss of the Dongping Earl Manor and Jiang Yin, the new top schr.


    At the banquet in the Concubine Wan Pce, the two fell into the water together and were seen naked by everyone present.


    After they returned to the Earl Manor, the marriage between the Gu family''s second young miss and Jiang Yin was promptly settled.


    This matter was told to him by Su Huanfeng. It was because this second young miss was originally betrothed to Su Huanfeng. But after this disgraceful incident, the Dongping Earl Manor married their eldest daughter Gu Jia to him instead.


    Gu Jia was clever, skilled in zither, chess, books and painting, gentle and considerate. She was outstanding and could hold her own in social situations. Her reputation was extremely good and she was also talented. Su Huanfeng had always been very satisfied with this wife, so he did not pursue the ugly matter of the Gu family anymore.


    Later on, Gu Ying married into a poor family and became Jiang Yin''s wife. It was said their marriage was very hasty and lonely, without anyone sending her off.


    Zhao Changdu was in no hurry to leave. The sharp edges of his youth had been smoothed, and now there was an awe-inspiring aura of might around this man.


    Even just sitting on horseback, he made Gu Ying feel uneasy all over.


    It was as if his piercing eyes could see through everything about her.


    She moved her lips but said nothing. Bending over, she retreated into the carriage and lowered the curtain, blocking that man''s deep gaze.


    Ever since her fall into the water, she had never recovered from her susceptibility to chills. Taking advantage of the time needed for the repair, she leaned against the carriage and soon dozed off.


    In Jiang Yin''s family, there was only his sickly old mother and a younger sister around Gu Ying''s age.


    So after marrying into the family, her days were spent in bitter poverty. Other than Yanzhi, her personal servant maid, there were no other servants. Even this coachman was temporarily hired from outside. And since he was paid too much, his attitude was very bad. When the wheel broke down, he just leaned against a nearby pir nonchntly with a pipe hanging from his lips, not bothering to guard his masters'' wife.


    Soon, someone lifted the curtain and climbed in, a gust of cold air hitting her delicate face.


    She shrank back for a moment before opening her eyes to Jiang Yin''s mocking face.


    Without a single word of concern, he roughly grabbed her reddened wrist, his eyes tinged with ridicule. "What is it? Trying to seduce someone again while I''m not around?"


    Gu Ying''s eyes shed in confusion. Shaking her head with red-rimmed eyes, she said, "I did not..."


    Jiang Yin scoffed. "If you didn''t, why would the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor specially arrange for someone to repair your carriage?"


    Gu Ying was stunned. Her headache was killing her. "What?"


    So that handsome and mature man was the heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor? He had helped repair her carriage?


    Seeing her absent-minded expression, unaware what man she was thinking about, Jiang Yin flung her wrist away. An aura of anger surrounded him as he sat down coldly by her side. "What are you still dazing around for? Let''s go home!"


    Zhao Changdu watched as Jiang Yin entered the carriage, then watched as the carriage left his line of sight. His dark eyes were deep and stormy.


    He couldn''t describe his own feelings. He only felt that the maid seemed very familiar.


    Upon returning to Zhenguo Duke Manor, he originally wanted to pretend nothing had happened.


    But in the middle of the night, he still called Huai An over and asked him to find out who exactly that maid was ten years ago.


    As expected, Huai An reported, "It''s her. This subordinate already investigated. She was the one who went missing from the Earl Manor back then. She waster found and brought back. After her mother passed away, it was like she disappeared in Bianjing with barely any public appearances. It has always been her elder sister Gu Jia who stood in the limelight."


    "How is her current life?"


    "Not very good. After her mother''s passing, her father took troops to the border and hasn''t returned since. Her grandmother favors the main wife''s side, so the second young miss isn''t doted on much in the household. And without rtives by her side to care for her, life became even harder. Also, her only brother, Gu Ning, somehow died from illness when she got married."


    "..."


    Zhao Changdu remained silent, knitting his sword-like eyebrows together while tapping the table lightly with two slender fingers.


    Huai An hesitated before adding, "But after her marriage, she moved to the Jiang family''s old residence in the West Market to live with her husband''s family. Her husband''s name is Jiang Yin and he ranked first schr this year. I already sent people to investigate this Jiang family. They were nobles a few decades ago but declined over time into amoner family by Jiang Yin''s mother''s generation. So Jiang Yin was determined to study for the exams to be an official. Before cing first schr, he and his sister Jiang Ling''er helped wash embroideries to support their mother."


    "How does Jiang Yin treat her?"


    "Like newlyweds still in the honeymoon phase. I also heard that the second young miss wholeheartedly loves Jiang Yin. She assists in handling affairs both inside and outside the household, trying to earn his affection. She even invested her dowry from the Ye family into the Jiang household''s operations. Just a few days ago, Jiang Yin used the second young miss''s money to buy an abandoned manor in the city."


    Zhao Changdu''s expression was calm, not revealing any joy or anger.


    The specks of snow cast on his sharp, handsome face made him look as cold and lonely as drifting frost.


    Huai An pressed his lips before suggesting, "Master...should this subordinate find a way to make them divorce, and then..."


    Times had changed. Now in Bianjing, as long as the heir wanted someone, no one could escape his grasp.


    Before returning to the capital, the old Duke had instructed him to find a fewdies to warm the heir''s bed. After so many years, there was still no one intimate by the heir''s side to chat and snuggle with at night. That wouldn''t do.


    In the end, Lady Huo was the heir''s sister-inw so she couldn''t easily make a move.


    As for that maid... She had married into poverty and her husband was just a clerk. She would be easy to control. As long as he used some silver and tricks, he could certainly force them into a divorce. Then prepare a residence to keep the second young miss, serving the heir for a few years first. When the timing was right, she could be moved into the Duke Manor as a concubine. That was feasible.


    Huai An''s mind spun plots.


    But Zhao Changdu knitted his brows in irritation and interrupted, "Get out."

 Chapter 471: A Stranger: Xiang King Dream Goddess No Heart 04

    <h4>Chapter 471</h4>


    Huai An awkwardly retreated from the room.


    Standing at the door, he heaved a long sigh. He didn''t expect that after years of separation, the girl had grown so big and even got married.


    Zhao Changdu, against his habit, didn''t sleep all night. As soon as he closed his eyes, it was the shy look of that girl in his dreams.


    The news that she liked Jiang Yin spread throughout Bianjing. After all, she had grown up and found the man of her heart. Regardless of anything, she wanted to marry the man she loved. That was just like her character.


    He tugged at the corner of his mouth as the icy wind pierced his bones like icicles.


    He sat under the lonemp and thought all night, removing her from his mind.


    After this incident, for more than half a month, the two did not meet again. He thought that they would never intersect again in this life.


    But unexpectedly, at the pce banquet,


    Princess Yueyan brazenly put drugs in his drink.


    When the medicine took effect, his whole body became hot and flushed. Princess Yueyan blushed and stopped him in the pce, trying to offer her body to him.


    It was just a woman to solve the drug, who wouldn''t want it?


    But he stared coldly at Princess Yueyan''s flower-like face. In the end, he still felt irritable and knocked her unconscious. During the liveliest time of the pce banquet, he took the carriage and left the imperial pce.


    He suppressed the strange tide in his body, and his dark eyes were so gloomy as if to swallow someone.


    Huai An didn''t know what his master was still hesitating about. Seeing his handsome face turn from cold white to crimson red, he knew this stuff was not a good thing. If there was no antidote, I''m afraid he would die from holding it in!


    He said anxiously, "Master, your subordinate will find you a clean and sensible person now!"


    Zhao Changdu expressionlessly pressed Huai An''s hand. His face was overcast, and his voice was hoarse to the extreme. "Go...check where she is."


    Huai An was puzzled. She?


    Who was the "she" in his master''s mouth?


    Soon, a name suddenly jumped into his mind, "Is His Lordship referring to Miss Gu¡ª"


    Zhao Changdu didn''t speak. Just hearing her surname made him hardly able to control himself.


    Huai An hesitated no more. Under his master''s re, he galloped out frantically.


    The person in the carriage closed his eyes, and his taut handsome face rxed slightly.


    He knew he was going to do something...that would shame him in the eyes of the world, but...he had no other way.


    When the fire rose from the depths of his body at first, he could still restrain himself, butter, there was only a shy and timid little face flickering before his eyes. The more she shook, the more scorched and unbearable his heart became, as if someone had put his whole body on a stake over a fire to roast.


    Soon, hepletely lost his mind.


    When he arrived at the other courtyard, he sat in the carriage outside the courtyard gate with a calm handsome face, wanting to give himself and her onest chance.


    He circted his internal energy, trying to force the medicine out of his body, but unexpectedly, under the urging of his internal energy, the effect of the medicine became even more uncontroble. A raging fire spread rapidly to his limbs and hundreds of bones, like a prairie fire.


    He helplessly dissipated all the internal energy in his body. He only felt scorching heat all around him, like waves of heat sweeping toward him,pletely destroying his remaining sanity.


    When he pressed her onto the short couch, she struggled violently. Her beautiful eyes filled with misty moisture looked at him in panic and fear.


    "Who are you!"


    "Let me go!"


    In her panic, she saw his face clearly. Her tender body shuddered. "Prince Ye? You are the Heir Apparent of Zhenguo Duke Manor?"


    "Don''t... don''t do this to me!"


    "Please spare me!"


    At first, he still knew what he was doing, butter, she cried and said she was already married, begging him to let her go. For some reason, when he heard the word Jiang Yin, a burst of inexplicable anger rose from the bottom of his heart, and the two fires burned his heart irritably.


    He really couldn''t stand it anymore and kissed her red lips.


    He blocked all her words about Jiang Yin at his lips, forcibly lingering.


    Afterward...he recklessly bent down,pletely losing all reason...


    "Mmph..."


    It was a heart-wrenching cry. The woman under him stared nkly, her pupils dazed.


    She stopped all her crying pitifully and helplessly, looking up at him in shock and grief with her tear-stained eyes, seemingly not expecting that he would really break through herst line of defense.


    Her soft hands were still braced against his chest, and her icy fingers became hot and feverish because of their passion.


    Zhao Changdu also stared at her flushed face and slightly opened red lips in shock.


    He didn''t expect that a married woman would still be an untouched virgin!


    He stopped incredulously...


    And couldn''t help moving again.


    The crimson bloody smell slipped from between the soft legs of the woman beneath him. On the short couch, that striking crimson made him both shocked and delighted at the same time.


    The woman frowned painfully, her fingernails digging deeply into his back. Tears slid down from the corners of her eyes. She opened her red lips slightly, arching her neck back helplessly like a dying fish, pounding him weakly as she was bullied too much, sobbing uncontrobly.


    He knew she couldn''t stand it, but he still couldn''t help but be insatiate. Finally he took her hand and kissed it tenderly.


    "It''s really..."


    The gods must pity her.


    Perhaps, after tormenting him for so many years, Heaven finally condescended to give him a little sweetness to live on.


    That night was the most pleasant night he had spent since his return to Bianjing.


    He upied her again and again, whispered tenderly with her time after time, and greedily held her in his arms, reluctant to let go.


    He hated his own shameless behavior, yet was delighted by her virginity. A bold idea shed through his mind.


    He had taken her, so he should take responsibility for her.


    As long as she was willing, he would let her marry properly into Zhenguo Duke Manor.


    It was a pity thatter, when the clouds and rain dispersed, she faintly fell into his arms, calling her Jiang Gege in her mouth.


    At that time, he only felt his heart sink to the bottom, falling into an ice cer.


    His heart felt icy cold, assaulted by wind and snow.


    Before she woke up, he fled from the other courtyard in panic.


    The Heir Apparent of the prestigious Zhenguo Duke Manor, Dongli God of War, had never retreated in the face of tens of thousands of Qiang Tribe''s warriors, yet he fled in such embarrassment from a weak woman whose heart belonged to another.


    He couldn''t do anything by force. Still less did he want to coerce her.


    So after that, he acted as if nothing had happened, only letting his men keep an eye on Jiang Yin''s family. He heard that Jiang Yin loved and cherished his wife dearly, caring for her in every possible way. Even when his wife fell ill and took to bed, Jiang Yin would stay by her side day and night to attend to her personally.


    He felt irritable and really didn''t want to hear about this. So he withdrew the people from Jiang''s residence.


    Later, Jiang Yin joined Prince Duan''s camp.


    Prince Duan was his friend. He secretly supported Prince Duan in ascending the throne. He didn''t expect Jiang Yin to also have good foresight. Before pledging allegiance to Prince Duan, Jiang Yin had sounded out Prince Shu''s stance.


    He had even secretly drugged her and sent her to Prince Shu''s bed!


    Enraged, upon receiving the news that night, he immediately rushed back from the outskirts military camp overnight and broke into Prince Shu''s manor at night, knocking Prince Shu unconscious. Staring at the girl who was lying unconscious on Prince Shu''s bed, her face flushed red, her eyes blurred, still unaware of her surroundings, he was so angry he didn''t know where to start.

 Chapter 472: A Stranger: Xiang King Dream Goddess No Heart 05

    <h4>Chapter 472</h4>


    He had already decided not to bother about her affairs anymore, but didn''t expect her husband to be so unreliable.


    She was willing to give her own wife to another man...


    What a heartless and ungrateful scoundrel, how bad was her judgement?


    He was good when they were young, but has gotten worse day by day as an adult.


    Zhao Changdu scoffed to himself, and also felt pitiful. He must have been crazy to rush back from the military camp for her sake.


    But if he didn''te...how would Prince Shu have treated Gu Ying?


    Zhao Changdu didn''t dare imagine it. Since he had chosen toe over, he would repay her for her protection.


    Prince Shu fell to the ground. The young girl''s outer garment was halfway stripped off. Her entire body flushed red from the heat. Her small hands fumbled to pull her skirt open, revealing a pair of slender, porcin-white legs...


    His eyes darkened, Adam''s apple rolling. He wanted to take her away but didn''t expect her to restlessly pull his big hand over, pitifully snuggling up to him.


    "Brother Jiang..."


    Calling him Brother Jiang in a weak, kitten-like voice.


    The drugged body was exceptionally hot. A pair of misty eyes looked at him through the fog, not knowing who she saw.


    The drug Jiang Yin gave her seemed to confuse her mind, making her unable to distinguish who she saw. So when she was in the Jiang house, under Jiang Yin, she must have been this enchanting vixen, tenderly calling Jiang Yin as well?


    The man coldlyughed. In the end, he couldn''t control his anger. He forcibly pressed her under him and made her cry in pain all night.


    If he didn''t see her crying so pitifully, he wouldn''t have wanted toe out...or let her off so easily.


    Some things, if done once, could still be controlled.


    But if done twice, it would be uncontroble.


    His grandfather wanted to get him a wife, and had arranged for Huo Qiyan, his aunt''s daughter.


    As long as it wasn''t her, whoever became his wife didn''t matter.


    He began closely following the Jiang house. If Jiang Yin dared send her to someone again, he would definitely not let him off easily. After being punished, Jiang Yin became more restrained.


    He only kept Gu Ying concealed in the mansion, rarely letting her go out.


    The next time she appeared was two yearster. Her face was the same, but her temperament was a bit different.


    After the death of the Prince of Duan, Zhao Changdu was promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guards. Within two more years he entered the Privy Council and held great power.


    Even Prince Shu had to bow and scrape before him, showing the utmost respect.


    He looked down condescendingly at Prince Shu''s ambitious eyes, and thought of the message his subordinate had delivered.


    Prince Shu actually wanted to force his way into the pce and be Emperor in order to obtain Gu Ying.


    What a lovestruck fool, did he really think he had touched Gu Ying?


    Every time with Gu Ying belonged to him, Zhao Changdu.


    Zhao Changdu watched mockingly as Prince Shu put on an obedient act before him, letting him scheme for power. He would just wait until Prince Shu tried to seize the throne, then behead him under his horse.


    This Prince Shu was indeed a debauched and useless ruler.


    His death was quite miserable. His group of wine sacks and rice bags attacked the Forbidden Pce but were beaten to scraps by his Qilin Army in less than two hours. Two of his generals surrendered, Prince Shu himself was cut down to dust, andmitted suicide in front of Tianqi Emperor with his broken spear.


    After losing two imperial sons, the dynasty had no sessor. Along with his excessive grief making him depressed and ill, Tianqi Emperor soon passed away.


    The mighty Dongli Dynasty, just like that, fell at the hands of Li Yang.


    The Zhao family held military power, suppressing lords from all directions, and became the biggest power holder in Dongli.


    He leapt to be the regent of Dongli, taking control of court politics.


    Jiang Yin also entered the cab along with him.


    Countless people ttered them. Jiang Yin also understood, and said to him, "Your Highness, I have no feelings for my wife. When she returns from the old residence in Haizhou, I will formally divorce her."


    Seated high above, Zhao Changdu''s sword-like brows quirked slightly, his emotions unrevealed. "Oh?"


    Jiang Yin prostrated on the green bricks, his attitude respectful. "I''m willing to present the beauty to Your Highness, and hope that you will kindly ept her."


    These days, many people sent gold, silver, and beauties to the Zhao family.


    Zhao Changdu epted them all, and had Huo Qiyan manage and arrange the gold, silver, and beauties.


    Of course, the gold and silver all went to military provisions and disaster relief. The beauties, he didn''t touch a single one.


    No one could figure out his true thoughts. The excellent position of Emperor was vacant, yet he held the title of regent, controlling all officials, for unknown reasons.


    But at this moment, the Jiang Yin kneeling before him seemed to have seen through his thoughts.


    He knew that he wanted Gu Ying.


    After a long silence, Zhao Changdu spoke heavily. "What benefits do you want?"


    "I desire nothing else, only hope that Your Highness can soon ascend the throne."


    Zhao Changduzily propped his elbow on his knee, his aura powerful. His dark eyes looked deeply at him. "You''re an educated man, yet your ambition is not small."


    Jiang Yin smiled. "Your Highness overthinks. I only want to be a minister who assists and upholds the nation. What ambitions could I have?"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes dangerously narrowed. By now, he finally truly understood what role Jiang Yin had yed in this situation.


    He was unwilling to be a hardworking minor official, and secretly nned amidst the struggle between the two imperial sons for the throne. After the Prince of Duan''s death, he used Gu Ying as bait to provoke conflict between him and Prince Shu.


    The Jiang n''s empire perished, the Zhao n''s empire reopened, and he would be the great meritorious minister who assisted the new Son of Heaven, granted a fief and noble title, reaching the height of glory and wealth.


    "Good for you, Jiang Yin!" He ground his teeth and sneered coldly.


    Yet Jiang Yin remained calm and unruffled. "Does Your Highness no longer want Gu Ying?"


    Zhao Changdu restrained his anger and walked down from his high seat, stopping in front of him and looking straight at him intently. "Tell me, where is she?"


    "In Haizhou."


    "You think you can fool this king so easily?"


    He had already sent people to look for her in Haizhou, but Gu Ying wasn''t at the Ye family residence at all!


    Jiang Yin smiled calmly and leisurely looked up. "Your Highness is wise and brilliant, your achievements lofty and great. As long as you grant what I desire soon, I will personally deliver Gu Ying to Your Highness''s estate."


    A burst of gloomy fury rose in Zhao Changdu''s phoenix eyes. He couldn''t restrain his anger, pressing his lips thin. "You know she is very important to this king. You should understand that if you dare harm a hair on her, this king will ughter your entire n!"


    Jiang Yin said, "I understand."


    Just three short words, yet this man hadpletely grasped control over him.


    Zhao Changdu really disliked this feeling of being controlled and manipted by someone.


    But he could hardly imagine how dangerous Gu Ying''s situation was currently.


    Facing a scheming man like Jiang Yin, how could a simple and weak young girl resist him?


    Even though he was unwilling to cooperate with Jiang Yin, for Gu Ying''s sake, he finally still gave Jiang Yin everything he wanted.


    Two monthster, an imperial decree directly from the pce arrived at the Jiang n manor.


    The decree stated that amidst the pce chaos, Jiang Yin protected the emperor, achieving merit, and was granted the title of Duke Who Protects the Nation.


    What awaited him would be endless honor and boundless glory and wealth.


    Zhao Changdu calcted the time. It had been nearly half a year since hest saw that girl. He coldlyughed and summoned the newly titled Duke Who Protects the Nation to the regent''s estate.


    Same old ce, but the person kneeling on the ground was now dressed in rich silks, his temperamentpletely different from the lowly subordinate back then.


    "What you wanted, this king has already given you." Zhao Changdu narrowed his phoenix eyes, his patience clearly nearing its limit. "Where is the person this king wants?"

 Chapter 473: A Stranger: Xiang King Has a Dream, a Goddess and No Heart 06

    <h4>Chapter 473</h4>


    Jiang Yinjun''s face was pressed to the ground, with Huai An''s ck boots on his back.


    A sinister gleam shed across his disheveled face as he smiled and said, "Your Highness, don''t be impatient. Miss Gu Ying will soon return from Haizhou. Your subordinate has already sent Han Lin to bring her back. She will arrive in Bianjing in three days at thetest."


    Zhao Changdu did not believe him. "Where are your men now? This king will send the Qilin Army to escort her."


    Jiang Yin raised three fingers and said, "Your subordinate does not know either. To protect Miss Gu''s safety, I have only sent Han Lin alone to escort her. But I dare swear to Your Highness, in no more than three days, you will definitely be able to see Miss Gu. Otherwise, may I be struck by lightning and die a terrible death."


    Zhao Changdu signaled to Huai An to let Jiang Yin go.


    The corner of Jiang Yin''s mouth twitched slightly. Looking disheveled, he slowly got up from the ground.


    Zhao Changdu walked up to him and patted his handsome face with an icy palm, "Do not try to challenge this king''s patience. This king gave you your position, and can just as easily push you down from it as he pleases."


    Jiang Yin''s back stiffened, and he forced out a faint smile. "Your subordinate understands."


    Zhao Changdu did not know that Jiang Yin was a wolf in human skin.


    From that snowy day when Miss Gu''s carriage broke down, he had begun toy his ns, spending years plotting to remove all the people in power of the Dongli Dynasty.


    Therefore, when he received news of Gu Ying, he never thought it could be a huge trap.


    He only knew that he was eager to see the youngdy, eager to tell her in person that Jiang Yin was not worth her love.


    If she did not despise him, he could protect her for life.


    Even if she wanted to be the Empress, he would conquer the whole world for her and present it at her feet.


    But he had nned for every contingency, yet failed to foresee the filthy and horrifying picture of hatred that he was about to see!


    Winter of the 26th year of the Tianqi Era.


    Outside Bianjing, at the Puzhao Temple. Snowkes drifted down silently.


    It was a necessary route on the way back to Bianjing, and the derelict temple where he had spent a night with the youngdy years ago.


    Jiang Yin had sent word that Gu Ying was ambushed on her way back to the city, and now needed to be picked up from Puzhao Temple.


    When he received the news, he immediately brought ten men on horseback out of the city.


    Arriving at Puzhao Temple, he strode into the dpidated temple in his ck robe.


    At first, he did not see the injured youngdy. It was only after failing to find anyone that he noticed the beggar-like woman sleeping in a pile of grass inside the temple hall.


    "Your Highness, my subordinates have searched everywhere but there''s no sign of Second Miss Gu. Could that little rascal Jiang Yin have tricked us?"


    Huai An walked in from the snow with a frown, took off his hood, and looked around the temple again.


    "Your Highness?"


    Zhao Changdu did not know what hade over him. He only felt his heartbeat quickening, realizing something, yet not daring to believe it.


    He looked up at the broken Buddha statue and listened to the weak breathing of the only beggar in the temple. His steps halted beside the woman.


    With knitted brows, he squatted down beside her.


    Her limbs were all broken, her clothes tattered. Her skin was frozen bluish-purple, showing signs that... her dress had been torn apart, and the once bright and smooth fabric was now as filthy as if rolled in the mud. Her legs were extremely thin, revealing a ghastly pale white... There were all kinds of old and new scars on her body, some looked bitten, some scratched... There were also marks of molten wax, both scalding hot and chilled, and even more appalling, beneath her were clots of dried blood...


    His breath was abruptly seized as his eyes went pitch-ck like imprable fog.


    "Why is this little beggar sleeping here?"


    Saying so, Huai An was about to kick her awake.


    "Stop!" Zhao Changdu''s voice was hoarse as he suddenly shouted.


    Huai An had never seen such a panicked and frightened expression on his master''s face before. He quickly pulled back his foot and squatted down to examine the woman''s condition.


    It was nothing at first nce, but as he looked closer... His pupils contracted violently as he recoiled several steps back.


    "Your Highness! She...!" He was too shocked to speak.


    Zhao Changdu''srge hand trembled as he reached out to brush aside the messy ck hair in front of the woman''s face.


    A familiar yet emaciated face was gradually revealed.


    His eyes tightened as he stared at the tortured little face, his body shaking all over.


    "How could this be?"


    He picked up Gu Ying''s unconscious feather-light body in disbelief, frantically brushing her matted hair behind her ears. He took off his cloak and wrapped her up carefully, gently warming her body.


    "Gu Ying!"


    "Wake up!"


    "How did you end up here?"


    She was clearly not just dumped here recently. Judging from the wounds on her body and the various signs of vition and humiliation, it must have been... years!


    The woman remained unconscious no matter how he called out to her, only the faint breathing indicating that she still lived.


    Zhao Changdu''s heart ached. Both heartbroken and enraged, he held her frail body, the veins on his hands bulging from his tightly clenched fists. His deep bottomless phoenix eyes were filled with towering fury!


    What a ruthless and vicious Jiang Yin!


    Carrying her, he was about to leave the temple.


    But he saw Jiang Yin leading his men to surround the temple. He stood leisurely outside the temple and said, "Has Your Highness seen the beauty I presented?"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows knotted into the Chinese character for mountain. His hands and feet gradually weakened, making him realize something was wrong.


    But it was toote!


    The Qilin Army and Huai An by his side had exchanged barely two moves with Jiang Yin''s men before slumping to the ground. Jiang Yin''s archers behind him pulled their bows taut and let their arrows fly. All the Qilin Army were killed in an instant.


    It was an anesthetic fragrance!


    Before they entered the temple, Jiang Yin had already arranged anesthetic incense inside!


    "Be careful, Your Highness!"


    Huai An''s shout was abruptly cut off!


    An arrow pierced his throat, stopping his pounce forward.


    His eyes wide open in death, staring fixedly at Jiang Yin''s direction. "Your... Your Highness..."


    Then he crashed onto the snowy ground.


    "Huai An!"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were bloodshot, grinding his teeth as tumultuous, frenzied fury churned in his slender eyes. His handsome face was darkened with thunderclouds and his entire body emanated an appalling aura of bloodlust. With a kick, he fiercely shoved away the men surrounding him.


    Jiang Yinughed loudly. "The Regent now is just a drugged useless fool. What, are you all afraid of him already?"


    "Don''t dare to kill him?"


    "Everyone charge! Whoever takes Zhao Changdu''s head, I''ll grant ten thousand households to him!"


    Hearing this, all the men rushed forward brandishing des and swords.


    After a dozen exchanges, the man was drenched in blood, his hair disheveled, unleashing thunderous rage. His overwhelming aura forced the men to not dare approach.


    Jiang Yin scoffed. "Han Lin, whether the Dong Li Battle God can be killed today depends on you now."


    Han Lin responded and came out, looking coldly at the man still standing tall and unyielding in a pool of blood.

 Chapter 474: The Story: That Evening When the Sun was Setting like Blood

    <h4>Chapter 474</h4>


    To be honest, the four words "Dongli God of War" were already enough to earn admiration.


    Since he first saw Zhao Changdu, he had only had respect for him in his heart. It was just a pity that such a man was dragged down to this state by the woman in his arms. No matter how he died for Gu Ying today, so what?


    This woman had never known everything he had done for her.


    And who would have known that the famous regent would live so humbly and pitifully before a woman?


    He sneered lightly in his heart and drew out his long sword. The de gleamed with an icy cold light as he walked step by step towards the man.


    He knew that Zhao Changdu was already at the end of his rope.


    This one stroke of his sword could easily sever his head.


    However, to his surprise, even dosed with anesthetic perfume, Zhao Changdu actually still had the strength to grapple with him for over ten rounds!


    He had almost lost his grip on the long sword in his hand!


    Han Lin felt his scalp go numb with shock. He retreated several steps, nearly vomiting from the powerful true energy emanating from the man¡¯s body.


    Zhao Changdu breathed heavily. Shaken by the long sword, his numb body fell into the pool of blood.


    He struggled to stand up and walked to Gu Ying''s side, tenderly holding her in his arms.


    The cold wind howled. Snowkes drifted onto the bare branches. The man''s longshes quivered. Pure white snow mixed with blood fell, dropping onto Gu Ying¡¯s pale cheeks.


    Exhausted, he let out puffs of white mist with each heavy breath, then took a long inhale, feeling a tearing pain in his chest.


    Two daggers were stabbed into his back. The wounds were so painful he found it hard to breathe.


    Fortunately, he was hardened by years growing up battling on the warfront, so he could still endure such injuries.


    Sweat soaked his head while blood mixed with tears trickled from his eyes.


    He rigidly embraced the girl and limped to sit by the door of the dpidated temple, leaning against the doorframe.


    After resting for a while, he slowly lowered his eyelids, gazing affectionately at the girl still unconscious in his arms. The corners of his bloodstained lips tilted into a self mocking smile. ¡°If I had known...I should have just taken you directly.¡±


    ¡°Hate me or curse me all you want.¡± He sighed softly. ¡°Just don¡¯t let it end like this for you and me.¡±


    Han Lin touched the wound on his right arm and licked the corner of his mouth. Meeting the man''s bloodshot eyes, such willpower and madness was truly astonishing.


    It was just a pity that a hero like him would perish today.


    He stepped forward with his sword again.


    Jiang Yin stopped him. His handsome face darkened. "Give me the sword."


    Han Lin stepped back. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Jiang Yin showed no fear as he strode to stand in front of Zhao Changdu, looking down at him from on high. He found that despite his disheveled state, Zhao Changdu still looked breezy and elegant as he held Gu Ying in his arms, which made Jiang Yin¡¯s heart even more stifled.


    Moreover, the sight of him embracing Gu Ying was especially grating.


    However, Jiang Yin did not reveal any of this on the surface. He sneered coldly, ¡°Zhao Changdu, you¡¯ve lost.¡±


    Blood covered Zhao Changdu¡¯s handsome face. Hisrge hand gently caressed the girl¡¯s emaciated cheeks as tenderness filled his eyes. He smiled slightly, an open and debonair smile. ¡°Oh? Are you sure I¡¯ve lost?¡±


    Jiang Yin¡¯s face darkened, ck as the bottom of a pot.


    Remembering Gu Ying being pressed under this man day and night, it was hard to say who had really lost.


    Jiang Yin said, ¡°Today, I will send you to the underworld. Don¡¯t me me.¡±


    Zhao Changdu replied, ¡°This king does not me you. Winning without valor: when we meet again beneath the yellow springs, this king and little girl still won¡¯t look upon you kindly.¡±


    Jiang Yin was provoked to great anger. ¡°Today I will make you understand death clearly! Zhao Changdu, the biggest mistake in your life is touching my woman!¡±


    Zhao Changduzily arched his brow. ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve treated her this way? Only worthless men take their anger out on women. Jiang Yin, it seems I overestimated you before.¡±


    Jiang Yin''s mouth twitched fiercely, his inner demonsid bare by Zhao Changdu¡¯s words. ¡°If you kneel and beg me, I may consider sparing your life,¡± he hissed resentfully.


    ¡°Want to see this king lower his head?¡± Zhao Changdu looked nonchnt as his lips curled into a contemptuous smirk. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to disappoint you. To die under the peony''s blossoms, even as a ghost I¡¯ll still be debonair. To die for this girl, I have no regrets.¡±


    Jiang Yin sneered derisively, ¡°Too bad she never loved you!¡±


    ¡°So what if she didn''t?¡± Zhao Changdu was utterly unfazed. ¡°As long as this king loves her, that''s enough.¡±


    "She never loved you! From beginning to end, the only one she''s ever loved is me!" Jiang Yin trembled violently with anger, withplex emotions tangling around his heart like vines, suffocating his breath. ¡°Today I will kill you! Zhao Changdu, if not for you tainting her, she wouldn''t have ended up like this!¡±


    A sh of self-me went through Zhao Changdu¡¯s brows and eyes as his rough fingertips stroked the girl¡¯s forehead skin stretched over bone. His heart ached as if it would break.


    ¡°Gu Ying, it¡¯s my fault. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    That night, he hadn''t meant to lose his reason.


    ¡°In our next life, I will atone again.¡±


    Jiang Yin''s eyes were pitch ck with cold. ¡°You won¡¯t get a chance.¡±


    Zhao Changdu smirked, azy, rakish smile. ¡°One¡¯s ending as this good-looking head dies for you, why fear death? With no fear of death,e on, stop dragging your feet like a woman.¡±


    Such nonchnce made Jiang Yin extremely annoyed inside. His eyes bored into Zhao Changdu¡¯s breezy, devilishly handsome face. Raising his hand, he swung his sword down swiftly and cleanly, severing Zhao Changdu''s head.


    The world was silent in an instant.


    Not a sound besides the falling snow, gently drifting down.


    Jiang Yin looked upon the closed eyes of that head as it rolled to his feet. He suddenly burst outughing crazily.


    He threw down his sword and hauled Gu Ying out from Zhao Changdu¡¯s embrace viciously, throwing her back into the dpidated temple.


    Pulling up the corners of his mouth in a mocking smile, he said, ¡°Come, clean this ce up.¡±


    ...


    After so many years in the broken temple, Gu Ying had rarely dreamed such a peaceful and happy dream.


    She slowly opened her eyes, their lifelessness still somewhat blurred. In her daze, she smelled a faint, unfamiliar fragrance in the temple that made her brow lift slightly.


    People came and went frequently in this broken temple, and she was long used to all kinds of odors. But she had never smelled this strange yet somewhat familiar scent of sunken perfume before, casting her mind adrift.


    She shifted her stiff body but her hands and feet still couldn¡¯t move. Such a defeated expression rarely appeared on her face now.


    It just so happened no one came to torment her that afternoon either.


    She tilted her head, gazing at the sunset like blood outside the window. In this frozen world nketed in miles of white, snowkes danced in the air, a dot of red plum blossoming strikingly on a bare branch.


    The sky and earth were left with only pure white.


    She clearly felt very cold, wearing only a single garment. But for some reason, her back was filled with waves of warmth.


    She struggled to turn her body sideways, sweeping her eyes around the interior of the temple.


    The broken temple remained unchanged,


    as if someone hade and gone, yet no one had.


    Only that faint bloodstain revealed on the doorway made her pupils contract sharply.


    In the growing dusk, the courtyard outside the broken temple was piled high with thick snowdrifts.


    The north wind cut to the bone, snake-like, drilling into her marrow.


    She stared nkly at that inexplicable blood mark as an odd sour sensation welled up from her heart. Her eyes suddenly moistened...


    The year was Twenty-Eight Winter during the Tianqi era.


    Gu Ying died.


    Until her death, she never knew what had happened that afternoon in the Twenty-Sixth Year of Tianqi.

 Chapter 475: Extraversion: If you are heartless, I will stop 01

    <h4>Chapter 475</h4>


    On a scorching summer day, the intense heat filled the air.


    The entire Bianjing was engulfed in heat.


    Inside the Zhenguo Duke Manor, there was the Changfeng Pavilion.


    Tall pine trees and bamboo stood, casting dense shades and a cold waterfall soared through the air. The courtyard bloomed with vibrant flowers, and two mahogany wind drums resonated, filling the entirepound with a fragrant scent.


    "Lady, it''s hot weather. Are you still sleeping?"


    A young girl in pink stood outside the door, listening to the sounds inside the room. She nced at the zing sunlight and muttered, "It''s gettingte, why hasn''t thedy awakened from her nap? The Little Crown Prince will being back from school soon."


    Gu Ying suddenly drew in a breath of cool air, her eyes fluttered open, and she heard Hai Tang''s clear voice. Looking at the sky-blue embroidered orchids above her head, she felt momentarily dazed.


    She had just had a strange dream, where Du''s head was chopped off by Jiang Yin.


    That bloody head rolled in front of her, sending chills down her spine.


    She sat up in bed, gazing at the thin gauze curtains by the window. Arge bronze ice mirror, enveloped in mist, stood on the windowsill, emanating a refreshing coolness throughout the room.


    The room was quiet, with only the sound of birds chirpinging from the distant corridor.


    She gently touched her slender neck, recalling the brutal and bloody scene in her dream. Especially during the winter, amidst the falling snow, the cold and loneliness, Du''s head covered in blood... being trampled upon in the snow, devoid of any dignity. It caused a sharp pain in her heart.


    "Du... Du, please don''t..."


    Her eyes welled up with tears, and her small face buried itself in the soft pillow. The difort weighed heavily on her throat. She didn''t know if that terrifying scene was a dream or reality, but she felt an overwhelming pain enveloping her.


    "Lady?"


    The voice outside the door persisted.


    Gu Ying remained in a daze for a moment, wiped away the tear stains from her face, and lifted her head. She looked at Hai Tang, who was still lying on the familiar carved bed in the Zhenguo Duke Manor, and finally felt somewhat relieved.


    "Lady, the Little Crown Prince will be back soon. If you don''t get up now, he mighte and bother you again." Hai Tang smiled with her hand covering her mouth, gathering courage to knock on the door.


    Gu Ying soothed her aching heart, thinking that it was just a nightmare. How could she have taken it seriously and felt so heartbroken? If Du were to see her like this, he would worry again.


    She brushed away her worries, helplessly curved her lips, and lightly pressed her temple with her hand. "Come in."


    Hai Tang pushed open the door and entered. It was the peak of summer, and the heat outside was even more intense than inside the room.


    A thinyer of sweat covered her body, but upon entering the room, she felt a refreshing coolness.


    Seeing the various tools for cooling off in the room, and the delicate pastries ced in an ice mirror, she couldn''t help but sigh in her heart. The Little Crown Prince truly doted on thedy!


    Perhaps even the pce concubines wouldn''t receive such treatment!


    In the vast city of Bianjing, only the Zhenguo Duke Manor could make use of the Rain Pavilion, right?


    Hai Tang had been a servant in the Zhenguo Duke Manor since she was young. If she hadn''t been transferred to the Changfeng Pavilion to serve, she would have never seen such extravagance.


    Looking at the delicate face of his own wife, just waking up, her eyes were hazy and misty like autumn water, with long and thick eyshes. Her cheeks were rosy and she didn''t need any makeup to be incredibly beautiful. Her bright eyes and white teeth were exquisite and lovely. She was wearing only a thin green chiffon dress, revealing a embroidered lotus bellyband, whichplemented her ice-cold and jade-like figure, exuding a lively and fragrant charm. It made her eyes sparkle with excitement.


    Moreover, the Crown Prince was incredibly handsome, and the Little Crown Prince was adorable. This family of three was truly a delight to behold.


    Hai Tang felt fortunate to be serving at Changfeng Pavilion. As she looked at the exquisite beauty of her own mistress, she swallowed her saliva in silence and brightened her eyes, saying, "Madam, would you like to have a sip of water to moisten your lips?"


    Those two tender and crimson lips were so beautiful!


    Gu Ying got up from the bed andzily walked to the reclining chair, picking up a bowl of precious red fruit and satisfyingly took a small bite.


    Hai Tang hurriedly said, "Oh dear, the Little Crown Prince doesn''t want you to have anything cold."


    Gu Ying licked the corner of her mouth and mischievously blinked, "If you don''t tell, I won''t tell, and he won''t know."


    Hai Tang helplessly took away the cold fruit and said, "Be careful not to eat anything cold. When your monthly periodes, your stomach will ache."


    Gu Ying didn''t mind. In this life, she didn''t have many stomachaches, and besides, she had the Little Crown Prince. He would use his internal energy to warm her lower abdomen and even warm her bed. When she was in pain, he would hold her and rub her stomach, and the pain would onlyst for a little while.


    "By the way, Hai Tang, where is Yan Er?" Gu Ying asked.


    "Yin Lan took her. Judging by the time, she''ll be back in about fifteen minutes. Last night, the Little Crown Prince said he wanted to bring a gift for you. I wonder what delicious food he brought today. The greedy bug in my belly has been aroused by the Little Crown Prince," Hai Tang replied.


    Gu Ying nodded and a smile appeared in her eyes.


    Zhao Yan was now five years old, the age of mischief, but this little darling was exceptionally clever and sensible. She had grown up very well since she was young, making her mother worry-free.


    Who knows where the little guy learned his skills, he was especially good at making people happy.


    When he was still too young to walk, he clung to her like a clingy little kitten in her arms, calling her "Mother" with every breath. When he could speak clearly, he would hold her with a milky voice and express his affection.


    "Mother, Yan Er loves you so much."


    "Mother, won''t you sleep with Father and keep Yan Erpany?"


    "Mother, Yan Er is still young, can''t leave Mother."


    "Mother, hold Yan Er''s hand!"


    Later on, this gifted little fellow quickly learned to walk and read. Every time he went to the book school, he would bring back all sorts of delicious and fun little things as treats for her after school.


    This happened every day, without interruption.


    Not to mention Hai Tang''s curiosity, even Gu Ying herself looked forward to what little treasure he would bring back each day to make her happy. Of course, the things the Crown Prince brought were even more to her liking.


    Only these father and son, each one of them knows how to pamper her.


    It makes her, as a wife and a mother, feel somewhat ashamed that she hasn''t done well enough.


    In the midst of their conversation, a small figure quickly ran in from outside.


    "Mother!"


    Gu Ying felt a soft little thing dive into her arms, and she quickly embraced his small body.


    She looked at the little bundle with a sunburnt face and said with concern, "Why did youe back from school so early today?"


    Usually, he would only return after the sun had set.


    Yin Lan came in with something in his hand and walked in with a smile.


    "Lady, the master had some matters to attend to today, so school ended early."


    "When this servant went to pick him up, the master had already left. Please don''t me our little crown prince, madam."


    The little crown prince was highly favored in the mansion, from the Duke to the maidservants and servants, everyone liked him.


    Gu Ying lovingly pinched the little crown prince''s straight nose. He was born with a cute and lively appearance, especially his beautiful delicate eyes and eyebrows, his chubby porcin-white skin. The more she looked at him, the more he resembled a little celestial being from the heavens.

 Chapter 476: Extras: If you are heartless, I will stop 02

    <h4>Chapter 476</h4>


    Gu Ying looked at the cute and milky white little face of the young one, and her heart was extremely happy.


    This was the precious baby she had lost in herst life. She had regretted countless times for not being able to protect him well and let hime into this world. Now, her child was growing up, bing more and more sensible and thoughtful, and she was increasingly gratified and proud in her heart.


    ¡°Yan¡¯er has grown a little taller today.¡±


    ¡°Yan¡¯er will grow taller and taller. When he grows up, he can protect Mother!¡± The little one was full of momentum, and the corners of his pink lips slightly curled up. Although he was very young, he gave off an aura of vigor and unrestrainedness.


    Gu Ying happily tapped the tip of the little one''s nose, ¡°Who did you learn this from?¡±


    The little one raised his small head, blinking his ck and white eyes, grinning, ¡°Father said that.¡±


    The little one was innocent and romantic, with a clever personality, lively but also a little calm. Like father, like son. The little dumpling looked almost exactly like the Crown Prince, only more childish and still with a hint of milkiness, while the other was tall and handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, and an aura of great power.


    Gu Ying lowered her eyes to hold his chubby little body. His turquoise robeplemented her own dress nicely.


    The little guy always had ideas.


    In the morning when he woke up, he would first find out what color dress she was wearing, and then ask the servants to match him with a set.


    The mother and son''s outfits matched very well. Whenever the little one saw this, he would be very happy and proud. "Mother, isn''t this called mother-son clothing? In the future, we will go out to banquets dressed like this, and make others envy us!"


    The five-year-old little one really grew up fast. It seemed he was almost up to her waist now.


    Gu Ying sighed softly, letting Yin Lan and Yanzhi sit down and rest first, and then ordered Hai Tang to take out the ky pastries and chilled sweet soup that had been prepared long ago, to let the little dumpling try them first.


    Zhao Yan scrambled into his mother''s arms excitedly, and mysteriously took out today''s gift from his sleeve, "Does Mother like this?"


    Gu Ying looked down, and it was an intricate nine-linked ring.


    "Oh, Yan¡¯er started ying with this now?"


    Other children at five years old were still ying mud, but this little guy had already started ying with something she didn''t even know how to y with?


    "Yan¡¯er was worried that Mother would be bored at home, so I bought this for Mother to y with." The little guy closed his eyes smugly, "Baby has already figured it out. Mother doesn''t know how, so Baby can teach you!"


    Gu Ying chuckled. She cherished the little one''s thoughtfulness.


    The little one didn''t know that she was not bored at all. Since taking over the Crown Prince¡¯s great cause, she had many things to be busy with every day.


    First, she arranged for Yanzhi to be married to one of the Crown Prince''s capable generals, posing as the youngdy of the Duke of Dongping. She also hosted the grand weddings of Yin Lan and Huai An.


    Now, Yanzhi had left the manor with her husband, and was living a rich and fulfilling life. In her yard, there were only Yin Lan and Hai Tang left to serve her.


    Apart from the affairs of the household, she and her four sisters joined with Ning Si to open a shop in Bianjing to do business.


    In just three or four years, she alone had 50,000 taels of silver in annual ie.


    Five years ago, Emperor Tianqi saw through the mundane world, unwilling to deal with state affairs. He issued an abdication edict, made himself a carefree retired emperor, and traveled the world with his daughter Princess Yuan and son-inw Su He.


    The Crown Prince Li Hao ascended the throne and became emperor. His reign title was An Ping.


    Ning Si was titled Empress, and entered the imperial harem. On the surface she enjoyed glory and splendor, free from worry, but the bitterness and heartache inside only she knew.


    Empress Dowager Su held the empress''s eldest grandson Li Yixing in her arms, but did not like the empress who gave birth to him. She arbitrarily selected beauties for the new emperor, filling the harem.


    Li Hao was busy with state affairs, and basically could not manage the affairs of the harem. Seeing Ning Si¡¯s increasingly difficult life in the pce, Gu Ying came up with the idea of doing business to earn money for her, so as to divert her worries and attention away from the struggles in the harem.


    Now, no one knew that the Empress had quite a lot of money and treasure in her private coffers.


    With money, a woman''s status was really different.


    Ning Si was more free and easy in the pce. She also became more confident in Zhenguo Duke Manor. Although no one would make things difficult for her in the Duke''s manor, when she went out with her four sisters to participate in various spring banquets and elegant gatherings, they disdained mingling with those women who only knew to revolve around their husbands and children.


    ¡°Mother, what are you thinking about?¡± The soft and tender voice brought her thoughts back. The little one was sitting on the luohan bed, with his hands resting on the kang table. His lips were moistened red by the ice cubes, and his back was straight like a young willow.


    Gu Ying smiled and patted the little one''s head, "A few days ago your grandfather said he wanted to see you. It just so happens that you came home early today. Shall Mother take you to see Grandfather?"


    Little Zhao Yan readily got off the couch, "Okay, Baby also misses Grandfather. Last time Grandfather said he would give Baby a red-tassel gun, so Yan¡¯er will go get it today."


    He had received too many gifts, but he would cherish every single gift carefully.


    How could there be such a kind, sensible child who was never arrogant because of favoritism?


    Gu Ying couldn''t help but hug the little one, and kissed his cheek heavily.


    Little Zhao Yan smiled with squinting eyes, "Mother''s kiss is fragrant. Can Yan¡¯er also kiss Mother?"


    Gu Ying pointed to her cheek. Smack, the little one unceremoniously nted a kiss on her.


    Usually when the Crown Prince was around, he would not allow the little one to kiss her.


    Now, taking advantage of Father''s absence, the little one had kissed her many times, still reluctant to stop. "If Father''s possessiveness towards Mother wasn''t so strong, then Baby''s life as a child wouldn''t be so miserable."


    Hearing the little one¡¯s precocious words, everyoneughed.


    Hai Tangughed so hard she leaned forward and back, "Little Crown Prince, what do you know about possessiveness?"


    The little one pouted, "Like my Father is, who can''t see it? I''m still small and sleep with Mother, that''s fine. But he''s such a grown up, how can he still sleep with Mother! Sleeping with Mother is one thing, why can''t the three of us sleep together? He has to drive Baby out. Baby doesn''t want to sleep outside tonight. I must sleep with Mother, humph!"


    Wherever little Crown Prince was, everyone was always very happy, especially when teasing the little guy, theyughed endlessly at his golden words.


    Gu Ying''s face flushed, and her earlobes felt hot. It was normal for children to sleep separately as they grew up, moreover, she and the Crown Prince were young, passionate, and it was natural that they wanted more intimacy... it was just that the little dumpling was still too small to understand.


    "Alright alright, hurry hurry, your Father will be back soon."


    "See, Mother only has Father in her heart, so it''s true isn''t it, Mother and Father truly love each other, and Baby was an ident!"


    "No, Mother loves Yan''er even more."


    "Then Mother must not drive Yan¡¯er away tonight."


    "Okay okay, Yan¡¯er will sleep with Mother tonight, okay?"


    "That¡¯s more like it."


    Little Zhao Yan pouted his lips high, holding Mother''s hand as they walked out swaggeringly.


    ...

 Chapter 477: Extras: If you are heartless, I will stop 03

    <h4>Chapter 477</h4>


    Five years had passed, and the hatred in Gu Ying''s heart was slowly being healed by the prince and the little one.


    After sending the little one to her father, she decided to go visit that person at Yongshou Hall.


    Her father had not returned to Bianjing for many years. Even though Grandmother favored the eldest son, he could not bear to leave his old mother''s side, wanting to fulfill his filial duties in front of her.


    Gu Ying wanted her father to live in Zhenguo Duke Manor, but he was reluctant to leave Grandmother behind, so he had been living in Dongping Earl Manor all along.


    Gu Ying walked towards Yongshou Hall with Yin Lan.


    Gu Wan had marriedst year, but was not treated well by her inws and often returned to her maternal home.


    As it happened, just as Gu Ying stepped through the door of the Buddhist hall at Yongshou Hall, she saw Gu Wan and Wang walking in together.


    The Buddhist hall was tranquil. Grandmother never allowed others to be present when she prayed, so today there were no servants inside or outside the hall.


    Yin Lan said, "Mistress, shall we go in now?"


    Gu Ying thought for a moment and said, "Let''s wait a little longer before going in."


    Although she and Gu Wan''s mother and daughter had no deep hatred, Gu Wan harbored great resentment towards her. Gu Wan had teamed up with her elder sister, always trying to make things difficult for her.


    Unfortunately, at Gu Wan''s weddingst year, Gu Jia had fallen ill and died in the backyard of her husband''s home. Her body was wrapped in a straw mat and dumped in a mass grave.


    Since then, Gu Wan rarely came around to bother her.


    Gu Ying stood quietly in the yard, thinking that the little one must be happily pestering his father for a red-tasseled spear. The corners of her lips curved up slightly.


    But soon, the quarreling from the Buddhist hall drew her attention.


    She concentrated and listened. Wang was crying, "Mother, please help Wan''er. If nothing else works, swallow your pride and go to Zhenguo Duke Manor to beg that person to allow Wan''er to divorce her husband''s family. If Wan''er continues to stay with her inws, she will surely end up like elder sister, dragged to death by that man sooner orter!"


    Sobbing could be heard from Gu Wan inside the room.


    Grandmother calmly replied from within, "That was her own fate. How can we interfere in matters between husband and wife?"


    Wang''s voice became increasingly pitiful. "But you are Wan''er''s grandmother! You are the old madam of Dongping Earl Manor! If even you won''t help her, then what can I, her mother, do?"


    "A married daughter is like spilled water. Stay properly in the Earl Manor. Gu Wan, don''te back frivolously in the future without good reason. Letting outsiders see would lead to gossip about our manor''s daughters. Why can''t you be more like Rong''er? I had the least hopes for her initially, but in the end she married well into the Ye Family. It''s only been five years and she already has Ye Qingchi under control. It seems I was mistaken about you girls in the past."


    "Why must Mother be so cruel and heartless!" Wang''s voice suddenly grew louder, hysterical, "If you won''t help my Wan''er, then I''ll spread word about what happened with Ye Zhuoning!"


    "You-- What nonsense are you speaking!"


    "Aren''t you guilty about Ye Zhuoning''s death, Mother?!"


    Gu Ying''s heart tightened and her brows knitted. She abruptly turned her head and looked coldly towards the Buddhist hall.


    Golden sunset rays shone through the secluded windows, illuminating a panicked silhouette inside.


    The old woman was provoked to cough violently. Flustered, she said, "Don''t you dare speak recklessly..."


    Gu Ying''s mind went nk for a moment. Upon hearing it concerned her mother, her feet flew swiftly into the hall.


    Inside, the three women''s tempers were raging. Wang''s eyes were bloodshot, Gu Wan looked shocked.


    Seeing Gu Ying arrive, all three had panicked expressions.


    Gu Ying nced over their faces and sneered coldly. Staring into Grandmother''s sharp old eyes, she questioned, "Grandmother, please tell me, is Wang speaking nonsense?"


    Wang opened her mouth but fearfully lowered her head without speaking.


    The old madam red furiously at Wang. Her iron-grey face turned to the rashly appearing Gu Ying, scolding her, "Why have youe here! Without my permission, what are you doing barging in?!"


    Gu Ying nearlyughed from anger. At this critical juncture, the grandmother she respected actually still had the mood to change the subject?


    "What words can''t granddaughter hear, that Grandmother doesn''t allow her toe?"


    "Nonsense! There are none!"


    "Then Grandmother, please talk nicely with A-Rong about what happened when my mother passed away."


    The old madam seemed pricked in a sore spot. Somewhat stamping her feet, she said, "Gu Ying, you''ve be very bold now, your wings have hardened, daring to defy your grandmother!"


    "It''s been more than a day or two that I''ve defied Grandmother." Gu Ying mocked disdainfully, ignoring her questioning and ncing at Gu Wan''s swollen face and the scars on her neck and wrists. She turned and walked up to the pitiful Wang, her eyes filling up with icy chill. "Auntie Wang, rather than begging Grandmother about Third Sister''s matters, you might as welle directly to me. I can help Third Sister divorce on her behalf, and find her another good family in Bianjing to remarry. As long as you''re willing to tell me what really happened to my mother back then..."


    Wang shrank back, ufortable with ncing at the old madam''s dark glowering face.


    Frightened again by the warning in the old madam''s eyes, her body shook. Not daring to open her mouth, she whipped her head back around.


    Gu Ying was filled with disappointment. Things had already reached this point, so there must have been more to her mother''s death.


    Deep down, she still held a pathetic shred of hope--


    hope that the grandmother she had once desperately craved love from had not harmed her mother...


    Her eyes reddening, she grabbed Wang''s wrist, saying to her, "Tell me, otherwise I can make Gu Wan roll out of Bianjing tomorrow, never letting you mother and daughter meet again."


    Wang was terrified, immediately opening her mouth, "No! Your mother didn''t die from illness that year!"


    The words had just left her mouth when the old madam fiercely pped Wang''s face with a loud crack, spinning her like a top.


    Wang''s vision went dark from the p, unable to stand steadily. She staggered back several steps.


    Covering her swollen cheek, blood flowed from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes zed with anger, shooting sparks. "By this point, I''ve got nothing left to hide... A-Rong, your mother was killed by the old madam that year! As for the reason, I''m afraid you''ll find itughable once you hear it!"


    "Wang Shi! If you dare spout more nonsense, I''ll have you die here today!"


    The old madam''s face was ck with anger. She raised her palm high again, charging over in a rush.


    Gu Ying stretched out her hand to shield Wang, her cold gaze falling on the old grandmother''s piercing brows and eyes.


    Grandmother and granddaughter''s eyes met. The old madam didn''t dare to actually strike down with her palm in the end.


    The air froze for a moment. The old madam''s face was filled with fury, panic and unease.


    Gu Ying didn''t know what heavy feelings she held as she slowly walked towards her. Her eyes grew moist. "Yin Lan, please make Grandmother be quiet."


    Yin Lan ruthlessly walked up and gagged the old madam''s mouth with a handkerchief, twisting her hands behind her back with her youthful strength, not letting her speak a word.


    Only then did Gu Ying turn to Wang, allowing her to speak without restraint.

 Chapter 478: Extras: If you are heartless, I will stop 04

    <h4>Chapter 478</h4>


    Wang understood clearly that in Bianjing now, no other woman''s status couldpare to that of the mistress of Zhenguo Duke Manor, fortunately when she was a youngdy at Dongping Earl Manor years ago, she did not bully Gu Ying too much.


    Now, relying on her was the wisest way out.


    "In fact, Grandmother never liked your Mother all along, just because Master QingFeng said one sentence that your Mother''s birth eight characters, face, body and temperament were in conflict with the Earl Manor..."


    Gu Ying said in disbelief, "What?"


    Wang quickly said, "I also overheard their conversation before I knew it. Afterwards, I observed secretly, trying to find Grandmother''s handle, so I also saw her ordering to put drugs in your Mother''s food..."


    Gu Ying''s body shook violently, and her whole person felt as if falling into an ice cer.


    She was only about five years old at that time...


    Mother suddenly fell ill, and Grandmother specially invited a doctor to see her. After the doctor saw her, he only said Mother had caught a cold and needed to stay in bed and take some medicine to get well.


    Every day Gu Ying was with Mother. She saw Mother drinking medicine bowl by bowl, but Mother''s condition got worse and worse. She naively and romantically held Mother''s hand and asked Mother to get well soon to apany her to see the peach blossoms outside the city.


    Mother smiled and nodded. In less than three days, she died in bed with a pale face.


    She didn''t know what death was. She stood stupidly at Mother''s bedside, at a loss seeing the maidsing in and out busily carrying white cloth, and Grandmother''s old face that showed no expression.


    She was extremely scared and ran to Grandmother to ask for a hug, but Grandmother looked coldly at Mother who had lost her breath on the bed. With one hand Grandmother pushed her away and said, "Don''t block your Mother''s path."


    Now when she thought about it, what path?


    The path of reincarnation, or the path where Dongping Earl Manor let Mother get out of the manor?!


    Gu Ying didn''t dare to think further down. Her heart ached endlessly, and a strong sense of hatred surged in her heart again.


    Wang thought for a while, her eyes tightened, and she added, "What''s more, Grandmother was afraid your Mother would continue to pester the Earl Manor after death. She gave Master QingFeng arge sum of money to nail soul-suppressing nails andrge pieces of talisman paper on your Mother''s coffin..."


    As if thinking of something, Wang''s whole body shuddered, and she didn''t dare to continue.


    Gu Old Madam sobbed for a good while, her pair of red old eyes stared at Gu Ying tightly.


    Gu Yingughed coldly with despair. As sheughed, tears came out of her eyes, and her eyes gradually turned icy cold. "Come on! Go get my father!"


    Only then did Gu Old Madam''s facepletely copse, and her old eyes quickly showed panic.


    After Gu Ying asked someone to call her father, she exined the matter clearly in a few words.


    When Gu Boqing heard it, his expression changed and he shouted, "Ying, what are you saying?"


    Gu Ying said with red eyes, "Dad, I want to go to Mother''s tomb now and open the coffin!"


    Gu Boqing stood stiffly in ce for a good while, unable to react.


    When he came to his senses, Gu Ying had already given orders to first send Yan''er to the carriage, then asked Yin Lan to go to Zhenguo Duke Manor and Ye Family to call people. She wanted to uncover the truth of her Mother''s death years ago!


    Gu Boqing''s legs went weak and he copsed into a chair with a dazed expression. He looked at his mother with trembling eyshes.


    Still full of hope, he asked, "Mother, what Ying said is not true, right?"


    Gu Old Madam pulled at the corner of her mouth. Her cheeks were pale white. She stiffly looked away without saying anything, looking a dozen years older all of a sudden.


    Gu Boqing''s eyes showed disappointment and coldness again. Without saying anything, he left with his head down.


    From Bianjing to Ye Zhuoning''s tomb, it was only an hour''s journey.


    When everyone gathered at Ye Zhuoning''s grave, night began to fall.


    Qin advised, "Ying, opening the coffin is unlucky... Otherwise wait for auntie to calcte an auspicious time for you, it won''t be toote to open the coffin then?"


    Ye Qingchi also frowned and said reluctantly, "Auntie has been sleeping here for more than ten years. Why does Ying have to disturb her peace at this time?"


    Ye Zhuoning''s death was a thorn in everyone''s heart.


    But now if the thorn was not pulled out, it would be for Ying''s sake.


    They just wanted Ying to forget the sufferings at Dongping Earl Manor in the past and live in peace and joy. Why make the past grievances tear a family apart?


    Gu Boqing had been quietly lowering his head, his eyes fixed on the lotus flowers he had just sent to the tomb a few days ago. The twin lotuses had already withered and turned yellow, as if the person buried here never forgave him.


    He didn''t know what he was feeling. He just felt his internal organs being cruelly squeezed, exceptionally painful.


    Gu Ying shook her head and ordered without hesitation, "No, open the coffin now."


    With an order, the guards got busy with iron shovels in the night.


    Gu Ying added, "Light the torches."


    Everyone answered, "Yes."


    Soon Ye Zhuoning''s coffin gradually emerged before everyone. Ny-nine soul-suppressing nails were nailed to the ck coffin, dense and creepy, making people''s scalps tingle and hair stand on end.


    At this moment, everyone was stunned. Even Qin and Ye Qingchi who had not believed that Gu Old Madam would dare to do such a thing to the Ye Family''s daughter darkened their faces.


    "How can this be!" Ye Qingchi said angrily. "Does the Gu Family still have any royalw?"


    When the old house in Haizhou knew about this, wouldn''t grandfather spit blood from anger?!


    Previously grandfather was lenient to the Gu Family for Ying''s sake. Indeed the Ye Family was too benevolent!


    Gu Boqing looked nkly for a while. His heart felt pierced through by a sharp knife, so painful that he couldn''t take a step. He felt he had no face to see Zhuoning again.


    Gu Ying looked at the coffin with tears and gritted her teeth. "Come on, open the coffin!"


    Qin hugged Gu Ying''s arm with slightly red eyes and said, "Ying, forget it..."


    The coffin was already like this. Seeing the bare bones inside would only add to the sorrow, right?


    Gu Ying ignored her and insisted on having the coffin opened.


    More than a dozen torches surrounded it. The precious ck wood coffin lid was flipped open and ced aside.


    But the scene in the coffin made everyone shrink their pupils and hold their breath.


    Gu Ying''s eyes tightened and her heart jumped to her throat directly.


    Under the coffin lid, including inside the coffin, there were countless old scratches of varying depths, which had be dark and profound after more than ten years.


    But it could still be seen how desperate and terrified the person who was put into the coffin while not dead must have been when she woke up to find herself sealed in the lightless darkness!


    She shouted for help over and over again. And because of suffocation, she kept pping and scratching the coffin, but no one came to save her, thinking she was dead!


    She had no way out. As ast resort, the pitiful and lonely woman was suffocated to death in the coffin... More than ten yearster, she turned into a pile of decayed bones!

 Chapter 479: Extras: If you are heartless, I will stop 05

    <h4>Chapter 479</h4>


    Qin was shocked, her eyes widened, "A Ying! What...what is going on here?" She stumbled into the grave, leaning over the coffin. She peered closely to take a look, "Could it be that Zhuo Zhuo wasn''t dead back then, and was buried alive by Old Madam Gu?"


    "Look at the talismans filling the coffin!"


    "And these strange ritual artifacts!"


    "This is clearly a living sacrifice!"


    "It''s a live burial!"


    "That old woman! How could she be so cruel to Zhuo Zhuo!!!!"


    The sharp contrast between her fair fingers and the torn, scratched ck marks was startling. Such a miserable and terrifying scene would shake anyone''s heart!


    Gu Boqing''s mouth was pressed in a tight line, staring at her unbelievingly, his body trembling violently. With a long wail, "Zhuo Zhuo!"


    Hearing her father''s sorrowful cries, A Ying''s arm was being held up by Yin Lan. Tears suddenly rolled down her eyes. Profound pain and hatred churned in her chest, her five viscera and six bowels felt like they were being twisted and wrung by an invisible giant hand, the pain was unbearable.


    She gritted her teeth tightly, fists shaking. She wished she could shred that abominably cruel old woman into ten thousand pieces!


    "A Ying!"


    A clear, cold scent of water lilies swept over from the deep darkness.


    A Ying''s limp body fell into a broad, gentle embrace. Turning her eyes, she saw the familiar, handsome face of the man. Only then did shepletely close her eyes and faint away.


    ...


    The matter with Ye Zhuoning caused great rm.


    That night, when A Ying woke up again, she was already at Dongping Earl Manor.


    Twilight Snow Studio looked the same as always, meticulously managed by Gu Boqing personally all these years.


    When A Ying opened her eyes, she found little baby curled up cozily asleep beside her, still hugging her arm tightly.


    Zhao Changdu said gently, "He insisted oning along himself, said he was worried about Mother."


    Her eyes felt somewhat sore, and her whole body was very tired, but waking up to see her husband and little baby were both at her side still warmed her heart.


    "Has he eaten dinner?"


    "No, since you didn''t eat, he couldn''t eat either. This must be the mother-child connection, seeing you faint like that, his little brows were furrowed so tight, knowing something major had happened, so he didn''t make trouble for me."


    A Ying smiled, "And he could still fall asleep like this."


    Zhao Changdu chuckled lightly, stroking the little girl''s soft cheek with his fingertip. Knowing she had suffered great grievance today, his tone was especially gentle, "He''s still a child, needs a lot of sleep."


    A Ying''s heart softened. She kissed little baby''s milk-white forehead, taking his little hand out from under the nket, cing it familiarly into the man''s palm.


    Zhao Changdu sat at the little girl''s bedside, sping her hand tightly. Concerned, he gathered up her body into his arms to gently coax her.


    "Mother''s remains have already been properly reinterred by people. As for whates next, Father said he wants to handle it personally."


    Hearing the intoxicating, melodious voice soothed A Ying''s turbulent emotions slightly.


    She nestled against the man''s embrace, resting her chin on his sturdy shoulder. After calming down for a long time, her voice still carried traces of crying, "Du, she''s my grandmother by blood."


    Zhao Changdu gently patted A Ying''s back, as if soothing a child, "I know."


    "Ever since I was little she never loved me and A Ning...but she treated Gu Jia and Gu Wan very well, and even Shuanger..."


    "I know..."


    "When I was small, I always thought it was because I wasn''t good enough, didn''t gain grandmother''s favor, so I desperately tried to be obedient and worked hard, but still never got grandmother''s attentive gaze."


    "It''s alright now. You have me and Yan''er to dote on you, love you, and cherish you. A Ying doesn''t need her attention."


    "But I really never imagined she actually harbored such deep prejudice against my mother! And would do something as sinister as a living sacrifice! Du, my mother was truly gentle and beautiful...not an ominous person at all...it was all grandmother''s fault...She poisoned mother and buried mother alive..."


    Zhao Changdu held the little girl''s waist tightly, listening attentively to herints, echoing, "She deserves death."


    A Ying wiped her tears, raising hopeful, reddened eyes to meet the man''s deep phoenix eyes, "If I want to avenge mother, will Du feel I''m heartless?"


    She had considered forgiving grandmother, but whenever she recalled the scene of mother being suffocated alive in that coffin, she couldn''t let go of this hatred.


    Zhao Changdu''s lips curved up slightly, stroking her dark hair with his big hand. These past five years, he had long treated her like a daughter, doting on her.


    Yet this girl stillcked a sense of security. Looks like he still needed to keep working hard.


    "What does A Ying want to do?"


    A Ying ground her teeth, "Repay evil with justice!"


    Zhao Changdu indulgently said, "Then do as you said."


    A Ying''s heart warmed, but she knew her biggest problem wasn''t the Eldest Prince, but her father.


    She was connected by blood to her mother, felt the hatred was as deep as the ocean, but her father was also grandmother''s son, connected by blood. Even though father loved mother...he still couldn''t erase his filial piety towards grandmother.


    "A Ying." Seeing her worried expression, Zhao Changdu knew what she was thinking. "I don''t want to stain your hands. Leave it to me, okay? You take Yan''er home first. I''ll handle the rest."


    A Ying raised her pitch ck pupils. Tears fell as she said, "Okay..."


    ...


    Zhao Changdu had always felt that after this matter, Old Madam Gu should have hanged herself to atone for her sins.


    He didn''t expect that when he arrived at Yongshou Hall, she was still putting on the arrogant manner of the old matriarch of Earl Manor, or a mother''s innate control over her child, scolding Gu Boqing until his head bled instead.


    "I never agreed to letting you marry her into the family! But you insisted on not listening to me. You can''t me this on me!"


    "She was born in the fifth month, destined for punishment and harm in her fate, an inauspicious person!"


    "I did this for the sake of the entire Dongping Earl Manor!"


    "It was all for your sake! For your elder brother''s sake! For your father''s sake!"


    "Yet you unfilial child still married her. Don''t you know how your father died? If it wasn''t for her inauspiciousness, how could your father have left me so early!"


    Gu Boqing''s hoarse voice, "So all these years, the reason mother mistreated A Ying and A Ning, deliberately sowing discord between father and children, was to cover up this preposterous deed?"


    The old woman shouted angrily, "You''re right, I don''t like Ye Zhuoning and her two cursed spawns!"


    Gu Boqing also yelled, "They''re not cursed spawns! They''re my and Zhuo Zhuo''s descendants, the offspring of the Gu family, your own grandchildren!"


    Madam Gu was so angry her face turned ashen. "Gu Boqing, you rebellious unfilial child, you''re also a cursed nuisance!"


    Gu Boqingughed bitterly to himself, silently kneeling inside Yongshou Hall, eyes wide and bloodshot.


    He was filled with pain, but had nowhere to vent it.


    He could only watch wide-eyed as this old mother who killed his wife scolded him until she wept, seeming even more pitiful than him.

 Chapter 480: Extras: If you are heartless, I will stop 06

    <h4>Chapter 480</h4>


    Zhao Changdu strode into the inner hall with his long legs, hooked the corners of his mouth contemptuously, and said to Huai An behind him, "Huai An, first ask my father-inw out, I, this grandson-inw, have something to talk about in private with Grandmother."


    Huai An was also hearing for the first time that the mother-inw actually dealt such a vicious hand to her own daughter-inw. It was really shocking!


    He red at Gu Old Madam in disgust, "That''s right, sir, Master QingFeng is already waiting in the courtyard of Yongshou Hall, when should I invite him in?"


    "Wait for my order."


    "Yes."


    Like a zombie, Gu Boqing was helped out by Huai An.


    Zhao Changdu carelessly looked over the olddy with slightly disheveled hairpins.


    The old woman, who had just been full of anger, now had frightened eyes, dodging gazes, and was nervously pinching her cane.


    Although her old face was full of fear, she still straightened her hunched back and sat down on the Luohan bed.


    Zhao Changduzily sat in the round chair at the bottom, looking at her with cold eyes, "The olddy should understand that I, the prince, am neither Gu General nor A Ying, and I have no blood rtionship with you, right?"


    Gu Old Madam''s throat tightened as she looked fiercely at Zhao Changdu with her sharp old eyes, "You...what do you want to do? So what if I harmed Ye Zhuoning! I am his Gu Boqing''s own mother, her Gu Ying''s own grandmother. They don''t dare to do anything unfilial! Otherwise, even as a ghost I will not let go of this father and daughter!"


    Zhao Changdu narrowed his phoenix eyes, and a thick, icy ck mist appeared in his eyes.


    "Then have you ever thought that Ye Zhuoning would not let you go either?"


    "That cheap woman has an ominous fate. She killed my old man!"


    "You don''t need to argue with me," Zhao Changdu smiled mockingly, with a faint arc on his thin lips, but no smile reached his eyes. "I don''t care about these things. What I care about is evil begets evil, tofort A Ying''s heart."


    Meeting the man''s cold gaze, Gu Old Madam''s back went cold.


    Zhao Changdu didn''t have much patience for her. He crooked his thumb and pressed it against his brow, "Huai An, bring Master QingFeng in."


    Huai An yelled outside, "Yes!"


    Soon, Master QingFeng was dragged in by two Qilin Army soldiers.


    At this time, he had already undergone heavy torture and was lying limply on the ground covered in blood, with two oozing eyeballs rolling around. Seeing Gu Old Madam suddenly standing up from the Luohan bed, he shouted for help.


    The olddy''s face was pale. After all, she was an inner courtdy and had never seen such cruel punishments before.


    Zhao Changduzily gave Huai An a signal.


    Huai An nodded, walked over, and stuffed a ck pill into Master QingFeng''s mouth.


    "Sir asked you something, you just say it, otherwise you will die immediately with your intestines ruptured."


    Master QingFeng was just an ordinary person who loved money more than life. He quickly said, "I''ll say everything! I''ll say everything! As long as the prince spares my life, I''ll say anything!"


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were covered with ayer of coldness, "How did youe to know of Ye Zhuoning''s birth date and eight characters?"


    Master QingFeng hurriedly said, "It was the olddy who gave them to me!"


    "Oh? Her birth was a great fortune. How did you happen to blurt out that she was an ominous person?" Zhao Changdu''s smile turned cold.


    Master QingFeng bit his lip and hesitated for a while.


    Zhao Changdu was displeased, his sword-like brows slightly furrowed, "Huai An."


    Frightened by Huai An, Master QingFeng had also been stared at by the overbearing prince sitting above until he broke out in cold sweat all over. He had to confess everything, "Prince, spare my life! It wasn''t intentional for this little one to harm Madam Gu! It was just... when I first saw Madam, I was stunned by her heavenly beauty and developed indecent thoughts. I didn''t expect Madam to refuse me... She even said she would report me to officials if there was a next time. I was anxious and thought of a way to fix her. So I told the olddy about her inauspiciousness. I didn''t expect the olddy to actually believe it! The olddy also said she looked exactly like a bewitching vixen who would confuse Second Master Gu in the future! I really didn''t say much, it was all what the olddy thought of to harm Madam. Those soul-suppressing nails were also made by me under the olddy''s order. I... didn''t really want Madam to die!"


    When these words came out of Master QingFeng''s mouth, Gu Old Madam stared in disbelief with widened old eyes.


    Zhao Changdu was contemptuous in his heart. He didn''t expect the truth to be so absurd!


    If A Ying knew her mother had died because of her beauty and kindness, she would surely be even more heartbroken and sad.


    Thinking of A Ying and the child still waiting for him at the manor, his patience was exhausted. He slowly got up, put his hands behind his back, and looked down at Master QingFeng, "Huai An, since Master QingFeng is good at sacrificing the living, lock him in a coffin and bury him where the mother was buried. If he can escape, it will prove his ability. If he can''t escape, it is Heaven''s will for him to die. Go do it now."


    When Master QingFeng heard this, he was thrown into chaos. He cried and clutched Huai An''s clothes, "Prince, spare my life! Prince, spare my life!"


    Huai An, annoyed by the noise, directly had his jaw dislocated and dragged him out.


    As for Gu Old Madam, Zhao Changdu did not n to get his hands dirty. He looked up at the olddy and said indifferently, "A Ying has always hoped you could be a little kinder to her, unfortunately, you didn''t cherish this opportunity."


    Gu Old Madam''s eyes moistened, and her aged and weary face was full of regret.


    "If you had loved her, I could have let you live," Zhao Changdu ignored her pity. "But now it seems you have no reason to live either."


    Gu Old Madam''s body trembled. She couldn''t even stand steadily. "Prince Zhao, if you dare kill me..."


    "I won''t kill you," Zhao Changdu interrupted her with a faint smile. A chilling aura appeared on his exquisitely handsome face. "I will give you a chance to choose for yourself."


    Gu Old Madam thought there was still hope. She couldn''t believe it and raised her head.


    Zhao Changdu said faintly, "Kneeling outside are your beloved eldest son Gu Boyan and your dear grandson Gu Ming for many years. If you want them to live, kill yourself. If you want to live, then tomorrow this prince will personally send them on their way."


    When these words fell, Gu Old Madam''s body went limp and copsed on the Luohan bed. When she raised her head again, it was full of tear stains and despair.


    Zhao Changdu gave the death order and left Yongshou Hall. He had the yard surrounded.


    Gu Boyan and Gu Ming, still unaware of what was happening, knelt outside. Seeing the princee out, they wanted to ingratiate themselves but were frightened silent by the man''s cold nce.


    Gu Ming was a little scared, "Father, what exactly happened to Grandmother?"


    Gu Boyan had just gotten off duty at night and didn''t know what had happened in the manor. He was directly brought here by Zhao family members. Although he had doubts in his mind, he didn''t think too much about it. He thought that since it was Prince Zhao himselfing to the manor, it must be about Gu Ying. Otherwise, who could trouble such a big shot.


    Heforted, "It should be nothing. Your second uncle is here, your grandmother will be fine."


    Gu Old Madam wept and wanted to go out to see them, but was stopped by two expressionless Qilin Army soldiers.


    Inside the room, only a white kerchief and a bottle of poison wine were left.


    And her, an olddy with no one to turn to.


    She looked listlessly at the two murder weapons, and only at this moment did she finally realize she had done wrong...


    But now, there was no way back.


    ...

 Chapter 481: Outside: The City of Spring Palace Wall Willow 01

    <h4>Chapter 481</h4>


    The next day at dawn, news came from the Marquis of Dongping''s residence that the old Madame had hanged herself and died.


    When Gu Ying heard the news, she sat in front of the bronze mirror with a somewhat dazed look in her eyes.


    It was not until the Heir-Apparent strode in and embraced her from behind, his scorching body heat awakening her from her reverie.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing." Gu Ying smiled and turned around, burying her face in the man''s sturdy, warm embrace, "Thank you, Adu."


    "It was her own choice," Zhao Changdu patted the little girl''s shoulder and chuckled softly, "What''s more, why are you thanking me? I''m your husband. I''m willing to do anything for you. Let me take the me."


    Gu Ying was deeply moved and hugged him tightly. When she looked up, a faint mist clouded her eyes.


    She leaned in and kissed his perfect, resolute jaw, "We''re husband and wife, we share glory and humiliation. Besides, she was the one in the wrong. This is her retribution."


    Otherwise, who would appease her mother''s enmity and hatred?


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes darkened for a moment, but he considerately helped her up, "I''ll go with you to see her off on herst journey."


    Gu Ying nodded, "Okay."


    After the funeral at the Marquis of Dongping''s residence ended, Gu Boqing left Bianjing alone and went to Haizhou by himself.


    Gu Ying knew that her father was going to the Ye family to apologize.


    She had thought about persuading him, but in the end, she couldn''t even convince herself.


    Half a monthter, she received a letter from her younger brother.


    The letter said that her maternal grandfather already knew the truth about her mother''s death. In his great anger, he had fallen ill for several days. But with Jian Jian taking care of him and giving him medicine, his health had recovered somewhat.


    The Ye family held another funeral for her mother. In the end, her mother''s ashes were buried in the Ye family ancestral grave. Her mother had finally returned home.


    Gu Ning''s letter also mentioned their father.


    He wrote, "Sister, I''ve forgiven him. In fact, I don''t hate him. Every time I see him kneeling at our mother''s grave in remorse, I feel that he is also pitiful."


    "If it wasn''t for him going to the border, perhaps Mother would not have died."


    "He is not a capable husband, nor a good father."


    "But I still love him very much."


    "I also love you."


    "Oh, Gu Xun said he misses you very much. After he finishes the exams, he wille to Bianjing to see you and brother-inw and little nephew. He will bring local specialties from Haizhou."


    "I''m busy with my studies and may note along."


    "Yin Zhu is doing well. I''ll send her your regards."


    This was the first time she had seen the word "love" so openly in her younger brother''s words. Gu Ying''s nose tingled and the corners of her eyes lifted as she smiled and folded the letter paper and put it in the purple sandalwood box.


    Inside was a thick stack of letter paper, all sent by Gu Ning and Gu Xun.


    Over the past five years, her younger brother had been recuperating in Haizhou,pleting his studies and practicing martial arts.


    Gu Xun''s martial arts skills had also improved greatly. The biggest change the five years brought him was that he read more books and had gained a schrly temperament.


    Every year, the two brothers would return to Bianjing for the new year.


    Gu Ying could hardly connect the gentle and elegant youth with the illiterate little beggar from back then.


    "Mother! Baby is back from school!"


    Gu Ying had just finished writing a reply to her younger brother, telling him, "If you want toe see your sister, you must let your sister know in advance. Don''t deliberately say you''re noting, then sneak here to surprise me. Waiting expectantly for the day you arrive will bring me joy too."


    At the door, the little one ran in like a whirlwind, carrying a package of pastries from Hualuo Pavilion.


    "This is the lotus cake Yan''er bought for Mother today!" Little Zhao Yan was wearing a small light blue brocade robe. His milky whiteplexion looked like cold jade. With thick brows and big eyes, bright eyes and pearly teeth, he looked just like an exquisite porcin doll. He neatly ced therge stack of pastries on the desk and mysteriously said, "Mother, look what else Yan''er brought."


    Gu Ying looked towards the door and couldn''t help twitching the corners of her mouth. "Yan''er, how did you bring little Yi Xing here?"


    The round little head poked in curiously. In a green round-necked brocade robe, with two small buns on his head, and a yellow gold nephrite pendant around his fair neck, he looked noble and innocent. It was none other than the five-year-old Crown Prince, Li Yi Xing!


    Seeing the spacious and refreshing room, the blush on the little one''s chubby face recovered some of its fairness.


    His short, tiny fingers gripped the doorframe as he pleaded pitifully, "Auntie Gu...can Ie in? The crispy mountains on your table look so yummy. Xing''er hasn''t eaten yet. My tummy is hungry."


    His milky voice was so adorable.


    "Little Tangerine has already returned to the pce. Don''t worry, Mother. No one wille looking. I already told Little Tangerine to go back and tell Empress Dowager Su that Little Star will be staying at the Duke''s residence for a month starting today."


    Little Tangerine was the eunuch in charge of waiting on Li Yi Xing, appointed by Empress Dowager Su to be by the little prince''s side.


    Gu Ying didn''t know whether tough or cry. She quickly went over and picked up the little one, unable to resist pinching his soft, tender little cheeks. "Little Yi Xing,e in quickly. How did you end up with Yan''er? Where''s your mother?"


    Li Yi Xing was very well-behaved. He blinked his extremely clear, bright eyes, looking like azy little fat cat, letting himself be manhandled.


    His features were entirely inherited from Ning Si. He looked very delicate and innocent.


    "Mother said to let Xing''er run first, then she will run."


    "Run?"


    "Father didn''t keep Xing''erpany for my birthday. Mother is mad, so Mother wants to run away. Auntie Gu, crispy mountains...dumplings...and chestnut cakes and roasted mutton pies."


    The little one''s speech was not fluent, his voice full of milkiness. His eyes were fixed on the snacks on the table.


    He was two months younger than Zhao Yan but looked more like a child this age, having been born full term. Weighing eight catties at birth, he had been raised by his indulgent father with the best food and drink. Now he had grown round and chubby, super soft and cute.


    Gu Ying chuckled. She circled her arm around the little one''s round tummy. "Haitang, go prepare some food."


    Haitang smiled. "This servant will go now and make a bowl of sunny-side up noodles for the little prince."


    Gu Ying happily squeezed little Yi Xing''s soft flesh. "Go on then."


    Zhao Yan frowned in displeasure and also squeezed himself into his mother''s arms. "Mother, baby wants hugs too."


    Gu Ying held one in each arm, eyes curving as she kissed this one and that one.


    Zhao Yan''s little face became smug while Li Yi Xing''s cheeks reddened. He eyed Gu Ying''s picturesque features then quickly covered his eyes. "Shy, shy, shy!"


    Gu Ying found this little one extremely amusing and adorable, so innocent. "Did your mother say when she woulde get you?"


    Li Yi Xing said in his baby voice, "In one hour."


    Gu Ying''s mind raced.


    Last year, in the eleventh month, was little Yi Xing''s fourth birthday.


    The Emperor was busy and surprisingly did not show up at the lively birthday banquet. Later, Ning Si found out that the Emperor was apanying a lotus-picking girl boating in a civilian pleasure boat.


    From that day on, the rift between the imperial couple grew deeper.


    At first, Ning Si would weep day and night, butter she gradually became disheartened and indifferent, no longer caring about the Emperor.


    Gu Ying calcted the time.


    These days the Emperor was making a trip to Mount Tai for sacrifices. The pce was bustling to prepare the imperial entourage. The monarch had left Bianjing just two days ago. This trip would take at least a month before Li Hao could return.


    The pce had only groups of consorts vying for favor, plus the Empress Dowager Su who already disliked Ning Si. It was the perfect opportunity to escape.


    Ning Si first let the little prince leave. After Li Hao was gone, she could use the excuse of looking for her child to get out of the pce, which would seem natural.

 Chapter 482: Outside: The City of Spring Palace Wall Willow 02

    <h4>Chapter 482</h4>


    Speaking of which, Li Hao recently took in two favored concubines, one named Sun Shi and the other named Wang.


    Inside the pce, the other concubines fought fiercely with the two favored concubines, causing chaos and unrest. Only Empress Dowager Su remained calm and unaffected, sitting firmly in the pce with a pure and contented heart, barely noticeable.


    Sun Shi and Wangpeted with each other in various ways to gain favor.


    They turned the originally peaceful and harmonious pce into a turbulent mess.


    At first, Empress Dowager Su would feel a little jealous and resentful, butter she grew indifferent. She no longer cared about Li Hao''s visits to other concubines and stopped asking any questions.


    She closed the pce doors and lived her own life, seeking nothing else but hoping that her son would grow up safely and peacefully.


    She had long considered divorcing Li Hao, but in this world, it was difficult enough for ordinary couples to divorce, not to mention that they were Emperor and Empress. Empress Dowager Su would be the first to disapprove of it.


    Since divorce was not an option, her only choice was to escape the pce and leave the man who had hurt her so deeply.


    For this, Empress Dowager Su had secretly nned for many years and deceived Li Hao for years.


    Now, all the profits from her businesses had been saved in a secure bank ount. Once she left the pce, she could take her child and start a new life, free and happy.


    Gu Ying smiled faintly, instructing Haitang to take care of the two children while she arranged for a carriage to pick up Empress Dowager Su.


    As twilight fell, the pce gates were locked, and just as Sun Shi discovered she was pregnant, Empress Dowager Su arranged a special banquet to celebrate. The entire pce was busy with the celebration, and no one noticed that the Crown Princess had not returned to the pce.


    Even when the eunuch by Li Yixing''s side delivered the message from Empress Dowager Su, he did not pay much attention to Li Yixing''s departure from the academy and his stay at the Zhenguo Duke Manor. Empress Dowager Su did not mention bringing Li Yixing back to the pce again.


    Empress Dowager Su''s indifference towards her son and Empress Dowager Su saddened Gu Ying. When she received Empress Dowager Su, who had escaped from the pce, she hugged her tightly and asked, "Empress Dowager Su, are you really determined?"


    "Of course," Empress Dowager Su said. At this moment, she was dressed inly, her eyes shining brightly. She had long lost the appearance of weakness and vulnerability from years ago. When it came to leaving, she felt neither sad nor distressed. "Have you prepared my money, Gu Ying?"


    Gu Ying raised the corner of her mouth and pulled her onto the carriage. "Do you doubt my abilities? Over the years, I''ve saved one hundred thousand taels of silver in a secure bank ount for you. When you arrive in Jiangnan, you can withdraw it directly. The small change you need for the journey is in the Zhenguo Duke Manor. I''ll give it to you when we get back."


    Empress Dowager Su smiled faintly, holding Gu Ying''s hand. The two sisters sat side by side in the carriage. "Finally, we''re going to make it. Gu Ying, do you know how long I''ve been waiting for this day?"


    Gu Ying gently squeezed her soft hand, "Isn''t it just four years?"


    Empress Dowager Su shook her head, her clear eyes gazing at her. "No, it''s been five years."


    After speaking, she let out a sigh and smiled optimistically, saying, "Ever since Xinger was born, I have often felt the hardships of being married into the royal family. Yingying, you know that Empress Dowager Su has disliked me for a long time. Even though I tried hard for a year to win her favor, I couldn''t change her bias against me. Later, I listened to your advice and stopped trying to please her. I focused on being a good wife and fulfilled my duties, but then the Emperor suddenly used me of being unfilial... He ordered me to be confined to the pce and reflect on my actions."


    Gu Ying sighed and tightened her grip on her hand, knowing that she had suffered countless grievances in the pce without anyone to confide in. She silently yed the role of a listener.


    Ning Si smiled bitterly and said, "It wouldn''t be a problem if it were someone else''s usation. I can ept it dly. But it''s him, the person who used to understand me the most, who has gradually be the one who understands me the least. In these past few years, he has taken in numerous concubines and showered favor on Sun Shi and Wang. I turned a blind eye to it, pretending not to see, and even took care of those two favored concubines diligently, allowing them to trample over me. I was cautious and didn''t act out, seeking only to survive. What more could he want?"


    Hearing her words, Gu Ying felt her heart ache for her. Sheforted her, saying, "A Si, you''re not at fault. He is."


    "I think the reason we haven''t had any children all these years is also a concern for Empress Dowager Su. She has always believed that Xinger is not the Emperor''s child. That''s why... she doesn''t like me. And with my recentck of pregnancies, she has be even more unhappy, seeing me upying the position of the Empress. Perhaps she has long had the intention to depose me. Now, Sun Shi is pregnant, so she can finally rest assured."


    Although her voice was gentle and serene, Gu Ying could hear the heartbreak and pain in Ning Si''s words.


    Unable to resist, she hugged Ning Si tightly, unable to help but wonder if she had done something wrong in the past.


    If Ning Si were together with Zhou Yan at this moment, they would surely be happy.


    Ning Si quickly snapped out of her sadness and slyly raised her eyes, saying, "However, it''s thanks to Empress Dowager Su''s disregard for me and Xinger that we were able to escape so easily."


    Her bittersweet smile was truly heartbreaking.


    Gu Ying no longer tried to persuade her and instructed Huai An to quickly send them back to the Duke''s residence.


    Once they arrived home,


    Gu Ying took care of everything, making sure all the arrangements were in order. She packed up the silver coins and dry rations, as well as clean clothes for them, and put them in the carriage.


    Little Yixing was still ying with Little Zhao Yan on the low couch,pletely unaware of what awaited them.


    "Little Star, you''re doing it wrong."


    "Brother Yan, teach me, teach me, I''ll learn."


    "Okay, let me demonstrate it again. If you still can''t learn it, there''s nothing more I can do."


    "Okay! Yixing will learn it well!"


    The little one was very cute and obedient, sitting cross-legged in front of Zhao Yan, his big ck eyes fixed on the nine-link rings in Zhao Yan''s hands, never blinking.


    Ning Si sat on the stool, asionally ncing at her child and then turning to the busy Gu Ying. "Ah Ying, that''s enough. These things are really enough for my son and me to go to Jiangnan. Besides, I have already asked my grandfather to prepare a house for me there, with everything well taken care of. Don''t worry, with so much money, neither I nor Xing''er will go hungry."


    Ning Si had escaped from the pce alone, without anyone she could rely on. If the Ning family found out that she dared to escape the pce, they would probably tie her up and send her back to face the Emperor and the Empress Dowager''s punishment.


    Gu Ying had no choice but to arrange several skilled guards to protect her.


    "Once you leave, you probably won''te back, right?"


    Ning Si answered without hesitation, with a slight smile on her lips. "Hmm, I won''te back."


    Gu Ying sighed in her heart. "You''re leaving so hastily. After all, the pce will soon receive news, and if Li Hao finds out that you''ve left the pce, he will send people to search for you. What will you do then?"


    Ning Si replied, "Do you think he will look for me?"


    In her opinion, an ignored empress escaping from the pce would indeed be a disgrace to the royal family.


    But the imperial family had their own ways of dealing with such matters.


    Whether it was dying from a serious illness or suddenly dropping dead from a strange disease, they coulde up with any excuse to publicly make her "die." Themon people wouldn''t care about the life or death of an empress.


    It was just a matter of time before Li Hao would appoint another empress in a year or so.


    Whether she existed or not, whether she was alive or dead, it didn''t matter.


    Ning Si was very open-minded about it, but Gu Ying didn''t think it was that simple. Did Li Hao really have no feelings for Ning Si?


    Moreover, Ning Si was one thing, but Little Yixing carried the blood of the Li family.


    After thinking it over, she still felt uneasy. "I just think it would be better to cut off all retreats... to leave without leaving any room for him. To achieve the goal in one step, leave cleanly and thoroughly, without giving him any chance."


    Zhao Changdu, dressed in a ck robe, walked into Changfeng Pavilion with long strides and noticed that it was particrly lively today.


    Just as he walked to the corridor, he heard Gu Ying talking about cutting off all retreats and leaving no room. His heart tightened, and he stepped into the room, only to see Empress Ning Si, dressed in the attire of a pce maid, sitting in the room, discussing something with his little niece.


    Ning Si was most afraid of Zhao Changdu. As soon as she saw his cold and imposing manner, she quickly got up from the couch and smiled, "Crown Prince, I... I... I won''t monopolize Ah Ying. I''ll leave soon..."


    After so many years, Ning Si still had lingering fears about Zhao Changdu''s possessiveness.


    Back then, she had just had an argument with Li Hao and stayed at the Duke''s Mansion with Gu Ying for two days. In the middle of the night, she was half-asleep and saw a tall figure by her bedside, carrying Ah Ying horizontally. She was almost scared to death by the Crown Prince.


    Wasn''t it just sleeping with Ah Ying''s waist in his arms for a night? During the two days at the Duke''s Mansion, she hadn''t received a single good look from Crown Prince Zhao.


    "Empress, there''s no need to be nervous. Please sit."


    Zhao Changdu''s heart rxed, his gaze sweeping over Ning Si and Li Yixing, and he already understood most of the situation. Setting aside the unease and uncertainty in his heart, he walked over and pulled Gu Ying into his embrace.


    Gu Ying smiled helplessly, her small hand obediently slipping into the man''srge palm. "Why are you back so early today?"


    The man raised an eyebrow and inserted an flower hairpin into her soft hair. "I was eager toe back and see you."


    Gu Ying yfully pushed him away. "Hey, Ning Si is still here."


    Only then did Zhao Changdu spare some attention for Ning Si.


    Although Ning Si didn''t like Zhao Changdu''s possessive and domineering nature towards Gu Ying, she couldn''t help but envy the unwavering affection he had shown Gu Ying over the years. Understanding the situation, she said, "How about this? Yixing and I wille backter?"


    Zhao Yan was ustomed to his parents'' intimate behavior and didn''t pay it any mind, but Li Yixing''s eyes widened with curiosity.


    After all, as far as he could remember, his father and mother rarely showed such affection.


    "Mother, Yixing doesn''t want to leave." Li Yixing threw down his toy in a childish manner and said, "Can Uncle Zhao also hug Mother?"


    The innocent words of the child made the adults feel somewhat embarrassed.


    Ning Si hurriedly covered Little Yixing''s mouth and forced a smile. "Yixing, don''t talk nonsense. Uncle Zhao is Aunt Gu''s husband, so he can''t hug me."


    Little Yixing didn''t understand and asked, "Why not?"

 Chapter 483: Outside: Cinnabar Mole 01

    <h4>Chapter 483</h4>


    Ning Si also did not know how to exin to the child, "Only husbands and wives can hug, do you know."


    Little Yixing became even more entangled, his little meaty face wrinkled into a ball, "Then Brother Yan hugged Yixing, is Yixing Brother Yan''s wife?"


    Little Zhao Yan pinched Little Yixing''s cheek, gritting his teeth, "You think beautifully, we are both men."


    "Men?" The five-year-old little man looked at his most beloved Brother Yan with wide eyes, "Yixing is not a man! Yixing is the Empress Dowager''s little baby!"


    Little Zhao Yan ground his teeth, "Li Yixing, remember what you just said, you will regret it when you grow up!"


    Gu Ying and Ning Si looked at each other and chuckled.


    Hai Tang couldn''t helpughing out loud.


    Little Zhao Yan crossed his arms with azy smile, "Little fool, although your Uncle Zhao cannot hug the Empress Dowager, he can hug you."


    Zhao Changdu nced coldly at his naughty and mischievous son, narrowed his cold eyes, "Zhao Yan."


    Little Zhao Yan also narrowed his eyes, one big and one small pair of identical phoenix eyes, extremely pleasing to the eye.


    Gu Ying knew that the father and son were going to have another fight, so she hurriedly hugged Little Yixing and stuffed him into the Crown Prince''s arms, "Changdu, hug him, Si and I haven''t finished talking yet. "


    The chubby little guy snuggled into a ball as soon as he got into the man''s arms, and obediently stretched out two sections of arms to wrap around the man''s slender neck.


    "Uncle Zhao''s embrace smells so good."


    "Yes, yes, yes, your Uncle Zhao''s embrace smells the best." Little Zhao Yan grinned smugly and hurried into his mother''s arms, "Woo woo woo, teacher said, it''s notcking but uneven, Yixing is being held by Dad, can Mom hold Yan?"


    Zhao Changdu''s brows sank, his big hand hugged Little Yixing''s little butt, and the other hand directly lifted Zhao Yan''s little body and also hugged him into his arms, "What, don''t like Dad hugging you?"


    Little Zhao Yan''s mouth twitched, feeling the strength in his father''s arms, he pursed his little mouth aggrievedly, "No, Yan loves Dad very much."


    Seeing his son''s fake smile that was more fake than crying, Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked slightly. He sat down on the Luohan bed holding the children.


    "Ying is right, you have to go all out when you do things. Since you are determined to leave the pce, let Li Hao also taste the heart-piercing pain."


    Ning Si looked up, "Does the Crown Prince mean...?"


    Zhao Changdu said unhurriedly, "Leave this matter to me. You just have to leave."


    Gu Ying looked into the man''s dark and gloomy eyes. The couple had a tacit understanding, she could see through the man''s thoughts in one nce. Her eyes lit up as she smiled and said, "Yes, yes, yes, if we can''t do it, Changdu must have a way. Si, just go to Jiangnan with peace of mind."


    Ning Si breathed a sigh of relief and didn''t dare ask more.


    She had wanted to leave with Little Yixing that night.


    However, there was a curfew in Bianjing City. If she forced her way out of the city, it would attract attention instead. Anyway, Li Hao was not in Bianjing, and Empress Dowager Su was celebrating Empress Zhen giving birth to an imperial heir.


    So she stayed overnight at the Prince Who Protects the Country''s mansion.


    Gu Ying liked Little Yixing very much. After bathing, she hugged the little guy in her arms, "Changdu, I asked Si for Yixing. Is it okay if the two kids sleep with me tonight?"


    Seeing that her days as a mother were numbered, she cherished every moment she could spend with the children.


    Zhao Changdu had always thought he was magnanimous. It was just two children, of course he agreed, "Okay."


    In bed, the two little ones upied his little girl on the left and right, stretching out their round little heads and staring at his little wife to listen to stories eagerly.


    The little girl''s voice was soft and charming. The two little dumplings were more and more interested in listening. It was the middle of the night and they still refused to sleep.


    Zhao Changdu''s brow jumped heavily. He was lying all alone on the outermost side, lonely and cold.


    Ying''s eyes and heart were full of the two little dumplings. She didn''t even look at him once.


    His eyes darkened slightly. He deliberately pulled open his big cloak to reveal his solid, broad chest.


    "Ying, don''t you think it''s very hot this summer?"


    Gu Ying was having fun ying with the two children. Her little face was flushed red. She turned her head and caught a glimpse of the man''s undting smooth pectorals, her throat tightened involuntarily, and her eyes were attracted to it uncontrobly, "No... not at all."


    Zhao Changdu''s eyes were deep and cold. Half of his body leaned against the pillow.


    The six strong abs were clearly revealed in front of the woman.


    He pretended to be cold and took out a volume of military book from the bedside and rolled it in his hand to read lower.


    The thick, deep eyshes, sharp side profile, tall bridge of nose, sexy thin lips, this man looks so exquisite and tempting when seriously reading.


    Gu Ying''s heart suddenly caught fire.


    Fortunately, there were still two children between them. Even if a look sparked fire between the adults, she just swallowed and silently retracted her gaze.


    It took great effort to get the two energetic children to sleep. She tidied up the gorgeous, luxurious in gauze gown she was wearing and got up to put out the candlelight in the room.


    As soon as she turned around, her body bumped into the man''s strong arms.


    Those smooth yet extremely explosive pectorals were pressed against her softness.


    She was familiar with it, stroking it with her little hand. He wasn''t wearing a top!


    In the darkness, the man thrust his waist, breathing in the woman''s ear, "Ying, hot?"


    "It''s okay..."


    "How about now, hmm?"


    "Changdu, this is not right... Yan and Xing are still on the bed..."


    "They are sleeping very soundly. I''ll be careful, you have to be quiet too."


    The man pressed her against the desk. In the thick night, two figures entwined passionately with each other.


    Gu Ying red with embarrassment. She knew he was deliberately making mischief.


    He remained silent.


    She softened all over, her red lips opened and closed again, and finally she could only swallow all the moans and groans into her belly.


    ...


    Early the next morning, Ning Si came to pick up her child.


    Little Yixing was still sleepy. He was held in his mother''s arms, "Brother Yan, will youe to see me in the future?"


    Little Zhao Yan held Gu Ying''s hand, "Don''t worry, I''lle see you next month."


    Gu Ying hugged Ning Si to say goodbye.


    Ning Si smiled and said, "Ying, I''m leaving. I''ll write to you after I get settled."


    Gu Ying nodded with a smile at the corner of her mouth, "Okay, I''ll wait for your letter."


    After the carriage left, the man hugged her relentlessly all the way back.


    Seeing the little one beside him, Gu Ying lowered her voice shyly, "Changdu, can''t you wait until after sending Yan away?"


    Zhao Changdu''s mouth hooked mockingly, his big hand stroking her back absently, "So Ying wants it too?"


    Gu Ying''s cheeks were flushed red. Of course she wanted it.


    The Crown Prince was highly skilled in the affairs between husband and wife. Every time, she was well taken care of by the Crown Prince.


    From grandmother''s death to today, she had been busy with business and housework, taking care of Yan.


    The two of them hadn''t had a good time to be intimate for a long time.


    The little dumpling didn''t understand what his parents were talking about. He just felt that the husband and wife were going to do bad things behind his back again, and was immediately unhappy, "Dad is not on duty today?"


    Zhao Changdu picked up the little guy and hugged him in his arms, "Dad is taking a bathing day, at home with your mother."


    Zhao Yan pouted his red lips. His little hand was bored with hooking the man''s neck, "Can Yan stay home with Dad and Mom today and not go to school?"


    Zhao Changdu''s gaze was deep, "No."


    Zhao Yan''s little mouth pouted slightly, "Woo woo woo, Mom, Dad bullies Yan!"


    Gu Ying''s eyes smiled slightly. She touched her son''s little cheek, "Yan be good and go to school. Mom... has important things to do with Dad."


    Seeing the little girl say this with a blushing face just like him, Zhao Changdu''s eyes became delighted.


    The little milk ball was unhappy, "What important thing that Yan can''t do together!"


    "Of course you can''t. This is Dad and Mom''s secret." Gu Ying hugged the little one and kissed his porcin-like little face. She put him down on the ground and called Hai Tang, "Hai Tang, send the little Crown Prince to school."


    "Let''s go, little Crown Prince."


    "Then Yan is going. Dad, take good care of Mom." The little milk ball aggrievedly bit his red lips and left.


    The little guy had always been sensible. Gu Ying watched her child leave. She thought for a while and said gently, "Changdu, let''s go to the hot spring vi outside the city to stay for a few days tomorrow, okay? Cousin and Frost went yesterday. I heard the flowers there are in full bloom now, suitable for appreciating flowers and rxing. "


    Zhao Changdu''s voice was hoarse. He lowered his head to kiss the woman''s delicate lips indulgently, "Okay, not bringing Yan."


    He held her delicate pink face in his big hands, his tall and sturdy body pressed against hers, his breath hot and mingling with hers.


    Waves of delicious pleasure rose in her heart.


    Gu Ying''s small hands twisted the jade belt around the man''s waist, her eyes misted over with shyness, "Mmm..."


    Then, unable to wait any longer, Zhao Changdu swept up the darling girl in his arms and carried her straight into the room.


    With a flourish of his sleeve, the door closed tightly behind them.


    The servant girls outside heard the sounds from within and smiled knowingly as they discreetly withdrew.


    ...


    Although Mother''s kiss had dampened his anger somewhat, Zhao Yan still had no desire to go to school today.


    Besides, he had long ago memorized everything the tutor taught, and if not for wanting to set Mother''s mind at ease, he would never have agreed to study with those durds.


    As soon as the carriage left the Duke''s mansion on the main street, Little Yixing knocked Hai Tang out and let her sleep in the carriage while he himself slipped out like a slippery little fish into the crowd.


    A young master with such looks attracted much attention on the street.


    Zhao Yan tirelessly pulled up part of his robe to cover his face.


    Just after turning onto Changning Street, he caught sight of Uncle Huai An carrying something out of the city.


    His eyes narrowed, thinking something seemed off. Every month on the first and fifteenth, Uncle Huai An was never home.


    He also refused Zhao Yan¡¯s requests to practice martial arts together.


    Looking back now, something suspicious must be going on!


    Zhao Yan decided on the spot to disguise himself and follow Huai An out of the city gate, and saw him carry something into an abandoned temple.


    Shortly after, several men looking like beggars came out of the temple, robes open wide, walking aroundcently.


    "Puzhao Temple?"


    Zhao Yan looked up, his ck and white eyes fixed on the three characters.


    Just as he wanted to go inside and look, Huai An came out.


    ¡°Pah!¡±


    Huai An spat back inside, his expression full of disgust.


    In the five years Zhao Yan had practically grown up glued to Huai An¡¯s backside, he had never seen his uncle so repulsed by anything.


    What on earth was in that ruined temple to make Uncle Huai An so angry?


    He quickly hid himself in the lush bushes nearby, curling into a ball.


    After Huai An walked past him, Zhao Yan bolted out and ran towards the temple.


    As soon as he entered, he was assaulted by a wave of stench that made him cover his nose.


    Looking around, there was nothing special¡ªcrumbling walls, leaking roof, broken idols. It was clear no one had taken care of this dpidated temple for many years.


    Yet behind the damaged Buddha statue came faint sounds of rustling and miserable groans.


    Zhao Yan was shocked, eyes wide open.


    "Who''s there?"

 Chapter 484: Outside: Cinnabar Mole 02

    <h4>Chapter 484</h4>


    Before he could go over, a ragged old beggar ran out like a rabbit from behind the Buddha statue. His pants weren''t even pulled up properly, exposing a big white butt. "You damn kid, you came at the wrong time! Disturbed my good time!"


    The old beggar cursed for a while before running off.


    "What good time?"


    Zhao Yan bared his teeth and turned behind the Buddha statue. He had expected to see some kind of beast.


    Unexpectedly, there was a disheveled, naked man curled up in the damp grass. His body was covered in old and new scars - some seemed to be scratched by hands, some cut by knives or rocks. His exposed skin was mottled byrge bruises and inmmation. He looked like just a pile of bones left, and his legs were twisted into an extremely humiliating posture. It was unknown what those beggars had done to him. His gaunt, skeletal face was buried in the grass, looking extremely pitiful.


    Zhao Yan slowly frowned. He squatted down next to the man and poked his arm with a stick.


    "Hey, who are you?"


    "What happened to you?"


    "Why are you curled up here alone?"


    "Were those people earlier bullying you? Why didn''t you fight back?"


    Jiang Yin hadn''t heard such a crisp and clear voice in a long time.


    After Zhao Changdu deliberately broke his tendons and threw him in this familiar dpidated temple, it had been four or five years.


    In all those years, except for the beggars and Huai An, rarely would a strangere to see him.


    Sometimes, Zhao Changdu woulde to see if he was still alive. If he found that Jiang Yin wanted to die, he would seal his acupoints and force him to ingest some drugs that caused him to lose consciousness. This way, he could continue living in this world for a period of time.


    He let out a self-deprecating chuckle and moved his earlobes. He turned his head with a nk look towards the blurry small figure.


    Who was it, that was so kindhearted to care about him?


    It took him quite a while to regain some strength and consciousness. He clearly saw that the person guarding his side was a young noble boy not very old in age.


    He had a veil on, revealing only a pair of ck and white, exquisite and beautiful phoenix eyes.


    However, it was just a pair of eyes. Yet it made Jiang Yin''s heart race wildly.


    Long lost vitality and blood rushed to his head, restoring some spirit in his lifeless eyes.


    "Boy, you...who are you?"


    After not speaking for so long, his voice was very hoarse, like the sound of scraping tree bark on the city wall.


    "You haven''t answered my questions yet." Zhao Yan felt this person was very interesting. He didn''t know why, but he had some interest in him. He simply used the stick to brush up his messy, dirty hair to look at that particrly emaciated yet very unfamiliar face. "What''s your name? What did you do to offend Uncle Huai An?"


    "Uncle Huai An?" The corners of Jiang Yin''s mouth twitched slightly. With great difficulty, he turned his body to size up the little boy once more. His gaze was profound andplicated. "Are you Zhao Changdu''s child?"


    Zhao Yan was puzzled in his heart. "Do you know my dad?"


    Jiang Yin paused before suppressing the sourness rising in his heart. "Let me see your face."


    Zhao Yan was filled with vignce. "Why should I show you my face? Who exactly are you?"


    Jiang Yin chuckled. "If you show me what you look like, I''ll tell you who I am. It concerns your mother. I believe you''ll definitely be interested."


    Zhao Yan''s eyes narrowed dangerously.


    Jiang Yin watched his subtle movements, almost identical to adult Zhao Changdu''s. His heart felt as if it were stabbed violently by a blunt knife, the pain bloody and raw.


    But he still couldn''t believe that the child had survived.


    Didn''t he make Chu Jiuniang poison him to death!


    What exactly did that wretched Chu Jiuniang do?!


    Why was that child still alive!


    He tightened his eyes, a sinister look shing through them.


    "You know my mother?"


    "That''s just the beginning."


    Although Zhao Yan was young, he was no fool. He used the stick to examine his body to confirm this person posed no threat before removing the veil from his face.


    "Alright, now you''ve seen my face. Tell me, who are you?"


    Seeing the small face blending the features of Zhao Changdu and Gu Yingrong, Jiang Yin was stunned for a moment. The sourness in his heart was so distinct. He looked towards the little boy, trying his best to stretch out his arm to confirm whether that face was real or fake.


    But the boy had cold eyes. He used the wooden stick in his hand to cut off his actions. "Don''te near me, you''re filthy. Do you understand? My mother hates dirty things very much."


    That condescending manner was also identical to Zhao Changdu''s.


    However, beneath the boy''s brows and eyes, that tender red lip and jawline resembled Yingrong very much.


    So the child from back then that he made miscarry with a bowl of abortion medicine had grown up to this size now...


    The world was just like this. So was fate. Those gods watched from high above, treating the human world as one spectacle after another.


    All causal rtionships went in cycles, always beyond expectations. This was so absurd,ughable, yet unresistingly helpless.


    Jiang Yin choked, violently coughing out painful suffocation. Heughed hysterically for a while before slowly crawling to move closer to the child he had once killed.


    Even if the boy was only four or five years old now and possibly didn''t even understand the meaning of death.


    He still wanted tough,ughing at heaven''s arrangement of his final destiny here.


    "Have youe to kill me?" he asked.


    "Why would I kill you? Ever since I was little, my mother taught me to be a good person. I won''t kill anyone." Little Zhao Yan''s palm-sized, tender white little face was full of ridicule and evilness. "You said you recognized my mother. Now when I look at you, Uncle, you also seem a bit familiar. Could we have met before?"


    "Met before," Jiang Yin tilted his head with indifference, chuckling once. He said, "I said, we''ve met before."


    After saying this, his thoughts pulled further and further away.


    It was as if the medicinal steam from the medicine cauldron was still before his eyes. That bitter medicinal smell lingered in the small courtyard of the Jiang house.


    He still remembered that he had personally boiled that bowl of abortion medicine. It was pouring rain outside. He carried the medicine into the room and forced her to drink it down.


    At the beginning, she didn''t understand anything and only had some bewildered fear in her eyes.


    Later, her stomach started hurting. Fresh blood trickled down from between her legs.


    He walked out of the room with a coldugh, finally feeling truly at ease in his heart.


    A slut didn''t deserve to be born.


    However, that wasn''t actually the only child between her and Zhao Changdu. Later on, he learned Zhao Changdu''s secret - only then finding out he had been fooled by Zhao Changdu all around.


    Every time when he secretly put drugs in Yingrong''s meals to send her to apany Prince Shu, he didn''t expect that the one apanying her in the end was still Zhao Changdu!


    When he found out the truth, the imperial physician was sitting at Yingrong''s bedside, kind and gentle with a smiling face. He congratted him, "Congrattions, sir. Thedy is expecting now."


    Expecting?


    Expecting what?

 Chapter 485: Outside: Cinnabar Mole 03

    <h4>Chapter 485</h4>


    A cold sneer lingered at the corner of his mouth. He was so eager to punch the doctor to death directly, but he endured.


    After sending the doctor away, he quietly sat beside A Ying, cing his big hand on her t belly, thinking to himself, ¡°Why is it always Zhao Changdu¡¯s child in there?¡±


    ¡°A Ying, you clearly love me instead of him, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°With you bearing another man¡¯s child, how can I treat you well?¡±


    He sneered as he gently caressed A Ying¡¯s cheek. The fury in his heart, however, had already be a towering tidal wave.


    As he watched the woman who was sleeping quietly on the bed, he wished he could tear open her belly!


    The seeds of madness were nted over and over again. In order to make A Ying belong to him alone, he brought Chu Jiuniang from Haizhou City back and trained her to impersonate A Ying.


    Chu Jiuniang was indeed a useful tool, but unfortunately, she was too ambitious and tried to break free from his control to climb higher herself.


    Therefore, he dealt a heavy blow on Chu Jiuniang. He ordered someone to sever her hands and feet tendons before throwing her into Puzhao Temple, allowing people there to insult and torment her freely, making her unable to live or die.


    As for A Ying, he secretly sent her to Hidden Fragrance Courtyard.


    He also made people abort her unborn child, used drugs to control her, not allowing her to show her face in public.


    asionally, he would also take advantage of A Ying to rein in Zhao Changdu.


    In the winter of the 26th year of Tianqi Era, at this ruined temple.


    He used Chu Jiuniang to trick Zhao Changdu and chopped off his head here.


    Since then, he supported a three-year-old child from the Li family to take the throne, bing the de facto ruler of Dongli Dynasty himself.


    By then, he had reached the peak of power with unparalleled authority. It would not be an exaggeration to describe him as inferior only to the Son of Heaven. From now on, no one wouldpete with him for A Ying anymore.


    After getting the new residence furnished, he sent people to Peach Blossom Town to bring her back.


    She was still the same as before, with only him in her heart and eyes. Unfortunately, she bled profusely and died in childbed when giving birth to their first child.


    Their daughter did not survive either... Her body was only the size of a palm. Sheid coldly in his arms without a breath, without even leaving a cry in this world.


    Later, the red mole on the baby girl''s neck would frequently appear before his eyes.


    "Hey, when have you seen me before? Why don''t you speak?"


    The soft, tender voice pulled his mind back.


    Jiang Yin was stunned for quite a while. He moved his gaze to the precocious face of the little boy and sighed heavily with emotions, "You and your mother both have a red mole on your neck."


    This time, it was Zhao Yan''s turn to be confused. "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Jiang Yin was rather smug. "Oh? Haven''t you noticed it?"


    A strange smile appeared at the corner of Zhao Yan''s mouth. "Uncle, have you gone mad? My mother has never had any red moles on her neck."


    He stretched out his little hand and touched his own neck. "And I don''t have any red moles either. This red color is the rouge my mother left on me when she kissed me this morning."


    Jiang Yin''s brows furrowed fiercely. He suddenly seemed to recall something. "Wait, what did you just say?"


    In the end, who was the real A Ying! And who was Chu Jiuniang?!


    On the night when he ordered someone to cripple Chu Jiuniang, it was Gu Jia and Jiang Ling''er who did it.


    And the real A Ying should have already been on the carriage heading to Hidden Fragrance Courtyard.


    Gu Jia and Jiang Ling''er would never lie to him!


    Wait a minute...


    He suddenly remembered something again. His mind buzzed loudly and his already withered face instantly froze.


    He remembered having heard Ling''er talk about something like a cicada molting its skin and body swapping.


    He thought she was referring to his n of using Chu Jiuniang to impersonate A Ying. But now that he thought about it, could it be that Chu Jiuniang had colluded with Gu Jia and Jiang Ling''er early on and made A Ying suffer in this ruined temple for ten years instead?!!!!


    Jiang Yin suddenly felt choked in the chest with his heartbeat shooting up to his throat.


    No wonder A Ying harbored such deep hatred towards him after rebirth!


    No wonder she kept saying that she would kill him to avenge herself!


    Whenever she saw him, there was no longer any trace of love or reliance in her eyes, only intense hatred and anguish!


    So the person he had hurt turned out to be her!


    The one he thought was Chu Jiuniang was actually A Ying?!


    Good heavens!


    What on earth are you doing to me!!!


    "Hahahahaha! Heaven, how dare you make fun of me like this! You knew perfectly well that the one I loved was A Ying, yet you made me treat her like that!"


    And to atone for his sins, he tried to please the "fake" A Ying in every possible way afterwards.


    Chu Jiuniang must have ridiculed him endlessly in her heart when seeing him act like that!


    Jiang Yin felt bitterly ironic. He choked out augh and coughed violently again.


    When he raised his eyes, what was in them was utmost pain and regret.


    He suddenly grabbed little Zhao Yan''s hand. "Child, I beg you, please ask your mother toe see me. I have very important things to tell her! Quick! Go find your mother right now!"


    "Have you gone mad?" Zhao Yan disgustedly rubbed his nose and shook his hand off. "How could my mother see someone like you?"


    "I''m her husband!"


    "Bullshit! My mother''s husband is my father! What the hell do you think you are?!"


    Zhao Yan''s eyes turned cold. After listening to Jiang Yin''s delirious ravings and hearing him insult his mother''s reputation over and over again, he became increasingly displeased.


    He knew best who his biological father was.


    His face that resembled his father''s by 80% was proof enough that this beggar was spouting nonsense.


    Hezily sneered, shoved a rock directly into Jiang Yin''s mouth, and used a discarded rope nearby to tie his hands together. He red at Jiang Yin a few times, forbidding him from talking rubbish.


    After doing all this, the boy patted his palms feeling satisfied. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a familiar female voice calling tenderly from outside the dpidated temple,


    "Yan''er, where are you? Are you inside?"

 Chapter 486: The Moon Comes to Shine 01

    <h4>Chapter 486</h4>


    Zhao Yan''s body tensed up as he heard the voice. Tears welled up in Jiang Yin''s eyes as he sobbed and looked at Zhao Yan.


    Zhao Yan kicked the smelly beggar away, and the coldness on his young face dissipated, reced by a sweet and innocent smile that belonged to a child. He happily bounded away.


    "Mother! Why have youe! Are you here to find little treasure?" Zhao Yan eximed.


    "You didn''t go to school, so why did youe here?" his mother asked.


    "Little Star has left, and Yan''er is feeling sad, so I wanted to take a break," Zhao Yan replied.


    "You''re only five years old, and you came out alone without any guards. It''s dangerous, you know?" his mother scolded.


    "Yan''er has grown up and won''t be in danger. Mother, you should trust Yan''er," he reassured her.


    "Alright, let''s go home with mother," she said.


    "Ah! Father, you... why are you here too?" Zhao Yan eximed.


    His voice was unusually childish and innocent, in stark contrast to the cold and indifferent child in the dpidated temple.


    The man''s voice was cold, "I''vee to see what mischief you''re up to."


    "Yan''er didn''t do anything! Sob, sob, sob... Father is mean, mother, hug me!" Zhao Yan cried.


    "Alright," his mother''s voice softened with indulgence, "Ardu, don''t be harsh on him. Yan''er is still young."


    "Since A Ying is pleading for you, I''ll let you off this time," his father relented.


    "Thank you, Father! Horse ride! Kiss Father!" Zhao Yan eximed, delighted.


    Outside the dpidated temple, a sweet and happy conversation of a family of three could be heard.


    Jiang Yin suppressed the bitter taste in his heart, feeling a pang of pain. Every part of his being twisted with agony. He struggled relentlessly, using all his strength to crawl out. He wanted to take onest look at A Ying.


    The rope on his body drew blood, but he didn''t stop. After much effort, he managed to stick his body out of the doorframe, only to see the woman getting on a carriage with the man''s support.


    He could only catch a glimpse of the woman''s cherry blossom-like skirt and the joyful face of the little boy hopping around.


    "Sob, sob, sob!" He desperately banged against the doorframe, hoping to attract A Ying''s attention.


    A Ying!


    Please, just look at me one more time!


    I have something to tell you!


    Inside the carriage.


    Gu Ying pulled the curtain and asked with confusion, "Du, did you hear something?"


    Zhao Changdu nced indifferently at the figure in the doorway of the dpidated temple, then strode into the carriage. He extended his long arm and pulled the woman''s slender waist into his embrace, biting her red lips and saying with a smile, "What sound? It''s just the rustling of the wind through dry branches."


    Gu Ying blushed, "Alright, alright. If someone sees us, they''ll say you''re corrupting me."


    The man sneered, "Who''s here? Besides, a husband kissing his own wife, does that count as corruption?"


    Gu Ying''s ears turned crimson, and if Hai Tang hadn''t woken up and found that Yan''er was missing, they would still be in bed right now...


    "That would mean they would say that Du, you arepletely under my control and bewitched by me. You, the mighty Zhao Changdu, the God of War in Dong Li, have had your reputation tarnished so badly, while I remain unscathed."


    Zhao Changdu held the young girl in his arms, his thin lips brushing against hers in a suggestive manner. "They don''t understand that being under a strict wife''s control can bring great happiness."


    "So¡ª" The five-year-old child squeezed between the two adults in the corner couldn''t help but speak up. "In the eyes of my parents, am I not considered a person?"


    Gu Ying quickly snapped back to reality and chuckled, pulling the child into her embrace. "Come on, let''s go home!"


    Just as Zhao Changdu was about to kiss his wife affectionately, their son interrupted, and a hint of irritation crossed his handsome face.


    However, he didn''t say anything in the end. The carriage slowly made its way into the city, and as he sat inside, Zhao Changdu lifted the curtain and caught sight of Jiang Yin spitting out a mouthful of blood-stained stone. Jiang Yin was shouting something, his gaze calm and indifferent.


    It seemed that keeping him alive was a mistake.


    Perhaps it was time to send him to hell.


    Jiang Yin watched helplessly as the carriage disappeared into the distance, a bitter smile ying on his lips.


    In the evening, another beggar entered and pulled down his pants.


    He looked nkly towards the distant horizon, his eyes filled with deep exhaustion.


    ...


    Two dayster, a massive fire broke out in the Qifeng Pce, reducing the Empress and the Crown Prince to charred corpses.


    The news shocked the entire nation.


    Meanwhile, Li Hao, who was far away in Mount Tai, nearly fainted upon reading the four words "charred corpses" written on the letter in his hand.


    No matter how the apanying ministers tried to persuade him, Li Hao refused to stay in Mount Tai any longer.


    The ceremony in Mount Tai had been a tremendous drain.


    However, he ignored everything, and he rushed back to the capital overnight, covering a thousand miles.


    It was said that on the day the Emperor returned to the pce, there was a torrential downpour. He rode his horse straight into the Empress''s pce, his eyes bloodshot, crying inconsbly at the sight of the burned-down pce.


    When he woke up, the Emperor inquired about the fire at the Qifeng Pce, refusing to believe the exnation that it was an idental fire caused by a pce maid. He ordered the Internal Affairs Department, the Dali Temple, and the Imperial Inspectorate to jointly investigate the case.


    There was no culprit found in this case, and the investigation yielded no results. In the end, it was left unresolved.


    But losing the Empress enraged the Emperor, and in a fit of rage, he ordered the execution of all those who served in the Qifeng Pce, leaving the entire pce in a state of panic.


    Afterward, the Emperor fell ill for a month. Not only did he neglect the court affairs for a month, but he also underwent a drastic change in temperament. He became unpredictable, and thoughts of suicide and dying for love gradually took hold of him.


    Everyone in the harem was in a state of panic, and it was only then that Empress Dowager Su realized that in her son''s heart, there was only one Ning Si.


    All those so-called favored concubines were merely a charade put on to deceive outsiders, even the child in Sun''s belly was not real!


    The person he loved and cherished the most was always Empress Ning.


    Empress Dowager Su, upon learning the truth, was filled with anger and regret at the loss of the Crown Prince.


    "Hahaha, Empress Dowager, are you happy now? After losing Ah Si, you lost Xing''er, and Dong Li lost its future Crown Prince. Let the Li family be extinguished in my reign!"


    "Emperor! How can you hate Empress Dowager so much!"


    "If it weren''t for my mother constantly targeting A Si, how could I have made such a foolish decision! Those concubines were all chosen for me by my mother, so let them apany you instead! Guards, starting today, relocate all the women in the harem, including the Empress Dowager, to the suburban pce in the capital!"


    "Hao''er..." Empress Su was almost driven to the point of spitting blood in anger.


    But witnessing her son losing his sanity over a woman, she couldn''t help but feel distressed as well.


    From that point on, Li Hao''s mental state deteriorated further, and he became increasingly deranged day by day, straying from being a wise monarch to bing a tyrant.


    After the Empress passed away, chaos engulfed the court, with daily tumultuous events unfolding.


    However...


    Ning Si, who was far away in the southern region, led a carefree and joyful life every day with little Yi Xing.


    She didn''t even know that the capital had descended into turmoil due to her supposed demise.

 Chapter 487: The Moon Comes to Shine 02

    <h4>Chapter 487</h4>


    If it were not forter on, Gu Ying really could not stand Li Hao neglecting court affairs, getting drunk with Adu every day, and looking decadent as if he wished to die immediately. She revealed a little about the possibility that Ning Si was still alive.


    But unexpectedly, for this shred of possibility, Li Hao personally led the guards to search all over thend south of the Yangtze, spending over a year to look for A Si in person.


    Gu Ying kindly reminded him, "If Your Majesty forces A Si again, she would not think of leaving you, but leaving the mortal worldpletely."


    Li Hao lowered his head dejectedly and sat opposite her, "I understand..."


    Gu Ying said, "Go south, Your Majesty. I just want to remind you... A Si needs time to get over the grievances she has suffered these years. If you truly love and cherish her, set her free."


    Li Hao raised his head, flustered, "I love her! I always love her! I have never been unfaithful to her. Those women were for show to the Empress Dowager. Sun Shi''s child is not mine. Gu Ying, please exin to A Si for me, will you?"


    Gu Ying sneered coldly, "Then please keep in mind what Your Majesty has said today."


    Li Hao did not say anything more. After talking with Gu Ying, he went on a trip to Jiangnan.


    In the picturesque Suzhou, he saw his A Si walking down the street hand in hand with Xing buying kites...


    She smiled so happily,pletely different from when she was in the imperial harem.


    At that moment, even though he was the ruler of the world, he could not help but shed tears.


    Li Hao did not choose to appear in front of Ning Si.


    He ordered someone to open up a teahouse across from Ning Si''s house, and he would stay in the teahouse for a few days every month, secretly guarding mother and son.


    So they lived in peace for another year.


    Winter in Jiangnan, the scenery was like a painting.


    He had just arrived at the teahouse, the owner said, "Master, there is a joyous asion in the household across recently."


    Puzzled, he asked, "What happy asion?"


    The owner hesitated for a moment, then said, "They said the mistress of the house will be taking in a son-inw, many young men have been there recently to apply."


    Li Hao''splexion changed suddenly, his eyes became terrifyingly dark.


    Sensing displeasure from the master, the owner cowered fearfully, not daring to say anything more.


    He had to watch those young men enter and leave Ning''s door one by one. Finally unable to hold back anymore, on a day without snow, Li Hao stopped Ning Si at the entrance of an alley.


    His eyes were red and bloodshot as if they would split open, pressing her against the wall, "Ning Si, how dare you!"


    Ning Si was badly frightened, puzzled and flustered as she raised her fair little face, "Your Majesty, you... How did you..."


    Li Hao painfully captured the woman''s soft lips, sealing off all her words between his lips and teeth. Then, when her breathing became ragged and panting, he put his arm around her slender waist, hoarsely whispering in her ear, "A Si, I was wrong, forgive me, okay?"


    "These years looking for you almost drove me crazy."


    "If Gu Ying didn''t tell me you were still alive, I''m afraid I would have gone to theherworld by now to look for you mother and son!"


    Ning Si had never seen such a grieved expression on the handsome man''s face before.


    Her heart was racing, unwilling to believe it. She pushed him away hard, "You have the wrong person, I''m not Ning Si..."


    "Fine, you don''t recognize me, what about Xing?"


    "He..."


    "How could you let other men be his father?"


    "I will find him a good stepfather."


    Li Hao''s heart felt like it was being twisted by knives, "A Si, even if you wanted to take a husband, I would have the best chance."


    "You are the emperor, the king of Eastern Li. Leave, pretend you never saw me..."


    Li Hao''s eyes turned red as he held her even more tightly. No matter how she struggled, he refused to let go, "I will never let you go again."


    Ning Si helplessly quieted down in his embrace. She sighed faintly, "Li Hao, I don''t love you anymore... Do you know?"


    Her love had been worn away by his indifference over endless years.


    Now she didn''t know how to love, nor dared to love.


    Li Hao''s eyes reddened, not daring to look directly at her brows and eyes. He could only hold her body tightly and choke back sobs, "A Si, I know... So I will try my best for the rest of my life, to make you love me again."


    Ning Si felt a twinge in her heart. The cold wind howled as the snowkes began to flutter down again.


    Her petite body was wrapped in his thick cloak without feeling the slightest chill.


    She wanted to move but was held down tightly by the man.


    As if he would not let her go unless she agreed.


    She sighed softly again, reaching out her small hand to touch his cold cheek, "It''s cold, let''s go home."


    Li Hao was jolted and it took him quite a while to regain his senses. In a daze, the woman''s soft little hand held his big palm, leading him back to Ning''s house in a stupor.


    As soon as they entered the yard, a six or seven-year-old boy walked past them.


    "Huh?"


    The boy turned back again.


    "Father, why did you onlye now?"


    Li Hao''s handsome face was filled with confusion.


    Ning Si red at Li Yixing, "Yan''er and A Ying are about to enter the city with your aunt Gu Shuang and your sister Sui Sui. Go pick them up."


    "Xing, you go get elder brother Yan''er and aunt Gu first." Li Yixing''s eyes were bright, now that he was older, he looked more and more like Li Hao. He said meaningfully, "Mother, stop bullying Father, a man''s heart can be very fragile sometimes too."


    Ning Si pushed him, and Li Yixing went out.


    Li Hao frowned, still not understanding what was going on.


    But seeing A Si''s smiling face, his mood became a little calmer.


    They spent the New Year in Suzhou.


    Gu Ying and family, as well as Gu Shuang and family, were preparing to return to Bianjing.


    Before leaving, Li Hao had lingered outside Ning Si''s door for a long time, barely managing to coax his wife. If he left, someone was bound to take advantage of her loneliness.


    Unexpectedly, before he could speak, Ning Si packed up voluntarily and returned with Li Yixing to the capital.


    Li Hao did not understand.


    Ning Si said, "You should thank A Ying and Shuang. If not for them using themon people every day to speak for your merit, I would not have forgiven you so quickly."


    Li Hao was overjoyed, "I promise I will never neglect A Si again..."


    Ning Si neither said she believed him nor doubted him. She only said, "If there is one more woman in the pce, Xing and I will leave. You are not to stop us."


    Li Hao quickly held up three fingers, "Rest assured A Si, other than our little princess, there will never be any other women!"


    Only then did Ning Si give him a good look.


    After returning to Bianjing, Ning Si moved back into Zhi Feng Pce. From then on she lived an especially unrestrained life. She wanted to go outing with her sisters, so she went out. As she put it, "With no man in my heart, naturally I wield the sword like a deity."


    When Yin Lan was giving birth, she did not even keep His Majestypany for his birthday, only wholeheartedly attending to Yin Lan duringbor.


    It was said that afterwards His Majesty was very hurt and lonely, babbling drunkenly while hugging his son by himself.


    This matter was even recorded in the historical records.


    Whenter historians reviewed the most affectionate emperors in history, they would often bring out Eastern Li''s An Ping Emperor for all kinds of analysis.


    Of course, when ites to the most doting husband in history, it has to be theter Prince Zhao Changdu.

 Chapter 488: An Extra: A Cookie

    <h4>Chapter 488</h4>


    "Have you heard? Lady Ye, since her marriage to Young Master Ye, hasn''t consummated the marriage yet."


    "Is that true? I always said, how could that rtively unknown Fourth Miss be worthy of the eldest grandson of the Ye family?"


    "But on the day of the Ye family''s grand wedding, with such avish ceremony, could it really be just to marry a woman he won''t even touch?"


    "Maybe there''s something wrong with Fourth Miss''s body."


    "Exactly."


    Gu Shuang stepped out of the carriage and just as she entered the Satin Shop, she could hear the murmurs inside, causing her face to flush red.


    "Lady, don''t mind them. What do they understand? Our young master dotes on you so much. It''s probably just envy and jealousy driving them to nder you like this," her maid Qingbi said, casting a disdainful nce at the gossiping noblewomen before guiding Gu Shuang into the shop.


    Gu Shuang, always one to avoid confrontation, didn''t pay too much attention to these words. After all, she knew in her heart whether her husband cared for her or not.


    It''s just that she didn''t expect to encounter Fu Xunzhi and Shang Jiao in the shop.


    Seeing the two of them together, selecting red satin, presumably for wedding attire, Gu Shuang instinctively wanted to leave, not for any other reason than she had severed ties with Fu Xunzhi long ago, with no lingering affection. In her mind, once she was married, once she belonged to Ye Qingchi, she would keep her distance from other men.


    Moreover, Fu Xunzhi was her former fiance. It wouldn''t look good if anyone saw and word got back to her husband.


    "Shuang''er."


    But Fu Xunzhi wasn''t about to let her go that easily, softly calling out to her.


    Gu Shuang kept walking, not expecting him to boldly step forward and grab her.


    Startled, Gu Shuang stepped back, fear evident in her movements.


    Qingbi quickly stepped in front of her, blocking Fu Xunzhi''s path.


    "Master Fu, please show some respect for ourdy!"


    Just a month after Gu Shuang''s marriage, Fu Xunzhi had already lost weight, looking frail and somewhat pitiful.


    He had learned the truth that Mu Nanfeng hadn''t vited Gu Shuang, and now he was consumed with regret and pain.


    For the past month, he had been unable to eat or sleep, wishing he could kill his foolish self, constantly obsessing over Gu Shuang, nearly losing his mind.


    Looking at Gu Shuang with sorrow in his eyes, his voice filled with tenderness, "Shuang''er, I know Ye Qingchi doesn''t truly love you, nor does he sincerely wish to marry you. With his background, you won''t find happiness marrying him."


    Gu Shuang felt a surge of anger, her cheeks flushed with frustration. "Master Fu, please refrain from speaking nonsense. My husband treats me very well."


    Hearing her affectionate address for Ye Qingchi, Fu Xunzhi felt a pang of inexplicable pain, disbelief evident on his earnest face. "Shuang''er, you don''t need to deceive me. I''ve heard people say that a woman''s gait can reveal whether she''s still a virgin... Just now, watching how you walked in here, I knew, he hasn''t touched you, has he?"


    "Master Fu, how dare you!" Having their intimate matters discussed in front of so many people by Fu Xunzhi, a learned man, left Gu Shuang speechless, unable to refute.


    Surrounded by curious onlookers, the women gathered around, gesturing and whispering toward Gu Shuang.


    "Just as they say, Ye Qingchi never really touched you. Marrying him is like being neglected in the backyard, just a small orchid. It''s better to divorce him and be with me again. I swear, this time I will treat you well, Shuang''er. Do you believe me..." Shang Jiao leaned against the counter, hands crossed, lookingposed as if enjoying a spectacle. Gu Shuang felt embarrassed and bit her lip, feeling on the verge of tears.


    "Shuang''er..." Fu Xunzhi, seeing her teary eyes, thought she was genuinely upset, believing she was mistreated in Ye''s household. He felt a secret pleasure but approached her with concern, wanting to hug her, and said in a patronizing tone, "You''ve been mistreated in Ye''s house, haven''t you? Come with me, and I''ll protect you in the future."


    Gu Shuang clutched her sleeve, hiding behind Qingbi, feeling this man in front of her was terrifyingly unfamiliar.


    "I haven''t been mistreated, please stop saying that."


    "Look at you, you''ve even lost weight. You haven''t been mistreated? You always go out alone, he has never apanied you. Isn''t that mistreatment?" Fu Xunzhi still didn''t believe her.


    In his eyes, Gu Shuang was not worthy of Ye Qingchi. With Ye Qingchi''s status and identity, how could he genuinely treat Gu Shuang well?


    He didn''t want to admit that Gu Shuang was better off after marrying.


    He only felt satisfied when he saw her mistreated and neglected by Ye Qingchi.


    The women around were all discussing Gu Shuang''s unworthiness.


    At that time, when she had just married into the Ye family, she didn''t understand Ye Qingchi''s feelings towards her... She thought he married her to help her, and besides, she and her husband had consummated their marriage on their wedding night. She couldn''t say these things to outsiders, so she could only silently shed tears and dare not refute Fu Xunzhi''s words.


    Qingbi''s blood surged, her anger rising, and she grabbed a piece of silk and struck Fu Xunzhi.


    Fu Xunzhi managed to withstand the blows, reaching out to pull Gu Shuang.


    Gu Shuang, frightened, retreated until she found herself in a familiar and warm embrace. She was embraced from behind by the person, and then she trembled with panic, tears streaming down her face as she reached out to hold him, "Husband... I want to go home..."


    Ye Qingchi held her soft body with one hand, wrapping her in his cloak, lifting her up and kicking Fu Xunzhi away.


    "What are you, dare to touch my wife?" Ye Qingchi''s face turned cold.


    Fu Xunzhi''s face turned pale with anger, falling to the ground upon seeing Ye Qingchi''s tender care for Gu Shuang. "Ye Qingchi, let go of Shuang''er."


    Ye Qingchi sneered, "I heard you, a schr, not studying properly, but spending your days near my Ye family to ogle women?"


    Fu Xunzhi''s expression changed, "I didn''t!"


    Ye Qingchi looked down at him, "Whether you did or not, officials wille to investigate you soon. As for the Ministry of Personnel, starting today, you don''t have to go for duty."


    Fu Xunzhi stiffened, "Ye Qingchi, how dare you be so arrogant..."


    Ye Qingchi looked at him with disdain, "For the sake of Shuang''er, even if I act arrogantly, what can you do? You''re just a minor official in the Ministry of Personnel, I still have the power to knock your hat off."


    Fu Xunzhi''s face turnedpletely pale.


    Ye Qingchi didn''t waste any more words with him, and carried the frightened Gu Shuang horizontally onto the carriage.


    That night.


    Fu Xunzhi was just about to fall asleep when someone covered his mouth, bound his hands and feet, and threw him into the Ye family''s residence.


    Through the windowttice.


    Sounds of passionate lovemaking echoed from the delicate room, causing embarrassment to anyone who heard it.


    "Husband, please... don''te..."


    "Just once, and Shuang''er doesn''t want it anymore?"


    "But I''m still sore..."


    Although Ye Qingchi was not restrained after their marriage, his handsome face was irresistible, and she couldn''t resist.


    The man''s voice was gentle, "Trust me, Shuang''er, it won''t hurt anymore."


    "Um, husband..."


    The woman''s soft cries mixed with pleasure gradually sounded.


    Fu Xunzhi stared wide-eyed, struggling with a mixture of sadness and anger.


    By midnight, hey beneath the window like a lifeless corpse.


    Yet Ye Qingchi, afraid he might not hear clearly, still brought his delicate wife closer to the window.


    Gu Shuang couldn''t understand why her husband was so insistent tonight.


    She hung weakly on him, letting him have his way.


    In thetter half of the night, she finally drifted off to sleep, exhausted.


    Ye Qingchi adjusted his robe and walked to the window to close it, a hint of disdain curling his lips.


    Since then, Fu Xunzhi rarely appeared in front of Gu Shuang.


    When they asionally crossed paths, he would slink away like a defeated dog.


    After marrying Shang Jiao, he was expelled from the Ministry of Personnel and relegated to a clerk in the City Patrol Bureau.


    In the following years, he often saw Ye Qingchi and Gu Shuang''s affectionate figures on the streets.


    At first, it was just the two of them.


    Then they had a daughter named Suisui, andter, a delicate little boy.


    As for him, he became a lonely figure for the rest of his life.


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